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Track and Field's Ben Bohannon: Where Are They Now?

Ben Bohannon was a member of track and cross-country teams that were strong competitors when David Lipscomb College was part of the NAIA. Bohannon spent some time this week recalling his experiences at Lipscomb.
 
Name and sport played:                         
 
Ben Bohannon, Track and Cross Country.
 
 
What years did you compete for Lipscomb, and who coached you?
 
I ran at Lipscomb from 1976–1980 for Coach Joey Haines and Coach Will Beyer.
 
 
What teammates were most memorable?
 
We had teams with great comradery who had a lot of fun competing. Many lifetime friendships were formed among teammates while at Lipscomb.Some of the memorable team members included:
  • Jim Bloomingburg, great sprinter and Lipscomb's first national champion.
  • Kelly Herring, Bobby Martin and Will Beyer were outstanding in the distance events.
  • Charlie Lyle was a great multi-event performer.
  • Phil Bodiford was an excellent high jumper.
  • Henry Bean, Jim Williams and Bill Smith were great relay teammates.
 
 
What degrees have you earned, from where, and when?
  • BS Psychology, Lipscomb (1980)   
  • MS Accounting, George Mason University (1991)
  • CPA in Virginia
 
 
Why did you attend Lipscomb?
 
I was familiar with the school while growing up from people who attended Lipscomb at church and from family members who attended. My mom liked the school.I also had friends already on the track team and with the opportunity to run track at the school it was an easy decision.
 
 
What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb?
 
Competing and consistently winning against NAIA and NCAA schools, setting the mile relay record on the University of Tennessee track and beating Abilene Christian on their home track in the NAIA National Championships.
 
 
Who influenced your athletic career at Lipscomb?
 
Coach Haines who recruited and formed a competitive team.
 
 
What do you remember about Lipscomb campus life during your time here?
 
Lipscomb was a place that allowed students to mature, where friendships could be formed, faith developed, and career paths established.  I will always remember Bison Day, track team trips, High Rise Dorm, Sigma Chi Delta, Kappa Chi, and daily chapel with President Willard Collins 'That is all'.
 
 
What is the most valuable lesson you learned in your time at Lipscomb?
 
I left Lipscomb with a strong Christian faith in Jesus and determined to follow God first in my life while providing service to others.
 
 
Who were your favorite professors and why?
 
The Lipscomb faculty provided a high level of knowledge across all academic disciplines and demonstrated a caring interest in their students that provided a strong basis for making life decisions.The daily Bible classes were a blessing.Notable professors include:
  • Sue Berry
  • Norman Keener
  • Earl Dennis
  • Sarah Keith Gamble
  • Batsell Baxter
  • Clyde Miller
  • Ted Carruth
  • Carroll Ellis
  • Charles Frasier
 
 
Where did you grow up?
 
I was born in Middle Tennessee and moved to Arlington, Virginia at age 9.
 
 
Where do you live, and what do you do now?
 
I still live in Arlington, Virginia.I retired April 30, 2021 after 28 years with the Department of the Treasury in Washington, D.C. I am a member of the Church of Christ in Falls Church, Virginia and formerly a member of the Arlington Church of Christ.
 
 
Tell us about your family:
 
I met my wife Billie at the Arlington Church of Christ.We have been married for 36 years and have two sons, Paul and Jonathan.Paul is also a graduate of Lipscomb as well as my brother Joe Bohannon.
 
 
FAST FINISH:
  • Favorite food:  Cheeseburger and Fries
  • Favorite TV show or movie:  "The Andy Griffith Show"
  • Favorite Bible scripture: Matthew 6:30-34
  • Favorite sports team: Washington Nationals
  • Rather ride or drive? Drive
  • Pick one – salad or dessert: Dessert
  • Dream vacation spot: Mountains
  • Early morning or late-night person?  Late-night
 
 
If you wish to contact Ben, his email is below:
  • Email address: bdbohannon@verizon.net

 
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