The timing was good for New Hope Solebury and Ian Bell.
The Lions are looking for a new head football coach and believe Bell is the perfect fit.
And Bell, who spent the past two seasons as an assistant at Neshaminy, was aiming to become a head coach.
“We feel he is the best fit in bringing Ian Bell on board to take over our football program,” said New Hope Solebury Athletic Director PJ Scarpello.
“Our goal as a committee was to bring in a coach who would make this job his own. We want to strengthen this program and we believe Ian can do that. .”
Bensalem graduate takes over New Hope Solebury
Bell, a Bensalem graduate who teaches at Conwell-Egan College, replaces Brandon Garrett, who led the Lions for two seasons before taking the head coaching job at Council Rock North in February.
The Lions went 4-6 last season under Garrett and 6-14 overall.
Bell, who played college football at Ursinus, takes over a Class 2A Lions program with the fifth-lowest enrollment in District 1.
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“During our meetings, we talked about the school lunch program and how we wanted to keep our kids here instead of transferring them to private schools,” Scarpello said.
“We know we need to improve our numbers and Ian understands that very well. Everyone who has talked to people who have coached with him says he is now the head coach. We couldn't be happier. He's a true football player.'' “
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In addition to Bell, Scarpello said the Lions will continue to play their own football schedule.
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New Hope Solebury was scheduled to compete in the Suburban One League American Conference this season, but plans changed due to safety concerns due to a lack of players.
“I talked to the football staff and we would love to be a part of SOL, but realistically we can't compete,” Scarpello said.
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“We don't have the numbers and enrollment is down, so we have no plans to go back to SOL and are going to be completely independent. 90 percent of this season's schedule is set and I have no plans to go back to SOL. I have no doubt that 10 will be found.th game. “
Drew Marcol covers local sports.PhillyBurbs.com. Please support our journalism by subscribing.
