by Cory Woodroof | May 19, 2013 | News Slider, Sports
Lipscomb formally introduced Casey Alexander to the community as the new coach of the men’s basketball team Sunday afternoon at the Ezell Center. The university officially confirmed Alexander’s hire Saturday evening. Alexander was a former Belmont Bruin player and coach who has spent the past two seasons coaching at Stetson. Lipscomb Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson kicked off the event, talking about the process of hiring a coach. Hutcheson said that when looking for a coach, “what we care about here is excellence, and what we care about are people who are connected and committed to what the mission of Lipscomb is about.” The selection committee, consisting of Hutcheson, Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Student Life Scott McDowell and women’s basketball coach Greg Brown, interviewed a number of candidates who were interested in the vacant position. Former coach Scott Sanderson resigned in April. Hutcheson praised the quality of the candidate that applied for the job, but said that the committee decided that Alexander was the best for the program. “There was one guy whose name rose to the top, and he contacted me very early on about the job and said he was interested,” Hutcheson said. Hutcheson said he had conversations with people close to both Lipscomb and Alexander who reassured him of what a good coach and person Alexander was. In an early conversation with Alexander, Hutcheson said he was impressed with the candidate’s vision for the school after being asked why he was interested in the coaching position. “[Alexander] said ‘I want to be at a place that still values the Christian mission that Lipscomb...
by Cory Woodroof | May 18, 2013 | News Slider, Sports
The university officially confirmed reports Saturday evening that former Stetson head coach and Belmont assistant Casey Alexander had been named the new coach of the Lipscomb men’s basketball team. The news first broke Friday night after a story was filed by Mike Organ of the Tennessean. Alexander comes to Lipscomb after serving two seasons as the head coach of the Stetson Hatters, a fellow Atlantic Sun team. During his time with the Hatters, Alexander posted up a 24-36 overall record. A member of the 1992-95 Belmont Bruins squad, Alexander worked as an assistant coach for Belmont for 16 seasons before making the move to DeLand, Florida in 2011. Alexander replaces former head coach Scott Sanderson, who resigned from the university in April after 14 seasons. Lipscomb Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson shared his excitement in the hiring through a press release issued by the university. “Casey has been part of successful programs wherever he has been,” Hutcheson said. “But, what I’m most impressed with is his understanding of the spirit, character and mission of Lipscomb University. He shares our values and is a proven player and coach. Casey has observed the Lipscomb program for a long time, and he understands in his bones who we are.” In the statement, the newly hired Alexander said that he’s looking forward to beginning his time as coach for the Bisons. “I’m very grateful to Lipscomb for giving me the opportunity to lead this great program,” Alexander said. “I appreciate their belief in me. Lipscomb University is a perfect fit for my family and me. We couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity. The philosophy...
by Cory Woodroof | May 16, 2013 | News Slider, Sports
It’s been a light week around campus, but with the flurry of graduations being held in Allen Arena, incoming parkers might want to take note of when the lots will be especially full. Also, pay special attention to the information on GOLD Family Day that’s taking place on Saturday at noon. CAMPUS DATES/TIMES FOR TODAY THROUGH SUNDAY (courtesy of Mary Bouldin) Thursday, 5:00 p.m. – Ezell 107 Information Session for M.Ed. and Ed.S. degrees Thursday, 6:00 p.m. – Ezell 207 College of Transformaging: Metlife Retirement Class Friday, 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. – Burton New Pharmacy Student Orientation Friday, 6:45 p.m. – Allen Arena Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies Friday-Sunday – Ezell 301 Marriage Workshop Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – Ezell Teach for America Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – Allen Arena Lipscomb Academy Graduation Saturday GOLD Family Day @ Bison Baseball. 12 Noon – Tailgate Cookout – Allen Arena South Patio; 1:00 p.m. – Bisons vs. Kennesaw State – Dugan Field. RSVP http://www.lipscomb.edu/alumni/Event/Detail/3888 for tickets Saturday, 1:00 p.m. – Allen Arena Hillsboro HS Graduation Saturday, 4:00 p.m. – Allen Arena Antioch HS Graduation Saturday, 7:00 p.m. – Allen Arena Hillwood HS Graduation Saturday – outdoor locations Special Olympics Summer Games Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – Allen Arena Glencliff HS Graduation Sunday, 4:00 p.m. – Allen Arena Cane Ridge HS...
