Hall of Fame
While he starred in four major sports, it was his brilliant long distance running achievements that earned Jack Bell election to the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame.
A native of St. John’s, Bell enjoyed an extremely rewarding distance running career for 15 years and found time to excel in hockey, soccer and rowing as well.
Bell was the first Newfoundland runner to compete outside of the Island and earned the right with impressive performances, especially in 1920 and 1921 when he won the modified marathon and claimed the Evening Telegram ten mile run trophy both years.
His running career started in 1910 and continued until 1924 as a competitor and continued for several years within the coaching aspect of the sport. Following his retirement, Bell coached the C.L.B. track team to more than its share of victories.
In soccer, he starred for the B.I.S. and played a big part in the 1920 St. John’s championship that the team earned.
In hockey, he was a member of the Terra Novas club that emerged with the Boyle Trophy in 1926. At the St. John’s Regatta, he was a member of several crews that represented the railway in the Amateur Race.
Jack Bell was one of the best athletes of his time and it was especially for his great long distance running career that he was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame November 2, 1979.
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