Men's Golf's Jeff McClain: Where Are They Now?
11/18/2020 7:29:00 PM | General, Men's Golf
A small-town boy from Salem, Illinois, he came to Lipscomb to attend a Christian school and to test his mettle against other collegiate golfers. Jeff McClain found a home in middle Tennessee, and he's been a fixture in Murfreesboro for 35 years as a well-established Optometrist and a loyal supporter of MTSU Athletics. We learned plenty this week when he sat down for a few minutes with LipscombSports.com.
What years did you compete for Lipscomb?
I played golf for Coach Ralph Samples in 1977, 1978, and 1979.
What teammates were most memorable?
My roommate, long-time friend, and accountant, Jim Lundy, is the teammate who has had the longest impact. I also will never forget the quote of teammate Eddie McClellan: "Golf is simple. Hit it in the fairway, knock it on the greet, one- or two-putt and move on!"
What degree have you earned?
I earned my B.S. in Mathematics from Lipscomb (1981) and my OD (Optometry Degree) from Southern College of Optometry in 1985.
Why did you attend Lipscomb?
I wanted to attend a Christian college that was a great educational challenge, and I wanted to see how I could compete as a golfer on the collegiate level. It was also nice that Nashville was such a great city to get to know.
What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb?
I have two favorite competitive memories from my time at Lipscomb. It was great to be able to compete with my team at the NAIA National Finals in Greensboro, NC, and it was a huge thrill to make a trip to Hawaii and play with my team against some large university teams.
Who influenced your athletic career at Lipscomb?
I'll give you two answers on this question, too. Sam Martin was an upperclassman on the Lipscomb Golf team who put me on the path of swing mechanics, strengthening and improved skill. He was also a big encourager to me, and I've never forgotten him.
Coach Ralph Samples was always an example to me of a personal Christian man who genuinely cared for those around him.
What do you remember about Lipscomb campus life during your time here?
Living on campus was great. Dorm life allowed me to make lots of friends, encouraged campus life involvement, and fostered Christian values with like-minded students and faculty members. My group of friends also loved Bison Basketball games, Tuesday night devotionals, Greek life, and Singarama. Bison Day was always a blast.
What are the most valuable lessons you learned in your time at Lipscomb?
Who were your favorite professors?
Where did you grow up?
From the 3rd grade until I left for college, I lived in Salem, Illinois.
What do you do now?
I've been an Optometrist in private practice for 35 years in Murfreesboro, Tennessee – Family Vision Care.
Tell us about your family:
I've been married to Joy Coke (Class of '82) since 1982. We have three married children (Christi, Clay, and Connor) and six grandchildren, ages four months to 13 years. My parents, who were both Lipscomb students, are now deceased; and my mother-in-law, Jackie Coke, lives nearby in Murfreesboro.
FAST FINISH:
You can reach Jeff by email at jeffmcclain59@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter: @Eyedoc59
What years did you compete for Lipscomb?
I played golf for Coach Ralph Samples in 1977, 1978, and 1979.
What teammates were most memorable?
My roommate, long-time friend, and accountant, Jim Lundy, is the teammate who has had the longest impact. I also will never forget the quote of teammate Eddie McClellan: "Golf is simple. Hit it in the fairway, knock it on the greet, one- or two-putt and move on!"
What degree have you earned?
I earned my B.S. in Mathematics from Lipscomb (1981) and my OD (Optometry Degree) from Southern College of Optometry in 1985.
Why did you attend Lipscomb?
I wanted to attend a Christian college that was a great educational challenge, and I wanted to see how I could compete as a golfer on the collegiate level. It was also nice that Nashville was such a great city to get to know.
What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb?
I have two favorite competitive memories from my time at Lipscomb. It was great to be able to compete with my team at the NAIA National Finals in Greensboro, NC, and it was a huge thrill to make a trip to Hawaii and play with my team against some large university teams.
Who influenced your athletic career at Lipscomb?
I'll give you two answers on this question, too. Sam Martin was an upperclassman on the Lipscomb Golf team who put me on the path of swing mechanics, strengthening and improved skill. He was also a big encourager to me, and I've never forgotten him.
Coach Ralph Samples was always an example to me of a personal Christian man who genuinely cared for those around him.
What do you remember about Lipscomb campus life during your time here?
Living on campus was great. Dorm life allowed me to make lots of friends, encouraged campus life involvement, and fostered Christian values with like-minded students and faculty members. My group of friends also loved Bison Basketball games, Tuesday night devotionals, Greek life, and Singarama. Bison Day was always a blast.
What are the most valuable lessons you learned in your time at Lipscomb?
- Hard work eventually pays off.
- Being a good friend is a great accomplishment.
- Being authentic is a worthwhile goal.
- Being a good person in a world full of sin is both challenging and rewarding.
Who were your favorite professors?
- Dr. Paul Langford was a great Chemistry mind and an even better person.
- Dr. Jim Arnette (Biology) was passionate with a likeable personality.
- Dr. Rodney Cloud was extremely smart and witty.
- Dr. Robert Kerce (Math) was tremendously tough. He was not a favorite of mine until years later when I matured enough to genuinely appreciate him.
Where did you grow up?
From the 3rd grade until I left for college, I lived in Salem, Illinois.
What do you do now?
I've been an Optometrist in private practice for 35 years in Murfreesboro, Tennessee – Family Vision Care.
Tell us about your family:
I've been married to Joy Coke (Class of '82) since 1982. We have three married children (Christi, Clay, and Connor) and six grandchildren, ages four months to 13 years. My parents, who were both Lipscomb students, are now deceased; and my mother-in-law, Jackie Coke, lives nearby in Murfreesboro.
FAST FINISH:
- Favorite food: Hamburgers fixed up well
- Favorite TV show or movie: "Shawshank Redemption" and "Dances With Wolves"
- Favorite Bible scripture: I hope I can say this on That Day: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." – Timothy 4:7
- Favorite sports team: Tennessee Titans and MTSU teams
- Pet peeve: Trashing my car (Don't you spill ANTHING)
- Person I most admire: My Dad (and then maybe Jack Nikolaus)
- Person I'd most like to meet: Tucker Carlson
- Rather ride or drive? Drive (preferably with my Titleist)
- Pick one – salad or dessert: Really? Dessert! Duh …
- Dream vacation spot: Anything European or in the mountains
- Early morning or late night person? Well, I'd love to be both – sleep gets in the way. But I can't stay awake as late as I used to, so I suppose the answer is "morning."
You can reach Jeff by email at jeffmcclain59@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter: @Eyedoc59
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