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Men's Cross Country

Cross Country/Track & Field's Garth Pinkston: Where Are They Now?

Garth Pinkston qualified for the NAIA Nationals in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. He grew up in Michigan but stayed in Middle Tennessee after graduating from what was then David Lipscomb College. He spent some time this week remembering his time on campus.
 
Name and sports played:
 
Garth Pinkston - Cross Country, indoor and outdoor track.

 
What years did you compete for Lipscomb, and who coached you?
 
From 1973-1977. My coach was Joey Haines.

 
What teammates were most memorable?
 
I have several:
  • Robert Cobb - sense of humor and great overall athlete
  • Robert Smith - character, intellect, super-fast sprinter
  • Jim Bloomingburg – National All-American
  • Roommates: Will Beyer, Lester Farrell and Kelly Herring - kept me on the straight and narrow and just a bunch of great guys to room with and do things with.
 

What degrees have you earned, from where, and when?
 
A BS from Lipscomb in 1977 and an MS from Trevecca Nazarene in 1996.
 

Why did you attend Lipscomb?
 
It was a Christian college with strong academics. I wanted to become a teacher/coach.
 
I had a track scholarship. Also, my mother's family is located in the Middle Tennessee area.
 

What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb?
 
Going to Nationals in all three sports (cross country, indoor and outdoor track) and setting the 1,000-yard record at MTSU.
 

Who influenced your athletic career at Lipscomb?
 
Coach Joey Haines, Robert Smith, Jim Bloomingburg, Robert Cobb and roommates Kelly Herring, Lester Farrell and Will Beyer.
 

What do you remember about Lipscomb campus life during your time here?
 
Chapel, Monday night devos with Mack Wayne Craig, friendship of teammates, pretty girls with character, Athens Clay Pullias and Willard Collins, High Rise shenanigans, and seventh floor High Rise athletes.
 

What are the most valuable lessons you learned in your time at Lipscomb?
 
I developed my own Christian character and gained the skills to be successful in whatever undertaking was before me. I learned teamwork and how to influence people for the good.
 

Who were your favorite professors and why?
 
  • Doc Adams - sense of humor and ended class when his coffee was empty.
  • Dean Craig - made the Bible interesting.
  • Joe Gray - developed a mission attitude in my life. I found my wife on a mission trip.
 

Where did you grow up?
 
Swartz Creek Michigan. I lived on a dairy farm.
 

Where do you live, and what do you do now?
 
I live in Columbia, Tennessee. I retired from teaching and administration in 2018. I unretired in 2019 and am now Supervisor of Transportation for Maury County Public Schools."
 

Tell us about your family:
 
I married Sharon (Curd '76) in 1978.  We have three children:
  • Grant and Miriam, He is a Major in the Army soon to deploy to Germany. They have four boys.
  • Gavin and Lauren, He is an M.D. practicing here in Columbia, Tennessee. and Lauren has her Ph.D. and teaches at Lipscomb University in the Business Dept. They have three children.
  • Grace (Pinkston) and Hobe Watkins. She has a master's in social work but is currently a stay-at-home mom and they have a 16-month-old son.
 

FAST FINISH:
  • Favorite food: Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes and milk gravy with green beans
  • Favorite TV show or movie: Any Eastwood movie/Quigley Down Under
  • Favorite Bible scripture: Jeremiah 29:11
  • Favorite sports team: University of Michigan
  • Pet peeve: bad drivers
  • Person I most admire: Ben Carson
  • Person I would most like to meet: Jesus
  • Rather ride or drive? drive
  • Pick one – salad or dessert: salad
  • Dream vacation spot: Hawaii
  • Early morning or late-night person? late night
 
If you wish to contact Garth, you can do so below: 
  • Email address: gpinkston55@gmail.com
  • Facebook: yes – Garth Pinkston

 
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