SMSU Athletics Hall of Honor
Steve Elzenga (1983-88) was a four-year letter winner for both the Mustang football and men’s basketball teams and put together a record-setting season for the SMSU football team in 1987.
A native of Westbrook, Minn., Elzenga played in 10 games during his sophomore season in 1985, earning All-NIC honorable mention honors. He completed 136 of 227 passes for 1,889 yards and 18 touchdowns and helped the Mustangs to a 6-4 overall record, which was just the second winning season in program history.
An injury would hamper his junior season in 1986, as he missed three games, while completing 69 of 142 passes for 934 yards and eight touchdowns.
Elzenga saved the best for last during his senior season in 1987, setting numerous school and national records and leading the Mustangs to the playoffs for the first time in program history. He set NAIA single-season records for completions (313), passing yards (4,222) and touchdown passes (38), while earning All-NIC first team honors and NAIA honorable mention All-American accolades. SMSU set a-then school record with seven victories, including the program’s first-ever win over NIC traditional power Minnesota Duluth. SMSU qualified for the postseason for the first time in team history hosting Mesa State (Colo.) in the first round of the NAIA playoffs at Mattke Field.
Elzenga also appeared in 80 games for the Mustang men’s basketball team scoring 454 points with 158 field goals and 161 rebounds. His 82.6 free throw percentage currently ranks eight in team history.
