ABILENE, Texas – McMurry Athletics identified its new head golf coach on Friday, as Vice President for Student Affairs and Intercollegiate Athletics Sam Ferguson announced McMurry alumnus Rode McElreath '07 as the program's new leader.
McElreath was a collegiate golfer at McMurry from 2003-07, garnering All-American honors in 2007. In 2019, McElreath native was enshrined into the McMurry Hall of Honor.
The Merkel, Texas native has remained in the area since his graduation, but said he feels an extra sense of "home" returning to campus.
"I am so grateful to be back at McMurry," said McElreath. "God has surrounded me with so many phenomenal people who have helped me get to this point in life. I couldn't be more excited about this opportunity to lead a group of young golfers through their athletic and academic endeavors. I want to thank Dr. Sam Ferguson, the hiring committee and everyone involved in the process for giving me this opportunity to return home. Go War Hawks!"
McElreath is no stranger to success at the NCAA Division III level, as he was the first golfer in program history to receive one of the few at-large bids to the national championship. The only other men's golfers to accomplish this feat at McMurry are Brendon Lowrance in 2019 and Lane Roye in 2021. McElreath also aided McMurry to an American Southwest Conference championship as a freshman.
After graduating from McMurry in 2007 with a degree in psychology, he went on to work for Basic Energy Services for 10 years as an explosives engineer, field supervisor and area manager. The golf side of him never left though, as he competed in the NGA Tour winter series in Florida in 2009.
Most recently, McElreath has served as the Boys Athletic Coordinator at Clack Middle School for five years. In his role, he handles coaching duties for football, basketball, track and powerlifting while also serving as a personal golf coach for multiple athletes.
"We couldn't be more thrilled about Coach McElreath leading our golf program," said Ferguson. "His commitment to excellence is proven through his competitive and professional accomplishments. What's even more exciting are the values he's bringing to our team. Coach McElreath made it clear during the interview process that he shares in our mission of Developing Champions for Life. He's going to make our golf team better both on and off of the course. We are blessed to call him a colleague and his team is blessed to call him coach!"
McElrath and his wife, Kayce, married in August 2008 and the couple has three children – Tayvie Jo, Jett and Jaxon. They currently reside in his hometown of Merkel.
The War Hawks will begin the spring season on Sunday, Feb. 20 at TPC San Antonio. The tournament will run through Tuesday, Feb. 22. McElreath will begin his stint at McMurry the following week.
