Liberty Champion April 16, 2019

Annie Get Your Gun

Coffeehouse in Vines

B7

B8

VOLUME 36, ISSUE 19

LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA

LIBERTY.EDU/CHAMPION | TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019 | LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

L U l o v e s Ly n c h b u r g

Leah Stauffer| Liberty News Service

INTERACTION — LU Serve hoped the event helped students learn more about local organizations.

Jessie Rogers | Liberty News Service

MEETING — Students gathered on the Academic Lawn early April 13 to check into their stations.

Leah Stauffer | Liberty News Service

SERVE — About 2,200 students served with over 100 community partners.

LU serves the ‘Burg

Third annual service event sends students into the Lynchburg community

Hattie Troutman hatroutman@liberty.edu

Liberty University students and faculty served 8,500 volunteer hours during the third annual Serve Lynchburg event April 12 and 13.

The event gave students and faculty an opportunity to serve the Lynchburg communi-

ty in a variety of ways, ranging from general clean-up to landscaping to painting interior and exterior walls. Liberty partnered with more than 100 local organizations and companies during the weekend.

According to Chad Nelson, the director of local and domestic engagement for LU Serve, around 2,200 volunteers went out to serve the Lynchburg community over the course of two days.

“We have often referred to it as a catalytic event,” Nelson said. “We want students to think about not only this one day of mass service, but what they can do for ongoing service to the community year around.”

All the volunteers gathered on the Academic Lawn the morning of April 13 to check into their stations before boarding buses to head off to their sites, where they served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nelson said LU Serve wanted this event to help students learn more about an organization or a community they have never interacted with before and wanted everyone involved to have a better grasp of the social issues occurring in the Lynchburg area.

See LOVE LYH, A7

Giving back

What’s News

ROTC walks for food bank Madison Hirneisen mghirneisen@liberty.edu

Mikaela Stiner | Liberty Champion

OVER A CUP — Alexa Whaley moderated the meeting between College Republicans and College Democrats.

Across aisles

Coffee with a Democrat at LU Emily Wood ewood13@liberty.edu

Two Republicans and a Democrat sat down over coffee and doughnuts April 8 to find common ground on polarizing political issues. Liberty University’s College Republicans hosted University of Lynchburg’s College Democrats for “Coffee with a Democrat” — the final event of the semester for the club.

Representatives from the two clubs engaged in a panel-

style conversation to discuss the political climate and issues such as immigration reform, the education system, welfare and race relations.

“Our goal for the event was not for it to be a debate, but (to) find common ground on contentious issues between Republicans and Democrats,” College Republicans Chairman Tim Murcek said. “I think we succeeded in seeing that brought (to) fruition tonight.”

See COFFEE, A3

Cadets within Liberty’s Army ROTC program will partner with Park View Community Mission in Lynchburg for an event known as “Rucking for a Reason” April 27. According to Command Sgt. Maj. Joe Barr, cadets participate in ten “ruck” marches per year, but he hopes to use this upcoming march to make a difference.

During ruck marches, cadets typically fill their sacks with over 30 pounds of weight and hike about four miles. While cadets normally fill their sacks with heavy books, Barr and the CFC thought about the possibility of collecting donations and filling their rucksacks with items that could make a difference. This inspired “Rucking for a Reason.”

“I was thinking wouldn’t it be cool if we actually did something where we walked, and whatever was in our backpacks was actually going to help someone,” Barr said. “… Normally, we fill our rucksacks with just

like textbooks and stuff, and so I (thought) why don’t we do it with something meaningful?”

According to The News & Advance, 18.2 percent of Lynchburg citizens are food insecure, meaning they do not have access to enough food to live healthy, active lives. To help individuals who do not have adequate access to food, the cadets will be collecting food donations from a number of food bins in on- and off-campus locations such as the Jerry Falwell Library, Montview Student Union, LaHaye Student Union, Walmart on Wards Road, the American Legion Post 16 and Thomas Road Baptist Church. Items needed include both food items and hygiene items. Donations will be collected through April 26.

The event will begin in the Baseball Stadium Parking Lot at 8 a.m. Participants will ruck the donations for 3.5 miles to Park View Community Mission and then travel back to school in vehicles. The event is open for cadets and students.

See RUCK, A6

Liberty LUCOM offers free check-ups Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine partnered with the Lynchburg Salvation Army April 13 to provide free check-ups in the third annual Care Collaborative. About 300 Lynchburg-area residents attended the event, according to the News & Advance.

Local Downtown market closes Downtown Lynchburg’s organic grocer, Grassroots Local Market, suddenly closed April 15 with less than a week of notice. The market notified shoppers of its closing via Facebook April 11.

The business was only open for seven months and cited insufficient funds as its reason for closing.

International Notre Dame burns The Notre Dame Cathedral was engulfed in flames April 15. As of 2:30 p.m. April 15, the spire and parts of the roof had collapsed. The cathedral has stood in Paris, France since 1345 AD.

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A2 | April 16, 2019 | Liberty Champion

Building for the future Liberty University and Hampton University students meet in symposium

Lillian Abbatacola leabbatacola@liberty.edu

Liberty University and Hampton University students rallied together April 2 in the Library of Congress to exchange ideas and learn about the social impact of modern American politics.

“This will make you a better citizen,” Robert Hurt, former congressman and executive director for Liberty’s Center of Law and Government, said.

Hurt and Dr. Jarris Louis Taylor Jr., the director of Hampton’s William R. Harvey Leadership Institute, led the event from the stage.

The purpose of the meeting was to get Liberty and Hampton students together to meet one another and build lifelong relationships. Leadership from Liberty and Hampton orchestrated an event in which political leaders spoke about their lives and careers and gave advice to students.

One of those speakers was the special as-

sistant to the president for domestic policy, Ja’Ron K. Smith. The Howard University School of Business graduate said he grew up a Democrat but changed political parties after meeting with a mentor from an internship after the Bush versus Gore election in 2000.

“I learned a lot about what it meant to be a conservative. I had these biases; conservatives are more like the rich, and they’re racists and I was like, ‘I don’t know if that’s for me,’” Smith said, laughing.

But Smith’s internship with Rep. J.C. Watts (OK-4) was a pivotal part of his life and journey into American politics.

“I quickly found working for an African-American congressman, who happened to be a Republican, and was a great football player, that actually there (are) a lot of Republicans that agree with me about changing the country and individual liberty,” Smith said.

Smith worked as a stock broker in his early

20s after his internship with Watts. Then, he became a staff assistant, working various jobs in Washington, D.C. He worked as an advocate for millennials and those disenfranchised by the criminal justice system.

“

speak for themselves.

“It’s been truly magical, I can tell you.

I’ve some crazy experiences in the White House,” Smith said.

One of those magical moments occurred

What America will give is what makes America great. When we lead, the world is safer.

— Kevin McCarthy

Smith created the concept called Opportunity Zones, which empowers entrepreneurship in low-income communities by encouraging investment in those areas. Smith said this project fed his passion for figuring out new ways to serve individuals who can’t

when Kanye West visited the White House.

Because Smith was working on the policy discussed at the meeting, Smith coincidentally ended up in the background of photos with West. Smith laughed at how his family and friends called him and were so amazed that they saw him on TV with the Chicagoborn rapper.

“At the end of the day, I got into this business to serve. It’s been a blessing to serve and actually make change,” Smith said.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy also spoke at the symposium. McCarthy wore an autism awareness pin and talked to students about being a small business owner, his stance on the pro-life movement, his faith and his love for paintings.

“What America will give is what makes America great,” McCarthy said. “When we lead, the world is safer.”

The symposium followed the fall symposium, which was the first of its kind. Through these meetings, the two Virginian universities how to build a partnership between the two schools.

Leah Stauffer | Liberty News Service

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS — Students from Liberty University and Hampton University listened intently to Robert Hurt, former congressman and current executive director for Liberty’s Center of Law and Government.

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Macy Hrncir | Liberty Champion

OPEN FOR BUSINESS — The first Hobby Lobby in Lynchburg celebrated its grand opening April 8 with a ribbon cutting ceremony presented by the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance.

Macy Hrncir | Liberty Champion

HOW CRAFTY — Prior to the Lynchburg store opening, the closest Hobby Lobby was in Danville.

Open for business Art store crafts grand opening in Lynchburg Caroline Veater clveater@liberty.edu

Lynchburg’s first Hobby Lobby officially opened April 8 after a soft launch April 1.

Hobby Lobby, the world’s largest privately-owned arts and crafts retailer, with more than 850 stores in 46 states, opened a new store in Lynchburg at 2315 Wards Road, near the intersection of Candlers Mountain Road. Instead of driving to Danville, previously the closest Hobby Lobby location, customers can now enjoy Hobby Lobby’s discounts and deals in Lynchburg.

In just that week, the store saw over 42,000 customers and had nearly $315,000 in sales, according to WSLS. Having only expected 12,000 customers the first week, the company was delighted to see such a high degree of consumer excitement for the new location.

“I can say Lynchburg has been an awesome community. … There’s been an outpouring, and everybody’s been coming out to frequent our business,” Lynchburg store manager Eddie Chapman, Jr. told WSET. COFFEE continued from A1 College Republicans Secretary Alexa Whaley moderated the event. The panel consisted of Murcek and First Vice Chair Jessica Hughes, as well as University of Lynchburg College Democrats President Carter Elliott IV. Elliott is a Lynchburg native and the founder of University of Lynchburg’s Col-

“We kind of hit the ground running, so we’re off to a great start.”

Junior Kaytlyn Brittingham looks forward to going to the store in August when she returns to campus for the fall semester.

“It will be nice for students to get supplies and items for their dorm rooms and classes,” Brittingham said.

“Utilizing the coupons and discounts the store offers will help make the items much more affordable.”

Ashley McCall, a junior studying graphic design, was also excited for the new Hobby Lobby location, saying art students will be able to find supplies easier and not have to order as many supplies online.

“Even though we have art stores (in Lynchburg) now, each of them (sells) different supplies,” McCall said “This should give more diversity in the products we can get and hopefully save money.”

Hobby Lobby is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The store is also looking to hire part-time employees. Interested students can apply in person at the Lynchburg location.

VEATER is a content reporter.

lege Democrats club.

Elliott, Murcek and Hughes engaged in discussion on some of the most controversial topics in modern politics.

“Our culture is so polarized that we won’t even listen to each other,” Murcek said. “Having a setting where we can casually sit down and talk about issues that often raise passionate debate and (find) common ground on them (is) important to actually

Mikaela Stiner | Liberty Champion

CONVERSATION — Tim Murcek, Jessica Hughes and Carter Elliot IV discussed politics.

Macy Hrncir | Liberty Champion

ALL LINED UP — Shoppers waited in line to get into the arts and crafts store. getting good policies passed.”

