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VOLUME 36, ISSUE 7
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA
LIBERTYCHAMPION.COM | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2018 | LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
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University of Lynchburg announced Friday, Oct. 26, that Liberty University donated land and a monetary gift valued at $1 million to honor the late Dr. Jerry Falwell, who studied journalism at UL for two years. Liberty donated both land and a parking lot near UL valued at $750,000 and gave an additional $250,000 to help the university build a new residence hall. Taryn Azimov | Liberty Champion REMEMBERING — Reenactors were on hand at the event to show what life in the community was like during the Revolutionary War period.
Life in New London
Friends of New London partners with Liberty to celebrate historic town Lorena Rivera lrivera8@liberty.edu
Liberty University partnered with the Friends of New London to hold New London Day Saturday, Oct. 27, giving the public an opportunity to learn about local history, including the historical sites that date as far back as the 18th century. “When the Friends of New London was founded, their vision was to rescue and re-
store as many historic buildings as possible,” Donna Donald, professor of public history at Liberty University, said. “They’ve been doing it for a long time.” New London was originally founded in 1754. It was the first county seat for Bedford County, and it was an important trading center in the Colonial and Revolutionary eras. After the counties split in the 1780s, New London went into decline. “In the 19th century, there was an
effort to revive it,” Donald said. “When mineral springs became a big fad, a resort hotel called the Bedford Alum Springs Hotel was built, and this caused a brief revival.” With time, New London again faded into the background, except for the community that lived there. See LONDON, A8
Four Liberty University Department of Family & Consumer Sciences students won the top prize of the Virginia Furniture Market Design Challenge, valued at $2,500. The team’s fallthemed living room design will be installed at VFM’s Bedford and Rocky Mount stores before Black Friday. The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance plans to start a Business Hall of Fame featuring local business leaders who have made an impact on the region, including Jerry Falwell Jr. and the late Dr. Jerry Falwell.
Packing bags to provide New program seeks to feed food-insecure Lynchburg children Hattie Troutman hatroutman@liberty.edu
A new backpack program seeks to help children reach their fullest potential by providing bags of food to children in need and is looking to the community to help provide more healthy options to underserved children. A Lynchburg woman voiced her passion by creating a new backpack program for Lynchburg City Schools that aims to bring food security to children who leave school Friday, not knowing when their next meal will be. According to feedingamerica.org, 18.2 percent of people in the city of Lynchburg
are food insecure. Food for Thought was created by Laura Bauer, a physician at Lynchburg General Hospital and adjunct faculty at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine. The program was established in July through Park View Community Mission, and it currently packages about 400 bags per week for food-insecure children. Each bag includes two breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners, two servings of vegetables and four healthy snacks. Bauer is looking to expand the program to provide for more children. Bauer, who said she has always
had a passion for everyone having enough food, has played a role in the Bedford Hills Elementary School backpack program over the past five years. When her two oldest children started attending Dunbar Middle School, Bauer saw a bigger need to provide food to several students who lacked consistent food sources during weekends. After creating a backpack program at Dunbar last year, Bauer concluded that every student should have access to weekend meal assistance. “Everyone deserves to have enough to eat, no matter where you live, no matter what school you
attend,” Bauer said. “Food is our most basic need. It’s hard to learn when you are hungry.” Because of Bauer’s work as a physician, she cares not just about giving the children food, but also providing nutrition. “As a physician and a mother, the nutrition piece is huge for me,” Bauer said. “We are providing children with food containing protein, fruits and vegetables. We are sending home healthy snacks. I want their bellies to be full with good quality food.” See FOOD, A2
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PACK — Food for Thought packs about 400 bags of food per week.
Only time ‘Hill’ tell
Construction disrupts top-floor Hill residents Logan Smith lcsmith1@liberty.edu
Ryan Klinker | Liberty Champion
UPPER LEVEL — Construction on the Hill to repair aging roofs and add aesthetic appeal has caused inconveniences to students living on the top floors.
Before Liberty University freshman Justin Holdstock packed his belongings, before he met his new roommates, before he rode his bike to his new dorm on East Campus, he was a normal college student living on the Hill, one of Liberty’s oldest housing facilities. On Monday, Oct. 15, at 1 p.m., Holdstock received an email from his resident director, requesting an important hall meeting. As his eyes scanned the notification,
the cold realization of leaving his beloved dorm became a reality. “With all the leaking, water damage and the smell of mildew throughout the hall and rooms, I knew something was going to have to change,” Holdstock, who lived on the top floor of Dorm 22, said. “I went to the meeting knowing we were going to have to move.” Heavy construction and renovation have aggravated Hill residents all semester, particularly students living on the top floors. However, this complication did not deter students from building friendships and making
the most of their college experience. “It’s a really great community on the Hill,” Holdstock said. “I really do think it’s one of the best I’ve seen on campus.” In July, incoming students who would live on the Hill received email notifications warning of construction, but many students remained in their chosen housing. Unlike several other dorms dotting Liberty’s landscape, the Hill facilities do not contain common rooms. Instead, Hill residents use each other’s dorm rooms as “hang-out” areas. This is where Hold-
stock made his first friends in college. Construction clogged space between buildings, preventing students from utilizing both dorm entries. This inconvenience, according to Holdstock, hindered the relationship between dorms because the construction equipment created physical barriers between buildings. But construction was not originally supposed to reach this magnitude. What started as simple renovation soon escalated to something unforeseen. See HILL, A3
content
A2 | October 30, 2018 | Liberty Champion
The crew moves out Liberty’s crew team finds new practice facility at Smith Mountain Lake you get a lot of floating debris when the lake does rise, so conditions down there weren’t suitable for the expensive crew shells that we row in,” Coach Debbie Prowse said. “Smith Mountain Lake is much cleaner, and the depth doesn’t fluctuate as much, so you know where shallow areas are, you know where deep water is and you don’t have as much floating debris.” Some of the crew team’s boats hold up to eight people, making them almost too large for Ivy Lake. “Rowing is a sport that involves a lot of distance, and we need to be in good depth,” Londoño said. “The lake needs to be very calm, and not every lake fulfills those conditions, but Smith Mountain Lake does.”
Lorena Rivera lrivera8@liberty.edu
Liberty University’s club sports crew team received a new practice facility southwest of Lynchburg — Smith Mountain Lake — providing the team with a larger and safer practice space. In the past, the crew team practiced at Ivy Lake, located in Forest, Virginia, but the team had concerns with that location due to size. The team then moved to Leesville Lake, which is on the other side of the Smith Mountain Lake Dam. “The problem there was that the lake fluctuates too much so that you get a lot of shallow areas (and)
Kevin Manguiob | Liberty News Service
TEAMWORK — The crew team is made up of both male and female rowers. goals and plans to feed chilFOOD continued from dren in the community. A1 “In July, they decided Bauer and the Food for Thought team never want a Food for Thought could child to feel like they are less really be a solution for the just because they do not have hunger,” Bauer said. “We immediate access to food met for lunch and developed in the pantry. According to a formal partnership, which Food for Thought’s web- includes Park View Comsite, on Friday afternoons, munity Mission as the parchildren who are at risk for ent organization of Food hunger are confidentially for Thought, the Blue Ridge provided food for the weekend. Bauer was inAs a physician and a spired to start the program when mother, the nutrition two of her chilpiece is huge for me. dren began attending Dunbar — Laura Bauer Middle School. There, she identified a bigger need to provide Area Food Bank, the United food for students who lacked Way and Liberty University. consistent food sources dur- Together, we will fight student hunger.” ing weekends. Liberty provided Food for Bauer invited friends from around town to discuss Thought a rent-free space developing a city-wide back- for one year, along with free pack program, which she utilities, so the organization named Food for Thought. can focus on its main goal — At the same time, Liberty providing food to students University administrators who need it so students can and Thomas Road Baptist reach their full potential. Church leaders were recog- Food for Thought is curnizing that hundreds of chil- rently located in a 7,400 dren do not have food to eat square foot warehouse in when they are not in school. the Plaza shopping center in Leaders from Liberty mid-town Lynchburg. While there are and TRBC invited Bauer to several meetings to discuss other backpack programs
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According to Londoño, the team encounters most of the boats during summer, but since crew season occupies fall, winter and spring, boat traffic is not as prevalent. “We haven’t had any negative encounters while at Smith Mountain Lake,” Londoño said. “Whenever boaters see us, they keep a respectful distance, and because of traffic laws, we know where to get in and where to get out; there are also a lot of signals that indicate the depth, what you might encounter and where you are in the lake.” Crew is made up of both male and female members, and there are usually around 14 team members. “With 14 people, and everyone being so different, you get to learn a lot about different cultures and why these people are doing crew,” Londoño said. “It’s small enough that you can be vulnerable with people, and it’s the perfect blend of personal communication and a good team environment.” Lodoño is originally from Colombia and never had the opportunity to practice crew until coming to Liberty. “I’ve always been lured by the opportunity to do crew, but I had never had the opportunity because rowing is not big in South America,” Lodoño said. Any student can try out for
TROUTMAN is a content reporter.
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utilities to allow the organization to focus on providing food for students in need.
