by Hunter Patterson | Dec 7, 2011 | News Slider, Sports
The City Paper is reporting that Northern Kentucky University will replace the Belmont Bruins in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Northern Kentucky is currently in the Great Lakes Valley Conference out of NCAA Division II. The school has 15,000 students and is located just outside of Cincinatti. On Thursday afternoon, the Atlantic Sun formally invited NKU to join the A-Sun. Lipscomb President Randy Lowry and athletic director Phil Hutcheson released the following statements. “Lipscomb is pleased to welcome Northern Kentucky University to the Atlantic Sun Conference. In a conversation with Northern Kentucky University’s President James Votruba I was most impressed with the desire of Northern Kentucky University for high level athletic competition but also for a strong emphasis on the academic success of student athletes. They will the join the schools currently in the Atlantic Sun who are committed to producing ‘Winners for Life.’ Lipscomb looks forward to Northern Kentucky University’s addition to our excellent conference and meeting them in Division I play.” Lipscomb Director of Athletics Philip Hutcheson: “On behalf of Lipscomb’s coaches and student-athletes, I would like to welcome Northern Kentucky University to the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Norse have been in the top echelon of Division II schools over the last several years and they will be a formidable opponent on the fields of play.” Belmont is leaving the Atlantic Sun for the Ohio Valley Conference effective July 1, 2012. The university has expressed interest in joining the OVC the last couple years, however, no position seemed fitting. The Atlantic Sun will have 10 members and have schools in Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and Kentucky. Northern Kentucky, like Lipscomb, does not have a football team. The university’s soccer...
by Hunter Patterson | Oct 23, 2011 | Sports
Ever since Lipscomb and Belmont played their first basketball game in 1953, they’ve been rivals. With the two schools being on the same street just a couple miles away, it was practically inevitable. However, looking back over the history of Lipscomb athletics, you’ll find more than just Lipscomb-Belmont. They were instead, other schools in town. “In the 1950s, East Tennessee State was a huge rival for David Lipscomb College,” said Andy Lane, associate athletic director. In those games, the team would actually get on a train and head to east Tennessee to play. Now, both teams are in the Atlantic Sun, so the fire is still there, but Lane says it was a lot different then. What most students don’t know is that the Trevecca Nazarene game was that game to be at. Known as the “Bleacher Creatures” during the ’80s, Lipscomb fans would pack both McQuiddy and Trevecca’s Trojan Field House so much that actions had to be taken to prevent from breaking any laws. “In McQuiddy, the fans were right on top of you,” Lady Bisons head coach Frank Bennett says. “Those games were as intense as any we have ever had,” Lane says. Communications professor Jimmy McCollum recalls one game where the fire marshal forced Lipscomb to shut the doors on the gym because it had reached maximum capacity. “We had what I believe was a perfect storm for rivalries,” McCollum said. “We had a small gym, we had an excellent team consistently ranked in the top 5 or 10 across the nation in the NAIA and we had not only one but two local rivals...
by Tim Ghianni | Oct 6, 2011 | News Slider, Sports
The Lipscomb men’s soccer team has been plagued with many issues early in the season. From two top sophomores not returning to play until this past week to losing players during crucial moments in games because play got too physical. But the reality isn’t as bad as it seems. The Bisons placed second in the Brentwood Invitational a week ago, after the team tied twice in double overtime, against IPFW and Bowling Green. “Every game we’re making improvements,” said Coach Charles Morrow. “The process is just taking a little longer than it has in years past. Every game we’re getting better, which is an encouraging sign.” The Bisons also added two sophomores back into their ranks, Kevin Barber and Nick Bibb. The team isn’t just trying to win games, but they’re trying to come together and play more as a team, a single unit instead of 11 individual units. “Our style of play is coming together each game,” Morrow said. “We don’t have a dynamic game-changer, but we’ve got a ton of very good players. It’s going to be a total team effort every game.” The team defense is probably its strength. Recently playing the high scoring Xavier Musketeers, the Bisons only gave up one goal to a deflected 15-yard kick. The team has been able to focus more practice time to improving the offense because of their stellar defense. There is hope too. Recently, against VMI, the Bisons earned their fist victory. With a stellar offensive performance, Lipscomb had 21 shots on goal throughout the game. By Liam...
by Cooper Torrez | Aug 26, 2011 | News Slider, Sports
By: Cooper Torrez The Lipscomb men’s and women’s soccer teams are ready and eager to get back on the pitch. After the long off-season and training, the coaches and players are excited about this year for many different reasons. Lady Bisons senior forward Kristen Heikkinen said, “We had a pretty tough offseason like always. During the spring, we focused a lot on our 3-4-3 formation as well as fitness. This system was new to us last year so we struggled with it some, but I think it could make us really dangerous this year if we play it right.” With the Lady Bisons returning 12 players, it gives players like senior Meghan McGuire, a good feeling about the upcoming season. “Our team chemistry has been amazing from the beginning of preseason,” said McGuire. “Mixing 9 newcomers and 12 returners could’ve been a problem but doing different team activities has helped with our team chemistry both on and off the field.” Heikkinen said returning players could be a huge factor in the Lady Bisons successful season. “Returning players who have started off well include, Kameron Stillwell, Jenna Price, Meghan McGuire, Martika Powe, Katie Wood and Danielle Bethke. All of these girls have been crucial parts of our offense and will continue to be for the season.” Freshman newcomer Brittany Rupple has come in and done a great job at the center back position and could be a player to watch out for to add depth and speed in the midfield. When asked what the team goal is for the season, the answer was the same. “Our main goal and focus...
by Hunter Patterson | Jan 20, 2011 | News Slider, Sports
Miguel DaSilva, a former forward for the Lipscomb Bisons soccer team received three offers to go overseas and play professionally. That is not the story though. The story is where DaSilva chose to go play. DaSilva received offers from Finland, Portugal and his home country Angola. That last offer made his decision a lot easier. He signed with Santos FC of Angola in December and is expected to begin play with the club this month. Miguel first arrived in the states in 2001, just a day before the attacks of 9/11. Since arriving that day, he has not returned back to what he used to call home. “I always knew inside of me that I wanted to go back home once I graduated college,” said DaSilva, who earned his degree in international business last month. “When the deal was offered to me back home, (you) couldn’t imagine how excited I was. My family is there, friends, people that I miss daily and I haven’t seen them for about 10 years. I think that’s the place God wanted me to go.” Although he fought with injuries during his time at Lipscomb, DaSilva still posted 32 goals and 28 assists over four seasons. He tied for the team lead with eight goals last season, became the first Lipscomb player to earn all-region honors, and has prompted his coaches to call him the best player in Lipscomb’s history. Now it’s time to return to where life began, time to reconnect with family he hasn’t seen in a decade. “My mother never really saw me play when I grew up, so that’s one...
