High school coaches are some of the main principles in helping to shape and form the minds and future of young athletes in this country and one Chester, PA head coach is among the best in the nation.
LaDontay Bell is a Washington, D.C. native and former star running back at HD Woodson, before taking his talents to Cheyney University in Pennsylvania. An amazing man, who leads by faith, Bell has helped transform Chester’s program and the city as a whole.
Bell and our managing editor, Glenn Erby, were college teammates, so it’s an amazing honor to report that the Eagles have named the head coach at Chest High School, their nominee for the 2021 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year.
“From the start of his career with Chester, LaDontay’s dedication to his team and his community has greatly impacted the team’s success and lives of his players,” said Daniel Levy, Manager of Youth Football & Community Relations, Philadelphia Eagles. “Not only is Coach Bell devoted to his players’ success on the field, but more importantly, he goes out of his way to ensure their everyday safety, so they are able to continue their academic and athletic success. He is a tremendous leader who proudly serves as a great example to the youth of his community. We are proud to nominate him for this distinguished honor.”
Bell was nominated for the national award, named after the winningest coach in NFL history for his character and integrity, devotion to serving the community, commitment to player health and safety, and on-field success.
Under Bell’s leadership in 2021, Chester High School started the season off undefeated (7-0) before finishing with a 7-4 record and making the playoffs for the first time.
To help his student-athletes avoid the dangers of certain neighborhoods, Coach Bell uses a school van to drive his players to and from school and practice almost every single day, and in addition, Bell and his wife, have provided bi-weekly meals for his team, and he has created a special ministry amongst his players that is easy to see.
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