Todd Amburgy's name cannot be found when you check the list of Lee men's basketball all-time leaders in scoring, rebounding and assists, but those who played with him and against the 6-foot-1, 200-pound hard-nosed athlete will quickly tell you he was a defensive leader that ranked with the best.

Former Lee head basketball coach Randy Steele heard about this young man who was from near his hometown in Lebanon, Ohio. Amburgy already knew about Lee. His sister Trina attended college there and played softball and basketball for their uncle, Jack Souther. "My connection with the Amburgy family began long before Todd arrived at Lee," pointed out Coach Steele. "I played high school basketball with his older brother, Terry, in Lebanon during the 70's. That made recruiting and coaching Todd especially meaningful to me."

Amburgy explained, "After seeing me play basketball in a spring league, Coach Steele contacted me about the possibility of playing basketball at Lee and going to college. It was perfect timing because I was 25 years old and at a stage where I wanted to do something different. I was working construction and contemplating going to college. After I came down to check out Lee, and unbeknownst to me, Coach Steele wanted me to play one-on-one against a few players, and he offered me a scholarship to play basketball at Lee."

"Player Every Coach Wants on His Team"
Said Coach Steele, "Todd Amburgy was exactly the kind of player every coach wants on his team. I recruited him primarily because of his defensive ability, toughness, and leadership. Todd was a hard-nosed, consistent, and remarkably selfless player who willingly accepted the toughest defensive assignment. He never worried about recognition or individual statistics; his concern was always what he could do to help the team win. Whenever we needed someone contained or a critical defensive stop made, we could count on Todd."

Of course, there was one special moment on the offensive end of the court that Steele and hundreds of Lee Flame fans will never forget. "One of the highlights of Todd's outstanding career came against our arch-rival, Tennessee Temple, in Chattanooga. With the game on the line at the end of regulation, the ball ended up in Todd's hands, and he made the game-winning shot. It was a memorable moment for a young man who contributed to our success in so many ways beyond scoring."

More to Todd's Turnaround
There was more to Todd's turnaround than college and basketball. "I met my wife, Jennifer (Duncan), at the start of my second year of college," he said. "We sat next to each other in one of Dr. Thompson's and one of Dr. Jasso's business classes. She was a cheerleader for the basketball team, and cheerleaders did not always attend away games, so she graciously took good notes for me when I missed classes while I was playing ball. We got engaged at the end of the school year and were married the following year.

"Fun fact, Jennifer graduated on May 9, 1992, in the morning, and we got married later that same afternoon at Westmore Church of God."  Todd and Jennifer have a grown daughter Amanda, and son Austin. Their daughter is married to Madison Hoke, and they have two sons, Beckham and Jensen, and are expecting another child in the spring.

Coach Steele's Personal Comments
Coach Steele added personal comments, "Todd met his lovely wife while at Lee, and they have built a wonderful family together. It has been especially gratifying to watch him grow into an outstanding Christian man who loves and leads his family well. He represents Lee Athletics with distinction, but even more importantly, he represents his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in a meaningful and inspiring way. I am proud of the player Todd was, but I am even prouder of the husband, father, Christian leader, and man he has become."

Building Trust on and off Playing Court
The Flames made four trips to the NCCAA National Tournament (1990-93) placing second once and third on another occasion. It was an adventure to Hawaii with his teammates that Amburgy enjoys discussing.

"During the 1990 season we went to Hawaii to play in a holiday tournament. The team hung out together and enjoyed each other's company both on and off the court which translated to trust on the court and had one of the best stretches of playing basketball I can remember. Some team members that year were Gary Davis, Kermit Marlow, Jimmy Guy, Blaine Terrell, Rodney Knox, Russ Meilstrup, Jason Luallen, and Vernon Darko." Marlow scored over 60 points in one of the games and established a school record that will likely never be broken.

"My last year (1992-1993 season) was also very memorable playing with Rodney (Knox) and Russ (Meilstrup). Those guys loved to compete as much as I did, and we enjoyed working hard to win each and every game." Both were great shooters and gave the fans their money worth at NCCAA Tournament games.

Team's Final Meeting with Coach Carpenter
The team friendship carried over in a big way a couple of years ago. "I stayed in touch with my college coaches Steele and Larry Carpenter over the years. My wife and I have also stayed close to my former roommate, Jason Reuter and his wife Melissa, and Blaine Terrell and his wife Darleah," said Amburgy.

"When I found out Coach Carpenter had cancer, I wanted to have a get-together for him with former players from the 1980's - early 1990's. A few of us reached out to former teammates and we had about 20 guys and some of their spouses meet at my house in north Atlanta to share with Coach Carpenter how much he (and Coach Steele) impacted our lives.

"Stories were told for hours about big games, memorable team trips, and everyday locker room camaraderie amongst the guys. In true Coach Carpenter style, he closed the session leaving us with life lessons and always finding the positive in everything – even while battling cancer."

Home Building Career
When he finished college and his basketball career, Todd began his home building business one house at a time. "I grew up in the construction trade, and I went to Lee to get a business degree. It was then, I decided I wanted to get into the business of building houses. Over time I began to do small developments, and I also got my real estate license.

"After many years, I finally talked my wife into getting out of the education field and coming to work with me. She takes care of the design aspects of our business. Our son, Austin, grew up around building houses and helping on the job sites. He now works with me full-time. "We are lucky enough to live on a "family compound", 15 acres and we are able to spend time with both of our children and grandchildren each day." 

"Forever Grateful to Lee University and Coach Steele"
Amburgy said in closing, "I am forever grateful to Lee University and Coach Randy Steele for believing in me and giving me an opportunity that truly changed my life forever in every way imaginable. Basketball was the tool God used to bring special people into my life. I met my wife at Lee, established my Christian foundation, and earned a college degree, allowing me to go from being a brick mason to a home builder.

"We attend church at Free Chapel in Gainesville, Ga. with Pastor Jentezen Franklin. He always asks, "what kind of legacy are you leaving for your family?" My wife and I are thankful that our children are believers, and we want to help create opportunities for them to continue to grow their faith and their involvement in our family business. As we get older, we have no intention of slowing down. We truly enjoy doing what we do, so this is not "work" for us. God is good. I am a blessed man."