All eyes were on Casey Alexander and the Lipscomb University men’s basketball team at today’s Gathering.
The standard Gathering didn’t take place today, as today’s meeting served more as a pep rally than an occasional Tuesday chapel.
The 2018 ASUN men’s basketball champion’s celebration began with an address from Lipscomb’s athletic director Philip Hutcheson. He brought to perspective the success of both men and women’s basketball this year and Lipscomb’s young history as a Division 1 athletic program.
“We are really just a teenager in terms of a program in NCAA competition,” Hutcheson said. “Yet in that time, well, just look up around the banners surrounding you.”
He went on to explain the success of Lipscomb sports since its 2003 NCAA Tournament eligibility. Afterwards, Hutcheson invited men’s head basketball coach Casey Alexander to the stage.
Coach Alexander proudly walked on stage with the 2018 ASUN basketball trophy in-hand.
“This hardware and this net,” said Alexander, “is just a visual understanding to provide you with exactly where we are.”
The coach heavily stressed that the championship represents more than just the basketball team; it represents Lipscomb as a whole. He then welcomed President Lowry on stage to share another perspective on this athletic landmark in Lipscomb’s history.
Lowry recollected coach Alexander’s hiring, and performed a mini-interview with the basketball team’s leader.
“You took the program and have done a great job with it.” Lowry stated.
Student representatives of Lipscomb then came on stage and accepted the ASUN trophy. A video highlighting this past Sunday’s game played as the team came on stage.
“I brought them up here so they could be recognized,” Alexander said, “but that’s not the main reason. The main reason is because I wanted them to have a more clear and visible picture of why they’re up here. It’s because of the people they’re looking at right now and the thousands more that care about Lipscomb.”
To conclude the time, Lipscomb sophomore Luke Shoulders was invited on stage by Coach Alexander. Luke, who traveled to Ft. Myers for the championship and returned to Nashville with no voice, thanked the players and coaches for their hard work.
“I really want to thank you guys for being out here doing your job and creating an exciting environment for us as a student body,” said Luke. “Y’all represent us very well.”
Today’s Gathering served to continue celebration of the excitement surrounding Lipscomb’s campus and remind faculty and students of how special this place is.
Tune in tomorrow night on ESPN3 at 6 to cheer on the four-seed lady Bisons play one-seed FGCU in the women’s basketball ASUN semifinal game.
Photo by Anna Micksch