For Joe Bell, the quarterback of the La Cañada High School football team, the experience of playing alongside familiar faces has turned the football field into a nostalgic playground. As a senior, Bell finds himself surrounded by teammates he has known for years, creating a sense of camaraderie that harkens back to their childhood days spent playing sports in the neighborhood.
Among the six baseball teammates who have joined him on the football team are his younger brother Jake, a sophomore middle linebacker and his lifelong catcher. Other teammates include Brandon Mohaghegh, a receiver and outfielder; Chase Regan, a running back and second baseman; Ross Piken, a receiver and pitcher; Ethan Wong, a right offensive tackle and designated hitter; and Caythan Kim, a left offensive tackle and outfielder. Their shared history from Little League and beyond adds a special dynamic to their current athletic pursuits.
The group often engages in batting practice before transitioning to football practice, a routine they all cherish. “It’s crazy,” Bell remarked about the dual-sport experience. With an impressive completion rate of 21 out of 29 passes for the 2-0 Spartans, Bell is not only excelling on the field but also has a stellar background in baseball, having been named the Rio Hondo League baseball player of the year last season with an 11-2 record and a 1.71 ERA. He believes that participating in multiple sports is essential for young athletes. “Playing multiple sports is the best thing you can do as a kid. It’s completely doable to do both. And if you don’t, you’re missing out,” he added.
La Cañada's football coach, David Avramovich, supports the multi-sport approach, noting that it’s common for players to engage in baseball activities like long toss or batting practice even during the football season. Avramovich frequently attends baseball games to support his players, while baseball coach Nathan Bernstein is seen on the sidelines during football games. This mutual support between the coaches fosters an environment where athletes can thrive in both sports.
The Bell family exemplifies the balance of academics and athletics, with Joe maintaining a 4.1 GPA. His family, which includes a twin sister who plays volleyball and softball, is deeply involved in sports, and Avramovich has expressed a desire for more athletes like the Bells. “I need 30 Bells,” he said, highlighting their positive influence on the team.
Joe Bell, standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 185 pounds, embraces his identity as a left-handed athlete, which he views as a unique advantage. “It’s like being an anomaly,” he said, recalling how he enjoyed being part of the special group of lefties at sports camps. This season marks a significant milestone for Joe, as he will have Jake as his catcher on the varsity baseball team, a relationship that has developed from their backyard games to the high school level.
As Joe reflects on his sports journey, he emphasizes the importance of keeping the fun in athletics. “I’ve always played as many sports as I can,” he stated, recalling his experiences playing soccer, basketball, and baseball. For the Bell brothers and their teammates, the essence of high school sports lies in the joy of competition and the friendships forged along the way. In La Cañada, this group embodies a return to the spirit of youth sports, reminiscent of simpler times.
Leave a Comment