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Changing Faces: Lake Orion’s Bell Leaves Football Program In Hands Of Protege
Chris Bell is leaving and staying at the same time. Bell resigned his post as football coach at Lake Orion this week, while accepting the school district’s athletic director job.
At the helm of the Dragons program for 19 seasons, the Lake Orion alum compiled an overall record of 149-59 and took his 2010 squad to the Division 1 state crown. Bell’s clubs qualified for the playoffs 16 times, won eight district titles and appeared in four final fours. Before arriving at Lake Orion, he led the pigskin program at small-school power Center Line St. Clement (now closed).
Longtime assistant John Blackstock has been hired to replace Bell as the Dragons new coach. Blackstock got to Lake Orion in the late 1990s. He was an all-state defensive back as a prepster at Bad Axe and played in college at Central Michigan University.
"I’m very excited to be able to name John our next varsity football coach," said Bell of the hire. "John’s been a big part of our process and success. His work ethic, his drive to succeed, his vision and the way he coaches student athletes will ensure the tradition of Lake Orion football continues well into the future."