Though the three panelists did not agree on every political issue, they found they have more similarities than they thought.

“We found a lot of common ground, and that’s really important,” Elliott said. “It’s always possible to have civil discourse.”

Conversations like this do happen in the nation’s capital, but Elliott said the younger generation does a better job with bipartisan engagement.

“I really think that the young people do (bipartisan conversation) a lot better than the older representatives we have in Congress,” Elliott said. “It’s honestly really eyeopening, and it makes you feel a lot more comfortable about the future.”

Murcek said this kind of discussion is essential for the nation to reach solutions.

“I think one of the biggest issues we face in America today is that we don’t pass good policy or legislate properly and execute good laws because we refuse to listen to each other,” Murcek said.

The panelists agreed that the immigration, education and welfare systems need reform. They also discussed possible ways to improve race relations from the perspective of both parties.

Murcek said immigration reform is one of the most prominent issues of today that will require the most bipartisan cooperation.

“We kind of all want the same end game, but we have different ways of getting there,” Murcek said. “If we tackle the issue from a bipartisan perspective, we’d get a lot more of what both parties want out of that.”

Effective bipartisan communication also

applies to the American public. Murcek said it is unhealthy for the culture when people do not communicate with those of different views. The speakers encouraged the audience to go out and meet their neighbors to realize the true state of society.

“It all starts with treating people as people,” Elliott said. “We’re all in this together, whether we like it or not. We all share this earth together. We share this state. We share this community. … I think it’s important for people to realize that even though you disagree with somebody, they can still be a good person and you can still respect them.”

The panelists may differ in their view of policy, but they all strive for the betterment of society and the preservation of the American Dream.

As for their own parties, Elliott and Murcek encourage their partisan leaders to communicate and cooperate with one another. Murcek said the most effective legislators are those who reach across the aisle for solutions.

“Be open to compromise and just be open to listening to the other side,” Murcek said.

“It all starts with having an open ear. …

That’s really the root of creating good government policy.”

For more information on Liberty’s College Republicans club, visit its Instagram or Facebook page.

WOOD is a content reporter.

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OPINION

April 16, 2019

‘The King’s Speech’ Ryan Klinker rmklinker@liberty.edu

A microphone in Wembley Stadium awaits millions of people silently listening in person and via radio. As the live broadcast begins, a nervous man steps up to speak. His mouth opens as the crowd prepares to focus on every syllable, but the words aren’t coming. More silence weighs on the stadium speakers and broadcast as the man’s mouth remains open. Finally, the words come. “I have received from his majesty the K-k…the...k…King.”

This scene begins the 2011 Best Picture-winning film “The King’s Speech,” which tells the true story of King George VI’s private speech therapy sessions that gave him the tools to reduce his stuttering condition and become a voice in 1940s Britain. Not only does this film present an accurate depiction of a historically rooted story, but it is also one of few great movies to illustrate the daily life of those with a stuttering disability. The silent microphone, an expectant audience and repeated failure to get past a single word are all too familiar to those with a stutter.

I can attest to this firsthand.

I have had a stuttering condition my whole life, and it will likely never go away. I have noticed very little representation for stutterers in the media, and I very rarely have the opportunity to witness an authentic stutterer in a movie. I still remember the first time I saw “The King’s Speech” in 2011 — I didn’t exactly realize the weight of this cinematic moment, but I recognized that I was seeing someone like me, someone I had not seen before in film.

It isn’t as hard as one might think to find a stuttering character in our television shows and movies, but they’re often the “different” character. They are slow, weak, or even disturbed in some depictions, and they’re seldom in any sort of forefront role. I cannot attest to the entirety of entertainment history before 2011, but I imagine “The King’s Speech” was the first time many people saw stuttering as a trait in the hero of a film.

Stuttering has no surefire cure, but it can be somewhat contained through an education and practice referred to as “strategies” — a mental toolbox of adjustments to one’s speech pattern, pitch and pronunciation. Altering the pitch of the word or sentence in a sort of “sing-song” manner and intentionally drawing out the first letter- “mmMy name is Ryan” — are a couple examples.

Most stutterers don’t stammer when they sing or talk under their breath, and these inconsistencies play into the arsenal of tricks used by many stutterers, including George VI. Throughout his accurate and tastefully comedic time with speech pathologist Lionel Logue, the King is able to develop his personal strategies to speak more clearly. While his stutter remains, his eponymous speech is delivered with only a couple of minor flaws.

The film goes against the cliché portrayals of stuttering from years past, making a point to include the common and misguided responses that a stutterer receives in a typical conversation. Though it is a condition that is generally recognized, there are still many assumptions and illadvised perceptions of stuttering. In

LIFE WITH

LOGAN Logan Smith lcsmith1@liberty.edu

Google Images

THE KING'S ENGLISH — Colin Firth as George VI and Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth in “The King ’s Speech.”

my experience, phrases like “Stop rushing yourself” or “Just think about what you need to say before you say it” are the two most frustrating responses I receive.

“The King’s Speech” is as accurate of a portrayal of stuttering and the life of those who live with it as you’ll find anywhere else. King George VI’s journey serves as a fantastic example of stuttering itself and how, despite the setbacks that a disability may cause, anyone with an impairment can achieve incredible things and live up to the true definition of extraordinary.

This film shines a light on a moment in history and the man at the middle of it while illuminating the struggles and triumphs of those with stuttering and disabilities as a whole, and it will always be one of my favorite pieces of cinematic history.

KLINKER is the photography editor.

Time to say sorry Amid accusations, Biden has yet to formally apologize Kelly Sobnosky ksobnosky1@liberty.edu

With the 2020 elections fast approaching, former Vice President Joe Biden is expected to make a run for the presidency. However, as his political appearances are ramping up, so are allegations of inappropriate conduct against the potential presidential candidate.

Although the allegations are minor, they are many, and Biden must make a formal apology if he wants to keep his political reputation and preserve a shot at the presidency.

In total, according to The Cut, a total of eight women have come forward to speak out against the actions of Biden with incidents ranging from “a big slow kiss” on the back of the head to a hug that was “just a little bit too long,” and date as far back as 1993.

These incidents have since been claimed to be categorized in the #MeToo movement by executive director of the National Employment Lawyers Association Terry O’Neil.

In an interview with WBUR, O’Neil stated that though Biden may not have been intentionally offensive, that is how his actions were received.

Regardless of the number of allegations, it does not seem that many, if any, believe that Biden is a predator or belongs in jail.

O’Neil commended Biden for his intent to listen and for “committing to be more mindful.”

The Chicago Tribune noted that Biden was human and that he “like all of us, has blind spots.”

However, they still condemn him for his actions.

The Chicago Tribune chided Biden on his justification of his actions, stating that he used the “language and logic of assailants.”

Though Biden has since stated that he would “be much more mindful,” Vox

Google Images

TOUCHY — Democratic Presidential candidate and former Vice Presdent Joe Biden faces a slew of allegations of inappropriate contact.

emphasized the lack of an apology by the long-term politician.

While some do condemn Biden, there are others who have spoken on his behalf regarding the alleged incidents.

The Intelligencer highlighted Democratic Senators Dianne Feinstein and Joe Manchin as coming to Biden’s defense in the face of the allegations.

They claimed Biden was a “warm, tactile person. He reaches out and he touches and it’s like this and that. It’s hardly sexy.”

Biden’s actions are not criminal. They may be inappropriate, but not criminal.

His actions should not be repeated, but if no one had called him out on his behavior, how could he change?

People won’t change unless they are forced to change. Up to this point, no one has forced Biden’s behavior to change. He has been confronted and now only time will tell if he will adjust

his actions or not. If Biden wants a shot at the presidency, then he needs to modify his behavior toward women.

Biden has stressed his willingness to listen and alter his attitude, but the best move for him going forward is an apology.

The Cut quoted Biden stating that he never believed that he acted inappropriately, but that if he did it was never his intention.

While it’s close to an apology, it’s not enough to placate the masses and regain the trust and support of the female population. The best solution for Biden is a formal apology for making those women feel uncomfortable or else his political career may come to a screeching halt, forcing him to kiss his presidential bid goodbye.

SOBNOSKY is an opinion writer.

Failure.

This seven-letter word elicits dread, panic and discomfort. Fear of failure causes anxiety and depression, and it can fracture one’s soul into a million pieces.

I’ve felt the sting of failure multiple times.

I’ve lost sporting matches, bombed academic tests and jeopardized important relationships.

Many times, I felt alone, scared and troubled. I quickly blamed others and ignored my obvious mistakes and shortcomings.

I’m bursting with imperfections.

I’m a sinner, saved by undeserving grace.

Throughout our lives, we’re taught to embrace success and avoid failure. We’re taught academic excellence, dinner etiquette and social respect.

We absorb the principles of victory without learning the art of defeat. We embrace the sweetness of success, but choke at the disappointments of failure.

True success requires learning how to fail.

Failure is a common theme at graduations, almost to the point of overuse. Commencement speakers frequently preach the inevitability of failure and the prize for perseverance.

While determination builds personal growth, graduation ceremonies only brush the surface of failure’s role in one’s character.

For my final “Life with Logan” column, I wanted to approach failure from a different perspective. I won’t reference cliché examples or quote famous dead people. I want to address what I learned from my dad during a low point in my life.

We fear failure because we wrongly blend success with identity. We measure worth based on accomplishments instead of relying on a higher power.

Neither failures nor accomplishments should define us. Our identities reside in Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross. God won every battle, conquered every fear and offered an escape from death. As believers, our identities should rest in Christ, who achieved victory over all. If we look to ourselves as beacons of perfection, we will crumble every time.

The thesis of this column is fortitude during failure, not because it keeps us focused on our personal goals, but because it helps us realize that God is bigger than life’s frustrations.

Working at the Champion has been an incredible blessing. We know a thing or two about failure. The newspaper you hold experienced roughly 20 different revisions of each page before finalization. We toil in our efforts, craving the accomplishment.

My best advice for anyone is to understand that life isn’t about you. If you feel wronged, used or disrespected, work it out. Don’t pretend to be a martyr to the masses. Embrace the frustrations of failure, learn to work collaboratively and move forward.

For those who picked up a copy of the Champion during my time as editor, thank you. Know that our Champion staff has worked tirelessly to create the best newspaper possible.

For those who don’t know, the Champion is student-led and student-operated. We sacrifice hundreds of hours to work at the Champion each semester while juggling full academic loads. It’s challenging, but thrilling.

On April 30, we will release our final issue of this semester, and my colleague Jacob Couch, along with several other new staffers, will spearhead production.

I should end this column by saying “Goodnight and Good luck,” but that’s too cliché. Instead I will leave you with my most important message, playing off Martin Luther’s famous saying: Fail boldly.

SMITH is the manager of content.

opinion

Liberty Champion | April 16, 2019 | A5

Video absolves recreation Although growing in popularity, video replay calls may harm sports

lish Premier League are bringing in similar replay systems to get the big calls right.

