In 2017, the Thompsontown-native was visiting the Shikellamy State Park in Sunbury when his mother pointed out a sign which promoted the Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association.

“My mom asked me if I’d like to try rowing,” Bell explained. “I didn’t know what it was, so she showed me some videos and photos from the internet. I decided to try it.”

The CPRA offers a free two-week rowing class which Bell signed up for, sparking his interest in the hobby. In the beginning, that’s all rowing was to Bell; a hobby. It took about a year before he made the decision to take the next step and enter in rowing competitions.

“At first it was something I just enjoyed because I liked spending my summer on the water and it helped to keep me in shape,” Bell said. “Going to the Philadelphia Youth Regatta my second summer of rowing was what made me want to compete. We came in last in our heat, but I knew after that I wanted to work harder and be a better competitor.”

Submitted photos
At the King’s Head Regatta, hosted by The Upper Merion Boat Club, Bell took home first place for Men’s High School Lightweight Varsity in the 5000m, which he completed in 20 minutes 54 seconds.

That drive motivated Bell to be a better rower, as he had to up his practice schedule, something that takes lots of time and dedication. Of course, when the weather is nice, Bell takes to the mighty Susquehanna either early in the morning or later in the evening to work on his craft. Bell said that in the spring and summer months, he’ll spend around two hours a day on the river.

“My current schedule begins with spring training on May 13. It’s three evenings a week for four weeks, and I’m on the water for an hour and 45 minutes each evening,” Bell said. “My summer schedule begins on June 8 and runs for six weeks. I will row on the water Monday-Friday for two hours every morning.”

Bell’s fall schedule is similar, but it depends on the water level of the river. If the level is too low, or the river is flooding, he can’t get out to train. When the cold weather arrives, Bell uses an indoor facility to further his training. Two nights a week, Bell heads to Susquehanna University’s James W. Garrett Sports Complex where he spends most of his time on a rowing machine, called an ergometer.

Coming off of his winter program, Bell, who has competed in six different competitions, was getting ready to jump into the competitive season. Unfortunately, the coronavirus epidemic canceled the outdoor events.

Instead, the Rowing Club at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga decided to host a virtual event, in which rowers could participate from home. The event, called the Coronavirus Quarantine Spring Sprints Regatta 2020, was brought to Bell’s attention, who wasn’t immediately drawn to the idea of competing virtually.

“(I was) unsure if I wanted to do it,” Bell said. “I decided to do it because it looks like my spring rowing will be delayed and I usually do East Juniata track and field to keep in shape for spring rowing, but that was canceled this year. I also thought it would be a historical regatta to be a part of.”

The regatta required all participants to submit a photo of themselves, a video of them actually rowing on the ergometer, and their final time.

Despite the hesitation, Bell entered the competition and from the comfort of his own basement, took home second place, rowing 500 meters in 1:46. While his placement was good, Bell did not feel like he put on his best performance. He also mentioned that competing in this virtual regatta was enjoyable and that he could see himself entering more in the future.

“I was satisfied with my time, but I know I could’ve done better with more training,” Bell said. “I’ve done two virtual regattas this year and they are my first. It’s fun and yes, I would do it again.”

Bell, a student at East Juniata, plans to pursue competitive rowing at the higher level, and with nearby schools like Penn State, Bucknell and Susquehanna having programs, competing in crew is a possibility.

“I’d like to be on a college crew team,” Bell said. “After college I’d like to own my own rowing shell at some point and still compete as a member of CPRA.”

Bell is thankful for his coaches and the people that he has met in his rowing career through the CPRA.

“It’s been a great experience for me in many ways. CPRA is such a great group of people, very supportive and encouraging and I wouldn’t have had these experiences if it weren’t for them,” Bell said. “Coach Derek Updegraff and coach Jim Grose have taught me everything I know about rowing and they have given me such great advice and guidance and I always look forward to working with them every year.”