Bell Returns to Bench for Channel Islands

Girls’ basketball Coach Pat Bell will return to the Channel Islands High bench tonight after completing a six-game suspension for unspecified reasons.

Channel Islands (5-1), defending Marmonte League co-champion, opens league play at Royal (7-1).

“It feels good to be coming back,” said Bell, who declined to comment directly on the suspension, imposed by former principal Dr. John Triolo.

“Pat did not break any CIF rules,” Athletic Director Al Terazon said. “It was basically a principal-discretion matter that was worked out between [Triolo] and Pat Bell.”

Bell was allowed to conduct practice with the team, but he was not permitted to coach the Raiders during games.