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DAVID GARMAN WATN

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Men's Tennis' David Garman: Where Are They Now?

David Garman brought his love for tennis with him to then David Lipscomb College, but was not given a scholarship to play. It would take his hard work and dedication to earn a spot on the team after excelling in intramurals. He spent some time this week remembering his days as an athlete in the NAIA era.
 
 
Name and sport played:
 
David Garman, Tennis.

 
What years did you compete for Lipscomb, and who coached you?
 
I played two years of tennis, 1975-77. Dr. Duane Slaughter was our coach.

 
What teammates were most memorable?
 
Paul Nance was my most memorable teammate. We were doubles partners and enjoyed our time together on and off the court. Lynn Griffith was also a great teammate and I was not surprised that he became a coaching legend at Lipscomb.

 
What degrees have you earned, from where, and when?
 
I earned a BS degree from Lipscomb with a major in Government and Public Administration with a minor in Business in 1978. I also earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Kentucky in 1989.

 
Why did you attend Lipscomb?
 
My older brother Rick was already on campus and my maternal grandfather was also a Lipscomb graduate. My parents also wanted me to attend Lipscomb and Lipscomb's excellent academic reputation was certainly a factor.

 
What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb?
 
I don't know that I have a favorite athletic memory although it may be when Coach Slaughter called me to his office and let me know that I had made the team and I was going to receive a partial athletic scholarship. I enjoyed being part of the team and getting to compete in a sport that I loved.

 
Who influenced your athletic career at Lipscomb?
 
Without 'Fessor Boyce I would have never made the tennis team. I took his advanced tennis class in the spring of my freshman year and he gave me a great deal of individual instruction, support, and encouragement. Coach Slaughter also encouraged me to walk on to the team after observing me win a couple of intramural tennis titles.

 
What do you remember about Lipscomb campus life during your time here?
 
I certainly enjoyed the friendships that were made living in Sewell Hall and High Rise. I also looked forward to the Tuesday evening devotionals on campus. Bison Day and my brothers in Sigma Chi Delta also hold many special memories.

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

I was taught to think critically and to value scripture.

 
Who were your favorite professors & why?
 
I had many wonderful professors at Lipscomb. My most memorable would be my advisor, Dr. Patrick Deese. He even took me to the lake and taught me to water ski.
 
I also played tennis with several members of the faculty. Dr. Ralph Nance was the father of my doubles partner, Paul Nance and holds special significance for our family. My future wife Deborah and I took his Astronomy class together and he performed our wedding ceremony. I would say he did a fine job as my wife and I have been married for over 43 years.

 
Where did you grow up?
 
I spent eighth grade through high school in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. My family moved to Kentucky about one week after my high school graduation so I was thrilled to come back to Nashville to attend Lipscomb.

 
Where do you live, and what do you do now?
 
My wife and I moved our family back to Murfreesboro, Tennessee in the fall of 1991 after spending the first 13-plus years of our married life in Lexington, Kentucky.
 
I retired from State Farm Insurance after 40- plus years of service. I also serve as an Elder at the North Boulevard Church of Christ in Murfreesboro.

 
Tell us about your family:
 
My wife and I were blessed to have raised three wonderful daughters. Two of our daughters and their husbands are also Lipscomb graduates. We have also been blessed to have three granddaughters and are enjoying spending as much time with them as possible.

 
FAST FINISH: 
  • Favorite food: Chocolate
  • Favorite TV show or movie: The Sting
  • Favorite Bible scripture: Romans 1:16 – "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile"
  • Favorite sports team: University of Kentucky Basketball
  • Pet peeve: People that run red lights.
  • Person I most admire: My Father and maternal Grandfather
  • Rather ride or drive? Drive
  • Pick one – salad or dessert: Dessert
  • Dream vacation spot: The beach
  • Early morning or late night person? Late night
 
If you wish contact David, you can reach him by email:
  • Email address: garmandd@aol.com

 
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