Coach Don Meyer leaves behind legacy of character

Coach Don Meyer leaves behind legacy of character

Coach Don Meyer’s legacy is the way he spent his life. “I think that’s the reason why that we’re put here on the Earth is to try to help folks and to show that servant leadership and show Christ, and that was everything that Coach [Meyer] was about,” said one of his former players and coaches, Freed-Hardeman head coach Jason Shelton. Meyer, long-time coach of the Bisons and a college basketball icon, died today at age 69. Those who learned from and admired Coach Meyer spent time reflecting on how his life, not just his coaching, affected them. Meyer ends a long battle with cancer, stemming from a 2008 diagnosis that came after a serious car accident that claimed one of his legs. He was at home in Aberdeen, South Dakota, receiving hospice care at the time of his passing. A celebration of life for Meyer will be held in Allen Arena honoring Meyer’s life at 2 p.m. on June 1. A similar service will be held in South Dakota on Saturday at Northern State University. At an Athlete Leadership Chapel held in October 2012, Meyer spoke to a crowd of Bisons and Lady Bisons about a myriad of important subjects – character being one of them. “Character is really important,” Meyer said during his lesson. “Character is important in everything you do.” Meyer lived a life of iridescent character – the kind of character that Jesus taught people to have. The kind of character that showed on the court, in the locker room, at practice and at basketball camps. The kind of character that made him a beloved coach, mentor...

Iconic Lipscomb coach Don Meyer receiving hospice care

Don Meyer, the iconic former men’s basketball coach who has been battling cancer, is in hospice care, according to The Tennessean’s Mike Organ. Meyer, 69, is receiving the care at  home after spending three days at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Meyer’s town of residence. The Meyer family released a statement to Nashville’s morning newspaper on the coach’s situation and on his stubborn fight against the disease. “As a family we are so proud of that perseverance. He is at peace, loved and getting exceptional care.” The family recommends those wishing to reach out to Meyer should contact his Twitter handle (@CoachDonMeyer) or his Facebook page. Meyer coached at Lipscomb from 1975-1999. His 1985-1986 squad won the NAIA National Championship. Meyer is a member of the Lipscomb University Athletics Hall of Fame, and the annual Don Meyer Evening of Excellence is held in his honor. In 2011, Lipscomb named its basketball court in Allen Arena the “Don Meyer Court.” The coach has had health struggles, stemming from a cancer diagnosis that followed a serious car accident in 2008. Meyer’s son Jerry commented on the battle his father has fought. “He’s fought hard,” Jerry Meyer said to The Tennessean. “He was diagnosed with (cancer) and he’s exceeded the prognosis.” Photo: Meyer, in the striped shirt, smiles as his team gathers at a timeout during the 1998-1999...

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...