As referees get the chance to review game situations, their accuracy is increasing, as CBS Sports has observed in New Orleans fans will never forget it. the NBA. But the death threats aimed at Robey-Coleman When Drew Brees bulleted a pass to Tommylee Lewis point to a subtle toxicity seeping into the world of sports. on third down late in the Northern Football Confer- Our emotional love for sports is being replaced by a pure ence championship game, and Rams cornerback Nick- hunger to win. ell Robey-Coleman left Lewis in a heap on the sideline, Obviously, winning is a fundamental part of competitive the call should have been pass interference. It wasn’t sports, and when fans are denied victory by a referee instead — the Saints lost the ball — and the Rams won the game of the opposition, they feel robbed. As humans, we all want in overtime. justice, and with the power of TV, every fan knows when a Nine days later, The New York Times reported that Robey- referee blows a call.

Coleman was receiving death threats, and in response to the Replay gives referees that same power fans have had for controversy, the NFL instituted instant replay for pass in- years, and the results have been unquestionable. terference calls.

Though soccer has never used a refereeing replay system, Across the sports world, refereeing mistakes are shining a FIFA instituted Video Assistant Refereeing (or VAR) at the spotlight on referees, and leagues from the NBA to the Eng- 2018 World Cup in Russia to resounding success. As The Guardian discussed after the 2018 World Cup, instant replay does decrease refereeing mistakes.

But VAR’s struggles in other areas have illustrated the problem with instant replay.

By nature, soccer is defined by game flow, with the clock only stopping for halftime and the referee making split-second decisions to determine fouls. Though sports like basketball allow for time to review potential mistakes, every second spent reviewing decisions in soccer is a second of gameplay lost.

Because soccer is so low-scoring, every goal is a release of pent-up emotions as the Google Images ball ripples the net. But with VAR’s introduction, players often score, reveling in the thrill OFFSIDES — VAR is giving soccer referees inch-level precision on calls.

John Nekrasov ydnekrasov@liberty.edu

of the moment, but then stand around aimlessly while referees wait for a video assessment.

Soccer journalist Gabriele Marcotti argues rightly that having a fair game for both teams is worth occasionally losing a few minutes of gameplay. But when review is called on a goal and the players’ first instincts are to wait for VAR rather than celebrate, part of the game’s soul has gone missing.

In leagues like the NFL, games are more suited to breaks for review, and the NFL will still only allow coaches to challenge two plays with the new rule update, according to The New York Times. But the same fundamental problem exists – hours of broadcast time are spent watching and debating miniscule infractions in the hopes of getting every call right.

Fans sit in suspense, not to see if Tom Brady can throw a crucial pass on fourth down, but to see through countless replays whether the referee interprets Julian Edelman’s catch as legal.

Yes, games will become fairer. And yes, fans are absolutely willing to sit in suspense for the call to go their way.

But the fact that fans are willing to sit through those endless slow-motion replays instead of just accepting a couple bad calls points toward a larger problem. Winning means so much that we’re not willing to let a bad call go, and instead the emotions driving our love for sports might be slipping away, bit by bit.

Nevertheless, instant replay is here to stay. And in extending the moment, in micro-analyzing every touch and movement, referees will get the big calls right.

But in our analysis, we might forget why we’re watching the game to begin with.

NEKRASOV is a sports writer.

Needing head space Having a special quiet space would help Liberty students’ mental health Macy Hrncir mhrncir@liberty.edu

Over the years, there has been an unprecedented increase in mental health disorders on college campuses.

According to Psychology Today, in the 1980s, at any given point, one in 10 college students needed, wanted or used some form of mental health treatment. Today, according to that same source, that number is one in three.

Acad Psychiatry conducted a survey of 274 college institutions.

In this survey, 88 percent of counseling center directors reported an increase in “severe” psychological problems over the past five years.

These problems included learning disabilities, eating disorders, substance abuse and self-injury incidents.

All college students feel the pressure and stress that comes from coursework, but this rise of mental health issues is becoming a significant problem. The leading mental health issue plaguing college students is, not surprisingly, anxiety, followed closely by depression.

Students across the nation are amassing real, serious mental health concerns, and it is pertinent that colleges, including Liberty University, continue to strive to help their students.

Experts call colleges the perfect storm for mental health issues.

They are full of young people who are stepping out into a new world, often far away from their homes, where they are immediately bombarded with a wide variety of responsibilities. They try to make impactful life decisions, navigate

relationships and pursue a career, all while trying not to buckle under the weight of their strenuous coursework.

There is no doubt that something needs to be done to help these students. Colleges across the nation, including Liberty University, offer college students

counseling services where students can schedule appointments to talk to professionals about their needs and concerns.

Liberty students can even find resources on the counseling service website such as mindful meditation techniques, relaxation exercises, physical health tips and

1980

2019

Luke Coleman| Liberty Champion

UNWELL — According to Psychology Today, one in 10 college students needed, wanted or used some form of mental health treatment in the 1980s. Today, that number is one in three.

College: a perfect storm for mental health issues - Stepping out into a new world.

- Moving away from their homes.

- Being bombarded with a variety of responsibilities.

- Trying to make impactful life decisions, navigate relationships and pursue a career.

- Trying not to buckle under the weight of strenuous coursework.

counseling resources.

This is a great start to giving students immediate techniques that can help them when they are feeling overwhelmed, but there is even more that Liberty could be doing for its students.

Not only is it important for students to relax, it is important that they feel they have a place where they can go to relax. For some students, this place can be their dorm rooms, but many students, due to difficult roommates, loud neighbors, etc., do not see their dorm as a relaxing space.

There should be a place where students can go specifically to help relieve their stress and anxiety whenever they need to. This is why Liberty should put funding toward building a relaxation space on campus.

Different colleges around the country have been proactive in building these spaces, showing that they take the mental health of their students seriously.

For example, California State University Northridge has built something called the Oasis Wellness Center, where students can go to learn about wellness and stress management. The center even offers six nap pods and an ADA-accessible flat bed in order to address the crisis of sleep deprivation among students.

A relaxation space on Liberty’s campus could also be a great place for students to get a little shut-eye.

According to a study by Brown University, 73 percent of students surveyed were found to have sleep problems. Sleep deprivation can impair students’ abilities to function normally throughout the day.

It can even lower their GPA, be-

cause it can hinder the ability to concentrate, learn and retain information.

CSU Chico also offers an area called the “Zen Den,” which provides students with a calm atmosphere so they can relax and refocus. The space even includes four massage chairs. One of the most beneficial areas of the “Zen Den” is a space that also has three hammocks behind curtained-off areas in order to provide some students with privacy.

Private spaces would give students the opportunity to deal with stress or difficult emotions without feeling like they are being watched or judged by the people around them.

Liberty is already taking great steps toward helping student’s mental health. A relaxation space on campus would just be something more the university could do to show that it really cares about its students. It is incredibly important for students to take care of their mental health, so the university should take any step it can to ensure that students have the means to relax and refocus during stressful times.

HRNCIR is an opinion writer.

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content

A6 | April 16, 2019 | Liberty Champion

Planting a piece of history

Old City Cemetery celebrates antique roses in 24th annual festival

Emma Smith esmith83@liberty.edu

Mrs. F.W. Sanford and Mrs. Anthony Waterer met in the Confederate burial grounds of Old City Cemetery in 1986. Over the years, they put down roots and were joined by a variety of other antique roses, including General Washington. Every spring, the group, which has grown to several hundred, reemerges in full color.

Jane Barber White, a former cemetery director, first encouraged the relationship in the early 1980s. She noticed the cemetery was neglected, and she wanted to restore the historic site to its former glory. “(White) came along and said, ‘We need to do something. Why don’t we start with the roses?’” Denise McDonald, executive director of Old City Cemetery, said.

With the help of famous rosarian Carl Cato, White began introducing antique roses into the cemetery, which are often named after historical figures and monarchs. Now, the cemetery boasts the largest collection of

Antique Rose Festival schedule Old City Cemetery is a public park open from sunrise to sunset every day. Visitors can explore the garden’s antique rose collection on their own or participate in one of the 24th Annual Antique Rose Festival events: • Antique Rose Sale — April 12 to June 2 • Mother’s Day Rose Crafts — April 27 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

• Wine & Roses Benefit Garden Party — May 10 at 5:30 p.m.

• Guided Rose Garden Tours — May 5 at 3:30 p.m. and May 12 at 3 p.m.

Schedule from Old City Cemetery website

RUCK continued from A1 According to Cadet Owen Hewitt, the ROTC program is hoping to organize the food drive with the goals of raising awareness about food insecurity in Lynchburg, providing donations to Park View Community Mission and giving students a glimpse of the Army ROTC program at Liberty. While

antique roses in Virginia.

Lynchburg’s Old City Cemetery kicked off its 24th Annual Antique Rose Festival April 13, which celebrates the nearly 400 varieties

Emma Smith | Liberty Champion

ROSE — Kaye Moomaw is the resident rosarian.

of antique roses found in the public park. The festival continues through June 2.

During the festival, visitors can enjoy the collection during its peak bloom season, purchase cuttings from the cemetery’s roses and participate in a variety of activities that benefit the history and horticulture of Old City Cemetery.

McDonald said there is “something for everyone” at this year’s festival. New events include the Mother’s Day Rose Craft and the Wine & Roses Benefit Garden Party. Proceeds from the garden party will go toward the cemetery and its programs.

According to the resident rosarian, Kaye Moomaw, about 150 varieties of antique roses will be available for purchase. The inventory for this year’s sale includes cuttings from both the cemetery’s roses and other varieties selected by Moomaw. The rosarian and her husband propagated more than 1,500 clippings for this year’s sale at their farm, Irvington Spring Farm, for about a year.

“I chose varieties that have low mainte-

what can we do to help right now,” Barr said.

Park View Community Mission exists to build relationships with members of the community and serve people by providing resources. Park View provides a number of services, including food programs, health services and family and child services. The donations collected from “Rucking for a Reason” will be donated to Park View’s food

nance (and are) well rated by the American Rose Society to try to have things that people can grow on patios in pots,” Moomaw said of the varieties chosen from outside of the cemetery. “If you love roses but don’t have a big yard, some of these things you just can’t have. If you’re a city gardener and have to do it on your back porch, we’ve got something for you too.”

Antique roses are unique from modern varieties of roses because, according to Moomaw, they are more artistic, wild and self-sufficient.

“Antique roses in my opinion are a whole lot more self-sufficient than the new varieties. They can survive without us, whereas … some of the newer things just need a whole lot more work,” Moomaw said. “If I don’t prune these, they won’t suffer any. ... They’re a species. They’re wild. They’ve been around forever.”

