Investigation leads to changes for Clear Lake volleyball team

(Above) Heather Johnson took over as head volleyball coach following former coach Richie Ellis being placed under investigation for a reported locker room incident.  -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy

By Marianne Gasaway

Clear Lake Head Volleyball Coach Richie Ellis has been placed on paid administrative leave from coaching duties while school leaders complete their investigation into a reported locker room incident.

According to Superintendent Doug Gee, an email from the parent of a volleyball player was sent to Activities Director Dale Ludwig following the Lions home match Thursday, Oct. 10.  A member of the team also spoke directly to Ludwig on Friday.

Reportedly, Ellis entered the CLHS locker room between the junior varsity and varsity matches despite being  advised that some players were still in the process of changing.

“Mr. Ludwig sent an email to parents explaining that we were investigating, and in the meantime Coach Ellis would not be coaching,” said Gee.  “Coach Ellis did meet with the players, with Mr. Ludwig present, on Tuesday night after practice to apologize to them.  Coach Ellis did make a mistake, which he is truly sorry for.”

Gee added his appreciation for the parents who trust the administration to work through the process in a professional manner.

“We encourage students and parents to contact the school if there is a problem and we will investigate,” said Gee.  “There is much speculation and rumor and we are in the process of working to get to the bottom of it.  We are not going to rush into any decision.”

Police are not involved in the investigation and Gee said he does not consider the incident to have involved criminal behavior.  The loss of any teaching or coaching licensure is “not foreseeable,” he said.

Ellis is in this third year as the head volleyball coach.  He is a third grade teacher at Clear Creek Elementary.

Assistant coach Heather Johnson is taking over as head coach for the remainder of the season and other assistants are filling in where needed.