Biography

I attended Francis Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley, CA, where I decided to try out for football. I had never played organized football before, so everything was new to me. My first year on Junior Varsity was all about learning the basics, thanks to great coaches and supportive teammates. It went better than I ever expected, and I fell in love with the game. By my second year, I earned a spot on the Varsity team as a defensive lineman. The instructions were simple: hit hard and chase the guy with the ball. But the real lessons were deeper—work hard, give 100%, and never stop until the whistle blows.
That same year, a running back named Craig Ellis transferred to Poly. Craig wasn’t just fast—he had an incredible football mind. He could read defenses, anticipate players, and make it all look effortless. He fit in immediately, and the two of us became very close friends.
By senior year, Craig was unstoppable. He piled up yards and touchdowns and even set the LA City rushing record in a game where he only played three quarters. He was a premier athlete. We were both Captains of the Varsity team, and I admired how he credited his early experiences in the inner city, the lessons he learned growing up, and the people who guided him along the way.
After graduation, life took us in different directions. We both played college football—Craig elsewhere, and I at LA Pierce College and Cal State Northridge. Eventually, I married, raised three children, and built a 37-year career with the Los Angeles City Fire Department. The lessons I learned on the football field stayed with me: work hard, train hard, value teamwork, lead when needed, follow when needed, and make decisions with confidence.
Years later, Craig and I reconnected. He shared a vision for a nonprofit dedicated to supporting student athletes from underprivileged neighborhoods and schools in the Los Angeles area—giving them the tools and opportunities many of us never had. Craig succeeded on raw talent; imagine what he could have achieved with the support of a group like ours, Alumni in Action.
Today, I’m proud to stand beside my lifelong friend, Craig Ellis, and serve as President of Alumni in Action. Craig brings experience from serving on a nonprofit board, as well as the connections he built during his time in the NFL and CFL. His network of teams and star players supports our mission through donations, merchandise, and participation in our Charity Golf Tournament.
Craig has always wanted to give back to his community. Through Alumni in Action, we finally have the chance to do exactly that. I’m excited for what lies ahead and honored to continue this journey together.

   Alumni In Action
   President, Joe Kovacic
   Email: j.kovacic@alumniinaction.com
   Website: alumniinaction.com