Class Year: 1988
Major at MC: Physical Education
Senior Thesis Title/Topic: “Effects of strength and flexibility training on baseball hitting performance”
Current Town/City of Residence: Maryville, Tenn.
Occupation: Retired from Assistant Athletics Director for Communications, Maryville College
Family: Wife Bonnie Bouch Etchison ’87 and a daughter, DeAnna (18)
Q: Describe your career path since graduating from MC.
A: I worked in municipal recreation in Florida, taught and coached in high school in Florida, and proceeded to graduate school. Upon graduation from the United States Sports Academy, I was employed by Maryville College. I began my service as an assistant baseball coach from 1990-1992. I served as the Scots’ head baseball coach from 1993-2006. I have been the Sports Information Director for MC since 2000 and was elevated to my present position in 2011.
Q: Describe your job or a typical day “in the office.”
A: On a daily basis I promote, sell and enhance Maryville College through its athletic department. I am the College’s athletic liaison with the local media and fans. I work on the MC athletics website, communicate with the conference and NCAA on a daily basis, compile statistics, create media guides, utilize my photography and video editing skills, and plan sports information game management for over 130 home athletic events annually.
Q: What has been your most exciting/enjoyable professional experience to date?
A: I served as the Chair of the NCAA Division III Baseball Committee from 2003-2005. This gave me the passion to move towards a goal in athletic administration after coaching. I loved watching the kids that I brought to MC walk across the stage for graduation. I was extremely proud to earn the 2009 Sharon A. Murphy Crane Distinguished Service Award from the College. My induction into the MC Wall of Fame in 2010 left me speechless and humbled. There have been many marked moments in my 20-year tenure at MC.
Q: Professionally or personally, what’s still on your “bucket list”?
A: Professionally, I would like to lead a small college’s athletic department to achieve great things. Personally, I treasure each spare moment I get to spend with my family. They like to travel, so I would like to share a few quality trips with them. We are crossing San Francisco off our list this summer.
Q: How did your MC experience prepare you for your vocation and/or life?
A: As a coach, I had the unique opportunity to learn from some of the best small college coaches in the country. Having a staff of three 500+ winning coaches always gave me a great ear to bend. My liberal arts education gave me a strong foundation in writing and research skills, along with numerous leadership opportunities on the field, in the community and in the classroom. I did not have to “re-invent” myself after my coaching career wound down; I simply had to shift gears and use the numerous additional skills MC instilled in me.
Q: Since graduating from MC, what has made you the most proud?
A: I am the proud father of an exceptionally talented daughter. I try daily to be a better husband to my wife of 21 years. I am enjoying watching our new church, Ekklesia Blount, grow as I grow in my Christian faith. I firmly believe that the student-athletes that choose Maryville College will have a life-changing experience during their tenure and will be prepared to take on any life challenge.
Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?
A: I love watching live performances and attend the Cumberland County Playhouse on a regular basis. I cannot turn down a major league baseball game and would love to be a season ticket holder for the Cincinnati Reds.
Q: What’s your best memory from your years as a student at MC?
A: I was injured in the fall of 1988. The MC student population at that time was just under 500, and I remember a friend gave me a signed glove to boost my spirits. It looked like everyone on the entire campus took the time to wish me well. It was just one of many examples where Maryville was and still is a caring community. I will also never forget Dr. John Perry and his persistence to never let me settle for an average effort.
Q: Complete this sentence: I’m glad Maryville College still …
A: … has a focus on the individual.
Q: Complete this sentence: My classmates may be surprised to learn that I
A: … began my journey as a Park Ranger after MC.
