The Bell Game. This short string of words brings up a wave of memories for students, staff, and parents alike. Dating back to 1962, the famous rivalry game between Terra Linda and San Rafael is arguably the most important game of the year for residents of San Rafael. For over 60 years, these teams have battled each other to win the ultimate prize: “The Bell”.
The first-ever Bell Game was played at San Rafael High School. The game was won by the Trojans with a score of 15-6, two years after Terra Linda’s founding in 1960. San Rafael was built over a century earlier, in 1888, however, they had not found a school to fill the role of their rival. When TL was built to accommodate the overflow of students in the city of San Rafael, the perfect opportunity for competition arose. Students and friends who were once together in a school community were now split up, creating a rivalry that would last decades. All Terra Linda students can remember their experiences watching these intense games over their time in high school. Even alumni look forward to continuing the tradition by attending the game every year.
While most students know that the name “The Bell” references the one that hangs in San Rafael’s mission, not many know the true importance of the bell in California history. Built-in 1817, San Rafael’s mission was more commonly known as the archangel, and their bell served as the heart of the city, similar to most other missions of the time period. Back in the 19th century, these bells would ring throughout the day to call out important events: meals, work hours, or even times to pray. The position of bell ringer was one of honor due to the fact that the chimes were necessary to run the city to a degree. The importance of the bell to these cities around California made it an easy choice for a symbol to represent the rivalry game.
Social science teacher and Terra Linda alumn Ashley Ayoob recounted the Bell Game during her years in high school as a “really really big deal…It didn’t matter how bad or good a school was… everyone went to that game.” Mrs. Ayoob holds memories of rallies, cheering at the game, and bonfires that led up to the night.
Back in the day, a big aspect of the Bell Game was the pranks the schools pulled on each other. “Back then, high school was more like the wild wild west,” noted TL golf coach Steve Troya. “It wasn’t uncommon for you to see San Rafael’s initials painted in red on the school gym the night before the Bell Game,” or “…the whole SR school just TP’d.” Another fond memory for him was the after-game dinner at Shakey’s Pizza. “They used to cram in probably a couple hundred between the kids on the football team and the kids from the student body…”
Given the fact that 62 years have passed since the first Bell Game, many things have changed: Shakey’s Pizza has closed, pranks aren’t commonplace, and bonfires are not the pre-game event. However, some things have remained the same. School spirit, TL’s cheers, and game attendance are some traditions that students have upheld for decades.
Many customs fill the Bell Game season in the present day. “I always like the themes,” shared junior Coral Bellisi, “…because I like dressing up and going all out.” Bellisi also shared excitement about attending the rallies, making new memories, watching the game with the entire student body, and seeing the new t-shirt design that comes out every year. “ The Bell Game is a super fun game. I’m excited to go this year!” she commented.
The Bell Game is a tradition that has been around for over sixty years. The game holds importance, memories, and potential bragging rights for both past and present Terra Linda students. This year the game is on November 8th and will be another important game for the Trojans, one that students are hoping will end with players in blue and gold holding up the bell.
