Union Athletics announced last week that Bailey Bell, Union alumnus and current enrollment counselor for undergraduate admissions, has been appointed the new men’s and women’s cross country coach.
Bell, who ran cross country under coach Gary Johnson as a student, was quick to express his gratitude for Johnson and the way he has served Union throughout his coaching career.
“Over 20 years of coaching was a great blessing in my life, and I wouldn’t want to trade the memories for anything,” said Johnson. “But now it is time to focus my energy on the academic side of my position at Union.”
Bell admires Johnson’s commitment to his runners’ walks with Christ and hopes to carry the program in a similar way.
“Under Coach J, the cross country team has embodied our core values of excellence-driven, Christ-centered, people-focused, and future-directed,” said Bell. “As Coach J passes the baton, I hope to lead the program well in these same ways.”
Johnson has no doubt that Bell will go above and beyond in his new role. He knows that Bell will care for each team member individually and bring a youthful enthusiasm to the team.
“This has the potential to be one of those moments we will look back on in 10-20 years and say, ‘you remember when Bailey Bell was just starting his coaching career at Union?’” said Johnson. “That is what it feels like for me and how fast it goes when you are spending year after year doing what you love and what you feel God has called you to do.”
Bell will continue to work in his role as an enrollment counselor in undergraduate admissions. He is excited to serve both the athletic and admissions departments.
“I want to thank Tommy Sadler and Dan Griffin for their willingness to work together in allowing me to serve both roles,” said Bell.
Bell’s wife, Anna, will be joining him as the assistant coach. The two feel that the Lord allowed this transition at just the right time and are looking forward to the fall season.
“Our goal as a cross country team has always been to represent Jesus and Union well,” said Johnson. “Having Bailey and Anna is a great step toward maintaining that commitment for our program.”
