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phil bodiford watn

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Track & Field's Phil Bodiford: Where Are They Now?

Phil Bodiford was a record-setting high jumper for the Bisons during the NAIA era at then David Lipscomb College. In 1978 he tied the District 24 record for the high jump with a 6-foot-8-inch effort. He spent some time recalling his memories of his time at Lipscomb for Lipscombsports.com.


Name and sport played:
 
Phil Bodiford, Track (high jump)


What years did you compete for Lipscomb, and who coached you?
 
I competed from 1976-1978.  Joey Haines was my coach. I had knee surgery before my senior year in 1979 and was unable to compete.


What teammates were most memorable, and why?

Robert Cobb, Rob Smith and Bill Smith were the older guys when I got to Lipscomb. They showed me how hard I needed to work to be successful. Bob Martin, Jim Busby, Will Beyer, Ben Bohannon, George Etheridge and Henry Bean were all great runners and athletes. They worked hard to make us a great team.

Jim Bloomingburg was my roommate, and no one ran harder or worked harder than Jim. Charles Lyle was also my roommate for three years. He was a great all-around athlete in many events, and just a great person.
Of course, I could not leave out my brother Steve Bodiford.


What degree have you earned, from where, and when?

I earned a Business degree from Lipscomb in 1979.


Why did you attend Lipscomb?

My brother Steve was already at Lipscomb, and he loved the school. My grandparents were a big part of my life, and they were living in Nashville. Coach Haines saw me jump at a meet down the street from my grandparents and he offered me a scholarship. All three of these things made me realize Lipscomb was where I should attend college.


What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb?

I had only been out of the state of Tennessee a few times before joining the track team. I loved the meets we attended in Florida, Indiana, Missouri and Texas to name a few. Qualifying and attending the National Championship meets and setting the school record in the high jump in 1977 were special memories.


Who influenced your athletic career at Lipscomb?

Coach Haines was a big influence in my career and my life. He just took a genuine interest in me as a person. But my biggest influence was my brother Steve. I started running track in the ninth grade because of him and I followed him to Lipscomb.


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

Chapel with Willard Collins and hanging out in the student center after Chapel. All of the fun times in High Rise dorm. All of my friends in Delta Nu. The great times preparing for and performing in Delta Na Na Na.


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

Lipscomb changed me from an immature kid to an adult that was prepared to establish a career. More importantly, it taught me to always keep God first in my life.


Who were your favorite professors and  why?

Charles Frazier (business classes). He just knew how to teach. Also, I almost failed my first class with him because I had never used a calculator before.

Carroll Ellis (Bible). He was so energetic that it made whatever he was talking about, just fun.

Jimmy Thomas (speech). I enjoyed his class so much that I decided to minor in speech. It has really helped me in the real world.


Where did you grow up?

I was born in Nashville and lived there five years, moved to Memphis and lived there five years, moved to Mount Juliet, Tennessee and lived there five years and then my last two years of high school were in Bolivar, Tennessee.

Where do you live, and what do you do now?

I live in Old Hickory, Tennessee which is a suburb of Nashville. I am an independent insurance agent. I have owned Bodiford Insurance for 36 years.


Tell us about your family:

My wife, Tania, and I have been married for 40 years and we have three daughters. All three have children, we have a total of five grandchildren with one more due in September.


FAST FINISH: 
  • Favorite food: Mexican
  • Favorite TV show or movie: Any sporting event
  • Favorite Bible scripture: Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
  • Favorite sports team: All Vanderbilt teams
  • Pet peeve: People who drive slow in the left lane.
  • Person I most admire: My brother Steve Bodiford
  • Rather ride or drive? Drive
  • Pick one – salad or dessert: Salad 
  • Dream vacation spot: Tokyo
  • Early morning or late-night person? Both
 
If you wish to contact Phil, you can do so through the email below:
  • Email address: Philbod@aol.com

 
 
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