Fran Bell, Wife of Late IU Track Coach Sam Bell, Passes Away at 94
1/15/2024 6:30:00 PM | Cross Country, Track and Field
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Fran Bell, the wife of late IU Hall of Fame Track and Field Coach Sam Bell, passed away Sunday. She was 94.
Sam and Fran Bell arrived at IU in 1970. They headed to Bloomington after Sam enjoyed highly successful head coaching stints at both Oregon State (1958-65) and Cal-Berkeley (1965-69). Sam quickly elevated the IU program on both the Big Ten and NCAA levels, distinguishing himself among a legendary group of IU head coaches that also included Bob Knight, Doc Counsilman, Hobie Billingsley, Jerry Yeagley, and Lin Loring, among others.
While Sam was building IU into a Big Ten Track and Field powerhouse that would eventually capture 22 combined Big Ten team championships during his tenure from 1970-98, Fran was with him every step of the way and a critical part of the program's successes. She was a beloved figure to hundreds of Hoosier track and field student-athletes, many of whom continued to visit the family in Bloomington long after Sam's retirement in 1998 and after Sam's passing in 2016.
While Fran might have been best known in IU Athletics circles for her support of the Track and Field program and its student-athletes, her impact was much wider. She was a long-time and beloved educator who impacted hundreds if not thousands during her distinguished career as a teacher.
IU Athletics extends its deepest sympathies to the Bells children Laurie, Julie, and Beth, son Scott, as well as the entire Bell family.
Sam and Fran Bell arrived at IU in 1970. They headed to Bloomington after Sam enjoyed highly successful head coaching stints at both Oregon State (1958-65) and Cal-Berkeley (1965-69). Sam quickly elevated the IU program on both the Big Ten and NCAA levels, distinguishing himself among a legendary group of IU head coaches that also included Bob Knight, Doc Counsilman, Hobie Billingsley, Jerry Yeagley, and Lin Loring, among others.
While Sam was building IU into a Big Ten Track and Field powerhouse that would eventually capture 22 combined Big Ten team championships during his tenure from 1970-98, Fran was with him every step of the way and a critical part of the program's successes. She was a beloved figure to hundreds of Hoosier track and field student-athletes, many of whom continued to visit the family in Bloomington long after Sam's retirement in 1998 and after Sam's passing in 2016.
While Fran might have been best known in IU Athletics circles for her support of the Track and Field program and its student-athletes, her impact was much wider. She was a long-time and beloved educator who impacted hundreds if not thousands during her distinguished career as a teacher.
IU Athletics extends its deepest sympathies to the Bells children Laurie, Julie, and Beth, son Scott, as well as the entire Bell family.
IUVB vs. Michigan: Highlights
Saturday, October 11
FB: Under the Hood with Indiana Football - Week 7 (at Oregon)
Thursday, October 09
IUWBB at 2025 Big Ten Media Day
Wednesday, October 08
FB: Aiden Fisher Media Availability (10/7/25)
Tuesday, October 07