BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Wildcats announced last week that Dick Russell has been hired to lead the varsity baseball program. 

Coach Russell brings plenty of experience and knowledge of the game. His resume includes stops as a varsity assistant at both Mount Horeb (5 years) and Edgewood (4 years) high schools. He also guided the Edgewood JV for 10 years.

The upcoming school year will be Russell’s second as an English teacher at Belleville High School, a position that provides him the opportunity to mentor student athletes in the classroom and on the field in the spring.

Belleville also announced its athletics season passes are now available for purchase. Athletic passes can be bought by any middle school or high school student — this includes entry to all Belleville-sponsored sports like football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling and track and field.

An athletic pass costs $30 to purchase. Cash is accepted and checks must be made out to The School District of Belleville.

To purchase an athletic pass, students or parents can stop into the office on Aug. 27 and 28 between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., or during Back to School Night on from 5-8 p.m. on Aug. 27. Passes are also available throughout the school year.