Because of their resilience, the roses at Old City Cemetery survived the heavy rains of summer 2018, despite an irrigation problem in the garden. While Moomaw understands the character of these flowers, she shared her thoughts on her work as a rosarian.

“There’s always something to learn,” Moomaw said. “I feel like we’ve got a relationship going, myself and these roses, but I don’t in any way feel like I’ve mastered them.”

Moomaw is not alone in her care for the antique roses and variety of other horticulture in the cemetery. Old City Cemetery also employs Grounds and Visitor Service Manager Margi Vaughn, receives grounds keeping help from the city and welcomes more than 100 volunteers.

While antique roses may not interest everyone who comes to the cemetery, Moomaw emphasized the appeal of Old City Cemetery.

“I’m trying to get people to use the slogan, ‘We’re Lynchburg’s Central Park,’ because it’s a great place to come and have a picnic.

You can find so many private spots that have beautiful views of the city,” Moomaw said. “... It’s just a really happy, well-used, wellloved place, and we’re rich in history, but we still can satisfy modern families with what they want to do.”

SMITH is a copy editor.

Emma Smith | Liberty Champion

ANTIQUE — About 150 varieties of roses are available to purchase through June 2.

dividuals to select their own groceries wastes less food and gives individuals autonomy in choosing their own food.

“The heart behind it is really just providing opportunities for people to take advantage of these resources that are available to them, but also still giving them a sense of pride and respect and dignity in freedom in choosing those things,” Koenig said.

According to Koenig, the food pantry serves an average of 75 people every Thursday and Saturday, which translates to about 700-800 families per month. Park View receives donations from a Photo Provided number of places and gathers sup- AWARE — The ROTC program hopes to raise awareness of food insecurity in Lynchplies through partnerships with burg through “Rucking for a Reason.”

Walmart, Sam’s Club, Kroger, Food Lion and the Blue Ridge Area food bank. A large part of the mission’s supplies come from individual and group donations as well.

The supplies collected by the Hygiene Items Food ROTC will stock the food pantry • Hand soap • Hamburger and will raise awareness about poverty in Lynchburg, according to • Toothpaste/

Helper Koenig. toothbrushes • Rice “For them to be marching the • Deodorant • Macaroni and food to us is really just huge in (men’s and raising awareness not only for cheese Park View and what we’re able women’s) • Stuffing mix to provide, but really just for the • Shampoo • Canned

need that’s in our community,” • Toilet paper meats (tuna, Koenig said. “I think that a lot of people don’t recognize how much • Body wash chicken) of a (hardship) there is for a lot of • Diapers • Peanut butter families that are just struggling fi• Baby wipes • Jelly nancially (and) resourcefully.”

• Dish soap • Chef For students interested in attending this event, registration is • Laundry Boyardee open at ruckforareason.com. detergent

Donations needed

Photo Provided

FOOD — The cadets do not expect to solve the problem of hunger, but they plan to do all they can to help.

Hewitt, Barr and the other cadets know that one food drive will not solve the problem of hunger in Lynchburg, they look forward to doing what they can to help.

“I think we all have an understanding that (the food drive) is not going to solve the problem of hunger, but it’s more of a thing of

pantry.

Director of the Food for Families Program Rachel Koenig oversees operations with food services, including the food pantry. Every Thursday and Saturday, individuals in the community are welcome to enter the food pantry and select goods. Koenig said allowing in-

• Canned fruit • Juice

HIRNEISEN is a content reporter.

• Towels

content

Liberty Champion | April 16, 2019 | A7

Jessie Rogers | Liberty News Service

SERVICE — Students served by giving pedicures.

LOVE LYH continued from A1 Senior Vice President of Spiritual Development David Nasser said he sees this opportunity as a two-sided gift.

“Every single student isn’t just giving their time, talents and treasure, but they are receiving in return,” Nasser said.

One organization impacted by Serve Lynchburg was the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, which provides food to more than 200 partner pantries in Virginia. On April 13, 20 volunteers went out to the Lynchburg area branch to paint walls, sort food and wash juice packages before sending

Jessie Rogers | Liberty News Service

PETTING — Students served at the Lynchburg Humane Society.

Jessie Rogers | Liberty News Service

WASHING — Liberty partnered with over 100 community organizations, including children’s museum Amazement Square.

them off to food-insecure families.

According to James Quade, Lynchburg Blue Ridge Area Food Bank branch manager, without the help of consistent volunteers, the food bank would not be able to feed the 18,500 people who rely on the organization’s provisions each month.

“The importance and appreciation we have for our volunteers help us be able to achieve what we want to achieve and save what we would have to pay a contractor to do,” Quade said. “We can put that money into buying more food and feeding more food-insecure people.”

This year, students served at non- and forprofit companies like Mrs. Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats. The owner of the small business, Tarsha Joyner, had the volunteers help her with maintenance around her space, which alleviated the stress of running her business and maintained the upkeep of her local shop.

Nelson said LU Serve saw the event grow from 1,500 volunteers the first year to 2,200 volunteers this year.

“With support from the provost’s office, we have been able to get Friday classes excused so students and their professors can go out and serve,” Nelson said. “Dr. Hicks was an advocate for us to get the faculty and staff involved.”

About 600 student and professor volunteers went out Friday, April 12, to serve 25 organizations, kicking off the two-day event.

“It is such a blessing to see our faculty and staff roll up their sleeves with our students during Serve Lynchburg,” Nasser said.

“Last year, from the provost to the athletic director, I saw people from every level of leadership with paint brushes, rakes or tow-

els in their hand, ready to serve.”

This year, LU Serve introduced a new aspect to the event called Relaunch — interactive pieces for students to do once they got back from serving. Nelson said they wanted students to come back from being out in the community and realize how they can stay engaged with Lynchburg through continual service throughout the year.

LU Serve constructed a 33-foot-long wall outside the Montview Student Union with a section for every partner on it. As students stepped off the buses, they wrote thank you notes to the organization where they had just served and clipped them to the wall.

“This year, we really wanted to integrate thanking our partners and community orga-

nizations to thank them for what they are doing in our community,” Nelson said. “(They) are not only meeting needs to help address the symptoms of things but also addressing the root causes of issues.”

For many students, this event opens the door to future service and more opportunities to make an impact on their community.

“It is nothing short of phenomenal that President Falwell gets to symbolically put a check in the hands of our mayor and city council that says, ‘I have an army of servants, where would you like them to go?’”

Nasser said.

TROUTMAN is a content reporter.

Luke Bobbey | Liberty News Service

GATHERING — Lew Weider, executive director of LU Serve, snapped a picture as students assembled on the Academic Lawn to meet group leaders and receive service assignments.

Luke Bobbey| Liberty News Service

NEW ROOTS — Students rolled up their sleeves and planted during Serve Lynchburg.

content

A8 | April 16, 2019 | Liberty Champion

Prayer on the mountain

SGA and students gather to pray for campus, revival and leadership Jacqueline Hale jrhale@liberty.edu

Despite the weather, Liberty students and the spiritual life team from Student Government Association (SGA) prayed for the campus April 14 in the Montview Alumni Ballroom for the first Student Body Prayer Walk.

During this hour-long prayer event, students prayed for everything from revival, freedom, relationships, staff and Sodexo employees and their families to academic buildings, dorms, executive leadership and

Allison Heise | Liberty Champion President Donald Trump.

GATHER — Students met for prayer under the “We pray that God is in those things, leadership of Jarius Truss. stays, and forever will be,” Jairus Truss, director of spiritual life at SGA, said.

The original plan was to meet on the for the different areas that students were Montview steps and walk around campus able to pray for. to pray for these areas. Due to the weather, Students prayed individually for the destables were set up in the ballroom with labels ignated parts of campus and then unified to

pray specifically for revival and freedom for the campus and beyond.

This event was created in a reflection of how Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr., founder of Liberty University, used to walk over the mountain Liberty now stands on and pray over what was to come.

“This entire university is the result of a man being attentive to the voice of God and praying,” Nate Diaz, member of the spiritual life team, said. “Years and years later, standing on the result of prayer and praying is amazing to me.”

The group wanted to rekindle this pattern of prayer over the school with this event, remembering that the devil can also be present at Liberty.

“We love our university,” Truss said. “We love our school, but obviously even we have issues. Every place has issues because the enemy is prevalent everywhere.”

SGA also saw it as an opportunity to return something to the administration they see working hard to provide for the students.

“For us this was a give back project,” Truss said. “How can we show that we are appreciative of the things that God has allowed us to have, but also at the same time our school has invested? And this was a cool way to do that.”

Students are encouraged to continue to pray over the campus, specifically using the prayer points from the event. SGA hopes this will become an annual event.

“The fact that people can come together and pray means there’s still a hunger for God,” Diaz said. “There’s a power to prayer, not to the people who are praying, but to the one they’re praying to.”

HALE is a content reporter.

Off to the (go-kart) races NASCAR legends Jimmie Johnson and Rick Hendrick make a pit stop at LU Rachel Van Tuyl rvantuyl@liberty.edu

Liberty University students heard from Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick and NASCAR drivers William Byron and Jimmie Johnson at Convocation April 10.

“I never thought I’d be in the position I am today,” Johnson said.

“My passion helped drive me to put in the time and the work to get it done, to fight through the tough times and also take a moment every now and then to celebrate the accomplishments.”

Byron, a Liberty University Online student, said he has always been a fan of racing and taught himself racecar driving online.

“I was trying to figure out a way

to race as a kid, and (growing up), (Johnson) was my favorite driver,” Byron said. “And a way I was able to become closer to the sport was to learn to drive on a simulator.”

Johnson said when Byron was a child, he went trick-or-treating at Johnson’s house and told Johnson he was going to race against him someday. Now, a decade later, the two are racing against each other.

Rick Hendrick talked about his three pillars of life: faith, family and friends. When Hendrick lost his son, brother and two nieces in the 2004 Hendrick Motorsports aircraft crash, he said his faith in God was what got him through.

“It’s hard to get over losing a child,” Hendrick said. “But we’re convinced, and we know because of our faith, we’ll see him again.”

Jessie Rogers | Liberty News Service

RACING — NASCAR racers Jimmie Johnson and William Byron raced against Liberty administrators.

Hendrick believes family is another integral part of life because he grew up on a farm, and his family depended on each other for survival. Today, they are still close.

“Faith, family and friends will get you through almost anything,” Hendrick said. “In life, sometimes you’re at the top of the mountain, or you’re in the bottom of the val-

ley. But if you have that foundation, it will get you through.”

Hendrick helped start Liberty’s automotive dealership management program in 2017 through the School of Business. The program currently has 12 interns working for the Hendrick Automotive Group.

The guests wrapped up Convocation with a go-kart race in the Vines Center with Jerry and Becki Falwell, Liberty Football Head Coach Hugh Freeze and Senior Vice President for Spiritual Development David Nasser. Jerry Falwell won the race.