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“Rowing makes me realize how much my body can persevere, and it just makes me a better person: more balanced with my life, more balanced with my friends, more disciplined,” Lodoño said. “Rowing becomes a huge part of your life, and I am very grateful that through rowing, I have developed good team membership, and I can strive to be the best version of myself that I can be, every day.” The crew team will be in Chattanooga, Tennessee Nov. 2 for their next race at the Head of the Hooch event. RIVERA is a content reporter.
LOCATION — Liberty provided Food for Thought a rent-free space at the Plaza shopping center with free
11/3 - Coffeehouse Tryouts 5:00 p.m. | LaHaye Event Space 11/03 - Movie Night: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again 10:00 p.m. | Vines Center 11/02 - Bouldering Competition 2:00 p.m. | LaHaye Recreation & Fitness Center Rockwall 11/02 - Bloodroot: The Ballad of Clinch Mountain 7:30 p.m. | Green Hall Theatre Arts Black Box 11/02 - Fishing Derby 6:00 a.m. | Hydaway Lake
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crew, and unlike most collegiate sports, no previous experience is required. Tryouts consist of three days, which include a series of rigorous physical exercises and technique training. “I love how hard crew makes me push myself,” Lodoño said. “It’s one of those sports that, while you’re doing it, you feel so tired you want to pass out, but you’re constantly surprised at how much your body can endure and how good of a physical condition you can achieve.” Lodoño believes crew has helped him become the best he can be.
in Lynchburg, Food for Thought’s goal is to come alongside these programs to help more children in the community. Through her partnership with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Bauer can purchase high quality, nutritious food at a more affordable price. Other backpack programs can purchase food through Bauer at a more affordable price, allowing that programs to provide more bags to children in Lynchburg. Currently, Food for Thought’s biggest need is healthy snacks. With about 400 bags being distributed every week, the organization needs roughly 1,600 individually sized and packaged snacks each week. Granola bars, peanut butter or cheese crackers, pretzels, Goldfish and popcorn are just a few examples of food the organization needs. More information about Food for Thought can be found at https://www. park viewcommunit ymission.org/news-1. Students who are interested in volunteering with them can do so by emailing volunteer.foodforthought@gmail.com.
CAMPUS CALENDAR
COLOR KEY:
Kevin Manguiob | Liberty News Service
ROW — Crew boats can hold up to eight rowers, which was too big for Ivy Lake.
CLUB EVENTS
CAMPUS EVENTS
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Liberty Champion | October 30, 2018 | A3
using to keep water from coming in was not ready for the rain Hurricane Michael gave us.” “I didn’t know (the construcDuring the hall meeting Montion) would block one side of the day, Oct. 15, it was announced that building,” Holdstock said. “It took the top floors of 22 and 23 must me a couple days to work around it evacuate and disperse to different … but I didn’t think there would be locations around campus. This this much construction.” required separating friends, RAs According to Senior Vice Presiand entire halls. dent of Student Affairs Dr. Mark “There were definitely people Hine, aesthetics along with aging who were frustrated, which is unroofs played an important role in derstandable,” DuBose said. the original construction deciSeveral days later, plans changed sion, which would include new when administrators realized only roofing, renovated bathrooms and Dorm 22 posed serious living incommon areas. c on ven ienc e s “When the Divinity in the form of Tower went up, it exposed a leaks and walot of things that no one had My home wasn’t the Hill, it was the ter damage. ever seen before,” Hine said. A bathroom “(The Hill) didn’t match the guys on it. Leaving them hurt the most. ceiling tile in décor of the rest of the university.” — Joel Hartzler another dorm fell, but adminThe seven buildings atop istrators said the Hill were erected in the 1980s, years before the Jerry Fal- assumed,” Dustin DuBose, ex- that did not justify evacuating an well Library, the School of Music ecutive director of Resident Life, entire floor. “These are really complex isor DeMoss Hall entered the scene. said. “We made the decision to Once the Divinity Tower — Lib- move (students) based on the fact sues,” Hine said. “Nobody goes erty’s tallest building— came to that we didn’t feel we could guar- at it with the intent of making stufruition, the structural disunity antee a quality on-campus living dents’ lives (miserable). We don’t approach it that way.” between the Hill and other campus experience.” The situation accelerated when Sophomore Joel Hartzler, who sites became apparent. According to Hine, the Hill’s Hurricane Michael unleashed in- moved three times throughout mismatched appearance prompted tense rainfall on Lynchburg, caus- the commotion, expressed sincere the need for new roofing, along ing even more impairment on the gratitude when he heard he could return to Dorm 23, his original with an additional floor and reno- Hill dorms. “Water is going to find a way,” Liberty home. vated bathrooms. “When everyone found out But everything changed when Hine said. “The system they were (we could move back), it was like (we) won the lottery,” Hartzler said. “Every single person was ecstatic just because they could stay together.” Not only were friends reunited, but administrators announced that construction on Dorms 20, 21 and 23 would be postponed until summer. Since Dorm 22 revealed the most complications, students from its highest floor cannot return until construction finishes next semester. According to DuBose, more than 40 students moved from 22-3 to different places around campus, and several moved off campus. Ryan Klinker | Liberty Champion After construction, the students BUILDINGS — The seven buildings that make up the Hill were built in the 1980s. from Dorm 22 will have the opHILL continued from A1
Dorm 22 exposed complications. “When they started peeling back, they found out something they did not know,” Hine said. Rebar — reinforcement bars that strengthen concrete — did not reach the top of the building of Dorm 22, which demanded important attention. Water damage and discoloration, which could possibly be mold, also caused minor concerns. These realizations prompted administrators to act. “It wasn’t about safety, even though that’s what a lot of people
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Building leaders New LUO degrees for public service, policy Will Evans wjevans@liberty.edu
Liberty University’s Helms School of Government has rolled out four new online degree programs for students who wish to further their careers in public service and policy. Interim Dean Ron Miller said these programs were created with the “mid-level professional” in mind — someone who is already in a public service career but aspires for more. “It really is designed for people who have a need for the credential but do have the opportunity to break away from their jobs or families to travel and spend all of their time on campus,” Miller said. The new wave of programs consists of two bachelor’s degrees and two doctoral, the first of which is a Doctorate of Philosophy in Public Policy. “These are for people who are looking to advance in their careers,” Miller said. “We are really looking for those midlevel professionals who want to find a more prominent role in the area of public policy.” There are five specializations available to choose from: education policy, economic policy, social policy, foreign policy and national security policy. Over 114 students have been accepted into the program already, and Miller said there are more lining up. “Our distinctive is our biblical worldview,” Miller said. “All of our courses are reinforcing all the things that we’ve already built on in undergraduate and graduate levels.” Miller believes cultivating leadership is key to nurturing a biblical worldview, which is why leadership is built in to all of the Helms School of Business’ programs. “Leadership is, oddly enough, not something that comes naturally,” Miller said. “There are styles and methodologies in leadership that can be taught.” The new criminal justice doctoral program is no exception to this philosophy with a specialization devoted to leadership. “We recognize that it’s not enough to train good police officers. We need to train good leaders for our criminal justice organizations,” Miller said. There are two undergraduate programs coming online as well — fire and public
administration. In crafting a program for administration, Miller said the important thing was to keep the experience accessible. “When you look at people who work in fire services, many of them are looking to be fire chiefs,” Miller said. “But these are people who don’t have the opportunity to break away from what they’re doing to spend time on a college campus.” This is why, as with all of the programs, the Bachelor of Arts in Fire Administration is 100 percent online and does not require residential intensives. “In between their time they devote to emergency response, there is time for them to pursue continued professional development,” Miller said. “We wanted to come up with something to help people who are already working in the fire services area who want to be leaders.” The new fire administration program features instruction from highly respected professionals who are in the field, including the city of Lynchburg’s fire chief, Gregory Wormser, and former U.S. Fire Administrator and Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran. As part of the school’s commitment to accessibility, LUO offers emergency response personnel a 25 percent discount on tuition that can be combined, or “stacked” with other tuition benefits. A bachelor’s degree in public administration is the fourth and final degree program coming to LUO in the spring. The degree will focus on training students for the jobs that make government run. “Not everybody runs for office. Not everybody is an elected official,” Miller said. “In police and fire departments) there are people who are great managers and administrators, and that’s where the jobs are.” Miller said the goal of a fire or public administration degree is not merely job placement, but for students to take away a Christian worldview and influence their workplaces. “When you (are) looking at what the culture shaping institutions are … there really is a need for a pipeline of Christian scholars to influence in the marketplace of ideas,” Miller said.
EVANS is a content reporter.
Ryan Klinker | Liberty Champion
IN THE ZONE — Living in a construction zone did not stop students on the Hill from forming close friendships with each other.
tion to return to the Hill or live elsewhere. “I hold the view that God has a plan,” Holdstock said. “If we weren’t going to trust him through this, when are we going to ever trust him? I’ve seen the plans for what they’re trying to do, and it looks really good. I think it will ultimately benefit the community here more than tear it down.” It was a trying time for many students, including Hartzler, who described the process as a once in a lifetime experience. “Having to pack up everything and move while I had so much going on was difficult, to say the least,” Hartzler said. “I am thankful now to be back where I started in my original room on 23-3. Through all of this, the entire hall
on 23-3 has grown so close.” The RAs on 22-3 moved next door to 23-3, where they will serve however necessary. Hartzler said the community on the Hill is unlike any other dorm community at Liberty. He said the entire construction situation brought him closer to his friends. “Through it all, the Lord has taught me to be grateful in all my circumstances, especially since it is such a blessing just to be able to be here at this school,” Hartzler said. “My home wasn’t the Hill, it was the guys on it. Leaving them hurt the most.” SMITH is the manager of content.
