Lipscomb vet Steve Davidson looks to lead as new campus minister

Earlier this semester, the campus ministry department announced that Steve Davidson would be filling in the role of becoming one of Lipscomb’s new campus ministers. While he’s new to the position, Davidson, a husband, father of two and grandfather of two, is no stranger to campus. Davidson was recruited coming out of high school to play basketball for the university under legendary coach Don Meyer. After his time as an undergrad, Coach Meyer helped Davidson find two jobs with Lipscomb. “When I was finishing up, Coach Don Meyer, who I played under, asked me to stay, and he was able to work out a deal as far as me working in admissions as an admissions counselor representing the school, but also working as an assistant basketball coach,” Davidson said. For Davidson, this was only a two-year plan. He planned to leave Lipscomb after graduate school, but the education major and graduate student ended up taking on the role of assistant director of admissions. A year later, Davidson became the campus’ director of admissions – a title he would hold for 13 years. Davidson used some of Coach Meyer’s organizational lessons to help him succeed in the work. “Coach Meyer was a very organized person and loved to teach on organization, so that helped me a lot as far as being an administrator in the admissions office,” Davidson said. During his time as the director of admissions, the university saw, as Davidson put it, up and down years.  Through the challenges that came with the job, Davidson admits he greatly enjoyed in the opportunity. “I really loved the job,” Davidson...

131st Battle of the Boulevard set for Friday night

Coaches, players, cheerleaders, fans – it’s time for Battle of the Boulevard. Nov. 9 marks the 131st rivalry game between the Lipscomb Bisons and Belmont Bruins men’s basketball teams. The game takes place Friday night  in Allen Arena at 6:30 p.m. There’s a lot of history between the two schools, dating back to Dec. 11, 1953 – the first time the schools faced off. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that an actual rivalry was born with coaches Don Meyer (Lipscomb) and Rick Byrd (Belmont). Lipscomb currently leads Belmont 73-57 in the series. Louis Nelms, the director of student involvement, has been to eight “battles” so far. “My favorite part of the Battle of the Boulevard would be the environment,” Nelms said. “As a small school, our athletic teams often don’t get the kind of support or attention that other schools that are maybe in bigger conferences do. The Battle of the Boulevard is one of the few experiences where Lipscomb gets to feel a little bit different than usual.” Nelms said that while this specific game may not be as big of an event as other collegiate sporting rivalries, the Battle of the Boulevard still deserves national attention. “We are playing a team that is consistently getting national attention, and it is fun to have a real rival,” Nelms said. “It’s not Duke vs. UNC or Alabama vs. Auburn, but it is one of the best sporting events in the country because it is one of those games where the records are thrown out and anyone can win.” How deep is the rivalry now compared to years before?  Since being in two different conferences,...

Court named in honor of legendary coach

Legendary coach Don Meyer now has his name on the court inside Allen Arena. With a coaching record of 655-179 in 24 years of coaching the Bisons, Meyer is undoubtedly the biggest name in Lipscomb sports history. It’s only fitting that his name be on the court in Allen. Though Meyer never coached a game inside the arena, the court will forever carry his name. “For all he has done on the court and all he has done with the records and accomplishments, this is what it is all about,” said Lipscomb Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson. “For the first time, and for everyone here, the court is officially yours.” Meyer, who is hardly ever overwhelmed, was very gracious about the court’s naming in his honor. “I want to thank God for letting me have enough time to see all thee guys for another time,” Meyer said, speaking to the nearly 70 former players that attended the ceremony. “That means a whole lot more than anything else.” Meyer’s family also joined him on the court, which was also fitting because one of Meyer’s biggest points during his career was to love those around you – especially family. “I have been very lucky to have had the family I have had,” Meyer said. “They made a lot of sacrifices to be a coach’s family.” Meyer was humbled by the day, and it self-admittedly made him tired. However, Meyer was still colorful as ever. “McQuiddy was the kind of gym that if you had 11 people in it was loud as the Boston Garden,” Meyer said. “McQuiddy was special.” Meyer has retired...