You might say he’s crisscrossed the country, beginning in Michigan before stops in Nashville, Texas, and Washington state. You might also say this attorney is another successful Lipscomb golfer. Former Bison Reid Meyers, who has just been named Board Chair for the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, spent a few minutes this week with LipscombSports.com. 

What years did you compete for Lipscomb? 

I played golf from 1969 – 71 for Coach Ralph Samples. 

What teammates were most memorable? 

John Brewer (Will’s older brother) and Dick Morris.  Like most team sports, we loved the competition both in matches and at practices.  When not on the golf course, we competed with each other in “short game” matches on campus.   Also, like other sports teams, there was a real bonding and a lot of humor.  We spent a lot of time together so we grew close.  John and Dick were really funny guys to be around.  A lot of “jock” humor. 

What degrees have you earned? 

I graduated from Lipscomb in 1971 with a B.S. in Economics, and I earned my J.D. from Woodrow Wilson College of Law in Atlanta in 1978. 

Why did you attend Lipscomb? 

My older brother (John Meyers ’66) attended Lipscomb before me. We were from northern Ohio, and I learned quickly I could play golf practically year around in Nashville. I also liked the size of the campus family – it was small enough to know just about everyone, yet the students were from all over the country.  Plus, I thought it was so exotic to be in the South.  Coming from Big Ten country (Go Blue!), I’d never heard any yells like “Go Vols” and for sure, “Roll Tide” or “War Eagle.”  What the heck was a War Eagle? 

What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb? 

My best memories are from traveling to matches and competing with the golf team.  Those times provide a lot of fun memories, although some cannot be repeated here.  We got the opportunity to play at some great golf courses in the South.  Once I beat Lanny Wadkins’ brother, Bobby Wadkins, at an invitational at Sewanee on the front nine and he ate my lunch on the back nine.  I’d never been “hustled” like that before. Both Lanny and Bobby later played on the PGA Tour. 

Who influenced your athletic career at Lipscomb? 

I appreciate Coach Samples for his organization; John Brewer, Dick Morris and others for their friendship, shot-making and competitiveness; and I was influenced by members of the baseball team who lived in High Rise Dorm.  The baseball players were the funniest guys on campus. 

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

Remember, it was the sixties so “if you remember the 60s, it could be said you weren’t there.”  I was there for Vietnam, the Martin Luther King and Robert F. Kennedy assassinations and the resulting riots.  It was a crazy time but Lipscomb with its family and Christian values provided protection and for us - we felt insulated.  As mentioned above, it was so exotic for me to be in Nashville.  I had only been in the South on vacations with my parents, so listening to the way people talked – especially the girls – was so interesting. I loved it. 

What are the most valuable lessons you learned in your time at Lipscomb?

 The true meaning of friends and the value of being around good people.  The Christian atmosphere at Lipscomb permeated everything, and that atmosphere got us through some real tough times and is still with us.  Those friends have been lifelong.

Who were your favorite professors? 

Batsell Barrett Baxter was mesmerizing, and Axel Swang was one tough guy – but you knew where you stood with him. 

Where did you grow up? 

I was born outside of Detroit (my father was with Ford Motor Company).  Ford then transferred us to near Sandusky, Ohio, where I went to high school.  It was an Ozzie and Harriet upbringing. 

What do you do now? 

I’m a semi-retired lawyer. After law school I was recruited by a labor boutique in Atlanta.  I spent most of my business career as a lawyer with USAA, the insurance company, in San Antonio, Texas, where I did corporate and employment litigation.  During that time, I was president of the San Antonio Golf Association which produced the Valero Texas Open PGA Tour stop in San Antonio.  I was on that board and executive committee for more than 20 years.  

While president of SAGA, we founded The First Tee of Greater San Antonio.  I was honored to be the founding chairman of the Alamo City Golf Trail, the non-profit that operates the City of San Antonio’s nine (9) municipal golf courses.  While in that capacity, we reconstituted the Texas Golf Hall of Fame.  This past December, I was elected Board Chairman of that statewide institution.  I am also currently the Board Chair of The First Tee of North Puget Sound. 

We retired from Texas to the Puget Sound in 2014.  I still maintain a small law practice in Anacortes, Washington, where I am with a Seattle-based firm.   

Tell us about your family: 

I am married to Dr. Ann Hutchinson Meyers.  She is a homelessness consultant after having helped found “Haven for Hope” in San Antonio.  Haven for Hope is one of the most successful homelessness transformational campuses in the country.  We have two daughters and three grandchildren who live in the Seattle area.  We enjoy boating, fishing and, of course, golf.  

FAST FINISH: 

• Favorite food: Sloppy cheeseburgers and fries
• Favorite TV show or movie: Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein
• Favorite Bible scripture: Psalm 23
• Favorite sports team: Seattle Seahawks
• Pet peeve: People who talk too much or talk over you
• Person I most admire: My wife
• Person I’d most like to meet: Other than Jesus, Jonathan Winters or Robin Williams (I know, a little different than the Lord, but I’m into humor.)
• Rather ride or drive? Drive
• Pick one – salad or dessert: Duh, dessert
• Dream vacation spot: Pebble Beach
• Early morning or late night person? Late night 

You can reach Reid by email at reid@reidmeyers.com