Athletic Hall of Fame
The Gustavus Adolphus College Hall of Fame was established in 1978 at which time 19 "Charter Members" were inducted either as coaches or as athletes. As of the fall of 2022, 348 individuals (321 athletes, 16 coaches and 11 benefactors) have been elected to the Hall of Fame.
The former Hall of Fame room on the second floor of the Lund Center was originally partially endowed by the families of both Dwight Holcombe's (the only father/son combination holding membership in the Hall). The hardwood plaque upon which the individual plates are permanently displayed, now in the Hall of Champions, was donated by the family of former football coach and Hall of Fame member Jocko Nelson, who passed away in 1978.
Jim Ellingson
Basketball
Inducted: 1997
One of a long line of outstanding Gustie basketball players from Roseville's Alexander Ramsey High School, Jim Ellingson was a four-year regular at forward and center for Coach Whitey Skoog in the mid-'70s. In his senior season, Ellingson earned all-conference and all-district honors as he averaged 17.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game and helped the Gusties win the NAIA District 13 title and a trip to the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City.
During Ellingson's career, the Gusties compiled a league record of 44-22 including a share of the MIAC title in 1975 and a second-place finish in 1976. He ranks fourth in career rebounds at Gustavus with 662 and 13th in career scoring with 1,224 points.
After graduating with a major in business, Ellingson took a job with Packaging Incorporated of Hopkins selling pneumatic tools. In 1980, he accepted a sales position with Metco Corporation which manufactures equipment and supplies to apply spray coating for heat protection and corrosion control. His territory includes Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Manitoba and part of Ontario. Jim lives in Stillwater with his wife, Patti, and their twin daughters, Roberta and Jacquelyn.