Stateliners name stadium for longtime coach Bellis Part-time teachers say Alpha must provide health insurance. Wednesday, August 15, 2007 • By ANDREA EILENBERGER • The Express-Times PHILLIPSBURG | Harold Bellis' first high school football coach was Mike Maloney, the man Stateliners' stadium was named after. Now, Bellis' own name will be linked to his honored coach's stadium. School board members Monday night voted to dedicate the field to the legendary coach who led Phillipsburg football teams from 1954-67. "I can't believe that," Bellis, 91, said Tuesday. "It amazes me." As a Phillipsburg student, Bellis was captain of the 1933 undefeated football squad. He coached two undefeated teams during his tenure as head coach. He was also a long-time algebra teacher there and coached baseball for 27 years. School board member Sal Patti said honoring Bellis is well-deserved and long-overdue. "Coach Bellis influenced people in my generation, a little bit before my generation and a little bit after," said Patti, who was a football captain under Bellis in 1962. Patti initiated the motion Monday to name the field the Harold Bellis Field at Maloney Stadium. He said Tuesday the issue has been on his mind for a few months and he's talked with former players, some booster club members, school officials and residents who supported the idea. "His reputation precedes the award and he's highly regarded as a football coach, as a teacher and as a community leader," said Paul Rummerfield, school board president. Patti hopes the field will be dedicated to Bellis next month during the first home football game. "I didn't think something like this would happen," Bellis said. The self-proclaimed lifetime "P-burger" said he's known plenty of other great players and coaches who deserve the honor. Over the years, he played in the 25th anniversary football game against Easton, coached in the 50th anniversary game and rooted for the Stateliners during the 75th anniversary and 100th games. But Bellis still remembers his first failed shot at getting on the high school football team. "My freshman year for football (Maloney) said I was too small and to come back next year," Bellis said. "My sophomore year he gave me a suit." Patti said Bellis always commanded respect. "He was the kind of guy who walked in the auditorium and didn't need a public address system," Patti said. His audience instantly quieted and gave him their full attention and reverence, Patti said. Bellis managed to inspire his young players and students off the field, too, Patti said. He encouraged them to continue their education and work for a better future. Bellis was proud to see Patti become an athletic director for both Delaware Valley Regional High School and Voorhees High School. "He was proud of all his kids," Patti said, "whether they were coaches, lawyers, teachers, businessmen or truck drivers." Reporter Andrea Eilenberger can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by e-mail at aeilenberger@express-times.com.