Hall of Fame
Ed was a four year letteman as a linebacker and guard. He was voted first team All-PSAC in 1952, his senior year. With the exception of the season opener of his freshman year in 1949, he played every football game with the Red Raiders.
Bellas was captain of the 1952 team which went undefeated with 7-0 record. In addition to his All-Conference honors, Bellas was All-Pennsylvania and honorable mention All- America.
In 1952 Shippensburg was fifth in the nation in total defense, sixth in rushing defense, and tenth in pass defense. The 1950 team, which had a 7-1-1 mark, intercepted 25 passes, a team record that stayed on the books until 1991. In 1951 the team went 5-3 and won its last two games, setting the stage for what would become a 20 game winning streak.
Bellas, a native of Colver, Pennsylvania in Cambria County and a 1949 graduate of Ebensburg High School, played a key role in Shippensburg’s success. He was a rugged tackler who had the ability to defend against the pass as well the run. On offense, Bellas helped the Red Raiders with his blocking.
Following graduation Bellas went on to a distinguished 41 year career in teaching and coaching at Allen Park High School in Michigan. He began teaching government and history in 1955 and was invited to be an assistant varsity football coach in 1958. He was assistant until 1975 and helped Allen Park win Suburban Six League championships in 1966, 1968, 1970, 1971/
Bellas left coaching after the ’75 season but returned in 1984 as head coach. His team won eight league championships. His 1995 team won a regional championship and runner-up honors in the state tournament. His personal honors include regional Coach of the year in 1968. He is also a member of the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
