The Tom Ellis Athletic Memorial Foundation is named after the man who was called “Big Daddy”, “Mr. Bulldog” and “Coach.” Tom Ellis Sr. was one of the last in Kentucky to serve as head coach of football, baseball and basketball and Athletic Director – all at the same time at Holmes High School.
Before coming to Holmes, Coach Ellis taught aeronautics, served as principal, and was football and basketball coach at Bardstown. He produced many outstanding teams. His 1946 football team at Holmes was awarded the mythical state title, and he coached two Holmes basketball teams to the Kentucky Sweet 16. Ellis retired from education in 1973. He was named coach of the year twice and coached in several all-star games.
In addition, he was elected to the Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame in 1984, the Kentucky High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1988, and the Greater Cincinnati Sports Hall of Fame in 1999. The Holmes High School football field is named in his memory.
Board of Directors
Gary Huhn, President Dave Mumm, Vice-President Doug Bramlage, Treasurer
Jay Fossett, Secretary
Members
Joyce Baker Tom Ellis, Jr.
Alvin Garrison John Jennings Bernie Meese Ray Murphy Eric Neff
Ed Pelley Stan Steidel John Wimzie
TEAM Foundation Holmes High School 2500 Madison Avenue Covington, KY 41014 859-655-9545 Ext. 16310
The Tom Ellis Athletic Memorial Foundation has assisted Covington Independent Public Schools by supporting district athletic activities, providing scholarships and promoting excellence in education, discipline and sportsmanship. Today, the goal of the foundation is to:
• support the Holmes High School athletic department
• provide funds to assist with the maintenance of and creation athletic facilities
• foster school pride by providing student athletes with facilities necessary to develop their talents
Over the years, the foundation has provided scholarships to students and helped with other educational needs, such as paying for books and school supplies. The foundation has upgraded facilities. It also rallied support to purchase rings for the 2009 state championship boys’ basketball team. In addition, the foundation provides funds for staff to attend seminars to stay abreast of new developments in the world of fitness andcoaching.