OPINION
A4
October 30, 2018
Senate election With the upcoming Senate election approaching, three Liberty University students explained the policy positions of the candidates.
Tim Kaine Democratic candidate
Bethany Kocik bckocik@liberty.edu
Several weeks ago, I promised our B-Section copy editor, Bethany Kocik, that she could pen one column in my allotted space. Kocik is a senior journalism student, and I am incredibly honored to work alongside her at the Champion. She is more than my classmate and co-worker; she is a driving force in the office and my friend. “Life with Logan” will return next issue, Tuesday, Nov. 6. -Logan It is unusual, as a journalist, to find myself at a loss for words. For almost four years now, I have studied the craft of turning thoughts into written words. Yet, as I began to type out my support for the Jewish community after the massacre in Pittsburgh Saturday, Oct. 27, I felt unable to do so in a way that would not make it seem like I was forcing myself to take part in a hurt not my own. And certainly, the hurt being experienced by the families of the 11 victims, the congregation in Pittsburgh and the entire Jewish community is more than I can possibly understand. But, as I revisited how important it felt to express my support in written word, I realized why I was feeling unable to separate myself from the personal hurt of the massacre. Because to me, though I’m not a Jew, my hurt for the Jewish community cuts deep. In December of 2017, I stepped off an airplane at Ben Gurion Airport, just outside of Tel Aviv, Israel. I began a trip where I was slated to learn the delicate politics at play within the Middle East and Israel’s role in them. Fifty college students from the United States traveled with me. As the first day unfolded, I realized that all but six of the students were Jewish, and two others followed Islamic teachings. I suddenly felt incredibly out of my comfort zone. I was thrown into an unfamiliar culture, with an unfamiliar group of people. Ultimately, the Jewish community welcomed me with open and loving arms. I was invited into their homes to participate in some of their most special times. I was given the opportunity to ask questions about things I did not understand, and they always answered with patience and love. Time and time again, they ensured that I felt not only welcomed within their community, but a part of it. They have treated my Christian beliefs as valid. They see my religion as a natural ally to theirs, just as I see their religion as the natural foundation to mine. I have received well wishes from them on holidays that are fundamental to my own beliefs, and I have seen the excitement in their eyes on my behalf as I experienced some of the most holy places to my religion. My life has been blessed by the Jewish community, and although our beliefs are different, I believe their faith should be treated with the same love and patience that they have given mine. As Christians we should empathize with the pain of all people groups. For these reasons, I am unable to separate myself from the hurt they are all feeling. I, and others like me, stand with the Jewish community in mourning their loss.
KOCIK is a copy editor.
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THE INCUMBENT — Kaine is completing his first term in the U.S. Senate. Kacey Huffty khuffty@liberty.edu
As a swing state, Virginia occupies one of the most valuable opportunities within America’s political landscape. Virginia is one of the few states that cannot be predicted to vote for a certain party. It is vital that Virginia elects a senator who works with both sides of the aisle for a better future. Tim Kaine, a senator with more than 24 years of political experience is suited for the task. “I’m running on an upbeat theme: ‘A Virginia that works for all,’” Kaine said, according to the Washington Post. As one of only 20 people in American history to occupy the office of mayor, governor and senator throughout his political career, Kaine brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. His deep-rooted love for Virginia reflects his continuous fight to make the commonwealth a better place. A Harvard University graduate, Kaine spent much of his early career as a lawyer representing people who were denied fair housing opportunities because of race or disability. Since
1994, Kaine has been involved in the government, starting out as a city council member, all the way up to earning the nomination as the vice presidential running mate with Hilary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. In his time as senator, he prioritized jobs, agriculture, budget reform and civil rights. He has cosponsored several pieces of legislation, including bills that foster partnerships among state and local government, advocating maternity care, and limiting the separation of families at ports of entry. Virginians are looking to senators like Kaine to represent their interests in Washington. In 2017, an NBC poll declared health care as the number one issue Virginian voters are concerned about, with 37 percent citing it as an issue that captures their attention. Gun policy and immigration polled second and third in priority. Kaine’s platform promises continued progress to meet all three of those needs and more. Senator Kaine fought back against the repeal of former President Barack Obama’s health care laws, protecting more than 400,000 Virginians who would have lost health care coverage. Additionally, Kaine is a proponent of Medicare X. A public healthcare option, Medicare X is middle ground healthcare legislation that would give all American citizens access to healthcare at lower costs, improving both quality and expectancy of life. Kaine announced on Twitter that he “proudly boasts an ‘F’ rating from the NRA.” Both a gun owner and a support-
er of the Second Amendment, Kaine realizes that assault weapons have no business on our streets. He advocates commons sense gun reform and has experiences working with both parties to create legislation that protects our citizens while keeping our freedoms. He recognized the need for vocalized opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies by taking a stand to protect and keep families at the border together. Kaine strongly believes in the notion of a diverse and equal society. He will work to enact “comprehensive immigration reform” according to his platform. He has supported legislation in the Senate that creates attainable paths for citizenship and supports border security. Kaine is outspoken in his beliefs on progressive issues, but he has also proved he is willing to work beyond party allegiances. In a recent debate, Kaine noted that he has written 17 pieces of legislation that have been signed into law by President Trump, proving he can work with the president for the benefit of the American people. The senator also was a leading voice that brokered a bipartisan deal in January to end the government shutdown. Senator Kaine has proven his loyalty and commitment to the people of Virginia and the United States time and time again. A vote for Kaine is a vote for continued progress and a better future for all Virginians.
HUFFTY is an opinion writer.
Corey Stewart Republican candidate
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LOCAL CONNECTION — Stewart has never held a state or national office, but has served on the county level. Chad Wylie cewylie@liberty.edu
As President Donald Trump approaches two years in office, the upcoming midterms will highlight the public’s view of his agenda. Midterms often serve as the public’s report card of the president during the first half of his term. Trump has certainly been an active president since his administration took office. On the home front, Trump has generated economic growth and nominated two conservative justices who have been confirmed to the Supreme Court, as reported by Forbes. On matters of foreign policy, Trump has fought for trade deals that benefit America, and he has strengthened alliances with our allies like Israel and Saudi Arabia. He has effectively neutralized the threats of both the Islamic State and North Korea, according to the Washington Post. Corey Stewart, the Republican nominee for Senate in Virginia, will work to help Trump fulfill his policy initiatives as the government continues to implement a conservative agenda. “I am running for U.S. Senate to … support President Trump’s America
First Agenda,” Stewart wrote on his campaign website. “Citizens across this country need a Senator who will fight for them and stand up to the Washington elites.” Stewart is a graduate of William Mitchell College of Law and has worked as an attorney in international trade. He currently serves as the Chair of the board of supervisors for Prince William County, where he has lowered taxes, created job growth and cracked down on illegal immigration, according to his website. Using his experience as an attorney, Stewart pledges to renegotiate unfair trade agreements and bring manufacturing jobs back to America. As he has done as county supervisor, Stewart will continue to fight for tax cuts for Americans. With a hardline stance on illegal immigration, Stewart has promised to ban sanctuary cities and allow law enforcement to arrest every illegal immigrant. He opposes all amnesty pleas and will find money in the budget to fund the border wall President Donald Trump promised. “Corey is 100 percent pro-life, believing that every life is precious,” his campaign website says. His goal is the total defunding of Planned Parenthood. The Second Amendment is a sacred right to Americans, and Stewart will ensure that right is protected. He will work to remove all unconstitutional restrictions and supports the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. That piece of legislation will allow someone with a concealed carry permit in one state to be able to carry in any state in America, according to CBS News.
Stewart has expressed his dedication to helping American military veterans throughout his campaign. Virginia has more resident veterans than most states, with over 800,000, according to Stewart’s website. Stewart wants the Veterans Administration to help Virginia be as welcoming and accommodating for veterans as possible. Not only will he fight for veterans, but Stewart also promises to support law enforcement officials. As the board of supervisor’s chairman, Stewart has seen Prince William County’s violent crimes drop by 48.7 percent, according to his website. “Our law enforcement officers should have the resources they need and the respect and pay they deserve,” he wrote. With both his beliefs and policy goals aligned with President Trump, Stewart is the perfect candidate to further the president’s initiatives and continue the growth this nation has experienced for two years. This is shown in the endorsement Stewart received from Liberty University’s President Jerry Falwell. “President Trump needs a fighter like Corey in the U.S. Senate to help clean up the swamp in Washington,” Falwell said according to WLNI radio. “It is vital that we turn the tide so that President Trump’s agenda can succeed.” For anyone who has appreciated what Trump has done for America, a vote for Corey Stewart will ensure that the America First agenda continues to be reflected in legislation and policy.
