Bruce Bellard (1989) - Hall of Fame - Bowling Green State University Athletics

Bruce Bellard

Induction:
1989
Class:
1948

Bruce Bellard came to BGSU in September of 1941 and was a member of the freshman football team. He was a guard and also a freshman on the first BGSU wrestling team. Bellard started at guard on the 1942 varsity football team. He joined the Navy Air Corps and served four years in the South Pacific during WWII. Bellard returned to BGSU as a senior and earned his Bachelor's degree in education in January 1948. In 1949, he became the head freshman football coach and served as an assistant for the next 11 seasons. In 1952, Bellard was appointed the head wrestling coach and served for 24 years while posting a record of 167-118-2. As head wrestling coach, he led the Falcons to three MAC championships (1959, 1960, 1966). In his 24 seasons as wrestling coach, Bellard posted 20 winning campaigns. In 1978, Bruce Bellard was named to the Ohio Wrestling Hall of Fame, and was also recognized by the American Wrestling Coaches Association in 1976 with its Outstanding Coach Award. Bellard was elected to six terms on the BG City Council and served as its President from 1973-82. In 1983, Bellard was elected mayor of Bowling Green. He was elected into the BGSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989.