VAN TUYL is the assistant content editor.

SPORTS

April 16, 2019

B1

Crossing out Women’s lacrosse defeats Arizona State weren’t really being smart with our possessions,” Nangle said. “So, I’m proud of how we shot – (if) we don’t shoot well in that first Three Liberty players left the field with half, they’re winning at halftime. I’m excited hat tricks Friday afternoon, April 12, as the that we were able to take advantage of the few Flames women’s lacrosse team showed its at- opportunities we had.” tacking depth, outscoring Arizona State 6-2 Coming into Friday’s game, ASU attacker in the second half to pull away for a comfort- Kerri Clayton had scored 11 goals in three able 14-7 win. games according to ASU’s website. But LibWith their seventh consecutive win, the erty goalie Katherine Widrick proved equal Lady Flames improved to 11-2 (3-0 in con- to everything Clayton sent her way, keeping ference) for the first time in program history. Clayton scoreless and making a career-high Though ASU (4-10) threatened a come- 13 saves, according to Liberty’s website. back early in the second half, “I think I was just seeLiberty attacker Kayla Foster ing the ball well,” Widresponded with two crucial rick said. “My coaches goals within three minutes have been working with after scoring her 100th me outside of practice, ASU Liberty goal for Liberty earlier in and some of the girls the game, handing the Lady have been coming out Flames a four-goal buffer and shooting on me, they would hold for the rest taking extra reps, and of the afternoon.

(I’ve) just been putting “We went into halftime in the work.” talking about how they were Coming out of halfwinning all the 50-50 balls time, however, the Sun and getting all the hustle Jacksonville Liberty Devils struck first, takplays, and that’s not usually ing the score to 8-6 four what we do — we don’t give minutes into the period. those up,” Foster said. “I just Liberty’s hold on the wanted to kick (the game) game seemed in danger into the next gear.” until Foster surged up the field 26 seconds The Sun Devils restricted Liberty to only later, blasting a shot past ASU goalie Berke13 shots in the first half, but the Lady Flames ley Bonneau with an upward flick of her wrists clinical shooting edge catapulted them into a to restore Liberty’s three-goal advantage. scoring streak ASU struggled to match.

Three minutes later, Foster added her Attacker Anna Keebler completed the third of the night to effectively put the game game’s first hat trick within 11 minutes beyond ASU, highlighting the importance of of the opening whistle, scoring three of upperclassmen like Foster to Nangle’s growLiberty’s first four goals. Drifting into the ing program.

12-meter fan with less than 10 seconds left “I can’t say enough about Kayla,” Nangle on the shot clock, Foster played a simple pass said. “She has this really calm confidence for Keebler to smash home her third goal about her that oozes onto the rest of our team for a 4-1 lead. and especially some of our underclassmen, Though ASU won nine of 14 draw controls and I think we have a lot of upperclassmen in the first half, the Lady Flames scored eight that play these really consistent roles … that of their 13 first-half shots to carry an 8-5 lead are very consistent and can make big plays into halftime. Sloppiness in possession con- for us. We don’t just rely on one person to cerned Head Coach Kelly Nangle through- do that, and I think her (Foster’s) quiet conout the half, but she knew her players held an fidence makes everybody around her better edge going into halftime. and calmer.”

“Our shooting this year has been kind of After Liberty midfielder Brianna McCafup and down, and we didn’t get a lot of shoot- frey scored a minute later, the game’s pace ing opportunities in the first half because we began to slow and fouls increased.

John Nekrasov ydnekrasov@liberty.edu

Friday

14

7

Sunday

19

6

Ryan Klinker| Liberty Champion

STRIKE — Junior midfielder Carly White earned a hat trick in Friday’s game.

ASU’s Olivia Hood received a red card late in the second half, and by the end of the game, Liberty had collected five yellow cards to ASU’s two. Nangle is willing to accept the risk that the Lady Flames physical style carries, however.

“We’re very aggressive; we push the pace, and it also causes our team to be a little out of control, and we have to work on that – just being a little smarter in the moment,” Nangle said. “I think we were slower, and that created more fouls, and like I said it’s just our style — but we have to clean it up a little bit.”

As the game’s action closed out, ASU added one more goal while up two players on Liberty. Midfielder Carly White scored her third goal of the afternoon from a free possession shot to complete Liberty’s third hat trick of the day, and McCaffrey and Emily Browne both tallied to

round off the scoring at 14-7.

Foster knew that keeping the mental edge from their performance would be crucial to a victory in their ASUN first-place duel with Jacksonville Sunday, April 14.

“The first half we started off slow, and we can’t do that anymore,” Foster said. “The season’s coming down to the wire, and we just have to go play for a full 60 minutes. It was good to have this win under our belts. …

I think we can use that momentum and take it into the weekend.”

The Lady Flames went on to a 19-6 loss at Jacksonville Sunday, April 15. Their next and final home game will be Friday, April 26, when the Lady Flames host Howard University.

NEKRASOV is a sports reporter.

Congratulations - to basketball Head Coach Ritchie Mckay on winning the Jim Phelan Coach of the Year Award for his stellar work in the 2018-2019 season.

- to basketball senior Lovell Cabbil for playing in the 3x3 U tournament in Minnesota, representing the ASUN.

Jessie Rogers| Liberty News Service

Ryan Klinker| Liberty Champion

Allison Heise| Liberty Champion

TEAM LEADER — Catcher Jonathan Embry led the way for the Flames offensively Sunday with four hits, three runs and two RBIs.

Swatting Stetson Baseball defeats Stetson in three-game series GAME 1 SATURDAY, APRIL 13 Ben Craft bcraft2@liberty.edu

The Liberty Flames baseball team beat the bad weather to close out a three-game series Sunday afternoon with a 15-4 win over the Stetson Hatters.

The Flames had a season-high 22 hits, and sophomore infielder Will Wagner had four of those hits and extended his streak of RBIs to nine out of his last 10 games.

“That’s a kid who is just about as diligent as any player I’ve ever had,” Head Coach Scott Jackson said. “He is the same guy every day, and he’s just a professional. I don’t have to say much to Will because he’s going to earn his opportunities.”

The Flames took control of the third game quickly, Joseph Adametz pitched six innings for the Flames and gave up just one run while throwing a mixture of strikes and curveballs.

Then in the seventh inning, freshman Logan

Barker came out and threw strikes and only one ball in the course of two innings.

“It’s just a big confidence booster knowing that we are the best team in this,” Wagner said. “It’s nice when you have a pitcher that can just throw strikes and get our hitters hot and stay hot.”

Shortstop Cam Locklear also hit three of the 22 hits in Sunday’s game. In the second game, Locklear hit a home run which paved the road that led the Flames to victory in the second game.

“It’s going to be a sad day when No. 18 (Locklear) is not our shortstop,” Jackson said. “Cam is just a guy that everyone just watches how easy it is for him, and he’s just got what it takes.”

Stetson scored three runs in the top of the ninth, but they could not catch up to the Flames, with the game ending 15-4.

See SWATTING, B4

sports

B2 | April 16, 2019 | Liberty Champion

For the love of tennis

Women’s tennis head coach reflects on reaching 100 career wins Christian Weaner crweaner@liberty.edu

Jeff Maren’s tennis career began with a loss to his mom.

During the summer before his freshman year of high school, Maren was challenged to a tennis match by his mother, who was a former tennis player. Much to his surprise, she easily defeated him, which sparked an ambition for the sport inside of him.

“I was so upset that my mother beat me at anything that I signed up for tennis lessons at the local park, just so I could learn how to play tennis and beat my mom,” Maren said.

“It was not to play tennis, just to beat my mom. While I was taking those lessons, I got hooked on the game.”

Since the day his mother humbled him on the court, Maren, the head coach of the Liberty women’s tennis team, has passionately pursued the sport of tennis. Whether he was crafting his personal game or teaching a younger player, tennis has been Maren’s outlet to live out his purpose in life. “(Coaching tennis) is definitely my mission in life,” Maren said.

After the loss to his mother, Maren began tennis lessons and quickly learned how to play and began to hone his skills. By the end of that summer he was playing in competitive tournaments and winning matches.

“It was very odd for someone to pick the game up that fast,” Maren said. “I was totally immersed in (tennis) and totally enjoyed it.”

Typically, elite collegiate tennis prospects begin playing at a very young age and develop their talent over years of training and practice.

Even with the late start to his playing career, Maren’s devotion led to success on the court in high school. The Kentucky native played three years of junior tennis tournaments and earned a scholarship to play at Thomas More College, a nationally-ranked NAIA school.

Maren had success at Thomas More, finishing with a record of 81-20 in singles matches and competing in the NAIA national tournament in all four of his years at the school. Despite his achievements on the court, Maren, who studied business administration and psychology, had little expectation of being involved with tennis in the future.

“I had no thoughts of being in tennis after college,” Maren said. “To play tennis, yes, but never for that to be my profession.

My thoughts were to one day be able to run a business or to manage a company of some sort. That is what I thought I was going to do, and tennis would be my hobby, but it did not turn out that way.”

In his senior year at Thomas More, Maren got a job in the business world, but did not enjoy it. During that year, Terry Connor, the program’s athletic director at the time, approached him and asked if he would like to help start the women’s tennis program at the college.

Just like that Maren found himself involved with the sport he loved and coaching for the first time in his life.

“I got thrown in and I had no idea how to start a program, but I just figured it out and scheduled, recruited and coached,” Maren said. “(I had) never coached a team before, but we actually did pretty good for those first years that I coached.”

Maren led the women’s tennis team to a 19-17 record in three seasons as the coach and helped build the program to become competitive at the NCAA Division II level.

After he left Thomas More, Maren started another tennis program at Brescia University and coached there for five seasons, leading the men’s team to a 44-38 record.

He left coaching for several years in the mid-1990s and started to focus on his job as a tennis pro and manager of several tennis clubs. Teaching the sport to others allowed him to rekindle the passion he had for guiding younger players.

“I was absolutely hooked on helping people grow and helping people improve,” Maren said. “I got to use some of my college experience, … but it was really the relationships that I thrived off of. I loved being able to be a part of (the players’) lives and help them grow.”

Maren became a United States Professional Tennis Association certified instructor in 1997. In 2005, he was named the “Kentucky Pro of the Year” by the USTA. While he was having success and making a great living, Maren said his job as a tennis pro was not completely fulfilling.

“I had been running (tennis) clubs for about 15 years at that point and I was getting a little bit disenchanted and stale with being in the country club business,” Maren said. “I found myself just doing the job for the money and that is not a good way to do things. I was not passionate about what I was doing any more and I really wanted to be able to invest in a smaller group of people for an extended period of time.”

