Patrick O'Rourke was a third baseman for the Lipscomb baseball team, earning ASUN Conference All-Academic Honors. He also served as a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. He spent some time recalling his days as a Bison for Lipscombsports.com.
What years did you compete for Lipscomb Baseball, and who coached you?
2002 – 2006: Wynn Fletcher
What teammates were most memorable, and why?
I played with a lot of great guys... Seth Kuwik, Chris Conn, Jeff Baumgartner, Tadd Brewer, Whit Reed, Preston Embrey, Ryan Mitchell, Ryan Price, Nick Cleckler, Brent Hastings, Dave Becker, Matthew Griffith, Allen Bolden, Chandler Ganick Brandon Cadavid, Caleb Joseph, Clay Lehning and Nathan Sensing to name a few.
What degrees have you earned, from where, and when?
Economics/ Finance / Management all from Lipscomb in 2006.
Why did you attend Lipscomb?
The rich athletic tradition and Christian values. Lipscomb has a strong reputation locally in Nashville.
What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb?
- My last weekend series when I knew it was the last time I was ever going to play in a competitive series. I was completely focused in a way I had never experienced before. It was a special weekend.
- My senior year beating Vanderbilt when they were ranked No. 1 in the country.
Who influenced your athletic career at Lipscomb?
My mom (Nancy) and dad (Kevin). Coaches Jack and Jeff Lavender and the Twitty City Baseball program. Coaches Danny Nowell and Clayton Callicott at Franklin High School. Coach Lynn Griffith taught me how to throw a curveball when I was 11 years old. Coach Cliff Terracuso really helped me become better on defense at third base after struggling early in my career.
What do you remember about Lipscomb campus life during your time here?
I really miss the all-inclusive meal plan, especially the made-to-order breakfast bar every day.
What are the most valuable lessons you learned in your time at Lipscomb?
Juggling the challenges of being a student and an athlete taught me how to prioritize, set goals and achieve them. Lipscomb served as a nice bridge between being a young kid and an adult.
Who were your favorite professors and why?
Jeff Jewell - He had a brilliant financial mind and was able to connect and communicate in a very special way.
Steve Little - I had tremendous respect for his knowledge and real-world experience as a leader in the business world.
Where did you grow up?
Franklin, Tennessee – Grassland Elementary, Grassland Middle, Franklin High
Where do you live, and what do you do now?
Franklin, Tennessee.
- Professionally I am part of an independent group that represents manufacturers that produce furniture and upholsteries for commercial, healthcare, and educational environments.
- Personally, I coach my kid's sports teams in baseball, basketball and soccer.
Tell us about your family:
I married Rachel (Holt) Class of 2007 and we have two kids Ryan (7) and Keaton (4). When we are not at the ball field or gym, we are usually out relaxing on the boat at the lake.
FAST FINISH:
- Favorite food: Mexican
- Favorite TV show or movie: Ozark
- Favorite Bible scripture: Matthew 7:12 – The Golden Rule
- Favorite sports team: Titans
- Person I'd most like to meet: Michael Jordan
- Rather ride or drive? Drive
- Pick one – salad or dessert: Dessert, my mom's chess pie
- Dream vacation spot: Bora Bora
- Early morning or late night person? Early Morning
** P.S. - Patrick is the grandson of Eugene "Fessor" Boyce, who spent 43 years at Lipscomb as a teacher, coach and intramural director.
