Speaking
of Sports 

by
Bernie Fratto

 
Curt Ellis:
A good man

August 30, 2011

Novi High School Athletic Director Curt Ellis is a good man. And good people are offered good opportunities. That was the case when he succeeded the great Jon Fundukian back in September 2000.

We chronicled Curt in this piece back in the Spring of 2002

I caught up with Curt the other day from here in Las Vegas as he graciously returned my phone call like he always did. Our conversation was brief, but enlightening.

"When I arrived at Novi High School, I met with every head coach and every captain," Ellis shared. "There were two main concerns that were brought to my attention."

He went on to explain that the first was improving the state of all the women's programs, and the second was the fact that Novi High School wanted to enhance their identity in a more uniformed way as one of the premier high schools in Oakland County.

Needless to say, in the last ten years, both objectives have been accomplished in flying colors. Speaking of colors, Novi's green and white, and their dignified logo is now easily recognized throughout the state of Michigan.

It has become a symbol of success.

And the women's athletic programs have not only produced multiple state championships in various sports, but they've also represented the City of Novi in the most professional and prideful way.

Curt Ellis has now been offered another opportunity and his tenure at Novi High School will come to an end on September 15, 2011.

Whether or not you agreed with Ellis' position on various issues, know this; This is a man that genuinely wanted to get it right. He cared about the student athletes, and he took his role very seriously dealing with issues thoroughly and forthrightly.

We live in a nation that has a tendency to elevate people to high plateaus, only to denigrate and besmirch their accomplishments when they have reached a pinnacle. And nobody can please everybody all the time. Case in point; We have a President that is sitting in office, who won the election fair and square, even though over 52,000,000 voted for his competitor.

Novi High School entered this millenium with many new challenges. But as we look back objectively and fairly, if we ask ourselves; 'are we better off than we were ten years ago'?

I would say, "yes."

Curt Ellis is a good man, and he cared. Nothing lasts forever. I wish him well in his future endeavors. Somehow I think he will hold his tenure at Novi High School in very high esteem.

I believe we should extend him that same courtesy.

Good luck Curt…

In the meantime, Go Green and White, the future is now…

(c) 2011 Novi Information Network
www.novi.org