His first impression of Lipscomb, like many others, came through Bison Basketball Camp as a child in the summer. A few years later he joined Coach Don Meyer’s program and helped make the transition at Lipscomb from Coach Meyer to Coach Scott Sanderson. We learned more about this Huntsville, Alabama native – his memorable teammates, his successful high school coaching career, and his recent Florida state championship – when Greg Watson sat down this week with LipscombSports.com. 

What years did you compete for Lipscomb?

I played from the fall of 1997 through the spring of 2001 for both Don Meyer and Scott Sanderson

What teammate was most memorable?

Can I go with several please?

• I’ll start with Clancy Hall – he was just one of my best friends in school and still is to this day. He’s one of those guys who is always there for you and would do anything he could to help.
• Andy Blackston – He was my roommate my freshman year. He taught me so much about the Bison way and he modeled for all of us what a good teammate and leader looks like. That really stuck with me.
• Al Sharpe – I roomed with Al my junior year. He was such a good player and it was incredibly valuable to be able to talk basketball with him in the dorm. He was such a great guy to me and I looked up to him.
• David Hunt – David and I came in together as freshmen, and we became really good friends from the start. He actually helped me coach at Belgreen High School in Alabama later, and we are still really good friends.
• There are tons more memorable teammates because we were all so close: Ron Sarver, Kevin Rawlings, Ryan Roller, Chris Childress, Brian Farmer, and more.

What degree did you earn?

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from Lipscomb in 2001.

Why did you attend Lipscomb?

Jammie Turner, who went to the same high school as I did – Hazel Green High School in Huntsville, Alabama – was already playing at Lipscomb, so I knew a little about the school and the program from him. I had been a camper at Bison Basketball Camp, and when Coach Meyer and Coach Shelton first started recruiting me it was amazing. I fell in love with the place and I knew Lipscomb was where I wanted to go.

What’s your favorite athletic memory from Lipscomb?

I’ll give you four: 1) Al Sharpe hitting a half-court shot to win at the buzzer at Freed-Hardeman was pretty special, 2) playing in the NAIA National Tournament was obviously amazing, 3) playing at Hinkle Fieldhouse against Butler was cool, and 4) just taking the floor in McQuiddy Gym in front of our great fans was so special.

Who influenced your athletic career at Lipscomb?

So many people – Don Meyer, Jason Shelton, John Hudy, Scott Sanderson, Jay Walton, Shaun Senters, Barbara Anderson, Chuck Ross, and every teammate I had there.

What do you remember about campus life during your time at Lipscomb?

I just remember walking around campus and it was so peaceful and everyone was so nice. The old student center, where everyone hung out in between classes, was always fun. We always tried to talk Billy (Davis) into changing the channel on the TV. That’s an inside joke, but those who were there know exactly how entertaining that could be.

The old basketball office, Holman House, was tucked away on the north side of campus, and we loved going to see Mrs. Barb (Barbara Anderson.) Officially she was the basketball administrative assistant, but to us she was so much more – she was our MOM away from home.

Lipscomb is truly a special place, and it was a blessing to be able to go there and be around so many great Christian people.

What is the most valuable lesson you learned in your time at Lipscomb?

I learned so much at Lipscomb that it’s hard to put it into words. I learned how important it is to be a Christian, and I learned how to treat people right. My professors and coaches were truly father and mother figures for me. They cared so much for us and it showed.

Who were your favorite professors? 

• Trish Hodgson – She was awesome. She was so passionate about her students and physical education, and she really took me under her wing.
• Ruth Henry – I loved her class. She was so funny and made the class really fun.
• Lynn Griffith – He was just so real with us and made things fun. I learned so much from him and he was just such a great guy.

Obviously there were so many more, but those really stand out to me.

What do you do now?

I’m a teacher and basketball coach at Crestview High School in Crestview, Florida.

We actually just won the 7A state championship a few weeks ago – Saturday, March 9.

Tell us about your family

I’m single and I have a little terrier named Rookie.

FAST FINISH 

• Favorite food: Mexican
• Favorite TV show or movie: Hoosiers
• Favorite Bible scripture: Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”
• Favorite sports team: Alabama – Roll Tide
• Pet peeve: Being late
• Person I most admire: Clancy Hall
• Person I’d most like to meet: Nick Saban
• Rather ride or drive? Drive
• Pick one – salad or dessert: Salad
• Dream vacation spot: Anywhere on the beach
• Early morning or late night person? Early morning

Connect with Greg through email at bamagwat@gmail.com or connect with him on social media:

• Facebook: Greg Watson
• Twitter: G_Wat20
• Instagram: gwat20