by Erika Thornsberry | Feb 18, 2014 | News Slider, Sports
Four years ago, junior Gemikal Prude would never have believed that he would be a nationally-ranked high jumper. Now, Prude is on track to compete at the highest level of competition in the event. As the second person in his family to attend and stay in college, Prude’s first goal is to receive his diploma. This is his most important goal, but not his only goal for the future. “My goal is to be the best high jumper in the nation,” Prude said. Most athletes grow up playing their college sport, but Prude’s story is very different. He would never have considered track if it weren’t for his high school basketball coach. “My original thought was, ‘I’m going play basketball in college.’ However, my high school basketball coach decided to start conditioning earlier in the spring of my junior year to prepare us for senior year,” Prude said. “To get out of the conditioning, the players and coach decided that we would do track.” Prude’s track and field career began just four short years ago during his junior year of high school. “At first, I ran the 100 and the 4×1. My best friend was a high-jumper. It was technique day, and everyone was telling me to try it,” Prude said. “My coach told me he’d give me a steak dinner if I did it, so of course I did.” Prude said that, two days later, his coach put him in the high jump, and the rest is history. As of Feb. 18, Prude is in a five-way tie for eighth in the nation in the high jump. To achieve...
by Erika Thornsberry | Feb 2, 2014 | News Slider, Sports
The Lipscomb track and field team is making their presence known after having just three indoor meets so far, they haven’t wasted any time breaking records this spring. Saturday, the Bisons competed in the TSU invite. The meet was not scored overall, but there were several individual victories. For the close-knit Bison team, individual records are celebrated throughout the team as if the whole team accomplished the goal. “Our team has so much love for each other,” Junior thrower April Terry said. “We support one another, and I think that’s a big reason for our success.” The meet started off on a good note for the Bisons. Senior Dani Walker began by taking first in the women’s mile and later on would take second in the women’s 800 meter. Annika Backlund, only a freshman, broke the indoor record in the women’s vault as she cleared 3.41 meters, and then with her next attempt cleared 3.56 meters winning the event. April Terry is yet again breaking records. She broke the indoor weight throw record with a throw at 16.92 meters. “I think our team is going to do wonderful this year,” Terry said. “We have a very talented freshmen class with a lot of talented returners to go with it.” Junior pole vaulter Kevin Floyd won the men’s pole vault with 4.32 meters, and freshman high jumper Sarah Wagner broke the record for women’s high jump with a jump of 1.63 meters. Sophomore Meredith Kilburn and Junior Minna Fields came in second and third in the women’s 500 meter. Junior Colin Dempster and Senior Tucker Peabody took second and third...
by Erika Thornsberry | Jan 21, 2014 | News Slider
It’s no secret when you go to the Student Activities Center that more people on campus are trying to live a healthier lifestyle. Attendance numbers are higher and fitness classes are full. Since the 2011 SAC renovations, there have been more and more students taking advantage of the workout spaces. According to SAC staff, from Jan. 2010 to Jan. 2011, there were only 1,394 total check-ins. From Jan. 2013 to Jan. 2014 (as of Jan. 14) check-in is up to 66,486 people. With the New Year being a popular time to get back in shape, the first week of school alone, saw 2,954 people at check-in. “More people are fascinated and enjoying the facilities and we’re happy to see that,” Matthew Abplanalp, director of campus recreation said. “Every January, we always see an increase of people because of New Year’s resolutions, but also there are other reasons that people are coming back such as those returning from studying abroad. It’s a time when people are looking to set new goals and start a healthier lifestyle,” Abplanalp said. The SAC has different ways for people to get involved including a Biggest Loser program, group fitness classes and even a record-setting number of intramural teams. Group fitness classes such as spin and yoga are on a first-come, first-serve basis. They start handing out the passes 20 minutes in advance. “The group fitness classes are just shy of 5,000 participants. It’s a great way to meet new people and get a great workout,” Abplanalp said. With the large increase, there will be times when more people are using the facility. Peak times...
by Erika Thornsberry | Jan 17, 2014 | Uncategorized
The opportunity to take mission trips as a Lipscomb student fits right into freshman Samantha Gwinn’s plans to travel the world and help others. Gwinn is studying elementary education, but her dream is to be a missionary. Already, Gwinn has quite a bit of experience in mission work. A few places she already has visited are Mexico, Honduras, South Africa and Swaziland, as well as many places in the United States. “The summer before my senior year of high school, I knew I was being called to do something more than just a week of mission work,” Gwinn said. “I’ve wanted to be a missionary since seventh grade, and I just wanted more of it. So, I spent a summer in Swaziland two summers ago with a group of people I had only known for four days.” Gwinn mentioned the joy that she has encountered through the people she has spent time with during her journeys. “I enjoy seeing people from other cultures worshiping God. Sometimes we think that we are the only ones who love God, and that we are such good people for going out and spreading Christ’s love. Well, the love is already there,” Gwinn said. “Often times, it is more there than it is here. The kids seem joyful so much of the time, no matter if they’re wearing ratty, dirty clothes and only eat one meal a day. They have the joy of the Lord inside of them.” Gwinn says that she hopes her mission trip travels continue. “Madagascar is high on my list,” Gwinn said. “I’ve learned about it during a project, and God...
by Erika Thornsberry | Dec 9, 2013 | Uncategorized
1, 2, 3. That’s the countdown all babies hear as their parents stand them up and let go of them for the first time to start walking. For Jessie Jerkins, the countdown was not for the same reason as most small toddlers. Jerkins first heard this as her parents let her ride her first horse. Jerkins is a junior studying geriatric social work and minoring in psychology. When she’s not busy doing school work, you can find her at home taking care of her 24 horses. For as long as she can remember, horses have always been a part of her life. “I have been taking care of horses and riding horses since I was born,” Jerkins said. “My grandfather Gigi owned draft horses, and it just started from there with my family and horses. My mom and dad said my sister and I were riding before we were walking. So I have been riding horses for 21 years.” With school work and commuting, life can get pretty stressful for just about anyone. For Jerkins, stress is something she knows how to deal with. With help from her horses, she is always ready to face the next thing life throws her way. “My favorite part about having horses is how calming they are,” Jerkins said. “I go out any time I am stressed out, and they will just let me ride them or sit next to them. It’s more calming than most people think. “There is nothing better than having a horse give you a big old kiss when you are stressed out.” Jerkins also noted a horse’s ability to...
