Mike Ellis began his wrestling career as a sophomore at Hurricane High School in 1961. He earned a starting spot as a Junior and was team captain his senior year with a record of 25-12. Studying at Marshall University he earned a degree in Social Studies Education and began teaching at Hurricane High and started coaching wrestling in the fall of 1968. His team that year would post the first winning record (5-4-1) in the school's history. Mike would coach wrestling at the school for 16 years. During that time his teams posted a 105-70 dual meet record. In 1975 the team was 5th, in 1978 it was 3rd, and in 1979 was 7th in the State Tournament. In 1980 he started the Putnam County Youth Wrestling Team, coaching it for 4 years. During this time Mike was active in cultural exchange wrestling programs. Hurricane and other West Virginia cities hosted several meets with local Wrestlers competing against teams from various German cities. In 1979 Mike would travel with a West Virginia team to Berlin and Salzgitter, Germany in competition. Rod Oldham and Bill Archer were the other coaches, Paul Lemery was the referee. Mike started high school boys, girls and middle school soccer programs at Hurricane. He also coached cross country, baseball, and track. He served as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal at Hurricane HIgh School for 40 years, retiring In 2008. He continues to serve the school as a substitute teacher, boy's soc.c er scorekeeper and helps with Its Advanced Placement United . States History program. He also attends wrestling matches throughout the state and helps current Hurricane coach, Lee Cummings. Mike lives just outside Hurricane close to his daughter, Marian and son, Reuben. His five grandchildren are a big part of his life.