Texas College recently appointed Greg Ellis, the former Dallas Cowboys Defensive End as the new Head Football Coach. Ellis is well experienced as both a coach and a player and in the NFL. For 12 years of his career in the NFL, Ellis played for the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys, and served both teams as the captain for ten years of his work in the NFL. Coach Ellis’ leadership experience extends as far as serving as CEO and founder of Play Now Initiative, a multi-media production enterprise associated with the movie “Carter High” and significant plays including “Watchnight” and “Juneteenth.”
“We are excited for Greg Ellis to join Texas College as the Head Football Coach. His professional experiences and philosophies as a player, coach, as well as civic leader, mirror that which our athletic programs are built upon,” said Dr. Dwight J. Fennell, the president of Texas College. He continued,”His commitment to ensuring student-athletes not only develop physically, but also intellectually aligns with Texas College’s mission. We anticipate Coach Ellis’ leadership to greatly benefit our program in a multitude of ways, including student success and graduation matriculation.”
Although the Steers won’t partake in football this season, Texas College will uphold the program and field a team for intercollege tournaments next season. As the College adopts online teaching for Fall 2020, football and other games will also practice and meet often over a virtual capability.
“I am excited about the opportunity to be the Head Football Coach of Texas College. Since we are not able to play any games this year, we will maximize our virtual capabilities to the fullest,” noted Coach Ellis. “I am looking forward to working with all the young men and meeting their families. We have a lot of work ahead of us; nevertheless, we are ready for the challenge to be successful on and off the field. Last, but certainly not least, I thank Dr. Fennell and his staff for entrusting me with this task.”
ABOUT TEXAS COLLEGE
Texas College is a Historically Black College established in 1894, by a team of CME ministers. Our mission represents the philosophies of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. The College shall equip the students with skills in creative and critical thinking associated with the skills, knowledge, and abilities as defined in fields of study. Moreover, the College shall create an environment to promote ethical, social, intellectual, moral, and spiritual development, enabling graduates to participate in leadership, life-long learning, and service.
As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I, the Texas College strives to compete in 10 intercollege sports: Men’s and women’s basketball, Women’s Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Baseball, softball, Football, and Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field. The Pilot Football Team is part of the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC), consisting of nine colleges and universities from Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas.
Texas College Steer Football carries a custom that extends over a century, dating to the College’s fielding of a squad back in 1918. Besides, Texas College was among the founder members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). To date, the Texas College Steers has one national championship and seven conference championships.
Texas College’s Intercollege Athletics offer opportunities for students to build their minds and bodies, through learning to compete and act with integrity, sportsmanship, responsibility, and honor while nurturing teamwork and leadership aptitudes. Also, Texas College student-athletes are privileged to receive an education while partaking in their relevant sports.
