by George Wong | Apr 25, 2019 | News Slider, Sports
Lipscomb University’s own athletic Grammy Awards, the Lippys, commenced Wednesday on its usual night before Study Day. The annual event commemorates the achievements of Lipscomb’s athletes on and off the field. It was a night of fun and glamor as every student-athlete came together dressed formally in the heart of Allen Arena. Hors d’oeuvres, fondue for dessert and refreshments were on the menu, while everyone took pictures before the award ceremony hosted by head volleyball coach Brandon Rosenthal. Students also joined in on co-hosting and pleasantries throughout the evening. The Lippys were founded by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and past track and field athlete April Terry. Over the past few years the Lippys staff, run primarily by student-athletes, has continually sought improvement of the event. “There were nomination surveys sent out to all the athletes this year,” SAAC president Ahmed Amaar said. “This form is what we are basing the voting ballot off of, so if people wanted to nominate someone for the awards listed, that was their chance. “Changing the awards system to give every single [athlete a] voice this year — besides that we are just trying to make it [a] more inclusive event. I think the day after the Lippys no one really cares or remembers about the awards — what they remember is the memories they made and the feeling of togetherness. It’s rare to have the entirety of Lipscomb Athletics together, and so sharing that moment is what makes it the best.” A feedback survey for improvements was emailed out after the event as well. “This year was a more sit-down style instead...
by Carly Bergthold | Apr 23, 2015 | News Slider, Sports
Student athletes traded their uniforms for formal wear for the second annual Lippy Awards Wednesday evening in Allen Arena. The Lippys honor athletes, coaches and others who contribute in various ways to Lipscomb sports teams. Before the show, guests enjoyed live music from Marquee Mayfield and showed off their formal wear at photo booths. The show was hosted by soccer coach Chris Klotz and cross county coach Marcus Evans. To begin, the James R. Byers Award was presented to senior field thrower April Terry and senior baseball player Josh Lee. It is the highest award given to student-athletes. Terry quoted the Mary Mary song “God in Me” in her acceptance speech, saying, “I hope that you see that I’m really not that outstanding, but all of the accolades, the records, the titles – it’s all God working.” Lee, who made his way from Vandy to Central Arizona College and finally landed at Lipscomb, said that he’s blessed for the opportunities at Lipscomb. “This is a great accomplishment, but the one thing I’ll remember is all the relationships I’ve built with my teammates,” Lee said. Golfer Dawson Armstrong and cross country runner Paige Stoner took home the male and female Freshman of the Year awards. Senior soccer player Luke Gearin won International Player of the Year. Women’s soccer coach Kevin O’Brien received the Don Meyer Head Coach of the Year for his inspiration to the athletic program. “I think I have the best job in the world,” O’Brien said. “I’m so thankful to get to work with the girls I work with every day.” Luke Syverson, who coaches track and field, was...
by Aaron Schmelzer | Apr 25, 2014 | News Slider, Sports
Student athletes and coaches filled the court of Allen Arena on Thursday night, but this time, it was not for a game. The Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted the inaugural Lippy Awards in Allen Arena to honor various members of Lipscomb University’s sports teams. The awards show was hosted by student TJ Ojehomon and women’s soccer assistant coach Chris Klotz. Both female and male athletes of the year were competitive categories, but for the female award, sophomore cross country/track and field runner Dani Walker and junior volleyball player Jewell Dobson tied. On the men’s side, track and field high-jumper Gemikal Prude, who broke the high jump record earlier in the year, won as well. Prude said that winning the award was a blessing. “Winning this is quite the blessing,” Prude said. “It’s a feeling that can’t really be described, especially when you feel as if you’re undeserving.” The biggest award of the night, the Best Team Award, went to the women’s track and field/cross country. Senior runner Lacey Printz said that the team worked hard and credited the coaches and team captains for keeping the team focused. “This is the most incredible team we’ve had, and we just love running together and just having fun and doing it for God’s glory,” Printz said. To open the night, the James R. Byers Award was presented to senior track and field sprinter Tucker Peabody, senior volleyball player Caitlin Dotson and junior cross country/track and field runner Tessa Hoefle. The award is given to a top senior athlete who displays outstanding Christian leadership and excels academically and athletically. The honors had...
by Bridgette Begle | Oct 27, 2013 | News Slider, Sports
Women’s soccer made history Sunday afternoon as they advanced for the first time in program history to the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament. The chips fell into the right places on Sunday just minutes before the Bisons took the field against USC Upstate. In order to advance, the team would have to win against Upstate–at the time ranked 10th, and Northern Kentucky–9th — would have to tie or beat ETSU–8th– on Sunday to be finished before the Bison’s game-time. Freshman Ellen Lundy says that even though the scores were in, the coaches did not tell the players until halftime that they now controlled their own fate. “They just said, ‘Hey, ETSU lost,’ . . . okay, now let’s focus on us,” Lundy said. At the half, the Bisons were tied 1-1 and finished the game with a steady lead of 4-1. This year’s team has been blowing out the record books both individually and as a team. Besides making the tournament, the team has also set the record for number of wins in a season with six. Assistant Coach Chris Klotz said that the team has worked so hard and has earned this berth. “These girls have battled all year long and it’s so well-deserved,” Klotz said. “I am overcome with emotion. I am just so pumped for these girls.” With Sunday being senior day, the team honored three seniors, Kelsey Reiman, Callie Cavanaugh and Stephanie Romero. Lundy added how much the seniors deserve this and how hard they have worked for three year to make it to this point. The Bisons will play Kennesaw State in Kennesaw, Ga., on Saturday, Nov....
by Kelsey Reiman | Feb 25, 2013 | News Slider, Sports
The Lipscomb women’s soccer team, with the encouragement and support of a new coaching staff, has planned its first spring break mission trip to El Salvador. The team will serve and share the Gospel with indigenous communities and knit a stronger bond between themselves. Assistant coach Chris Klotz has been in direct communication with the mission staff of Sports Outreach Institute, and they have set the trip to begin on March 15. Between now and then, Klotz will be leading team meetings and preparing the hearts and minds of players to accept and embrace the challenge. During a mission trip meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 20, Klotz asked the team to meditate on and pray about Biblical passage Romans 12, which tells Christians to become a living sacrifice for God, serving humbly with joy, faith and sincere love. “There is something very significant that happens to the culture of a team when they are focused on serving others,” Klotz said. “Through building relationships, experiencing a much different culture and realizing that God is bigger than the bubble we live in, it is my prayer that our team would become more unified in the purpose God has for us — to love Him and love others.” “I decided to go on the trip because I wanted to embrace this amazing opportunity God has provided – to travel to an area that isn’t as fortunate as we are here and to show His love to children that have been put in difficult living situations,” sophomore defenseman Brittany Rupple said. El Salvadoran native and freshman midfielder Cristina Giron said she hopes the values of her...