WYLIE is the opinion editor.
opinion
Senate election Matt Waters
Google Images THIRD PARTY — There are currently two third-party congressmen in office, one in the House and one in the Senate. Aaron Sobczak adsobczak@liberty.edu
Matt Waters was born in Hampton, Virginia, and has lived in Virginia all of his life. He works as a fundraiser and consultant. He received his bachelor’s degree from George Mason University and is currently earning a seminary degree from Reformed Theological Seminary. He lives in Fairfax, Virginia, with his wife and five children, according to his campaign website. Waters is using the slogan “sic semper tyrannis” for his campaign. It is a Latin phrase that means “thus always to tyrants.” Tyrants should not be tolerated, and that is one of the main points of Waters’ campaign. He is running primarily because of the out-ofcontrol growth and huge amounts of debt caused by the federal government. He does not believe the Founding Fathers would be happy with the current state of the government. Matt Waters is for a federal government that operates to protect the rights
How to Vote Nov. 6 2018
Libertarian candidate of the individual. Those rights include the right to life, liberty, property and the pursuit of happiness. With these stipulations, the federal government has overstepped its authority greatly. Waters plans to do what Republicans and Democrats have failed to do — drastically reduce the size of the federal government. He believes that an individual has the natural right to defend oneself from a threat against person or property, meaning individuals have the right to own and carry firearms. This is not only for hunting or protection from burglary, but also to keep the government in check, so that tyrants might think twice before violating the rights of citizens. Waters is 100 percent pro-life. He believes that life is extremely important and should be protected. This means that the fetus in the womb has just as much right to life as someone who is already born. If the government is to exist, then it must protect life. The Libertarian Party also calls for an end of the death penalty, believing that the state makes far too many mistakes and that the right to life is something that shouldn’t be left up to the hands of imperfect humans. Waters believes that the free market is the best way to enrich civilized humans. He does not believe that the federal government should have a role in distributing money for the use of charity. He believes that private charity is the best way to take care of the needs of the poor. The market is better equipped to improve lives, and govern-
Liberty Champion | October 30, 2018 | A5
ment just gets in the way of economic progress. On immigration, Waters believes there must be reform. Prospective immigrants wait for years and years to make it into the country because of a flawed system. He believes that there should be more work visas and refugee statuses handed out to peaceful immigrants, and that it should be easier to gain citizenship. He does not believe in a massive, expensive and mostly ineffective wall. Waters believes that our military spending has become outrageous. We spend more on our military than the next twelve largest countries combined, according to Waters’ website. We have over-extended ourselves and are too involved all over the world. America should not be paying for bombs given to Saudi Arabia for the purpose of killing civilians in Yemen. The founders were fairly non-interventionist, and Waters believes the nation should follow the example that they set. We should have a strong military that is used mainly for defense purposes. On Nov. 6 there will be three candidates on the ballot for U.S. Senate in Virginia. Matt Waters will do what the Republicans and Democrats have failed to do. He will work to end the huge amount accumulated debt, cut both spending and the size of the federal government, and work to preserve your individual liberties. If you want to see the Constitution respected again, vote for Matt Waters.
Do you live on campus? You can vote in the Vines Center.
Do you live off campus? Find your voting location at this website www.elections.virginia.gov.
Registered in a different state? You can vote absentee. For infomation to obtain your ballot, go to this website www.usa.gov/absentee-voting.
You must be registered to vote in the midterm elections.
SOBCZAK is a guest opinion writer.
The time for legalization
America should follow in the footsteps of Canada and legalize marijuana
Mikaela Stiner mstiner@liberty.edu
On Oct. 16, Canada legalized marijuana. This decision came as great news to some and a frustration to others. While Canada’s 13 provinces and territories have yet to establish their own regulation about obtaining marijuana and where it can be consumed, this decision is a significant step for the culture at large. Only time will determine the ultimate legal and economic ramifications that this new policy will have on the country. Canada has made the logical choice, and a good choice, by legalizing marijuana. I do not consider myself an advocate of recreational marijuana use. I think it creates ethical questions for Christians, given the potential long-term health concerns. However, at this time in North America, legalization is the best way to go. The fact is, most people who want to smoke weed are doing it regardless of the legality. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, marijuana is readily accessible. And some people pay a higher price than others — there is an evident racial bias when it comes to possession-related offenses. While this reason alone doesn’t inherently justify the legalization of marijuana, it is an element worth keeping in mind. According to a
New York Times article from May 18, “White people largely don’t get arrested for (marijuana possession). Black and Hispanic people do, despite survey after survey saying people of most races smoke at
out the law. The aforementioned New York Times article addresses the fact that walking through New York City, you’re bound to smell weed on nearly every street, and even see
ment and other citizens. If marijuana is legalized, local and state governments will be able to establish guidelines regarding when, where, and by whom marijuana can be used. Then, particu-
Google Images
APRIL 20, 2018 — Thousands of Canadians turned out on this unofficial “Marijuana Day” to celebrate the legalization of recreational use of the drug. In the past, April 20 (4/20) was a popular day to petition legalization.
similar rates.” People are already widely using marijuana recreationally, legally or not, which creates a variety of complications for law enforcement attempting to justly carry
people smoking it publicly. And that’s just in New York City. Although public marijuana use is more common in cities, it happens all around the United States, to the frustration of both law enforce-
lar crimes can be punished without the “well, everybody’s doing it” dilemma. In an article published May 25 by The Washington Post, neuroscientist Judith Grisel wrote,
“Even many of those apathetic toward (marijuana’s) potential health benefits are ecstatic about its commercial appeal, whether for personal profit or state tax revenue. Legalization in many cases, and for many reasons, can be a good thing.” So, will the United States be next to legalize marijuana? According to a fact sheet published in May by the Drug Policy Alliance, 98 percent of Americans already have some form of legal access to marijuana within their state, whether for medical or recreational purposes. Twenty-one years ago, zero percent of Americans had legal access to marijuana, so that’s a significant jump. The fact sheet notes that “since medical marijuana policies vary widely from state-tostate … it is likely that broader marijuana legalization may open up access for people to use marijuana as a substitute beyond the limits of their state’s medical marijuana policies.” It shouldn’t be surprising if the United States follows Canada’s lead, and soon. STINER is an opinion writer. Next week, a contrasting perspective on legalized marijuana will be published.
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A6 | October 30, 2018 | Liberty Champion
S E N AT E
Editor's Note
C A N D I DAT E S The Champion asked the same seven questions with the same 800-word limit to the candidates for the Senate seat. Election Day is November 6.
Tim Kaine Democratic Q. How did you come to the decision to run for Senate? A. When I finished my term as governor, I had no intention of running for another office. Then a Senate seat surprisingly opened up, and I asked myself, “Do I have any unfinished business?” And I did. Despite my efforts, voters passed an anti-LGBT amendment to the Virginia Constitution in 2006, and I had been working with Virginia Indian tribes for years to get them the federal recognition they deserved, but we kept falling short. I wanted to help make progress in these areas beyond what I could do in local or state office. While I’ve been in the Senate, we have. I signed a Senate amicus brief advocating for marriage equality and celebrated when it became (the) law of the land in 2013. A bill recognizing Virginia’s tribes finally passed just this year. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish, but I’ve learned that if you want to help people and take the time to listen to them, there will always be unfinished business on your “to do” list. I have more to do, and I would be honored to have your support as I keep at the work. Q. How do you work with other Congressional leaders who may sit on the opposite side of the aisle than you? A. In my 24 years in public service, I’ve been focused on bringing people together, no matter what side of the aisle they sit on. By working together with colleagues from a range of ideologies on shared priorities, I’ve found that I’ve been able to keep moving Virginia forward on all kinds of issues. That’s how I was able to expand pre-K as mayor of Richmond, and how I steered the commonwealth through the country’s worst recession in 70 years, while earning Virginia recognition for its business climate. I brought that same mentality to the Senate where I’ve worked across (the aisle) to pass bipartisan legislation to reduce veterans’ unemployment, fund childhood cancer research, protect open space and provide better tools to deal with campus sexual assault. Q. Why should college students vote? And why
specifically a Liberty student? A. Last year’s elections in Virginia showed that every vote matters — we saw a race decided by what was basically a coin flip. Millennials are the largest current generation in America. If young people vote, they have the opportunity to have an enormous say in the direction of our commonwealth and our nation. Q. What is a personal belief you hold that grounds your political work? A. I grew up in a middle-class family — my dad ran an iron-working shop in Kansas City — and I learned from my parents the values of hard work, being kind and, most importantly, serving others. That’s why I believe in putting middle class families first — creating economic opportunity for all Virginians is my top priority. I know that our economy is strongest when workers and families (have) access to good paying jobs, higher wages and the skills to succeed and get ahead. That’s why I’ve passed legislation to help veterans transition to civilian jobs, expand and improve career and technical education for young people, and support legislation to raise the minimum wage and ensure equal pay. Q. Why is the abolishment of ICE beneficial or detrimental to Virginia citizens? A. Our immigration system is broken, but the solution is comprehensive immigration reform, not abolishing ICE. I was proud to support the bipartisan deal that created a path to citizenship and also funded border security. That’s what I’ll continue to push for, in addition to bipartisan solutions for Dreamers and (Temporary Protected Status) recipients, because our diversity only makes us stronger. Q. How would you attack the student debt crisis? A. College affordability is an issue our country is grappling with at the national, state and especially family level. Because there isn’t one path that will work for everyone, I am pushing for a number of strategies that will ease the burden of debt and enable students to succeed in the
Matt Waters Libertarian
allison heise| Liberty Champion
FINANCIAL FREEDOM — Matt Waters strongly believes in minimizing federal debt.
