Coach Tim Ellis brings over 35 years of coaching experience to the Lebanon High School Cross Country and Track & Field programs. Originally from Michigan, he moved to Lebanon in the spring of 1998 and has since become a key figure in the school’s athletic success. Coach Ellis is a graduate of North Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he competed in both Cross Country and Track & Field, contributing to his team’s appearance at the XC State Meet and competing regionally in Track & Field.
He continued his athletic career at Purdue University, where he was a member of the Cross Country and Track & Field teams. Coach Ellis earned NCAA Cross Country Team qualifications in 1982 and 1983, marking a high point in his collegiate career.
Before arriving in Lebanon, Coach Ellis coached at Holland High School in Michigan from 1991 to 1997, starting as an assistant coach and eventually becoming the Head Coach for Track & Field from 1992 to 1997. Over the years, he has coached numerous athletes to success, including members of the 2011 State Track & Field Team, such as Jacquelyn Crow, Hayley Stegemiller, Hannah Turpin, Delaney Bolger, Sara Robison, Jade Kinney, and Maria Rotello. Crow earned All-State honors in Cross Country (2013) and Track & Field (2011-2014), and Jessie Hartman was also named All-State in Cross Country from 2015-2017.
Throughout his career, Coach Ellis has led teams to multiple FAVC, MML, and GWOC Conference Championships, cementing his legacy as a successful and dedicated coach.
In addition to coaching, Coach Ellis is a missionary with Athletes in Action, an international sports organization dedicated to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ through sports. He is the Director of the Track & Field Department for the organization. Coach Ellis is also a licensed physical therapist and athletic trainer, having practiced for 11 years before joining Athletes in Action full-time. He founded and directs TUFF Camp, a high school running camp, since 1990, and also organizes the Lebanon Track Club for youth athletes aged 7-12.
Coach Ellis enjoys running, watching sports, fishing, and traveling. He has been married to his wife, Sue, since 1986, and they have three adult children—Jackie, Gabe, and Dakota, all of whom are Lebanon High School graduates. The couple also enjoys spending time with their five grandchildren, ranging in age from 6 to 1. Coach Ellis continues to be a strong influence both in sports and in his community, inspiring athletes and sharing his passion for athletics and faith.
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