Curt Ellis
AD 2004
by Bernie Fratto
January 2004
 

Asked to describe his first 3+ years as the Athletic Director at Novi High School, Curt Ellis in a word characterized it as, “gratifying.” 

Under his tenure, Novi athletics has flourished in a way that might make even the most successful programs in the state, blush. Conference, District, Regional, and State Championships abound in sports like football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, cross-country, and golf, just to name a few.

But even more importantly, these developments have become “large community events.” Managing an enterprise of this magnitude however, is something Curt Ellis had been preparing for.

Born in Southfield, Curt Ellis attended Saline HS, and then matriculated at Eastern Michigan University where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Organizational Communications, and Minor in Coaching.

That course of study “helped me gain an understanding of how a system works, and how to work effectively within a system.”

His on-the-job training got a very early start. He garnered valuable experience coaching football at Chelsea, and Gabriel Richard High Schools, and amazingly, began his first assignment as an Athletic Director while only a junior in college.

The AD at Gabriel Richard HS had resigned and the Principal essentially tabbed Ellis as his successor. After five successful years in that role, he moved over to Tecumseh HS in 1996, and assumed the role of Athletic Director. By now, he was on the fast track.

In 1997, South Lyon AD Bob Scheloske decided to step down, and Ellis transitioned into that role seamlessly, overseeing a Class A High School with the demeanor of a savvy veteran.

After 4 years, he arrived in Novi in the summer of 2001 and has been the Dean of Wildcat Athletics ever since. Although he had big shoes to fill, he felt very fortunate that he’d worked with John Fundukian for many years and felt tremendous community support right away.

Curt Ellis went right to work managing the enterprise and he noted three key areas he wanted to make sure would be tendered to in a first-class manner.

He noticed a significant difference on how men’s vs. women’s sports were treated. He has always made it his charter to address this situation and to ensure that “girls sports and every bit as important.”

In addition he has made strides to connect with student/athletes. Acutely aware of the challenges they face, he wants kids to know they have an advocate, and that open communications exist.

As time has moved along, he has also devoted a great deal of time focusing on the best ways to coach Novi athletes. Every boy and girl matters, and at the end of the day, “every member on every team is somebody’s child.”

To that end, last summer Ellis hosted a 2-Day retreat, inviting all Head Coaches to attend. In addition Dr. Greg Dale, a professor of Psychology at Duke University, was on-hand for consultation and mind share. Dr. Dale’s resume is significant, having worked with USA Track & Field, the NHL, and Duke University Men’s’ basketball just to name a few.

The objective was to bring continuity and uniformity to each department, sharing best practices and experiences that would help to define success. Among the accomplishments were improved strength and conditioning awareness, assistance programs to help 8^th grade student-athletes transition into high school, and refining/defining code of conduct policies.

“We are proud of where we are today,” Ellis stated. “However, we can’t simply stay the same, so we are always working to get better.”

He is utterly sincere when he indicates his primary objectives at this time are to get more and more kids involved, and to continue to maintain and develop first-class facilities.”

“More opportunities for kids means a more successful program,” Ellis reminded. And, a successful program is something a community can appreciate and cherish. This is not something Curt Ellis takes for granted. Surprisingly, there are many high schools in Michigan that enjoy athletic success and achievement, “but rarely do you see the type of parental and community support that we enjoy in Novi.”

Curt Ellis is managing a significant enterprise, and a system that is working. But like most championship organizations, he is always striving to get better.

And for this, we are all grateful.