In 2007, an opportunity opened up for

Gabrielle Calhoun | Liberty News Service EXCELLENCE — Liberty women’s tennis has a 72-47 record with Maren as head coach.

associate head coach. He helped lead the team to the school’s first Sun Belt Conference Championship in 2010, and then a second one in 2012.

Maren gained valuable coaching experience in his six seasons with the Mean Green, but he said the most important lesson for him came in the early stages of the rebuilding process.

“That was really something I learned at North I love the sport. I am very Texas, establishing culpassionate about it, and I have been ture is more important than finding pure talsince the day my mother beat me ent,” Maren said. “You have to be able to say, until today.

‘This is who we are, this — Jeff Maren is what we are about, this is how we are going to do things.’ Then, Maren to become an assistant coach for the we find people who fall into women’s tennis team at the University of that culture.”

During the summer of 2012, Maren was North Texas. The Mean Green had a record of 2-17 in the year before he arrived and just at the University of Houston interviewing for three players on its roster. Maren once again their women’s tennis head coaching position when he got a phone call from then-Liberty had the chance to rebuild.

The team went 13-9 in his first season at Athletic Director Jeff Barber.

Barber told Maren to finish his interviews North Texas, an 11-win improvement from the previous season. After three seasons of at Houston and then get on the first flight being an assistant, Maren was promoted to to Lynchburg.

IDENTITY — Coach Jeff Maren encourages his players to keep their identity separate from tennis.

Joel Isimeme | Liberty News Service

“When I got here (to Lynchburg), stepped off the plane and started my interviews, I knew right away,” Maren said. “It was like love at first sight.”

Maren was hired as the coach shortly after his interview with Barber and immediately began planning for what he wanted the women’s tennis program to look like.

“He came with a vision,” Liberty women’s tennis Associate Head Coach Giancarlo Lemmi said. “That vision, he sold that to me and he sold it to the first team we had in 2012. The (team) bought in and we were able to start building the program little by little. It takes time to build a program, but we have come a long way since then.”

Since he arrived in 2012, Maren has helped the women’s tennis program to reach new heights. The team either reached the Big South semifinals or finals in each of his first six seasons, and he led the team to a programrecord 19 wins in 2015.

Despite the accolades, Maren has yet to achieve his goal of leading the team to a conference championship. The Lady Flames have come up just short several times in his tenure, narrowly losing in the championship match on more than one occasion.

“God has taught me a lot because he has blessed me with a lot of opportunities to win,” Maren said. “I won a lot as a player and as a coach and won a lot of different championships and I assumed when I came (to Liberty) that when I would get to a final that I was going to win. And it did not happen.”

Through the losses, Maren said he has learned a lot and is a better man and coach for having fallen short as the team has in prior seasons. “(Falling short) has just made this program stronger,” Maren said. “It has made me stronger. It has made the program stronger. It has made our team stronger and we are definitely really, really hungry to win a championship.”

For Maren, the most important thing is not winning, but coming alongside the athletes as they transition from being teenagers to young women. His desire is to see the players develop holistically, not only athletically.

“He is very big on (the idea that) tennis does not define who you are,” senior Anna Dollar said. “For all of us, tennis was our life since we were five or six years old, … but he always expressed to us that he wants us to develop as a whole woman.”

Maren said pouring into the players and seeing them grow is better than winning a match or teaching them how to hit a better serve. Tennis is only the medium through which he does his ministry.

At the same time, Maren loves tennis and he has ever since that summer day when his ego took a hit and his motivation took off.

“I love the sport,” Maren said. “I am very passionate about it, and I have been since the day my mother beat me until today. I am so thankful that she beat me because if she had not, if she did not school me, I might not have played tennis.”

WEANER is a sports reporter.

sports

Liberty Champion | April 16, 2019 | B3

Clubbing athletics Club sports department works to provide best possible experience for athletes Peter Gooch pgooch1@liberty.edu

A jubilant smile must have spread across Kirk Handy’s face. An ecstatic exclamation or two may have escaped from his lips.

Handy watched with pride as Liberty University’s Division I women’s hockey team captured its second straight ACHA Division I National Championship by defeating Lindenwood University – Belleville 5-2 at Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas, Sunday, March 31.

But while he is ecstatic about the team’s impressive success, Handy sees a bigger vision as part of his role as the athletic director of Liberty Club Sports.

“As excited as they are about winning, we are as excited about from our standpoint seeing all the student-athletes succeed not only on the field, but off the ice as well,” Handy said. “That’s probably one of the most rewarding things.”

Guiding a program of over 600 Liberty student-athletes spread across 27 sports and 41 total teams, Handy and the Club Sports staff members aim to develop student-athletes holistically as well as field successful teams.

Club Sports Recruitment and Events Coordinator Michael Stafford, a former studentathlete himself, understands that prioritizing people is a much more pressing concern compared to wins and losses.

“We want to make sure they’re investing (time) with their teammates and investing (time) with their coaches and people around them, so when they leave here, they have those long-lasting relationships,” Stafford said.

Handy, who is also the men’s DI hockey team head coach, said as part of the staff’s goal, they are looking to implement a system soon where each student-athlete receives the chance to go on a mission trip at least one time in their four years playing for

Ryan Klinker | Liberty Champion

NATIONALS — The Liberty club hockey team competed at the national tournament, winning one game before eventually falling to Lindenwood University.

SPORTS WITH

SIMMONS John Simmons jasimmons2@liberty.edu

With the draft next week, my love for watching professional football is being reignited. I am captivated by its intensity, humbled by the physical capabilities of the players and amazed by the dedication all team members and staff show during the grueling 17-week season.

However, football season is difficult for me because I am a New England Patriots fan, and I’m already dreading it.

Let me explain. It is not because of a championship drought — the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl this past year 13-3, overwhelming a sophisticated offense with a stellar defensive game plan and timely offensive execution. That’s not why it is awkward for me to wear my Tom Brady jersey to David’s Place on Sunday afternoons.

The discomfort comes from the flak I receive for being a Patriots fan.

From the disgust that oozes out of people’s eyes when they see the number 12 plastered on my back to the repeated cries of “The Pats stink!” in the Rot, being a Patriots fan is difficult.

Even in simple conversations, I create uneasiness by letting everyone know about my affection for the Patriots. Often, I feel lonely and isolated when I watch football in public places.

But I remain a loyal Patriots fan for one important reason: they are the best team in the NFL. Since Bill Belichick became head coach of the Patriots in 2000, New England has won 225 regular season games, 16 division titles, 29 playoff games and six Super Bowls, according to Pro-FootballReference.com. In a league known for its parody and turnover, the Patriots have found ways to remain among the elite in the NFL for almost two decades.

Most of this has to do with their personnel choices, such as Julian Edelman.

Standing at a puny 5 feet 10 inches tall, he is an easy target for linebackers and defensive backs to pummel in the middle of the field. He played quarterback at Kent State and the Patriots took a chance on him in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL draft.

Most teams passed on Edelman for one reason or another, but the Patriots turned him into one of the most dynamic receivers in the game. He is a three-time Super Bowl Champion and a Super Bowl MVP in 2019, making a highlight reel catch in the 2017 Super Bowl. Atlanta Falcons fans cringe when they recall Edelman’s catch between three defenders, which was one of the most important plays in New England’s 25-point comeback.

The bottom line is that the Patriots find unorthodox ways to win. Year after year, the New England Patriots make themselves the kings of football, with plenty of fans who loathe their success. This aspect makes the difficulties of being a despised Patriots fan easier but it does not completely erase the struggle of being disliked in many sporting crowds.

Because of this, I quietly “Do My Job” and support my team even when others despise me and the team I love. As long as New England continues to win, I will support them, regardless of the hate.

SIMMONS is a sports reporter.

Liberty Club Sports.

“How can we create opportunities where our studentathletes realize the … athletic platform they’ve been given?”

Handy said. “They can go out and make a difference with it.”

While the details need to be finalized and the practice implemented, the idea of sending out student-athletes on mission trips could become yet another unique factor of the Flames program versus the Club Sports programs at other universities.

In growing from five teams and 82 student-athletes to where it is now, Handy and Club Sports Joel Coleman | Liberty News Service maintain some clear differences HEAD — Club Sports Director Kirk Handy is also the DI from NCAA athletics, including hockey team’s head coach. not fielding a team that is already in place at the NCAA Division I level at Liberty. classroom,” Handy said. “We want to make “We’ve had some pretty clear distinctives, sure that we’re on the cutting edge of beand we work with the Liberty University ad- ing able to provide students with not only ministration … (and) with President (Jerry) study hall mentorship . . . (but also) seminars Falwell to make sure that we grow our pro- throughout each semester where we bring gram in a way that works with Liberty Univer- in special speakers that pertain to academic sity,” Handy said. “One of the clear distinc- excellence.” tives that we’ve tried to have is not duplicate The program’s strategy has created imanything at the NCAA-Club Sports level.” pressive initial returns, as the cumulative Because of the self-imposed mandate, GPA score among all Club Sports studentthere is often speculation over if popular and athletes is at 3.15, marking the highest it has consistently successful Club Sports teams ever been, Handy said. like men’s and women’s hockey, men’s Ultimately, however, GPA represents only lacrosse or men’s volleyball might make the one piece of the larger Club Sports vision. jump to NCAA. Handy said the key benefit in providing But, according to Handy, no plans for such Liberty students the opportunity to play for a transition are in the works.

Club Sports rests in building alumni who “At this point, we’re at 41 (teams), want to live out the school’s mission stateand we’re going to make sure we do the ment: “Training Champions for Christ.” best we can with the 41 teams we’ve got,” “From our standpoint, I want to make Handy said. sure each (player) leaves ready to go as betThe Club Sports staff has prioritized find- ter alumni,” Handy said. “That’s important ing new ways to engage student-athletes aca- for us.” demically as part of their efforts toward the 41 teams.

“We want the team to be successful in the GOOCH is a sports reporter.

sports

B4 | April 16, 2019 | Liberty Champion

Jessie Rogers | Liberty News Service

SERIES WIN — Liberty took two of three games against Stetson this weekend, scoring 12 or more runs in their victories Saturday and Sunday.

SWATTING continued from B1 Sacrifice flies kept Liberty in the ballgame, and a sacrifice fly ended up being the deciding run that handed Liberty its third loss in Atlantic Sun play. The game-winning RBI for the Hatters came off the bat of senior outfielder Jacob Koos.

Controversy surrounded Guy’s final at-bat of the game.

After Guy was hit by a pitch, the umpire ruled that Guy made no attempt to move out of the way. After a replay, this decision stood, and Guy was not awarded first base.

CRAFT is a sports reporter.

GAME 2 SATURDAY, APRIL 13 Emily Baker egbaker@liberty.edu

The Flames split their double header with Stetson Saturday evening with a 12-6 victory over the Hatters. The victory followed a 3-2 loss earlier in the day, and was the second out of three games against Stetson.

