COLUMBIA, Ky. -  Mark Elam has retired as Lindsey Wilson archery coach, Lindsey Wilson athletics director Willis Pooler announced today.

Elam retires after six seasons at the helm of the program. In 2024-25, the Blue Raiders finished runner-up at the Mid-South Conference 3D Championships and third at both the MSC Indoor and Outdoor Championships. Nationally, Lindsey Wilson posted top-five finishes at all three national championships with a runner-up finish at 3D Nationals.

"I want to thank Mark for his dedicated service to Lindsey Wilson and our student-athletes," Pooler said. "We wish him well moving forward".

Elam coached 18 USA Archery All-Americans and nine individual national champions during his tenure, 11 team national champions (three-person), and five mixed team titles. During his tenure, the Blue Raiders had 24 MSC team champions (three-person), 17 mixed team champions, and 17 individual conference champions.

"Retiring as the archery coach at Lindsey Wilson was a very difficult decision," Elam said. "I am very proud of the things that we were able to accomplish as a team over the last six years, but it's definitely time to pass the torch to a younger coach with a bright future. Over the last six years we have managed to produce a lot of individual national champions, and a number of national champion teams."

The Blue Raiders recorded 13 top-five finishes at USA Archery national championships over Elam's six seasons, with three runner-up finishes at the 3D championships. In conference championships, Lindsey Wilson posted 11 runner-up finishes.

"I have the utmost confidence in the future direction of the program," Elam added. "I definitely would like to thank Willis Pooler and the administration for their support and their belief in me to lead these student-athletes."