Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/1/16
From Press Release
Ridley School District Superintendent Lee Ann Wentzel announced today that Kevin Ellers has made the decision not to extend his role as the head coach for the boys’ lacrosse program. Ellers’ decision includes a desire to spend more time with his family and his children’s academic and athletic events.
“After 22 years as a coach of the Ridley Lacrosse team and much thought I have decided to resign my head coach’s position.” said Ellers, a former Ridley standout who served as head coach for 14 seasons. “I believe it is time for new leadership to take over and continue the Ridley Lacrosse Tradition of Excellence.
“This has been one of the most difficult decisions of my life. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with some great players, parents, and coaches here at Ridley High School. Saying goodbye to my returning players is the hardest part of all of this, though I know they will succeed, I will miss the daily contact in the season with some of the finest student athletes and just great individuals here at Ridley. I want to once again express my appreciation for 22 great years as a coach.
“I feel fortunate to have been given the chance and blessed to have been able to work with such outstanding players, parents, coaches, teachers, and administrators throughout my tenure. I look forward to continuing to watch the program grow under the new leadership. Thanks again to all, for allowing me to be a part of your Ridley Family and going along for a great ride and one of the greatest experiences of my life.”
Ellers stepped in with no head coaching experience previously serving as an assistant in the Ridley program. He took over the reins from his father Doug Ellers, midway through the 2003 season. Under his leadership, he continued the competitive tradition of the program with a 2008 Central League title and 4 state tournament playoff runs. His overall record was 196-70.
Said Wentzel: “Kevin Ellers remains a teacher on the high school staff and will always have a place in the Ridley lacrosse legacy. These types of decisions are not easy. We respect his decision to commit more time to his family. We thank him for his commitment and dedication to the program as a player and a coach.”
Ellers’ tenure with the program includes his participation as a student-athlete. He received All-American and All-State Honors in 1987 and 1988. Eller was the Central League Most Valuable Player in 1986, 1987, and 1988. In 1988, he was a member of the Runner-up team in the Pennsylvania State championship game. Ellers was a standout player at the University of Delaware
Wentzel will make the recommendation to the Board of School Directors at the 29 August 2016 public meeting for the opening of interviews to replace the Ridley High School head boys’ lacrosse coach.
COACH YEARS W-L WINNING PERCENTAGE
Wilson, John 1975 – 1980 17 – 42 .290
Ellers, Doug 1981 – 2003 300 – 114 .720
Ellers, Kevin 2003 – 2016 196 – 70 .740
