Ellis had ‘a wonderful way with kids’
January 23, 2010 by Scott Spruill
Former Ike football coach dies after lengthy battle with cancer ||
YAKIMA, Wash. — Art Ellis, who coached Eisenhower’s football team for 13 years and taught at the school for 24 years before retiring in 1995, died Thursday night at his Selah home following a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Ellis was 68. Memorial services will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Jan. 30, starting at 10 a.m.
Art Ellis gives directions to players during his tenure as the Eisenhower football coach in this undated photo. (Yakima Herald-Republic file photo)
There were plenty of resume highlights for Ellis, whose 1977 team was Ike’s first to reach the state playoffs. And his defense in 1992 allowed just 10 points a game and was the backbone of the Cadets’ first 10-win season.
But beyond the statistics was Ellis’ style of coaching, a composed demeanor overlaying a driven intensity that is remembered today.
“He had a wonderful way with kids, and he could get the most out of them,” said Gavin from his home in Las Vegas on Friday. “I couldn’t believe how calm he was — he never raised his voice. He was always calming me down.”
Tom O’Brien, who coached at Davis from 1974 to 1982, admired his connection with kids as well.
“He was a good motivator and his players responded — they were always well-coached,” O’Brien recalled. “I respected him and enjoyed our rivalry. My first year they beat us 60-32 and we got them the next year (14-11). It was back and forth, and I always enjoyed playing Art’s teams.”
Ellis and Gavin, who share Eisenhower’s longest run as head football coach at 13 years each, joined forces in 1990. Gavin knew Ellis had a keen offensive mind, having been the offensive coordinator when he was head coach, but he soon discovered Ellis’ far-reaching grasp of the game.
“Art had a profound knowledge of the game in all facets, as much as anyone I’ve ever known,” he said. “When we had it going (five straight winning seasons), I can say without doubt none of it would have happened without him. I didn’t worry about the defense for one minute.”
After graduating from Central Washington University, where he played football and baseball, Ellis began his teaching and coaching career at Central Kitsap High School. He was quickly successful, having directed the 1969 team to the Class AA poll state championship.
Ellis, a biology and physical education teacher, retired in 1995 but was not finished coaching. He and his wife, Marilyn, built a home in Idaho and he coached three seasons at Newport, Wash., just across the border, from 2000 to 2002.
“I always thought Art would make a great college coach,” Gavin said. “He studied the game, he was dedicated to it and he adjusted to things so quickly and so easily. And the way he connected with players — that was special.”
Marilyn noted Friday that Art had battled cancer for nearly two years, and when he was initially diagnosed the disease had reached stage IV, which has a prognosis of three to six months.
“It was a miracle Art lived as long as he did,” she said. “He went through a lot of treatment, mostly for me and the family, but it was a blessing. It gave him time to catch up with so many people he has known.”
Filed under All, Eisenhower, Featured Stories, Football
I have 4 sons and a daughter and we lived on 31st Ave across the street from the Ellis’ when he was football coach at Ike. We were well acquainted with Art and his family. I was going to email the article “Ellis had a wonderful way with kids” from the Yakima HeraldRepublic on Jan 23 to my kids but the article kept coming up Error 404 – article no longer exists. How come?
I played on the Central Kitsap 1969 team. Coach Ellis is a man most of us will never forget. He treated all players with respect, as the player did the same to him.
He was one of the great coaches and we will all miss him.
Art was one of the reasons that I successfully graduated from IKE. I was a major screw off and like the article states, he calmly got me back into the picture. He was a great coach and I respected his authority. I am sorry to hear of his passing. I would attend the funeral, but cannot make it on such short notice. God be with you Art…you were there for your players and your students. Bubba
I was the Coach’s paper boy in the early 1970’s. I looked-up to the “big” varsity players that Art coached and I also looked forward to the day I could be a Cadet. As a kid I was very intimidated because he was “The Coach.” When I reached high school, Coach Ellis encouraged me to work hard and develop in the weight room, the class room, and on the football field. I did my best…and it was through his welding skills (to build a kicking net in 76) and encouragement that I progressed. Coach Ellis will always be remembered as my coach, friend, and mentor. I’m grateful for what he did for me during my high school years. I will always remember “My Coach.” My sincerest condolences and prayers go out to the entire Ellis family.
Mr. Ellis was my biology teacher in ‘76. I didn’t like football and I didn’t like biology, but I liked him. He coached me through my first experiences with dissection (I was sure I’d never be able to do it) and kept me consistently entertained (I still remember all the scary details from when he described a family member’s encounter with a UFO). I learned enough to get an A and to make it through Mr. Bonger’s more advanced biology class. Mr. Ellis was an sincere, caring man with an unflaggingly encouraging attitude, and I have always remembered him with admiration.
Coach Ellis was a great influence on our son’s highschool years at Eisenhower High School. He was one of those rare teachers who took a personal interest in the lives of his football team keeping them “on track” and encouraging them. even going to the trouble of calling parents at home to make certain his football players were following the rules. Our thoughts and prayers to his family.
Leonard and Vera Butler
Coach Ellis was a great man. Having grown up in a football household I highly respected his knowledge and love of the game. He will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to his wife and family. God Bless!
Mr. Ellis taught me alot about myself and never knew it at the time. When I went to IKE I had Mr. Ellis for classes and he always took time for me to chat; at that point in my life the struggles of being a teen and acceptance were daily yet he always made me feel like a person and took time to ‘coach’ me onto being a better person. As I’ve grown I remember much of his gentle ways and passion for people…the sign of a true “life coach.” RIP Mr. Ellis and thank you for all you did for me then that you didn’t know would help me through life.