by Cory Woodroof | Jun 1, 2014 | News Slider, Sports
To those only familiar with Don Meyer’s on-the-court accomplishments, the coaching titan will be remembered for his striking column of wins and his steadfast love of the game. But, to the members of the Lipscomb community and others who gathered to celebrate the coach’s life Sunday in Allen Arena, Meyer will be remembered for far, far more than his legacy of hoops. “[Meyer] used basketball as such a great ministry,” said Richard Taylor, a former Bison and member of the 1986 NAIA National Championship squad. “He changed the lives of thousands and thousands of people, and his life was such a great example for all of us.” Meyer died May 18 after a lengthy battle with cancer. To honor his legacy of excellence, Lipscomb hosted the Don Meyer Memorial Celebration Service, one of two major public services that celebrated the coach and his life. The first one was May 24 at the campus of Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. During Sunday’s service at Lipscomb, G. David England led two songs, “To God Be the Glory,” and “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” Lady Bisons basketball head coach Greg Brown, also one of Meyer’s student assistant coaches, read Meyer’s obituary and led a prayer. A video was shown that featured an interview with Meyer . Tom Kelsey, a former player of Meyer’s from 1982 to 1986 and the director of basketball operations at Louisiana State University (LSU), read a letter from the coach’s family. Martha Ann Hawkins also sang two songs, “My God and I” and “Peace, Perfect, Peace,” at the opening and close of the service, respectively. She was accompanied by Phil...
by Cory Woodroof | May 18, 2014 | News Slider, Sports
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...
by Cory Woodroof | May 13, 2014 | News Slider, Sports
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...