Lillian Abbatacola | Liberty Champion
LEADERSHIP — Kaine has served as both the governor and lieutenant governor of Virginia. workforce. First, greater access to career and technical education can help students gain the skills they need at a much less prohibitive cost. In addition, I’ve fought for greater transparency in the process of paying for college tuition by introducing legislation that makes it easier for students and families to access financial counseling, and have pushed for other initiatives, like debt forgiveness programs, college dual-enrollment programs for high schoolers, and opportunities for students to refinance their debt. Q. If re-elected, what type of working relationship do you foresee having with the current White House administration? A. I’ve never been afraid to stand up to the president when his policies hurt Virginians. That’s
Q: How did you come to the decision to run for Senate? A: Two reasons — the debt is big and getting bigger by the minute, and the two major parties don’t care about it. They keep spending our future into oblivion. Q: How do you plan on working with other Congressional leaders who may sit on the opposite side of the aisle than you? A: This is the fun part! There are multiple efforts to legalize freedom — from reining in the surveillance state to pushing back on mandatory minimum sentencing (both civil liberty issues/LeftDemocrat) to eliminating the IRS and privatizing multiple agencies and departments (right of center battles). Q: Why should college students vote? And why specifically a Liberty student? A: The federal debt will be
punishing to several future generations of Americans. This must be addressed. Or else. (And that means that things will be really, really bad — high taxes, few job opportunities, etc.) Unlike my (Republican) opponent, I would not make the Confederate flag or other symbols of the old South a rallying cry for my cause; I think that for the party of Lincoln to nominate someone who is essentially cementing the idea that the Emancipation Proclamation was a mistake, or that the Civil War was not about slavery, is a huge mistake. It sends all of the wrong signals to 20 percent of the population that is black in Virginia. I’m also pro-life. (I) worked in and for the prolife movement for over 25 years, and I’m the only Baptist-Evangelical in the race! (I am) finishing a seminary degree at Reformed Theological Seminary. Q: What is a personal belief you hold that grounds your political work?
why I spoke out when the president and Republicans in Congress tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act, threatening the health care of hundreds of thousands of Virginians and millions of Americans. It’s why I’ve been critical of his attempts to ban immigrants from Muslim countries, deny a pay raise to federal workers and impose tariffs that hurt farmers and consumers. But I will always reach across the aisle to find common ground, which is why I’m proud the president has signed 17 of my bills into law, including efforts that tackle military spouse unemployment and initiatives expanding access to career and technical education.
A: The Declaration of Independence and (the) U.S. Constitution. Therein lies the Libertarian notion of the singular purpose of (government): to protect our right to life, liberty and property. If this is the sole reason (government) exists, then we must consider eliminating, privatizing, outsourcing and ending multiple agencies and departments. Q. Why is the abolishment of ICE beneficial or detrimental to Virginia citizens? A. ICE is one part of the current immigration debacle. ICE and the other agencies involved need to be reformed from the ground up. Q. How would you attack
the student debt crisis? A. Get the federal government out of the loan business. This is what is driving up the cost of college education. Doing this will push colleges to reduce reliance upon student loans and get back to states supporting their own public education. Q. If elected, what type of working relationship do you foresee having with the current White House administration? A. Very good on foreign policy, as it relates to bringing the troops home; tough on spending, as the Trump (administration) added about $2 (trillion) to the debt in 18 months.
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Liberty Champion | October 30, 2018 | A7
S E N AT E
C A N D I DAT E S
Q. How did you come to the decision to run for Senate? A. I have a 12-year record of getting things done as a conservative Republican in a very diverse, Democrat-leaning Northern Virginia county. During my tenure as chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, we successfully cut taxes, improved services, built roads and cut violent crime by nearly half. Our county earned a rare triple-AAA bond rating, and we now lead Virginia in job growth. I am running to bring this results-oriented mindset to the U.S. Senate. Q. How do you plan to work with other Congressional leaders who may sit on the opposite side of the aisle than you? A. In Prince William County, I have worked with my fellow Republicans and with Democrats to solve problems. I am ready and willing to do the same in the U.S. Senate. Criminal justice reform is just one issue where I believe many Republicans
and Democrats can find common ground. Q. Why should college students vote? And why specifically a Liberty student? A. College students naturally want to find good jobs after graduation. In the U.S. Senate, I will focus on making last year’s tax cuts permanent, to ensure that our economy continues to thrive. In addition, I will strive to uphold and defend the traditional American values for which Liberty University is widely known. Q. What is a personal belief you hold that grounds your political work? A. I am a Christian who believes in God and prays for his guidance daily. I firmly believe that every life has a purpose; and that every man, woman and child is endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights. The base nature of man, however, often seeks to control others, violate their God-given rights, and steal the fruits of their labor. For this reason, our Founders wisely entrusted only limited, narrowly-defined authority to the federal government. I believe that we have strayed too far from our founders’ original vision of liberty under the rule of law. Q. Why is the abolishment of ICE beneficial or detrimental to Virginia citizens?
A. Abolishing ICE – as many Democrats want to do – would be absolutely detrimental to the safety and welfare of Virginians. In Fairfax County, which is effectively a sanctuary jurisdiction, there are now more MS-13 gang members than police officers. In Prince William County, by contrast, we have partnered with ICE to remove more than 8,300 criminal aliens from our streets. In the U.S. Senate, I will stand with ICE, and I will push for a crackdown on criminal aliens nationwide. Q. How would you attack the student debt crisis? A. I support the Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act, which aims to consolidate and streamline our nation’s current student loan programs. Perhaps more importantly, the HERO Act would reform the accreditation system. States could develop their own standards, or even partner with employers, to ensure that students are ready to land good jobs after graduation. Q. If elected, what type of working relationship do you foresee having with the current White House Administration? A. I proudly support President Donald Trump, and I expect to have a very productive relationship with the administration. In the U.S. Senate, I will consistently vote to advance the President’s America First agenda. On those rare instances when I differ with the president, I will always do (so) respectfully, and with the best interests of Virginians at heart.
Corey Stewart Republican
Prince William County Board of Supervisors.
Select o v n o C med welco lection e m r e midt ates candid 9 Oct. 2
Allison Heise | Liberty Champion
Select Monday, Oct. 29, in the Center for Music and the Worship Arts Concert Hall. Top: Matt Waters (left) and Corey Stewart (right) are running for the U.S. Senate. Bottom: Denver Riggleman (left) and Jennifer Lewis (right) are running for the 5th and 6th Congressional Districts, respectively. Senatorial candidate Tim Kaine sent a video, and 6th District candidate Ben Cline was represented by his campaign manager. Fifth District candidate Leslie Cockburn did not participate in the event.
Joel Ismimeme | Liberty News Service
TRYOUTS — Coffeehouse tryouts are Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, from 5 to 10 p.m. in the LaHaye Event Space.
LU's got talent
Coffeehouse promises Christmas cheer
Lauren Osterhoudt losterhoudt@liberty.edu
CONVO — Candidates for the U.S. Senate and the 5th and 6th Congressional Districts spoke at Convo
Nathan Spencer | Liberty News Service
JOB — Corey Stewart has worked previously as the chairman of the
Get ready for a show of glacial proportions, as Student Activities prepares to celebrate Christmas at the North Pole during this year’s annual Christmas Coffeehouse Nov. 30 at 11:30 p.m. Every winter, students flock to the Vines Center to show their Christmas spirit to support the artistic talents of their peers, while seizing the opportunity to stay out past curfew. “Christmas Coffeehouse is one of my favorite events,” Erin Diaz Cleveland, assistant director of Student Activities, said. “This year, we are really looking forward to portraying what everyone believes the North Pole to be.” For a chance to star in the magical event, auditions will be held Oct. 29 through Nov. 1 from 5–10 p.m. in the LaHaye Event Space. Students wanting to participate are encouraged to come early and be prepared, as sign-ups for tryouts are on a first-come, first-serve basis. According to Diaz Cleveland, there are typically around 10-15 acts and 5-10 video submissions chosen each year. In groups of three or fewer, all participants must be current Liberty students, and in groups of four or more, at least 75 percent of performers must be current Liberty students. Other guidelines and requirements for tryouts are listed on the Student Activities website. “We are thankful for all the students and staff who put in time to make this event what it is,” Diaz Cleveland said. “We have an extremely talented student body, and this event always showcases that.” Diaz Cleveland said the event would not
be possible without the diligent behind-thescenes work of all of the Student Activities staff members. “Each year, our team puts in hundreds of hours combined to build decorations, hold tryouts and prepare the show in order to create a unique experience for the student body,” Diaz Cleveland said. “I love getting to watch all the hard work of our team come to fruition.” To help break the ice, returning Coffeehouse host Landen Swain will introduce the acts, along with new games and giveaways that will be revealed the night of the show. “Nothing is ever really predictable at Coffeehouse,” Swain said. “It’s so much fun, and every year brings a different set-up, theme and aesthetic.” When asked what his favorite part about hosting has been in the past, Swain answered with enthusiasm. “Shopping beforehand,” Swain said. “Last year, I got to buy a tux, and I get to look all spiffy.” Referring to this year’s freshmen class, Swain mentioned that he is looking forward to having the new students be a part of Coffeehouse for the first time. “You never really forget your first Coffeehouse,” Swain said. “I’m just excited for (freshmen) to get to experience it.” Doors will open at 10 p.m., and tickets can be purchased online. For the early bird price, tickets are $3 until Oct. 31. After that, the price goes up to $5 until Nov. 29, and then $7 if reserved on the day of the show. For more information, or to purchase tickets, students can visit liberty.edu/ campusrec/sa. OSTERHOUDT is a content reporter.
