His time at Lipscomb was quite a story. He played for two head coaches in four years; started "Cold Steal," a band with teammates; helped win an ASUN Championship and advance to an NCAA Regional; and won the heart of a Bison Volleyball player. Jerry Young made the most of his time on campus, and he's translated those experiences into a career that combines business, technology, and marketing. We learned plenty when he shared a few minutes this week with LipscombSports.com.

 

What years did you compete for Lipscomb?

I played baseball at Lipscomb from 2005–2009 for Wynn Fletcher and Jeff Forehand.

 

What teammates were most memorable?

It's impossible to choose one teammate as "most memorable." Mike Zenko and his "Crown Vic"; golfing with Charles "Chooch" Williams; rooming with Justin Sanders in High Rise, forming Cold Steal with Jordan Baron, Caleb Joseph, and Trent Bailey – there were many fond memories and relationships built over that time.

 

What degree have you earned?

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Lipscomb in 2010.

 

Why did you attend Lipscomb?

I attended Lipscomb because it gave me the opportunity to play baseball at a high-level and receive a good education. I had a few offers my senior year of high school, but I had settled on playing for Coach Lantz Wheeler based on a recommendation from Mike Briker, a local Cincinnati scout. When Coach Wheeler made the move to become the pitching coach at Lipscomb in 2005, I decided to join him.

 

What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb?

There are a lot of memories to look back on. As you see with many past athletes, their favorite memories are often off the field: Team study hall our freshmen year, Kangaroo Court in the locker room, bus rides, and "Do you want to throw 95?" videos with Jordan Baron.

It's really hard to pick just one, but from an athletic standpoint I would say my top memory is winning the 2008 ASUN Championship in 15 innings -- along with the Georgia NCAA Regional. That experience with those guys was really incredible, and one I'll never forget.

 

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

I most remember the time spent in High Rise with teammates and friends as well as sitting on the couches in the Student Center; late nights playing 2005 Tiger Woods Golf or Guitar Hero on Playstation 2, as well as Sub Connection subs.

My favorite memory would have to be band practice with Cold Steal. Whether it be hijacking the Dugan Field Press Box or driving to Franklin and schlepping our gear to Caleb's HS baseball coach's basement (which we dubbed the "rat cellar",) those memories are without a doubt some of my favorites.

 

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

Patience and perspective – both of which I'm still learning, but I can attribute focusing on these two to my time spent at Lipscomb.

 

Who were your favorite professors & why?

I had many great professors at Lipscomb but without a doubt the two professors that impacted me the most were Ms. Leanne Smith and Ms. Allison Duke. They really took the time to get to know each student and were encouraging to me personally. I appreciate the interest they took and I value the time I spent in their classrooms.

 

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a small town on the west side of Cincinnati called Okeana, OH.

 

What do you do now?

I am an Account Director for Kira Systems. Kira offers a machine learning tool that helps companies quickly find key clauses within large groups of contracts.

 

Tell us about your family:

My crowning achievement is marrying Alex (Scruggs) and raising our 3 children: Nolan (5), Theodore (2), and our newest addition, Landry (5 months). Spending time and watching them grow has been the highlight of the last five years. 

FAST FINISH

• Favorite food: Sushi
• Favorite TV show or movie: Mad Men
• Favorite Bible scripture: James 1:2-4 ­– "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
• Favorite sports team: Cincinnati Reds
• Pet peeve: Being unorganized
• Person I'd most like to meet: Paul Newman
• Rather ride or drive? Drive
• Pick one – salad or dessert: Dessert
• Dream vacation spot: Montenegro
• Early morning or late night person? Late Night!

  

You can reach Jerry by email at jerryyoung45@icloud.com or connect on Instagram at jerrytyoung