Jack Ingold was just a normal freshman, focused fully on his studies, at Lipscomb University last year. But he knew that eventually, he wanted to earn a spot on the basketball team.
He had the credentials, but the time wasn’t right.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall, the Charleston, West Virginia-born guard has known since the fifth grade that Lipscomb is where he wanted to play basketball, and he was a dominant high school player.
But he took last year off the hardwood, focusing on school while staying in basketball shape. All the while, he hoped for an opportunity to join the men’s team this year.
“I got here as a freshman, and I emailed coach (Lennie) Acuff and told him a little bit about myself and what I wanted out of this,” said Ingold.
“I told him if he’d crack the door for me I’d kick it in, and he gave me the opportunity, so I’m here,” said Ingold.
Teammate and good friend Tanner Shulman said he’s impressed with Inngold and loves having him around the team.
“He moved into the dorms with us (this past summer) and his energy from day one was just awesome,” said Shulman.
“Jack is always in the best mood…. It’s just nice to have him around.
“He’s doing everything we do, and he’s working his tail off,” Shulman said.
“You can already see his body has changed, and he’s gotten to be so much better already.”
Acuff said he is impressed with Ingold.
“He’s been great, he’s an awesome kid,” Acuff said
“He’s a good player. He does everything we ask him to do. …He’s a great teammate and he has a servant’s heart. …We’re thankful he’s a part of what we’re doing.”
Ingold said this opportunity has exceeded all expectations for him, and he especially treasures time with his teammates.
“Those truly are my brothers,” said Ingold. “We spend so much time together.
“Coach tells us to be somebody that makes everybody feel like somebody, and I feel like that’s a characteristic of the team. From day one I have felt a part of the family.”
In the end, Jack wants to better himself as a person and a player, on and off the court. He hopes to eventually earn an athletic scholarship.
The men tip off their season Nov. 9 when they play Birmingham Southern in Allen Arena.