When you walk into the China Spring athletic office, you’ll notice football helmets, China Spring blue, and a whole lot of pictures.
“My life has always been about family, especially since the moment that happened,” said China Spring Athletic Director, Mark Bell.
27 years ago, the Bell family was hit with tragedy when they lost their five and half year old daughter in a devastating accident.
"It was very much a struggle for a long time and it just flipped our world upside down, but we pulled together as a family, and we love our family, and we love Lindsay,” said Coach Mark Bell.
Since then, Mark Bell and his sons, Shawn and Brian Bell, have had extremely successful careers as players and as coaches, but they always made time for the most important thing: family.
“It was everything I ever dreamed of to play quarterback for China Spring just because my brother did that. I was number 11 just like he was. He was my hero and everything. So when I got to become the starter my junior year, my brother was the offensive coordinator then, too. So it was me, the quarterback, my brother the offensive coordinator, and then my dad as the head coach," said China Spring Head Coach, Brian Bell.
“Shawn played four years at Baylor. I never missed a game. Brian played four years at Sam Houston State. I never missed a game. I’d coach on Thursday and Friday then get on a plane on Saturday morning and fly to wherever they were going,”said Coach Mark Bell.
Now, both brothers have followed in the footsteps of their father. Shawn coaches tight ends at Baylor, and Brian is in his third year as head coach at China Spring.
“Honestly, this is one of the most special opportunities that our family has ever been in, and I think its something we don’t ever take for granted... its truly special all three of us being able to be so close,”said Coach Brian Bell.
“I cant reiterate enough how much this community has meant to our family. You have to realize we came to this community after a tough situation 25 years ago. We love China Spring. Our family is China Spring,”said Coach Mark Bell.
“We all take a lot of pride in being a China Spring Cougar. Its something that’s special, so when you win on a Friday night it’s a childhood dream. It’s a dream come true,”said Coach Brian Bell.
Faith, family and football. The Bell family will always be grateful for another day they can be together and wear the China Spring Blue.