content
A8 | October 30, 2018 | Liberty Champion
LSAT ditches paper Test goes digital
Kenny G. Rowlette Remembering a professor, historian and friend of Liberty Logan Smith lcsmith1@liberty.edu
Kenny G. Rowlette, 67, director and co-founder of the Civil War Chaplains Museum on Liberty University’s campus, and long-time employee at Liberty,
unexpectedly passed away Friday, Oct. 26. Originally from Kentucky, Rowlette received a B.A. in English from Berea College in 1973 and an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Lynchburg College in 1979. He became a member
Rachel Van Tuyl rvantuyl@liberty.edu
Starting in September 2019, students taking the Law School Admission Test will no longer take the exam with pencil and paper but will instead take it digitally. Jeff Thomas, executive director at Kaplan Test Prep, said this is the Law School Admission Council’s biggest change in the test’s 70-year history. June 2019 will be the last month students will be able to take the LSAT with pencil and paper, and by September 2019, the entire test will be digitized. July 2019 will be a transition time, with half of the students taking the test digitally and the other half taking it on paper. Test takers will not know beforehand which version they will receive, which will give the LSAC a randomized sample. According to Thomas, this transition period will ensure students are performing as well on the digital version as on the paper version. Because test takers will not know in advance which version they will receive, they will have the option to either keep or discard their scores. Thomas said July 2019 will be the only month students will have this option. However, Thomas said Kaplan Test Prep is strongly encouraging students to take the LSAT no later than the end of June 2019, if at all possible. This way, they can prepare with familiar tools. Kaplan Test Prep recommends students spend a total of at least 150 to 300 hours preparing for the LSAT, which is about 20 to 25 hours a week over a two to three-month period. According to Thomas, the LSAT is the last of the graduate school tests to become computerized. “A digital test environment allows scoring to be done much quicker,” Thomas said. “It won’t be instantaneous, but it will certainly be much quicker.” Additionally, the test will be offered nine times during the 2019-2020 testing year. This is an expansion from the six times a year it has been offered in the past. Thomas hopes this will offer students more flexibility. According to LSAC’s website, the LSAT consists of five sections of multiple-choice questions, and students have 35 minutes to complete each section. There is also an essay, which is allotted another 35 minutes. Thomas said having a digital exam will allow for more consistency with these time limits. “Imagine that there is one proctor who is at the front of the room looking at their watch or the clock on the wall, and he gives 34 and a half minutes, or 36 minutes,” Thomas said. “That can greatly impact a student’s performance on the other end. We need the testing experience to be common across the country.” More information about the LSAT can be found at https://www.lsac.org/ lsat/taking-lsat.
VAN TUYL is the assistant content editor.
Kaitlyn Becker Johnson | Liberty News Service
REMEMBERED — Rowlette is survived by his wife, four siblings, two daughters and four grandchildren.
LONDON continued from A1 According to the Friends of New London’s website, “The story of New London is about the many families who have made the town and its vicinity their home during the course of the past 250 + years.” New London Day strives to remind the public of the importance of New London and how it shaped the history of the United States. “Historians have said that Thomas Jefferson once predicted that New London would be one of the big urban centers of the New World, along with Philadelphia and Boston,” Donald said. “It was a busy place, and it was an important place; it was one of the last stops before the frontier.” The annual New London Day also serves as an opportunity for people of all ages to become involved in something of great importance and significance. “Friends of New London is eager for volunteers, either as members of the group, or just to come out and help; not just with New London Day, but with other projects,” Donald said. “There’s always something
to do.” Friends of New London own three properties, all of which are in various phases of repair or restoration. “The big project right now that they are in the midst of is a fundraising campaign to restore the African-American church,” Donald said. “Whenever there’s a project, if they can get volunteers, it saves money and makes the restoration easier.” Liberty has been an active part of Friends of New London for several years. Liberty just bought the Alum Springs Hotel, and New London Day served as the first time the hotel was open to the public. “I am excited just to see people walk in, see this incredible building and be able to think about the possibilities,” Donald said. Donald explained that they are taking a more proactive attitude towards collecting stories and information from people; people who might have a connection to New London. “We’re hoping to get more people involved in developing the history, because there are a lot of things we just don’t know,” Donald said. Friends of New London also
Taryn Azimov | Liberty Champion
SNACKS — Clarkboys Kettle Corn provided freshly popped kettle corn at New London Day.
of Thomas Road Baptist Church in 1980, and he quickly found home in Liberty’s community. He was a professor of English for 33 years, worked at the Jerry Falwell Library for five years and helped orchestrate Liberty’s annual Civil War Seminar, a conference hosted by the school’s Department of History. Rowlette thoroughly enjoyed spearheading the Civil War Seminar, and he wished to live his final moments as Jerry Falwell Sr. lived his: at his job. Rowlette died in the JFL Friday afternoon, where he worked. Rowlette’s love for history, particularly the Civil War period, prompted the founding of the Civil War Chaplains Museum located on Liberty’s campus. The museum opened in January 2010 and continues to serve the Liberty community with historical information. He is survived by his wife, Ann, of 47 years, four siblings, two daughters and four grandchildren. Rowlette’s funeral was held Monday, Oct. 29, at Pate Chapel — the old TRBC facility — and the burial immediately followed at Virginia Memorial Park. According to Dr. Cline Hall, retired associate professor of
history and one of Rowlette’s long-time colleagues, Rowlette frequently found ways to stay occupied at Liberty. “(He was) very friendly,” Hall said. “He was very willing to get involved in helping people and doing things for the school.” Rowlette was a member of both the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Sons of Union Veterans. He also frequently participated in Civil War reenactments, representing generals on both sides. “He loved history,” President Jerry Falwell Jr. said at the funeral. “He was one of those people who really made Liberty University what it is today.” Rowlette was burried in his work attire, a red JFL polo shirt. “Kenny came to Liberty early enough to really understand the pioneer spirit of Liberty and to appreciate it,” Falwell said. “He saw the struggles, he understood it, and he stuck with us ... that is really what made Liberty successful — that so many people saw and bought into the vision of what Liberty would become.”
SMITH is the manager of content.
Taryn Azimov | Liberty Champion
PRESERVED — Mead’s Tavern is one of the buildings located in historic New London.
hopes to inspire people to assist with the fundraising of the African American Church. More information on New London Day can be found on Liberty’s website at liberty.edu/ newlondonday or on Facebook @LUpublichistory. More information on the Friends of New London can be found at http:// www.newlondonmuseum.org/.
To learn more about Mead’s Tavern of New London, check out the Liberty Champion’s video on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Liberty-Champion-165455713466074/.
RIVERA is a content reporter.
Taryn Azimov | Liberty Champion
LIFELIKE — New London Day featured guides in period dress to help attendees get an immersive, educational experience.
