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Men's Basketball's Ed Matlock: Where Are They Now?

He came to Lipscomb from Tennessee Orphans Home in Spring Hill and he left with a Psychology degree, a cheerleader wife, and four years filled with good memories. Ed Matlock spent some time with LipscombSports.com this week and made clear his appreciation for Coach Don Meyer, Chuck Ross, some memorable campus connections, and award-winning teammates. We especially enjoyed the simple lessons he took from his time on campus. Keep reading and get to know a very special Bison, Ed Matlock.
 
 
 
What years did you compete for Lipscomb?
 
I played basketball for Coach Don Meyer from 1976-1980.
 
 
What teammate was most memorable?
 
I would have to say all of them!  During those years we not only had good basketball players, but we had players whose principles and ethics represented Lipscomb well and complemented Lipscomb Athletics.
 
 
What degree have you earned?
 
I earned my B.S. in Psychology from Lipscomb.
 
 
Why did you attend Lipscomb?
 
I attended Lipscomb for two reasons: to stay close to my grandmother who I lived with in Nashville, and because of Coach Don Meyer. He was the best college coach at that time and taught me more about life and basketball than I had learned in the previous 18 years.
 
 
What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb?
 
My favorite athletic memory was Chuck Ross! Chuck epitomized what loyalty and love for a school meant, and there wasn't one of us who didn't love him like a brother!
 
Editor's note: many are familiar with Chuck, but for the rest of you – Chuck Ross was a special-needs sports fanatic who loved the city of Nashville, his Nashville Sounds, local high schools, and the Lipscomb Bisons. Don Meyer and his teams adopted Chuck as their "number one fan," and he frequently delivered locker room pep talks that climaxed with "beat'em, and beat'em bad," a phrase author Jimmy Davy borrowed for title of his 2003 book. Chuck died in September, 2013 at the age of 68.
 
 
Who influenced your athletic career at Lipscomb?
 
Obviously, Coach Meyer was the greatest influence, but my teammates were also important: Steve Flatt, Ralph Turner, Bob Shaw, James Gardner, and Alan Banks -- just to name a few. I not only looked up to these men, but I emulated their character on and off the court.
 
 
What do you remember about Lipscomb campus life during your time here?
 
What I remember most about campus life was first the feeling of independence, and then the feeling of a life that was like having a big family.  I left Lipscomb with more than 2,500 brothers and sisters that I loved very much and hold in high regard even to this day.
 
 
What is are the most valuable lessons you learned in your time at Lipscomb?
 
  • As I got older, Chapel meant a whole lot more to me.
  • No matter how many basketball games we won, there were 2 billion Chinese who never knew we lost.
  • "How To Love Unconditionally" is the most important lesson a person can learn in life.
 
 
Who were your favorite professors?
 
  • Joe Sanders and Marlin Connelly – their Bible lessons still talk to me today. 
  • Eugene 'Fesser Boyce – his commitment and love for Lipscomb and the people who attended there was evident. 
  • Harry Edwards – he wasn't a professor, but he worked in maintenance at Lipscomb and every time I saw him, he would encourage me to stand up straight and to be thankful for the talents and blessings God gave me!
 
 
Where did you grow up?
 
I grew up at Tennessee Orphans Home in Spring Hill, Tennessee.Not many people knew that, but I spent my young adult life there with my brother, and I finally met my biological parents while attending Lipscomb.
 
 
What do you do now?
 
I have been in purchasing for 40 years, and I'm currently Global Director of Purchasing for Ideal Corporation.
 
 
Tell us about your family:
 
I met Cindy Wilson at Lipscomb 42 years ago while we were students and she was a cheerleader.  We raised two boys and we now have eight grandchildren, but we claim hundreds of other children that we have called our own over the years.
 
 
FAST FINISH: 
  • Favorite food:  Pork chops
  • Favorite TV show or movie:  James Bond
  • Favorite Bible scripture:  Phil. 4:13 – "I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."
  • Favorite sports teams:  Lipscomb and the SEC
  • Pet peeve:  People who park in handicap spaces who shouldn't
  • People I most admire:  Harry Edwards and my Grandmother
  • Person I'd most like to meet:  Larry Bird
  • Rather ride or drive?  Drive, for sure
  • Pick one – salad or dessert:  Dessert
  • Dream vacation spot:  Beach
  • Early morning or late night person?  Definitely early morning 
 
 
You can reach Ed via email at ed.matlock@yahoo.com.
 
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