Update: Bison Week promotes Lipscomb pride before Battle of the Boulevard

Students paired up and dressed alike on Thursday for “twin day,” the final Bison Week theme before students deck themselves in purple and gold for Battle of the Boulevard. Rena’ Cothron, a junior softball player, dressed as a Dr. Seuss character for twin day. “I really like the idea of Bison Week because it gets people into the athletic aspect of LU,” she said. “I feel like it is not as big of a deal here to cheer on our teams, but we need the support!” Bree Thurman and Jordan Abell partnered with each other for the dress-up theme. “Twin day is may favorite of the days. I am loving bison spirit week!” Abell said. “It’s nice to see people dressing up and getting in the spirit for the game on Friday,” Thurman said. “I hope all the hype for sports rolls over into all of the other sports, too.” Two students, Olivia Stastny and Keiana Hastings, used the basketball team for their twin inspiration. “We are supposed to be the Smith twins on the basketball team,” Hastings said, explaining their wardrobe choice. Clothing from past decades resurfaced Wednesday on campus as students participated in “retro day,” the third theme day of Bison Week. Freshman Lola Sobowale joined the retro fun. “This is my favorite day of the Bison spirit week,” she said, adding a call to action for Lipscomb’s men’s basketball team. “They better win!” Nerds roamed Lipscomb’s campus Monday as students participated in the first dress-up theme for Bison Week: nerd day. In an effort to generate school spirit and excitement for Friday’s Battle of the Boulevard men’s...

Stampede, a new student-fan group, strives to generate school spirit

Some people are tired of the lack of spirit visible at Lipscomb athletic events, but this year a few students are stepping up with a new student-fan organization called Stampede. T. J. Ojehomon, a Lipscomb junior, proposed and received approval for a business plan to start a new student-fan organization that is entirely student-run. Older Lipscomb students might remember the short-lived success of the LUnatics, but this new organization has its sights for a long-lasting impression on Lipscomb’s campus. Stampede “seeks to be the student leaders of support for Lipscomb sports while continuously developing audience participation strategies for home and away sporting events.” Lipscomb’s culture has been shifting over the years including changes to academics and spiritual development. And some people think athletics needs a change as well. “The university is definitely heading into a new era with academic progress, spiritual development among the student body and overall campus growth,” Ojehomon said. “Athletics is making the same efforts to keep the pace, and Stampede will be a huge part of how far athletics can thrive.” Stampede is a members-only club with special benefits for joining. For $25 per semester, members receive exclusive T-shirts and hats, reserved seating at basketball games, travel costs covered, food and an experience they’ll never forget. Students are not required to attend every sporting event on campus, but this organization means business when it comes to raising team morale. Ojehomon said being a part of Stampede is one way that students can make their college experience more memorable. “You only get four years of a true undergraduate experience, and it shouldn’t be wasted,” he said....
Matt Deery remembered by friends, family during Aug. 23 memorial

Matt Deery remembered by friends, family during Aug. 23 memorial

Track and field standout Matt Deery was remembered Thursday, Aug. 23, as a good teammate and friend who had an infectious smile and impacted the lives of everyone around him. Teammate and roommate Nelson Scott said Deery enjoyed brightening the lives of others.The Lipscomb community gathered in Collins Alumni Auditorium to celebrate the life of Deery, who died Aug. 1 as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Upper Nazareth Township, Pa. He was honored by his teammates, coaches and university administrators during the service. “With his heartfelt smile and his kind words, Matt could make anyone’s day. He loved doing that,” said Scott. President L. Randolph Lowry told the friends, teammates, family members and others gathered for the service that they will not be alone in their time of need. “This is about a community. We will walk this journey with you,” he said. Deery, who would have been a sophomore this fall, was the ideal teammate. “He was loved and respected by everyone on the team. He pursued excellence with a passion. But he was humble and as concerned with his teammates as he was with himself,” said Bill Taylor, Lipscomb’s track and field head coach. “And, he was as tough as they come. He represented the type of athlete that we try to recruit and the people who make up this team.” The Phillipsburg, N.J., native became the first track and field athlete in Lipscomb history to earn second-team All-Atlantic Sun Conference honors at the conference indoor championship this past season with a second-place pole vault of 4.55m (14’11”). He also won a...
Lipscomb mourns loss of track and field standout Deery

Lipscomb mourns loss of track and field standout Deery

It is with deep sadness that the Lipscomb University athletic department announces that rising sophomore Matt Deery, a track and field standout, lost his life in an automobile accident in Upper Nazareth Township, Pa., on Wednesday afternoon. An All-Atlantic Sun Conference honoree for the Bisons in just his first season of competition, Deery was honored by his teammates and coaches as “Freshman of the Year” and as the “Fightin’ Bison” award recipient given to the toughest competitor on the team. “Matt was an incredible athlete and an even more incredible person,” Lipscomb track and field Head Coach Bill Taylor said.  “Everyone loved him.  He was a smart, caring, likable guy.  He was a gifted athlete, yet he was so humble. “It’s really hard to comprehend this right now.  Matt was a wonderful person with a gigantic future.  He is going to be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.  I know our entire team is praying for his family, his friends and each other.” Deery became the first Lipscomb field athlete in school history to earn second-team all-conference honors at the A-Sun indoor championships this past season with a second-place pole vault of 4.55m (14’ 11”).  The Philipsburg, N.J., native went on to earn a bronze medal in the heptathlon at the A-Sun meet earning 4,889 points that set a school record. “We are obviously heartbroken for Matt’s family and friends, and I ask that you please be in prayer for comfort and peace all of those who will be grieving over his loss,” said Lipscomb Director of Athletics Philip Hutcheson.  “Matt was a very special student athlete and...

Men’s basketball will take on Kentucky Wildcats in regular season

The Lipscomb men’s basketball team will travel to historic Rupp Arena to play the defending national champion Kentucky Wildcats on Dec. 15. The Wildcats last played the Bisons in Lexington during the 2005-2006 season, resulting in a 67-49 victory for Kentucky. Men’s basketball Head Coach Scott Sanderson expressed his excitement for the upcoming game. “Any team that plays Kentucky is going to be excited about it. There is a difference,” Sanderson said. “We have played at North Carolina, at Memphis and N.C. State. We have played in a lot of places, and by far, that is the best atmosphere I have ever been in for playing a college basketball game.” For Sanderson, this represents a unique occasion for the Bisons. “When people think of college basketball they think of Kentucky,” Sanderson said. “To be able to play those guys in Rupp Arena, like we did in 2005, is a great opportunity for the program and for the university.” The men’s full 2012-2013 schedule is set to be released next week, which will include other non-conference matchups. Those looking for tickets can contact the Kentucky box office at (859) 257-1818. (Quotes and information courtesy of the Lipscomb athletic department. Photo from USA...