Two Flames, shortstop Cam Locklear and first baseman Logan Mathieu, hit home runs to help the team to its victory.

Liberty fell behind in the second inning 2-1 after a scoreless first inning, then surged ahead with three hits in the third inning.

The Flames were led in the first four innings by pitcher Noah Skirrow, who threw four strikeouts and allowed nine hits.

The team made up for any extra hits from the Hat-

ters and maintained their streak into the fourth inning, racking up another three runs from senior Tyler Galazin, sophomore Brandon Rohrer and a home run from Mathieu.

The Flames fully established themselves in the fifth inning when junior pitcher Garret Price relieved Skirrow and threw a hitless five innings. When Price took over, the Flames stood at a shaky 8-6 lead. After that, Price struck out seven batters and kept the Hatters without a single run for the rest of the game.

After a scoreless sixth inning, the Flames made their final surge ahead with four runs in the bottom of the seventh. Their runs were from Mathieu, freshman Gray Betts, Locklear and freshman Jaylen Guy. The Flames were led by Mathieu with three runs, followed by Rohrer, Locklear, Betts and Guy with two runs apiece.

BAKER is the sports editor.

GAME 3 SUNDAY, APRIL 14 Paige Frost pmfrost@liberty.edu

The Liberty Flames baseball team beat the bad weather to close out a three-game series Sunday afternoon with a 15-4 win over the Stetson Hatters.

The Flames had a seasonhigh 22 hits, and sophomore infielder Will Wagner had four of those hits and an RBI in nine out of his last 10 games.

“That’s a kid who is just

about as diligent as any player I’ve ever had,” Head Coach Scott Jackson said.

“He is the same guy every day, and he’s just a professional. I don’t have to say much to Will because he’s going to earn his opportunities.”

The Flames took control of the third game quickly.

Joseph Adametz pitched six innings for the Flames and gave up just one run while throwing a mixture of strikes and curveballs. Then in the seventh inning, freshman Logan Barker came out and threw strikes and only one ball in the course of two innings.

“It’s just a big confidence booster knowing that we are the best team in this,” Wagner said. “It’s nice when you have a pitcher that can just throw strikes and get our hitters hot and stay hot.”

Shortstop Cam Locklear also hit three of the 22 hits in Sunday’s game. In the second game, Locklear hit a home run which paved the road that led the Flames to victory in the second game.

“It’s going to be a sad day when No. 18 (Locklear) is not our shortstop,” Jackson said. “Cam is just a guy that everyone just watches how easy it is for him, and he’s just got what it takes.”

Stetson scored three runs in the top of the ninth, but they could not catch up to the Flames, with the game ending 15-4.

The Flames will travel to Wake Forest Tuesday, April 16. They will return home Thursday, April 18 when they host North Carolina A&T in a nonconference series.

FROST is a sports reporter.

Wild

and

Chad Wylie cewylie@liberty.edu

During the worst of his injuries, Tiger Woods was incapable of getting out of bed in the morning without assistance. His four back surgeries and his Achilles and knee operations left him crippled, bedridden and unable to swing a golf club, let alone compete for championships.

This precipitous fall for the athlete who had previously dominated the sport of golf unlike any before left Woods in a dark mental place, fearful for his future.

“There’s really nothing I can look forward to, nothing I can build towards,” Woods said in 2015. “It’s literally just day by day and week by week and time by time.

Where is the light at the end of the tunnel?

I don’t know.”

The light has finally become clear. Tiger Woods is a champion again after his victory at the Masters Sunday, April 14. His return to the heights of greatness has given the sports world an opportunity to reflect on Woods’ lowest moments and his improbable return to glory.

After spending his 20s and early 30s being compared to the greatest players in the history of golf, Woods’ decade-long inability to contend in tournaments left the sport looking to fill the void. Players like Justin Rose, Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth took advantage of Woods’ absence and secured their major championships, but nobody dominated the sport like vintage Tiger.

By age 21, Woods had won his first major championship, winning the 1997 Masters by 12 strokes. He was the youngest ever to win that event, and his margin of victory is still a tournament record. Two months later, Woods was No. 1 in the world rankings, and he secured his Grand Slam, winning all four major tournaments by the year 2000. Eleven years after his first major, Woods won his 14th, winning the U.S. Open in 2008.

That unprecedented start to a career teased Tiger’s potential and set the stage for his calamitous collapse. Plagued by the scandalous exposure of his private life and betrayed by his back and knees, Tiger was unable to win a major after 2008 and won his last tour event in 2013.

Analysts and commentators daydreamed of Tiger’s potential had he stayed healthy through his prime and questioned if his

Wylie

physical ailments would allow him to ever swing a club again. The question was hotly debated: could he come back? By 2017, the consensus was practically unanimous – Tiger was finished.

This week, Tiger answered that question himself, silencing doubters and proving he is far from finished. Woods donned his green jacket again Sunday as a 15-time major champion and five-time Masters winner. By smashing drives from the tee, pinning the ball within feet of the pins with his irons and delivering clutch putts in the biggest moments, Woods put together his best four-day performance at a major in over a decade and completed the greatest comeback in the history of sports.

The 43-year-old Woods is not the player who will dominate all competition. He will never win another tournament by 12 strokes and is unlikely to win four majors in a row, as he did in 2000-2001. But Woods is again among the elite in the sport, capable of winning any tournament and showing flashes of the player who exhibited the precision and passion that inspired hundreds of kids to mirror his game.

Almost two decades into his professional career, Woods’ contemporaries on the course are players who willingly admit they took up golf because they watched Tiger as young aspiring players. Tony Finau, Ricky Fowler, Jordan Spieth and Brooks Koepka are among the current stars who idolized Woods long before they ever dreamed of sharing a clubhouse with him.

Nike, the premier athletic brand for star golfers, including Woods, has introduced the slogan, “It’s only crazy until you do it.”

In late 2017, Tiger was ranked 1,199th in the world. When the next rankings come out, he will be sixth. Completing that comeback is crazy. Tiger did it.

For the foreseeable future, Woods will continue to improve, continue to contend and continue to win. Breaking Jack Nicholas’ record of 18 major championships is possible again. Retaking the No. 1 ranking in the world is possible again.

The red shirt and black hat on Sundays are back. The impossible shots he makes look so effortless are back. The fist pumps and roars from the crowd are back.

Tiger is back.

WYLIE is the opinion editor.

Allison Heise | Liberty Champion

SEASON HIGH — Sunday, April 14, Liberty recorded a season-high 22 hits, three of which were contributed by star shortshop Cam Locklear.

Google Images

feature

Liberty Champion | April 16, 2019 | B5

Blues is back The Ellington jazz club reopens its doors Nate Montgomery nimontgomery@liberty.edu

For the first time in two years, local jazz club The Ellington is welcoming music fans back to the historic venue.

Located in downtown Lynchburg on Rivermont Avenue, The Ellington has been a home for music since the 70s. Blake Gederberg, a local business man and owner of Speakertree record shop, recently teamed up with the owners of the building to revive the historic club and bring it back to its days of glory.

“The Ellington used to be a big cultural experience for the city of Lynchburg and we want to bring that back,” Gederberg said. “Obviously it is much easier to bring back an existing historic venue than it is to build one up from scratch.”

Gederberg has worked for years to help build up the thriving local music scene in Lynchburg. As the owner of Speakertree, he has held countless concerts and helped local artists like Good Dog Nigel launch their music careers.

“We want to be able to curate some up-and-coming talent,” Gederberg said. “We want to bring in these bands who will be big in a few years but need a medium-size venue right now.”

The thing that makes The Ellington ideal is its size. Until recently, the local music scene thrived in small venues around town, but as the bands have grown, so have the crowds.

“It’s a great midsize venue, which Lynchburg desperately needs, because we have a really big venue at the Academy and a bunch of really small ones like Speakertree,” Gederberg said.

Gederberg’s goal is to not only provide a larger venue, but also provide Lynchburg with the experience of an old jazz club.

“We want to try to bring the dinner shows back and start doing some cool, seated jazz shows and all these intimate events alongside of all our bands,” Gederberg said.

This process has not been easy though. The building itself is intact, but it has needed renovations.

“A lot of the changes were cosmetic, like painting and cleaning,” Gederberg said. “We also up-

graded the sound system. We also needed to expand the stage — it was very small and narrow and just uncomfortable for a lot of bands.”

In addition to the shows that have been hosted already, The Ellington has been a musical refuge for Peter Paine, a local producer and musical artist. He has been recording bands in the lofted room behind and above the stage.

“The Ellington provides such a warm and safe space to record local bands,” Paine said. “The acoustics are amazing and there is space for the bands to make their magic.”

Starting this fall, Gederberg wants to see bands from all over playing in his newest venue. He is proud of the work that he and others have done to make the Lynchburg music scene inclusive and diverse.

“We want to have a wide variety of bands — that’s the only way to make a venue successful,” Gederberg said. “We want to bring in everything and cater to all the local music taste.”

Tori Kelly delights audiences in Vines Singer/songwriter performed in the Vines Saturday, April 6

MONTGOMERY is a feature reporter.

Photos Provided

Photo by Nick Sheetz

ROCK —Vacation Manor performed earlier in 2019.

Photo by Nick Sheetz

TUNES — Conner Murphy of Foxing visited the club.

SOLO — Jane Claudio of Nightbirde opened for Tori Kelly April 6.

(Profile of Claudio to come in the April 30 edition of the Champion.)

feature

B6 | April 16, 2019 | Liberty Champion

Twins inter’twin’ed Liberty’s sets of twins share about having matching genes and lives Taryn Azimov telammi@liberty.edu

Three sets of twins, united since birth, walk side by side at Liberty University.

Anna and Emillie Tucker are not identical twins, but they live close to identical lives.

They dress the same, have the same major, live together and share a birthday. They are the Tucker twins.

“Anna has lighter hair. Emillie has darker hair. Anna has lighter eyes. Emillie has darker eyes,” Anna Tucker said. “We just have to come up with ways for people to be able to connect which name to what person.”

Emillie Tucker has short curly hair and tells people she meets that a cursive “E” looks curly. On the other hand, Anna Tucker has beautiful, straight, shoulder-length hair and tells people the letter “A” is very straight, just like her hair.

“But I would say probably, almost, 90 percent of the time we are referred to as ‘the twins,’” Anna Tucker said.

Anna Tucker is usually the first to wake up in the morning and go to work. Therefore, it is her designated job to choose an outfit, not only for herself, but also for her sister.

“In the morning, I get up, and I put on whatever I feel like wearing that day, and then sometimes I’ll pull something out and lay it on the floor (for Emillie),” Anna Tucker said.

According to Emillie Tucker, she has a very laid-back personality that goes with the flow of life, to which her sister agrees.

