Madison Comprehensive High School has announced that they are renaming the annual Coke Classic to the Tom Ellis Invitational. Athletic Director Kirk Manns said the change is being made to recognize former coach and teacher Tom Ellis for his many years of service and the impact he has had on student-athletes.
In an email announcing the name change, head wrestling coach Doug Mosier wrote that Ellis is noted for his mentorship during his time as both a coach and teacher and still continues to be a dedicated Ram fan.
The tournament now named in his honor is still slated the usual opening weekend of the wrestling season.
Ellis started as a teacher at Madison in 1958. In the classroom, he served as a biology teacher for 15 years before serving as a vocational coordinator until he retired in 1987. On the field, he served as an assistant football coach and head coach for the wresting program.
“Tom has always been a loving husband, father and family man and it is our privilege to honor him for what he has represent for so many,” Mosier noted.
Ellis said he was “very, very humbled” by the honor and was taken back it.
“I said, ‘Gosh, I don’t deserve that,'” he said of receiving a phone call from the school. Unsure if he should accept, he ended the phone call to ask his loved ones. At the urging of his family, Ellis ultimately returned the call to the school and accepted the honor.
Ellis, a lifelong Madison resident, was quick to share credit saying he had been “blessed with good assistant coaches” and a community for which he had high praise.
“It’s a good community to work in,” Ellis said of Madison, adding he credited parents for teaching their children a strong work ethic. “Therefore, the athletes will work hard for you,” he summarized.
A regular attendee of many Madison athletic events, Ellis said he plans to be in attendance for the 2014 tournament named in his honor.
Former Madison Ram Nate Yetzer will be back in town this weekend. Yetzer is currently the head wrestling coach at Ferrum University and the 2013-2014 NCAA Division III Rookie Coach of the Year, will be back in the area hosting a commuter camp at Madison on May 16, 17 and 18.
The camp will cost $75. For further information contact Doug Mosier at 419-571-5849.
