Joel Bellinger

Sul Ross Hall of Honor

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Passion for football began in middle school and continued through the college ranks at Sul Ross and into officiating contests for some of the biggest Division I programs in the nation
Played right tackle for the Lobos from 1979 to 1982. He was named an NAIA All-American, All-TIAA and NAIA District 8 player his senior season
Played on the 1982 Lobos that finished ranked No. 4 in the nation
In three seasons, he never allowed a sack and started in 28 of 31 games
Graduated from Sul Ross in 1988 with a degree in physical education and commenced on a 30-year career as a football official
Began as a middle school referee and eventually worked his way to the NCAA Division I level as an umpire officiating games for the Mountain West and Big 12 conferences
Works as an elementary physical education teacher, a position he has held for the past 22 years with the San Antonio Northeast Independent School District
Retired from officiating to devote time to family and community youth