“It’s really nice,” Emillie Tucker said. “I wake up in the morning, I look at the floor, there’s something down there and I’m like ‘Perfect, this is what I put on,’ and then I just go.”

Because of the Tucker twins’ decision to match each other, they have received a variety of responses from onlookers.

“They always ask if we know we are matching,” Emillie Tucker said. “They will ask (questions) mostly with our matching be-

cause I realize if we didn’t match they probably wouldn’t know we’re twins, which is probably the reason why we do it.”

Military kids Marissa and Megan Petros are identical twins. Marissa Petros is studying nursing while Megan Petros is studying psychology with a cognate in counseling.

“So many times we wake up in the morning and end up wearing the same thing,” Marissa Petros said. “We try not to because it’s just the typical twin thing.”

Because they are identical twins, Megan Petros expressed her appreciation for those who call them by their names.

Kyli and Lia Smith are also identical twins.

At seven months old, the Smith twins were adopted from Taiwan by an American couple.

When they were three years old their family moved to China where they grew up.

Now that the two are at the same university, they not only decided to live in separate rooms but also separate buildings. Even so, their twin connection remains strong.

“There are nights when I can’t sleep and Kyli has texted me in the morning and been like, ‘I was praying for you last night, I know something was wrong, but I don’t know what, if you want to talk about it,’” Lia Smith said.

“And so, it’s sort of just like that because I don’t have to tell her what’s going on.”

According to Kyli Smith, not living together has caused some miscommunication, but she admitted that it is hard to lie or keep anything from each other.

Megan and Marissa Petros on the other hand made the decision to live in separate rooms but be right across from each other on the same hall.

“I think next year we’ll be roommates though,” Megan Petros said.

Anna and Emillie Tucker were born September 9, 1998 and have an undeniable connection and love for each other’s companionship. They both described being a twin as having a constant friend by their side and sharing a special connection that is hard for them to explain. The pair is inseparable.

Photo Provided

TWINS— Sisters Emillie (left) and Anna (right) Tucker often wear matching outfits.

“I don’t know how to describe it,” Emillie Tucker said. “I don’t know what it’s like not being a twin.”

The Smith twins feel similarly. According to Lia Smith, when she is asked what it is like to be a twin, she asks the person what it is like to be single.

“Even if we were fraternal twins, I feel like that wouldn’t necessarily change our bond,” Lia Smith said. “I feel like it would change other people’s perception of us, which would affect us differently.”

Similarly, the Petros twins expressed that there are pros and cons to being twins but that the pros far outweigh the cons.

“You always have someone to go through life with you,” Marissa Petros said. “But then also there is always that comparison. We’re close enough to where we can talk about it like, that’s ok that you’re better at one thing than I am, so we’ve got a good relationship to deal with that.”

While relationships between twins vary, the Tucker twins openly express their dedication to the relationship.

“We do not fight with each other,” Anna Tucker said. “I can’t think of a time where we’ve really disagreed or had an argument.

(Emillie) is really patient and likes to keep things pleasant and happy. So, she probably gives in more to me than I give in to her. But I think we both like to care for each other’s wants or … needs.”

As the Tucker twins look forward to graduation in May, some of their dreams conflict.

Anna Tucker currently desires to go to graduate school to pursue a further education, while Emillie Tucker wants to begin writing, publishing and illustrating content for the fantasy fiction books she wants to write.

“Even when I talk about going to grad school, Emillie is like, ‘Ok, well, I can just follow you if you’re there, and I’ll live in an apartment with you,’” Anna Tucker said.

“So, I don’t think we have held onto the idea of separating yet.”

AZIMOV is a feature reporter.

fa s h i o n u n f o l d e d From the simple, elegant designs of the early 1900s to the striking futuristic looks inspired by “The Matrix,” fashions of the decades graced the runway Saturday, April 6, 2019, for the annual FACS fashion show held in the LaHaye Multipurpose Center.

Designers began the process of creating their garments in September 2018.

The designers started from nothing, using inspiration from one single decade to create a modernized piece of art.

The theme of the event, “Fashion Un-

folded,” was apparent even from the first garment that took the runway, a houndstooth mermaid gown inspired by Chanel designs of the 1940s.

The proceeds of the show were donated to Liberty University’s Habitat for Human-

ity club, to raise money and build houses for poverty-stricken individuals.

The show ended with best in show being awarded to the 1950s-inspired design of Stephanie Hayes.

Allison Heise | Liberty Champion GLAMOROUS — Liberty’s Family and Consumer Sciences department organizes the fashion show each year, displaying outfits made by Liberty’s fashion students.

feature

Liberty Champion | April 16, 2019 | B7

Annie Get Your Gun Classic story of sharpshooter Annie Oakley hits Liberty’s Tower Theater

Esther Eaton eeaton@liberty.edu

harmonies in lesser-known gems like “Moonshine Lullaby” and “My Defenses “Annie Get Your Gun” takes the stage for Are Down.”

Liberty University’s Department of Theater The set, a stage within a stage, includes Arts for the next three weeks as Annie Oak- constantly changing show posters, projecley and Frank Butler shoot, fight and fall in tions of historic photos, and props and set love amidst the rough-and-tumble of “Buf- pieces that roll or fly onstage. The producfalo Bill” Cody’s Wild West Show. tion features 34 cast members in addition to Irving Berlin’s music exults in heart- the orchestra and crew. aches, backaches and sawdust in Student Vincent Sadler, who plays Butler, “There’s No Business Like Showbusi- said all these moving pieces combine with ness.” Oakley and Butler outdo each complex dance numbers for a challenging other in “Anything You Can Do I Can performance.

Do Better,” and the ensemble blends rich “Every big song requires so much teamwork because someone’s doing some sort of lift or toss or … splits,” Sadler said. “Without everyone putting their all in, you just don’t get it to work.”

The 1999 revival of this classic musical recounts Annie Oakley’s rise from a backwoods hunter who “can’t get a man with a gun” to a sharpshooter in silk who “shoots the pants off the king of France” during her whirlwind tour of Europe.

The historical Annie Oakley, born Phoebe Mosey, sold game she trapped and shot to support her family until she defeated Butler in a shooting competition at about age 15. She later married Butler, and they eventually died within a month of each other. Oakley taught thousands of women to shoot and spent her fortune on philanthropy.

Senior Hannah Mehl plays OakRyan Klinker | Liberty Champion ley and enjoyed researching OakGOOD SHOT — Hannah Mehl played Annie Oakley. ley’s life and legacy.

Ryan Klinker | Liberty Champion

WEST — Vincent Sadler portrayed Frank Butler and Maddy Rasmusson played Dolly Tate.

“No one expected her to be what she was,” Mehl said. “In that time women didn’t do what she did.”

In the show, Oakley rarely stands still.

“She never stops the entire show,” Mehl said. “When I’m not onstage I’m changing costumes. … It’s all been a whirlwind.”

Director Andy Geffken praised Mehl’s dedicated preparation and her mastery of humor and tenderness.

“She makes big, funny choices, and then she’s going to have some very sincere moments, too,” Geffken said.

“That’s the balance that you’re always trying to strive for.”

Geffken said he enjoyed working with actors to emphasize the humor of the musical, which he hopes will help audiences relax during the end-of-semester rush.

“It’s funnier than a lot of people know,” Geffken said. “(To) get away for a bit and just kind of enjoy a show like this is probably much needed for everybody on campus.”

The show introduces audiences to a stage full of rambunctious, larger-than-life characters who stomp, tap and swing their way through its two and a half hours, hitting the bull’s-eye with a joyful conclusion.

“It’s just a party,” Sadler said. “It’s going

Showtimes April 19, 20, 26, 27 - 1:30 p.m.

April 20, 27 - 2 p.m.

April 28 (ASL) - 3 p.m.

to make you smile at one point or another. … (It) fully encapsulates the feeling of going to this rough-and-tumble extravaganza with all manner of folk dancing, juggling and shooting.”

“Annie Get Your Gun” will be performed April 12-28 in the Tower Theater. For tickets, call (434) 582-7328 or visit liberty.edu.

EATON is a feature reporter.

April 30th from 4-7p .m. | At Fresh Market Swipe + $2.99

FEATURE A whole new world

April 16, 2019

B8

Allsion Heise| Liberty Champion

WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE — Student Activities hosted a Disney-themed Coffeehouse where the Flamettes and D-Trex performed along with a variety of musical numbers.

Disney-themed Coffeehouse comes to Vines Rachel Ali rmali@liberty.edu

F

eelings of nostalgia sparkled through the Vines Center as students of all ages enjoyed a night of reminiscing on simpler, more magical times at the Disney-themed 2019 Spring Coffeehouse titled “Where Dreams Come True” hosted by Student Activities.

“I love coming out to Coffeehouse and this year’s sets were really amazing,” Liberty junior Lucy Stephens said. “Seeing my fellow classmates singing and showing off their talents through the Disney theme was really awesome.”

The night, which started at 11:30 p.m., showcased two hours of song and dance that had students caught up in the sweet and simpler times of their Disney-Channel childhoods, with standout performances that pleased the crowd.

Songs from Disney classics “Beauty and the Beast” and “Sleeping Beauty” were combined with newer favorites “Brave” and “Frozen.”

“The best part of the evening for me was the duet of ‘Once Upon A Dream’ with the violin accompaniment – when they started singing, no one was speaking and the entire audience was listening. It was one of the most beautiful sounds,” graduate student Brodie Sell said.

One act in particular received an enthusiastic standing ovation.

“The ‘Beauty and the Beast’ song ‘Tale as Old as Time’ was absolutely incredible – I got chills and almost cried while they were performing,” freshman Ellie Steiger said.

Another much-awaited part of Coffeehouse is the themed videos made by students.

“My favorite part of the night was the (video) ‘The Suite Life of Zack and Cody’ because it was so accurate to the original show,” junior Ian Willett said. “They did a really great job.”

A lot of glitz, glam and practice goes into Coffeehouse night, and students loved the chance to see their fellow classmates in a completely different setting.

“I love seeing the different talent Liberty has to offer because you

never really know what your classmates are capable of,” Holly Boyd said. “This one was really special to me because I’m a senior, and this was my last Coffeehouse.”

Some students are blown away by the talent that shines through the people they have only known as familiar faces passing through the hallways.

“It’s so cool seeing people that you see around campus all the time on a day-to-day basis and then see them bring all this talent to life up on stage,” freshman Gabriel Colvin said. “It’s completely different than you’d ever imagine them to be, and that to me is really awesome.”

Some students took a moment to express their gratitude for the hard work and different talents showcased during the event that is hosted twice a school year.

“They never fail to come up with a fun and exciting new theme each time, and the music that goes into some of these shows is really breathtaking,” Liberty sophomore Esabella Botero said.

Allsion Heise| Liberty Champion

ALI is a feature reporter.

WISH UPON A STAR — Classic songs were combined with new favorites.