Eliopulos attended Cheyenne Central High School, where he lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track.
As a junior, he started at linebacker after having played different positions (including tight end) in previous years, finishing with 83 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 4 sacks.
In 1981, he posted 84 tackles (led the team), 2 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries and a then school record 10 sacks.
[1] His best game was against Colorado State University when he made 10 tackles, 6 sacks for 54 yards in losses and one interception, earning him WAC player of the week honors.
Eliopulos was selected in the third round (81st overall) of the 1982 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys, who liked his potential as an athlete.