Bo Ellis: Triumph and Tragedy
In 1977, Marquette basketball coach, Al McGuire, lead the Golden Eagles to an amazing win in the Final Four, claiming the title of national champions. Bo Ellis was at his peak during the championship game and is now considered on of Marquette’s most beloved former basketball star. His spunk and school spirit showed through in every way. His energy and flair were never in question, as he showed up to almost every event in a uniquely styled outfit. Bo went on to design the uniforms for the Marquette Golden Eagles and gave the team the reputation for their inventive uniforms. Most famously, Bo pushed for the “untucked” jersey.
March Madness hit Marquette again almost 26 years later in 2003. Tom Crean managed to get the team back in the Final Four but the Golden Eagles didn’t seem to have what it takes to win the title of national champions yet again. They fought hard but lost in the blowout semifinals defeat to the Texas Longhorns.
Around this time, Nicole Ellis, Bo’s 24-year-old daughter, had recently graduated from Marquette University, proudly in the steps of her father. During the championship game, one can only imagine the pride the father-daughter duo felt. Even more exciting, just a few months after Marquette’s loss in the Final Four, Crean turned to Bo to bring his Marquette spirit back to the game, when he asked Bo to become Marquette’s assistant men’s basketball coach.
Tragically, this same day that the offer was put on the table to bring Marquette’s beloved Bo Ellis back to the court, his daughter, Nicole, unexpectedly passed away from liver failure. The day to celebrate quickly became a day of heartbreak. The spirit of Marquette mourned for Bo’s loss and soon, a foundation was created in her name. Bo Ellis will always be remembered for his fashion and design sense, his amazing abilities on the court and the tragic loss of his loving daughter and Marquette Alum. Bo went on to take the position as the assistant coach but explained that after losing his child, basketball would never be the same.