Brian Eliason tabbed as new Mitchell girls golf coach
Mar. 14—MITCHELL — Mitchell High School has appointed Brian Eliason as the Kernels' new girls golf head coach ahead of a new season.
Eliason is succeeding Jeff Meyerink, who took the head golf coach job at Dakota Wesleyan University in fall 2023 but stayed on to coach the Kernel girls for one additional season in spring 2024.
"Jeff did an outstanding job of developing the girls' golf program into one of the most respected in South Dakota," Eliason said in a news release. "The team has placed second, first, and second at state in the past three seasons, so we have big shoes to fill. However, I believe our players are ready to put in the work necessary to continue their success."
The team returns four letterwinners this season: junior Maddie Childs, senior Ava Eliason, sophomore Mia Larson and sophomore Anna Eliason. Ronae Klein will continue her role as the team's assistant coach.
"While we're a relatively young team, our players have the experience and skill to compete for another state championship," Eliason said. "Our focus will be on preparation, course management, and execution."
A first-time coach, Eliason is no stranger to competitive golf. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2002, Eliason earned letterwinner honors, was a 3-time academic all-Big Ten selection, and was the most improved player as a member of the University of Wisconsin's men's golf team from 1996 to 1999.
At Northland Pines High School, Eliason was a two-time all-state golfer and claimed victory in over 20 events during his career, including winning the 1996 Golf Foundation of Wisconsin Junior Championship and qualifying for the 1995 United States Junior Amateur Championship. Eliason was recently inducted into the Northland Pines High School athletic hall of fame in Eagle River, Wisconsin.
Outside of coaching, Eliason is a real estate broker at Janklow Eliason Real Estate. He resides in Mitchell with his wife, Mary (McCardle) Eliason, and their daughters, Ava and Anna.
The Mitchell girls golf season is scheduled to begin April 17 with a meet at Harrisburg.
Girls golfers in 7th through 12th grade are encouraged to attend the pre-season information meeting that will be held in the high school cafeteria at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18. For further information, please contact Mitchell School District Activities Director Cory Aadland.
