AHSAA Saddened by the Death of Wenonah Coach Emanuel Bell

The AHSAA is saddened to learn of the passing of Wenonah High School girls’ basketball coach Emanuel “Tubb” Bell IV. He died Thursday afternoon, Jan. 31, after a long battle with cancer.
“Our AHSAA family of member schools has lost a special person in Coach Emanuel Bell,” said AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese. “His love for teaching and coaching was only surpassed for his love of his players. He had an impact on all who knew him. We are all very fortunate that he chose to teach and coach at Wenonah High School.”
Coach Bell’s team beat Parker 70-15 Wednesday night to improve to 19-8 with one regular-season game remaining. He compiled a 529-194 overall record in 25 years as the Lady Dragons’ head coach. One of the nation’s biggest ambassadors of girls’ high school educational-based basketball, his teams won five state championships: including his first in 2004 and four in a row from 2014-2017. His team lost in the semifinals last year. Bell received numerous coach-of-the-year honors and was also the recipient of the Frank House Award presented to him by the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.

“His legacy will live on in the hearts and soul of those he helped mold into outstanding adults. Our hearts and prayers go out to Coach Bell’s family, his team, his school and all who loved him,” Savarese added. “He fought a valiant fight and now I can only imagine that he is organizing a team and coaching in heaven tonight. Yes, I am sure with his contagious smile that he is working the crowd and hugging everyone in sight. Heaven has a new angel and we have lasting memories of Coach Bell.
“His life of service is one we should all emulate. He will be missed by us all.”
Funeral arrangements were not available at this time.