June 15, 2007

GSU's Ellis makes 15th trip to College World series

By T. Scott Boatright

What else would former Grambling State and Hall of Fame baseball coach Wilbert Ellis be doing this weekend?

Ellis headed to Omaha, Neb., early Thursday morning to serve for a 15th time on a NCAA advisory committee and as an instructor in a youth clinic at the national championship event set for Omaha, Neb., beginning today.

"This has become a part of my summer routine and I don't know what I'd do without it," Ellis said. "It's a great time and I'm always excited to bring a couple of players along and give them a taste of things."

Joining Ellis in conducting the youth clinic that will be held today and Saturday on the campus of Creighton University, will be Grambling State designated hitter Julian Brown and pitcher Mario Jefferson.

Last weekend Ellis served as the director of a NCAA regional tournament hosted by Rice University in Houston.

"Rice is playing some great baseball and looks like they could push for another title," Ellis said. "Oregon State is playing some great baseball too and will make it run. It's a strong field and looks like it's going to be another great College World Series."

Ellis, who was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame last year, turned in a career coaching record of 745-463-1 during a 43-year stint at Grambling, serving as an assistant under Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones before being named for the head coaching slot in 1977.

He guided the Tigers to three Southwestern Athletic Conference crowns and three NCAA postseason tournament appearances, and also captured five SWAC Western Division titles.

Ells won't only be working he'll be able to see some of the College World Series in the process.

Rice will take a 54-12 record into the CWS opener against Louisville (46-22) today while Mississippi State will take on North Carolina in the nightcap.

Saturday's games have UC-Irvine against Arizona State and Oregon State squaring off against Cal-State Fullerton.

But while watching the CWS is exciting, Ellis said the highlight of his trip will again be working with the youth clinic held in conjunction with the event.

"There are around 10 other coaches and also other players from various colleges that help put on the clinic," Ellis said. "We'll work with youngsters not only on baseball skills, but we'll also stress education and staying in school, staying away from drugs and other positive values in life. Having the college players there really helps get through to the youngsters because I think they can relate to the college players.

"The Clinic is always something I enjoy doing at the College World Series. It's one of my favorite parts of going."