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SPORTS hot wheels
October 30, 2018
B1
Flames student shines on auto racing’s biggest stage Abby Bowman abowman7@liberty.edu
Around this time of year, college students must strike a balance between finishing the current semester well and planning for next semester. Apparently, so do NASCAR drivers. As the NASCAR season draws to a close, Monster Energy series rookie and Liberty Online student William Byron reflects on his performance and prepares for changes next season. William Byron began the season new to the Monster Energy Series, NASCAR’s highest level of stock car racing, and new to his team. “Being in the cup series has been a new challenge for me. I’ve learned a lot,” Byron said. Byron mentioned two people specifically that have helped him adjust and improve — his fellow Hendrick Motorsports drivers, Jimmie Johnson and Chase Elliot. “I’ve learned to be patient at the right times, how to communicate with them (his teammates) on a week-to-week basis and how to communicate with my team better,” Byron said. “I feel like they’ve helped me maximize my ef-
Joel Coleman | Liberty News Service
forts with my team.” their teams. Byron said he was thankful to work with During the week, Byron also busies himJimmie Johnson, the seven-time champion self studying data from his races and his and someone Byron refers to as an idol, who teammates’ races to learn how to improve. helped Byron grow as a driver. “We have a lot of tools to use for lookElliott, who won his first three races this ing at data nowadays, so there are so many year and is only two years older than Byron, things that I look at when I get back to wheralso helped by coaching Byron through his ever I’m staying, and I look at some of the rookie year. things going on during the weekend,” ByWith all the newness, Byron gave himself ron said. “It is kind of like watching film and a “B” on his performance this season. preparing that way.” “There’s some good things that have This coming season, Byron will have a happened,” Byron said. “It has not been new crew chief to help him prepare and what I wanted but I feel like as a team we’re push him toward excellence. His new crew growing.” chief, Chad Knaus, has Byron been Jimmie Johnson’s Being in the cup touched crew chief since Johnson on seva rookie 17 years ago, series has been a new was eral races according to a Henrick where he Motorsports article. challenge for me. thought he Byron spoke highly of ran well. his respect for Johnson -William Byron One of and Knaus as a driver, crew those was chief team. the July race at “It’s crazy because I Pocono, where Byron finished sixth after looked up to that team and the way they starting in the back. did things. It was really professional and “It’s usually a hard track to pass (other they just have that charisma about them,” drivers), and we were able to make our way Byron said. through the field and have a really good day Next year, Byron will work with Knaus. so that was a great finish for us and one that Byron said he already has an established reI’m proud of,” Byron said. lationship with his new crew chief and that Byron discussed living a lifestyle of Knaus’ work ethic and desire to win make Christian integrity. Byron said there are him an excellent crew chief. people of many different views that work in “You can have the engineering backand watch NASCAR, so he focuses on do- ground and all the tools and skills to be a ing what he believes is right. good crew chief, but if you don’t know how “I try to go about things with a Christian to use those, it doesn’t really make a differmindset — a way of doing things that I’m ence,” Byron said. going to be proud of and God’s going to be Byron said he related to Knaus most with proud of me for doing those things,” Byron their mutual desire to compete and win. said. “Racing is really just a way for me to For the next NASCAR season, Bylive out my faith. It’s what I love to do, but I ron’s biggest goal is winning, something feel like I was led to do it.” he knows will set him up for a successWith NASCAR racing, as with many oth- ful season. He also wants to qualify on er sports, Byron works on Sundays, mean- the pole and build good team morale and ing he cannot go to a traditional church communication. service. He has his own system during the For now, though, Byron looks to finweek of reading Scripture and getting in- ish well in the last few races of the volved with the Motor Racing Outreach current season. ministry that serves NASCAR drivers and BOWMAN is an opinion writer.
Week of Burack-ing home wins up saves Volleyball defeats Maryland Senior goalie aims to win Eastern Shore Hawks 3-1 Burack said.
The Lady Flames volleyball Jared Dean team played a non-conference jsdean@liberty.edu match Tuesday, Oct. 23rd, where they handled the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks, winning 3-1. Going into Tuesday night the Hawks record was 6-13, but despite their losing record they managed to keep the match close against Liberty. The Hawks won the third set and kept things close in the fourth. Junior Kainah Williams knew what it would take in the end to win the match. “In that last set, we just told each other that we needed to take care of our responsibilities and do our job,” Williams said. Flames Head Coach Trevor Johnson changed up his players in the final set, putting in juniors Casey Goodwin and Anna Gragg — something he believes made the difference. “I put Casey and Anna Gragg back in,” Johnson said. “They both had some nice swings, so I think that helped the momentum and provided a comfort level that is there when those two are on the court.” The match picked up intensity with every set. There was a total of 13 lead changes and 20 ties in the last three sets. Sophomore Jenna Culhan shined in this close match getting 13 kills.
See WEEK, B4
Nate Montgomery nimontgomery@liberty.edu
Senior goalie Cole Burack is gearing up for his third, final and strongest season with the Liberty men’s hockey team. The Division I men’s hockey team is already 8-1 with their only loss being by one goal against Syracuse. “I think we’re really starting to get into a groove,” Burack said. “We are starting to peak at just the right time.” Cole is optimistic about his senior season. He believes this is the year that the Flames can bring home a national championship. “You always have some stuff in the back of your head that you want to do personally, but I’m to the point where I want to win a national championship,”
Cole said he does not care about his personal statistics, but rather just the result of the whole team. “We’re focused Gabrielle Calhoun | Liberty News Service on our legacy, not a personal legacy, but SAVING — Senior Cole Burack looks to make a save. what can we do as a of the truly selfless players on the hockteam,” Burack said. ey team. Coach Kirk Handy said he is proud “He has a heart for the guys on the of the man and the player that Burack other teams,” Handy said. “It was his has become in his time at Liberty. idea to provide Bibles and snacks for “He’s got a great demeanor for a the other team. He definitely has a heart goalie,” Handy said. “He doesn’t usu- for, not only our team but other teams ally get too high or too low, and he has as well.” a tremendous desire to get better out there.” According to Handy, Burack is one See BURACK, B2
Running in the ASUN Cross country places second in first ASUN championship Paige Frost pmfrost@liberty.edu
Allison Heise | Liberty Champion
HOME — The Lady Flames have played nine consecuative home games.
When the Liberty Flames CrossCountry Team headed into the ASUN championship, they were picked to be a favorite and they did not disappoint as the fall season came to a close. The Flames ended their season with the men’s and women’s team coming in second place in their first ASUN championship. For the Lady Flames, their biggest competition was Lipscomb, and the Flames would take second against them. The men’s biggest competition going into this race was North Florida and Lipscomb, and the Flames would beat Lipscomb and come in second be-
hind North Florida. he doesn’t allow us to choose Brant Tolsma, the director for Liber- our results.” ty’s Cross-country team, said that they did not know what to expect going into See RUNNING, B3 this championship, since there were a lot of teams they have not yet competed against. “The most important thing is that we run up to our ability,” Tolsma said. “The results are in God’s hands. God allows us to choose our attitude and he allows Atlantic Sun Conference us to choose our commitment, but DETERMINED — The Flames trained hard all offseason.
sports
B2 | October 30, 2018 | Liberty Champion
Joel Isimeme | Liberty News Service LEADERSHIP — The Lady Flames are led by Head Coach Carey Green, who led the Lady Flames to 13 Big South championships since receiving the job in 1999.
Netting a new season
Women’s basketball team shooting for the stars in ASUN debut Erika McLeod student@liberty.edu
It is a special year for the women’s basketball team. With just days away until the season opener, basketball seniors, Tatyana Crowder and KK Barbour are more than just ready to compete in a new conference but determined to leave a legacy to remember. “We are the best in the Big South and left being the best in the Big South,” Crowder said. “Now that we are entering a new conference, how are we going to translate that history of success that we’ve had for years into this new conference, with new opponents?” With eight new teammates and nine returning players, the team has focused on building its chemistry on and off the court in preparation for the season opener Nov. 9. Ranking second place in the ASUN preseason poll, the team accredits its confidence to run against top competitors this season to member’s faith and their bond on and off the court. Over the summer the women’s basketball team took a trip to Israel to get closer to the
Bible and the root of why they play. While they took advantage of the opportunities to play ball, their focus was truly to take in the culture, connect with other players in a new country and bond with one another. Crowder and Barbour agreed that spending time in Israel and taking a weekend retreat over the summer gave the girls a lot of time to bond as a team, especially with the different dynamic of girls playing this year. “This time was helpful for us moving closer to the season because of all the time we spent together over the summer,” Crowder said.
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We teach these girls to
play the game for the love of basketball and the love of Christ - nothing more.” —Carey Green
Now, just days away until the season opener, Coach Carey Green said the girls are closer than ever. “As a unit, it’s about more than basketball. It’s about trust and giving God the glory,” Green said. It is no doubt the team will leave their mark and play consistently throughout the season. “We take a different approach to the game of basketball,” Green said. “We teach these girls to play the game for the love of basketball and the love of Christ - nothing more.” Just as a new student in a new class room might be apprehensive in the beginning, Crowder said they are trying to avoid that mindset. “I think it’s a good time because they don’t know us and we don’t know them,” Crowder said. “It’s fresh. It’s brand new. It’s exciting.” The team’s strategy to dominate this season begins with their mentality, and knowing their strengths. “We are the same team, play with the same heart and we just need to adjust after every game,” Barbour said. “Defense wins championship, and our
strength is our defense,” Crowder said. “We pack defense and rebounding everywhere we go, and we focus on that regardless of what conference we are in. Defense is our mantra, we take it everywhere.” It is bittersweet for the seniors as they begin their last year together. They are both determined to finish their time out strong and lead the underclassmen. “We’ve been playing basketball for eight years since 8th grade, so our time in college makes this year even more special for us,” Barbour said. “This year, it is time to leave a legacy that outlives both of us.” “As seniors, it’s important to lead and leave that mark on the freshmen and encourage and push them,” Crowder said. Knowing why they play, and leading each other with the love of Christ is what sets the team apart from their competitors. “As Christians we don’t compete any less,” Barbour said. “In fact, it sets us apart and gives us a distinctive edge. It gives us a perspective that is freeing because you can go as high as you want. Other teams play to win and sometimes you lose, but we play to praise a higher power.” MCLEOD is a sports reporter.