by Kelsey Reiman | May 7, 2013 | News Slider, Sports
For the first time in Lipscomb’s history as an NCAA Division 1 school, the softball team will host the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament at Draper Diamond, beginning Wednesday, May 8. Of the team’s 19 players, only senior outfielder Bree Thurman has won a conference title. She’s hoping to finish off her career with one more. The young women have been running, lifting and scrimmaging for months to get prepared for a successful season and a drive for the tourney title. The team finished the regular season with a 32-22 overall record, also posting up a 18-8 record in conference play. “Conference tournament is what we have all been working for since the fall,” junior third baseman Rena’ Cothron said. “It’s going to be exciting, stressful and loud, with all of our friends and family at the games,” Cothron said. “I can’t wait to play for a championship title in front of all the people I love.” And there really is something to the old phrase: “home-field advantage.” “It will be nice to finally be the players who know our field the best; that will definitely be to our advantage,” junior catcher Haley Elliott said. “It will be nice too that we don’t have to worry about any kind of travel and we will be in our comfort zone,” Elliot said. Junior shortstop Bridgette Begle smiled, then added: “The conference title will be that much sweeter when we are champions on our own field.” Photo courtesy of Lipscomb...
by Cory Woodroof | Apr 28, 2013 | News Slider, Sports
The largest crowd in the history of Lipscomb University gathered over two days in Allen Arena at three separate shows to see Miss Kay, Phil and Si Robertson from A&E’s Duck Dynasty for the 2013 Don Meyer Evening of Excellence. Over 14,000 people attended the Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening shows. The trio from the hit reality series came as this year’s headliners for the fifth annual Don Meyer Evening of Excellence. Past headliners include NFL star Tim Tebow, Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski and Butler basketball coach Brad Stevens. During the Saturday night show, the masses packed into Allen Arena to be greeted by Lipscomb trivia scrolling on the gigantic screens above the Duck Dynasty-themed stage, which had four large recliners at the center. After a welcome from university President Randy Lowery and Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson, a brief video about Coach Don Meyer was shown. Coach Meyer came to the stage shortly after to introduce the group from Duck Dynasty, whom Meyer called ‘friends’ to everyone in the audience. Following another short video that introduced the evening’s guests, Miss Kay, Phil and Si came out to a chorus of applause and duck calls from the audience. Hutcheson joined the three on stage for a Q-&-A, where topics ranged from why people watch the show (which Phil attributes to people getting enjoyment out of watching a ‘functional family’ for a change) to Phil and Si’s infamous beards. Hutcheson also discussed the story behind Phil and Miss Kay’s marriage, Si’s days in the army and Miss Kay’s noted cooking skills. Since it was Si’s birthday, the crowd...
by Cory Woodroof | Apr 28, 2013 | News Slider, Sports
Lumination Network and the Department of Communication and Journalism recently held the first ever Lumi Awards, an event that honored some of Lumination’s finest contributors. The ceremony was held at the Ezell Center on Thursday evening and was hosted by Anne Paquin, the news director for Lumination News. The awards were both voted on by Lumination’s readers, as well as student leaders and faculty members. For Lumination’s newly launched radio station LU Radio, Ariel Jones won the award for Best Music Show, Emily Poe won the award for Best Talk Show and Jeremy Keck won Best On-Air Personality. Thomas Jones of Sports 60 with Tom & Aaron accepted the Best Sports Show Award and Brianne Welch won the award for Best Overall Show. Nicci Carney, the station’s program director, awarded Thomas Jones with the student award for his work on the station, and Aerial Ellis, the station’s faculty sponsor, awarded Carney with the faculty’s choice award. For the Lumination Newscast, Caitlin Selle won Best Female Anchor and Jeremy Keck won Best Male Anchor. Brynn Watkins won Best Feature Reporter, Jessica Burke won Best Show Segment, Nicci Carney won Best Weather Anchor and Ariel Jones won both Best Sports Anchor and Best Entertainment Anchor. Kage Sanderson and Joe Sanderson were awarded the newscast’s MVP awards, and Brianna Langley and Janice Ng were awarded the Rookie of the Year honors. Savanna Schubert won Best All-Around Anchor. Anne Paquin awarded Sydney Poe, the station’s assistant news director, with the student award, while Alan Griggs, the newscast’s faculty supervisor, awarded Jael Teme with the faculty’s choice award. Whitney Jarreld was awarded the Best Photographer...
