Elfatih Eltom came to Barton (then-Atlantic Christian) after a family friend helped him find a college in the United States and an American friend of his recommended ACC where he began his athletic and academic tenure in 1976.
An international player from overseas, Eltom graduated from Al-Mutamar High School in Omdurman, Sudan. A hard-working student and an outstanding player on the school’s soccer team, Eltom led the squad to several regional tournament championships.
Eltom brought that talent and drive to Atlantic Christian; and the Khartoum, Sudan, native became one of the best players in program history.
Eltom led Atlantic Christian to its first-ever Carolinas Conference Championship in 1978 (12-4) and NAIA District 26 Title (14-5-1) in 1979 under then-Head Coach David Adkins.
Eltom saved his best for last – his senior season in 1979 – when he was named the Carolinas Conference and NAIA District 26 Player of the Year after a 17-goal, four-assist campaign. Eltom finished with 44 goals in his collegiate career.
Eltom, a 1980 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, looks fondly on his collegiate days at Atlantic Christian College.
“There were countless, wonderful memories of my days in college and with the team,” remarked Eltom. “I’ve never forget the late Barton Director of Athletics and Head Men’s Soccer Coach David Adkins who helped me a lot during my college life.”
“He used to take me with him to his swimming pool in Raleigh, N.C., during the summer and we always had a great time. I also enjoyed the celebrations and parties that we had after a victory with the team and the late assistant Mike Smith. In addition to that, the trips to play against other universities were always enjoyable,” added Eltom.
After college, Eltom traveled to Dubai, UAE, to work for the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority as a chemist, a position he has held since 1981.
“I would like to give thanks to my science department professors, my foreign student advisor Dr. Walter W. Anderson, my teammates and friends David Smallwood, Gary Hall, Rhine Sharp, Larry Cleveland and my roommate Kawa Aljaff,” said Eltom.
“I feel honored and proud of this successful achievement,” concluded Eltom. “It makes me recall all the great memories that I lived in college and with my teammates.”
Eltom and his wife, Marwa Mahdi, are the proud parents of three sons (Elmuddahthir, Elmuzamil and Ayman) and one daughter (Alaa).
