Former McMurry University Vice President for Student Affairs and Intercollegiate Athletics Sam Ferguson did not have to look very far to find the new leader of the women's and men's golf programs in 2022, as former All-American Rode McElreath was introduced as the new head coach on February 18, 2022.
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.
Now working as the head coach, McElreath hit the ground running and assumed his duties mid-season. Erk Nithipol finished as an all-conference honorable mention, the team finished seventh at the ASC Championships and an impressive eight golfers was named to the academic all-conference list. McElreath also impacted McMurry during his first offseason, including the launch of McMurry Golf's new social media accounts and the rebuilding of the women's golf program, who will compete this upcoming season.
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.
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.
