Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Lipscomb University

Offcanvas Scoreboard

golf

General

Where Are They Now? Jeff McRay - Men's Golf

Jeff McRay was a member of the Lipscomb men's golf team during the NAIA days. In his first collegiate tournament as a freshman, he set what was then a record in a two-day tournament, finishing 69-69 for six under par. Jeff spent some time this week talking with Lipscombsports.com about his time as a Bison. 
 
 
What years did you compete for Lipscomb, and who coached you?
 
I played from 1989 to 1992. Ralph Samples was the coach.
 
 
What teammate was most memorable, and why?
 
Probably Bubba (Dennis) Goldasich. He was my roommate when we first got there. Coach Samples set it up. He was from Alabama. We hit it off. We were roommates from the word "go." We had a really good time. He was a great friend and great teammate.
 
 
What degree have you earned, from where, and when?
 
A B.A. in art with a minor in business management from Lipscomb in 1993.
 
 
Why did you attend Lipscomb?
 
My mom and dad. It was a Christian school and my wanted me to go to a Christian school. I could have gone to Stanford on a half scholarship where Tiger Woods played. But I went to visit Lipscomb and I loved Nashville. Coach  Samples was great. I said, well let's give this a try.
 
 
What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb?
 
I loved playing in golf tournaments, but I really enjoyed when the basketball team. My dad, John, and I went out to the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City, Missouri in 1990. We had a really good basketball team while I was there. I enjoyed watching them be successful. They were special with players like Philip Hutcheson. I tried to use their success to motivate me in golf.
 
 
Who influenced your athletic career the most at Lipscomb?
 
I would say Coach Samples. I was around him a lot. He was legit from the word go. He was a guy you could trust. When he said something, you could believe it. He was always there for us, everyone of us. As far as the fundamentals of golf there are people who are better, but as a person there was nobody better than coach Samples.
 
 
What do you remember about Lipscomb campus life during your time here?
 
Chapel every morning. I enjoyed going. You could see people after it was over. Everybody I knew and was friends with were in the social clubs, but I was never a member of one. It was fun to not be in one club, but to know everybody.
 
My niece, Taylor Duncan, is a student there. I visited last year and there are so many more things to do in campus than when I was there. We may have had a Pizza Hut. Most of the time we went off campus to do anything.
 
 
What is the most valuable lesson you learned in your time at Lipscomb?
 
I think it would be communication. In my business now most of it is communication, to be able to deal with homeowners and develop relationships. I learned from the teachers and the students how to communicate and get along and how to gain confidence. That has really helped me in business today.
 
 
Who were your favorite professors and why?
 
Dr. Marlin Connelly. He was my communication professor. We had to stand up in front of class and give a presentation. That is something I had never done in the past. I was nervous. I was able to present my speech and be successful. I don't remember what my subject was, but people enjoyed it.
 
It taught me how to do it in the future. That was the best thing. At the time you don't think it helps you, but it does. Itgave me confidence.
 
 
Where did you grow up?
 
I grew up in Chickasha, Oklahoma.
 
 
Where do you live, and what do you do now?
 
I live in Edmond, Oklahoma, near Oklahoma City. My business is McRay's Roofing and Exteriors. We do some new construction but most of our work is hail related. We are working on Toby Keith's roofs soon. Ninety-five percent of what we do is residential. We do metal like copper. We have our own shop. It is a first-class business we have going.
 
 
Tell us about your family:
 
I am single. One of my sisters, Kelly, lives in Dallas where she works for Top Golf. My younger sister, Erin, lives in Oklahoma City and is a dental hygienist. My mom, Neva, was a dental hygienist and she is retired.
 
 
FAST FINISH:
  • Favorite food: Filet mignon
  • Favorite TV show or movie: Top Gun
  • Favorite Bible scripture: John 3:16
  • Favorite sports team: Oklahoma Sooners
  • Pet peeve:  I don't like fake people.
  • Person I most admire: My Dad.
  • Rather ride or drive? Drive
  • Pick one – salad or dessert:  Dessert
  • Dream vacation spot: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
  • Early morning or late-night person? Late night.
 
If you wish to Jeff, he can be reached by email:
  • Email address: jeff@mcrayroofing.com

 
Print Friendly Version
Lipscomb University athletics logo