STORM LAKE, Iowa (Aug 18, 2026) – Buena Vista University (BVU) has announced the hiring of Michael Welsh as its new head archery coach. Welsh takes over for Conner Ellinghuysen, the program's founding coach, who departed BVU earlier this summer after six years on campus.

Welsh brings over 30 years of archery experience to campus. Since 2024, he has served as head coach for the Prairie Bowman Archery Club in Lincoln, Neb. and developed many elite-level programs for competitive archers. Prior to that, he spent more than a decade as head coach at the Center Shot Archer Academy where he also built competitive programs for beginners to elite-level archers.

"We are very excited to welcome Coach Welsh to Buena Vista University!" says Ben Pullen, BVU Director of the Institute for Agriculture. "He brings a tremendous passion for archery and a wealth of experience and connections within the archery community. We are excited to see the impact he will have on our student-athletes and the continued growth and future of BVU Archery."

In addition to his coaching experience, Welsh has spent time throughout his career as the state coordinator for USA Archery and as a USA Archery certified judge.

Outside of his passion for archery, Welsh has served as a freelance technical writer since 2020 for Various Companies in Lincoln, Neb., where he consults with several financial companies.

Welsh officially begin his duties on campus on Monday, Aug. 17.