NEWARK, DE -- Former University of Delaware women's rowing assistant coach Thomas M. Ellis (right) died on Tuesday, February 7, 2006, after a long battle against cancer. He was 44 and had fought the disease for the past 14 months.

An experienced athlete and coach, Ellis was involved with the University of Delaware's rowing program as a coach from 1993-2003. He coached both the lightweight men and the women when the team was a club sport.

He served as an assistant with the varsity team from 1998-2003 under former Blue Hen head coach Amanda Kukla. During his tenure, the Blue Hens enjoyed outstanding success, capturing the Kerr Cup/Colonial Athletic Association team title in both 2002 and 2003, and placing among the top four teams at the Dad Vail Regatta five times, including capturing the team title in 2001.

Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Ellis attended St. Joseph's Prep School and Temple University, and was the coxswain for both school's rowing teams. He earned his undergraduate degree from Temple in 1984 and was a member of the US National Team that same year. He was also a member of the US Pre-elite team that won the English Henley.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Rd., Greenville, DE, on Saturday morning, February 11, 2006, at 11 am. There will be no viewing, and burial will be held privately.