From 2011-present, the Wayland Baptist Men's Golf team has continued to ascend to new heights, and the kick-start to this dominant run was established by multiple athletes – one of those being Anders Ellingsberg.
The Drobak, Norway, native took a couple of seasons to make his impact known due to Wayland Baptist having one of the most dominant runs in program history the two years prior to him joining the team. However, when it was Ellingsberg's opportunity to showcase his talents, he seized the opportunity and never looked back.
"Being a Wayland Baptist Pioneer was an incredible experience. The support from the university, the friendships with my teammates, and the guidance from coach Harp were all crucial in shaping who I am today." said Ellingsberg. "Wayland Baptist University always encouraged us to strive for excellence, and I'm proud to have been part of such a fantastic community."
Ellingsberg took great pride in not only his development on the course as a player, but also his outstanding efforts in the classroom. In 2012, Ellingsberg was award NAIA Third Team Academic All-American, and he was named a 2012 NAIA Scholar Athlete, displaying the true meaning of student-athlete.
As a junior, Ellingsberg continued his outstanding work in the classroom and earned a 2013 NAIA Second Team Academic All-American award as well as 2013 NAIA Scholar Athlete recognition. Ellingsberg not only dominated the classroom, but he also began to put his name on the map while on the golf course.
Ellingsberg secured his first individual tournament win at the 2013 Bruce Williams Memorial Invitational in San Antonio after shooting a 212 and 4 under par for the event. This event was the second consecutive team victory for the Pioneers after the team won the 2013 UC Ferguson Classic in Oklahoma City two weeks before. Ellingsberg and Wayland Baptist took home first place by two strokes over Western New Mexico University. Ellingsberg was lights out during the event, shooting a first round 67 and second round 72 on the Par 72 course.
The 2014 season was special for Ellingsberg as he was named a 2014 NAIA First Team All-American, PING Second Team All-American, NAIA Scholar Athlete, and his team was named GCAA Academic All-American Team. The Pioneers won six events over the 2013-2014 season, including winning the 2014 Sooner Athletic Conference Championship, by an eye-opening 13 strokes, earning the first conference championship in program history. They also achieved a feat only three NAIA teams in history have ever done – maintain the nation's #1 ranking throughout the entirety of the 2014 season.
"As an All-American, I believe our success came from our dedication, teamwork, and constant drive to improve. Being surrounded by talented teammates and a great coach made all the difference, and together, we achieved some great milestones and created memories that I'll cherish forever." said Ellingsberg when talking about what made that 2014 Pioneer Men's Golf team special.
During that SAC Championship competition, Ellingsberg was named to the All-Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament Team after shooting 73-70-69-212, securing their automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament. Ellingsberg and the Pioneers went on to win six tournaments during the 2013-2014 season.
Ellingsberg's coach at Wayland Baptist was current head coach
Tom Harp, and Coach Harp had high praise of Ellingsberg – specifically referencing that spectacular 2014 run the Pioneers went on. "Anders was one of the leaders in 2014 that led this team to a #1 ranking in the country for the entire year. Only four schools have done that in the history of NAIA. He was a special talent and a tremendous leader," said Coach Harp."
Ellingsberg graduated from Wayland Baptist in 2014 and continued his golf career on the professional tour – competing in multiple PGA Championship events.
"I am truly honored to be inducted into the Wayland Baptist University Athletics Hall of Honor. This recognition means a lot to me, and I deeply appreciate it." Ellingsberg expressed.
Anders Ellingsberg will be inducted into the Wayland Baptist University Athletics Hall of Honor at 9:00 A.M. Saturday, September 28
th at the McClung University Center on the campus of Wayland Baptist University.
