April 5, 2011

By Samantha Franz
Athletic Communications contributor

Due to a combination of great academic reputation, variety of offered programs and prime location, a quick survey of Oakland University students will find that many Golden Grizzlies made the jump right from high school commencement to OU's fall semester. But while that is a common story, several college students also test the waters elsewhere before returning home. This is the case of Chad Elliott (2004-07), a golfer who decided to begin his collegiate career in the sunny skies of Florida State University.

"I didn't have a scholarship, but I flew down with my clubs and showed up at the first tee for tryouts," he said. "And when you think about Florida State's prestigious athletic programs, I didn't think I had a shot in hell. But I figured you know what, let's try it."

Elliott's risk paid off and soon, he was a member of the Seminoles golf team. But a shift in priorities awakened him to the fact that maybe a college experience in Florida wasn't the best fit for him.

"Between being an athlete and joining a fraternity, the last thing on my mind was my studies," he said. "After a few years at Florida State I saw that my classes were falling to the backburner and I decided that I need to get my priorities in order."

That's when Elliott contacted Dave DeWulf, the former men's golf coach at OU who led the Golden Grizzlies for 18 seasons.

"I told him I was looking to come back to Michigan and was wondering if there could possibly be an opportunity for me to play for Oakland," he said. "Obviously with the limited scholarship distribution, he already had a recruiting class coming in and said that the best he could do was offer me a spot on the team.

"It was a tough decision to come home because I loved Florida, maybe a little too much. But at the end of the day, you have to remember that the reason you go to college is to get an education."

So in 2004, Elliott stepped onto the familiar greens of the Katke-Cousins golf course and hit the ground running, playing in every tournament in his first year as a Golden Grizzly and went on to earn all-conference honors in his final season with a top-10 finish at the Mid-Con Championship.

"I am very glad I came home because the time I had at Oakland was truly special," said Elliott. "I received a great education and Oakland helped me realize that the student and athlete portions need to coexist. This might sound kind of funny, but I'm glad I didn't start at Oakland out of high school, but I am very happy and thankful that I finished there."

After graduating with a degree in communication in 2007, Elliott entered the family business, Elliott Tape International, and currently works in sales.

"My father started the business from literally the ground up in 1974 and I am looking forward to being able to carry on that tradition," he said.

As for golf, Elliott took a year hiatus from the sport after graduation to focus on work but his love of the game could not keep him away for too long. He began to play in some local amateur tournaments and stays involved in the Oakland golf program by helping out current head coach Brian Costello and organizing the Oakland Ryder Cup Tournament.

"The tournament is like a bunch of Oakland all-stars," he said. "The field is made up of the current players Coach Costello has on his team and a team that I made up of Oakland golf alumni. It's a great way to stay in touch with your alma mater and it's something we are looking to turn into a fall tradition."

Being an alumnus has given Elliott a deep appreciation for Oakland and in addition to his contributions to the golf program, Elliott is now following in his parents footsteps in giving back to the school. His parents' names are enshrined on the Elliott School of Business and the family continues to be a constant presence in the continuing development of Oakland University, whether they are sitting courtside for basketball games or contributing to the university's growth.

"Years ago, my father met university president Dr. Gary D. Russi at some events and he explained to him his vision for the future of OU," said Elliott. "Being a Rochester resident, he was very supportive of the university in his own backyard and his passion for the school took off.

"I want to continue that spirit of giving, not only with my contributions to the golf program, but with the expansion of the university going forward. I think it's very important to never forget where you came from and to honor the people who helped you get to where you are today."

As for student-athletes today, Elliott encourages future Golden Grizzlies to appreciate their time in the Black and Gold while it lasts.

"Whether you realize it or not, your time in college really goes by fast," said Elliott. "In the few years I was at Oakland, it seemed to fly by, so make sure to enjoy the times with your teammates and the relationships that you build. The tournaments, the traveling and the practices really allow for some great bonding time with your teammates, so cherish those memories.

"I would also say not to take your sport too seriously. Of course athletics is a huge part of being a student-athlete, but you have to realize that it is a game, too, so it is important to remember to focus on your education as well."

-OAKLAND-