2024 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 56
BY SENATOR SEABAUGH
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To commend Wilbert Ellis upon receiving the 2024 Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award
and on being inducted into the 2024 class of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Sports Writers Association established the Ambassador
Award to recognize individuals who have made long-term exemplary contributions to the
perception of Louisiana through their ties to the state's sports landscape; and
WHEREAS, the Ambassador Award is not bestowed annually, but rather on
occasion, as determined by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee and, this
year, the Selection Committee has selected Wilbert Ellis as the second recipient of this
esteemed award; and
WHEREAS, Wilbert Ellis, fondly known as Coach Ellis, has exemplified outstanding
leadership, dedication, and commitment throughout his life-long coaching journey, leaving
an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals; and
WHEREAS, a native of Ruston, Louisiana, Coach Ellis' journey began with a
childhood passion for athletics and a natural inclination towards leadership, nurtured by the
lessons instilled by his parents about the importance of giving back to the community; and
WHEREAS, graduating from Grambling State University in 1959 with a degree in
physical education, Coach Ellis spent thirty seasons as the head baseball coach, the second
baseball coach in the school's history, and a grand total of forty-three seasons, including time
as a graduate assistant and assistant coach, for the Grambling State University baseball
program, guiding the Tigers to three Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) titles, five
SWAC Western Division crowns, five National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Tournament appearances, amassing a record of 743 wins, 463 losses, and one tie, and
becoming one of the all-time winningest baseball coaches in the history of Louisiana; and
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WHEREAS, Coach Ellis' leadership and commitment to excellence were further
demonstrated through his roles as Assistant and Associate Director of Athletics at
Grambling, working closely with legendary coaches Eddie Robinson and Fred Hobdy,
bringing the New York Yankees in for exhibition games, and overseeing the construction
of Grambling State's new baseball stadium; and
WHEREAS, named SWAC Coach of the Year seven times (1978, '83, '84, '85, '91,
'98, and '99), Coach Ellis' achievements have been duly recognized through his induction
into prestigious halls of fame including the American Baseball Coaches Association,
Southwestern Athletic Conference, and Louisiana Justice; and
WHEREAS, throughout his coaching career, Coach Ellis attended national coaches
conventions to learn different ways to make an impact in kids' lives, enriching his dedication
to youth development and the promotion of sportsmanship and wellness; and
WHEREAS, beginning in 1990, Coach Ellis conducted baseball camps in Omaha,
Nebraska, as part of the NCAA College World Series; his tireless efforts in working with
youth were recognized by the Great Plains Black History Museum in Omaha which
established the Coach Wilbert Ellis "Service to Youth, Sports, Health, and Wellness" award
in his honor; the award is presented annually during the College World Series; and
WHEREAS, each summer, Coach Ellis conducts the Wilbert Ellis Baseball Clinic,
an annual free youth clinic teaching baseball fundamentals and life knowledge to kids and
includes parent sessions where local police, school administrators, and mental health
professionals talk to parents about how to be better and improve the community; and
WHEREAS, Coach Ellis' philanthropic contributions to the community have been
recognized and celebrated, including receiving the 2015 Robert E. Russ Award for his
outstanding charitable efforts and being honored with the 2021 Bill Best Humanitarian
Award by the Ruston Rotary Club, underscoring his unwavering commitment to improving
the lives of others; and
WHEREAS, Grambling State University, Coach Ellis' beloved alma mater, has
honored this outstanding man through induction into the Grambling Legends Sports Hall of
Fame, retirement of his #31 baseball jersey, and naming the baseball stadium on the
Grambling State University campus, the Wilbert Ellis Field at R.W.E. Jones Park.
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THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
commend Wilbert Ellis upon receiving the 2024 Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award and
on being inducted into the 2024 class of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Wilbert Ellis.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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