Prior to UALR: Played two seasons at Parkland College, helping the Cobras to a runner-up finish at the 2005 NJCAA College World Series ... Was the winning pitcher in Parkland’s semifinal victory at the 2005 NJCAA College World Series, allowing three hits and one run over 7.0 innings pitched ... Posted a 2.73 earned run average as a freshman and a 2.34 ERA as a sophomore ... Went 6-1 as a freshman in 2005 ... Played for head coach Mike Rosenthal.

High School: A two-time Big 12 All-Conference selection at Normal Community High School ... Batted .545 as a sophomore, .474 as a junior and .400 as a senior ... Helped the Ironmen advance to the Elite 8 as a senior in 2004 ... Played under head coach Andy Turner.

Personal: Born Feb. 2, 1985 in Bloomington, Ill. ... Son of Mike and Sharon McElyea ... Has one sister, Christa ... Pursuing a degree in public relations/journalism with a minor in health science.