Taking on the Big East again Field hockey prepares for the season’s championship schedule and were supposed to have six of Upset victories have characterthe seven ACC ized Liberty field hockey’s 2018schools because Allison Heise | Liberty Champion 19 season. Currently ranked 18th they are the best nationally, the Flames posted wins field hockey UPSETTING — The Lady Flames are ranked 18th nationally with several upset wins. against No. 7 University of Virginconference ia, No. 11 Boston College and No. in the counnent Providence Friday, Oct. 26, defend the Liberty name. Parsley17 James Madison, while putting try. We do that on purpose to Liberty is ranked 2nd going into Blocker said the chance to host will up a fight in an overtime loss to No. prepare ourselves to win a Big the tournament and will face Old create the best environment for the 3 Duke. East championship because Dominion at the start of the event. team to compete in because LiberSophomore Jill Bolton said the we have played top opponents And, for the first time, this year’s ty fans record one of the highest atSept. 17 UVA matchup is one she throughout the year.” Big East Championships will take tendances in the country for home will likely remember for a long The Big East Field Hockey place on Liberty’s campus. field hockey games. time. Liberty trailed behind 2-0 Championship begins Friday, Nov. If the Flames win in the at the half and came back to score 2 and marks the last competition semi-finals against ODU, three goals and beat a top 10 that stands between the team and they will most likely play They are the defending ranked team. the end of the season. After their No. 1 Big East Confer“It’s fun to play high level teams win against in-conference oppo- ence seed University of champions, but we have had Connecticut (UConn) in upsets this yearand we are the finals Sunday, Nov. 4. They competed against ready for another one.” UConn on the road Oct. 18 and took a tough 6-1 —Ashley Dykema loss, but Bolton said there is much to learn from and improve on from that game between then and the start of con“UConn has won Big East for ference. I don’t know how many years,” “I think against UConn the girls Dykema said. “They are the defenddid a lot of things right, there is just ing champions, but we have had upa big gap between playing a top- sets this year and we are ready for five team or top-15 team,” Parsley- another one.” Blocker said. “There’s a couple The Lady Flames are looking technical things we have to change forward to their next anticipated going into that next game, and I’m upset at the Liberty Field Hockey really excited about it because I Field when they face off against know we can give them a run with No. 3 Providence Friday, Nov. those adjustments in the Big East.” 2 at 4 p.m. Sophomore Ashley Dykema described having the tournament on home turf as an extra drive to win Gabrielle Calhoun | Liberty News Service due to the chance to welcome the FIGHTING — Senior forward Agueda Moroni has earned several Big East honors this season. other teams and the pressure to NULL is a sports reporter.
Siani Null snull@liberty.edu
to see where we compare to them and beat them,” Bolton said. “Something I always look forward to is playing hard teams and we have a chance to upset them instead of blowing out no good teams and not really getting anywhere.” With a 12-5 regular season record and 6-1 in Big East conference play, the Flames are thriving in just their second season under the direction of Head Coach Nikki Parsley-Blocker. The team has won the games they were supposed to win and came out on top against some of the teams ranked lower. “This year we have taken a huge step forward compared to last year,” Parsley-Blocker said. “We try to schedule a pretty difficult
“
sports
Liberty Champion | October 30, 2018 | B3
fall fun
Allison Heise| Liberty Champion
Joel Coleman | Liberty News Service
Ryan Klinker | Liberty Champion
Kevin Manguiob | Liberty News Service
Leah Stauffer | Liberty News Service
TOP LEFT: Senior Margaret Latchford celebrates with her teammates. BOTTOM LEFT: Senior Geovanny Murillo attempts a shot from the corner of the field. CENTER: Redshirt sophomore Peytton Pickett scores a touchdown. TOP RIGHT: Junior Madison Struble cheers for the Flames. BOTTOM RIGHT: Senior defenseman Sarah Erickson fights for the ball.
RUNNING continued from B1 The team did all that they could to grow and practice this season, so they could be the best that their abilities allowed. Starting practice in June helped everyone get used to the different layouts that a course could be done on. They practiced on the hills and running the trials on Liberty Mountain, and they also sometimes indoors on a treadmill. “We laid a lot of base in the summer, and now it’s all about sharpening and staying fresh,” interim Coach Rebekah Ricksecker said. “Running is a very mental sport, and I think this season, I needed to help them keep their minds’ ready.” The women’s team was particularly young this season with the majority being freshmen or new runners in general, Ricksecker said. The men’s team had a few more experienced runners, and they continued to show that this is really a team sport. “There are so many variables in running,” Tolsma said. “Sometimes you just have a great day, and other times you just don’t run as good as you can. I often say, I’d rather lose representing the Lord, than win representing the world, but mostly I want to win representing the Lord.”
The Flames started off slow into the season at the first race at Virginia Tech, but then assessed their strengths and weaknesses so that they could pace themselves better when running. In September, when the Flames went to the Queen City invite they started showing that they were going to be competition for anyone. When pre-nationals rolled around, the cross-country teams were ready to compete again. Noel Palmer and Azaria Kirwa would be leading the pack for the Flames. They would take what they learned from this meet and then move to the ASUN Championship. Calli Parlier competed in her first collegiate championship, and her adrenaline helped her become the Freshman of the Year. “I am a freshman, so this year was all about getting the experience,” Parlier said. “I am really excited about it.” The Flames will look to build off of this season.
FROST is a sports reporter.
Atlantic Sun Conference GOING THE DISTANCE — Azaria Kirwa took first place for the Flames.
Emily Baker egbaker@liberty.edu
An athlete, whether professional, college or recreational, means complete immersion in your favorite sport. Much of your time is spent in football practice or running basketball drills or going for longer and longer runs. Being a professional — or even college athlete — also means you have lots of people watching your every move (sports or not). And having hundreds or thousands or even millions of people watching you means you have a huge platform simply for being really, really good at whatever sport you play. There’s a lot of dispute over athletes using their platform and celebrity status to make statements, whether political or not. Some people say athletes should just shut their mouths and play ball, while others wholeheartedly support whatever their favorite athletes have to say. This dispute was highlighted when Nike teamed up with Colin Kaepernick in September. Much of the nation was divided over one man’s face on an athletic apparel advertisement. A portion of the country welcomed the ad’s statement with open arms, while another portion rejected it with equal enthusiasm. September is nowhere near the first time an athlete used his platform to say something, and it’s definitely not the last. Just like anyone else in a position of influence, it’s incredibly easy for an athlete to misuse his platform. However, there are also plenty of athletes and teams doing great things for their communities that often aren’t heard about. Lebron James fully supports and partially funds better schooling for low-income kids and their families in Cleveland. Serena Williams is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and her foundation has helped build two schools in Kenya. Liberty’s men’s basketball team is working with LU Send and Virginia Tech to
raise money for hurricane disaster relief victims, too. The team has also participated in past events like the Paradise Jam, which Liberty volunteered to host after the original site for the tournament in Jamaica was damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. I think that’s something to celebrate. Often the last thing you hear about is a team’s donations and positive impact on the world. Instead you hear about which players knelt for the anthem and which player made a hateful comment this week or which player was arrested for a violent act. There’s a lot of value to a team’s contributions to society — they’re going above and beyond their requirement to play ball and instead giving to people who need it. Whether it’s funding a hometown school or hosting a tournament or, like Liberty’s baseball team, traveling to the Dominican Republic over fall break. In the end, a charitable donation or activity might not make the most news, but it will make the most difference to the people involved. The athletes participating get the benefit of serving others, which I think brings tremendous fulfilment, and those being served get the benefit of, well, being served. It takes the athlete’s role beyond playing ball and into something much more personal with fans and people in his or her community. Regardless of the news coverage, a team’s charitable donations will make a much longer lasting impact on those involved. The news will only last for a little while, but the memories and the help will last a lifetime. BAKER is the sports editor.
sports
B4 | October 30, 2018 | Liberty Champion WEEK continued from B1 “It was definitely nerve wracking; I think that everyone was a little frustrated, but we pulled it together and we are playing for God, each other, and we were just able to clean it up,” Culhan said. Williams also played well getting 13 kills on 24 total attempts providing a needed lift for the team. “I thought that we responded well,” Johnson said. “I have never questioned our heart or our grit. We just have to work hard every play and see what happens.” The Lady Flames went on to rout the New Jersey Institute of Technology 3-0 Friday, Oct. 26 and took on Northern Alabama Sunday, Oct. 28 in a 3-0 win. Liberty’s game against Northern Alabama was the team’s last home game of the season. “I think playing a game and getting that experience is better than practice because you never know what you’re going to get each game,” Williams said. “I think it prepares us to expect the unexpected.” Johnson believes this game is a great way to prepare for the upcoming matches because it showed him exactly what he needed to do to ensure that the girls are ready for the conference play. “This game exposed some things on our end — we need to do a better job of picking up tips and rolls.” Johnson said, “We also did some things defensively that were pretty good.” This weekend brings Liberty’s record to 13-13 placing them fourth in the Athletic Sun conference, something the Flames look to improve as the season continues. “For us it is always one game at a time. And not only that, it is one point at a time.” Johnson said. “It is just trying to control what we can control and just trying to win the next point.” The Lady Flames have four regular season conference games left against Kennesaw State, Lipscomb, Stetson and Florida Gulf Coast until they enter the ASUN volleyball championships Thursday, Nov. 15. DEAN is a sports reporter.
Lady Flames volleyball smashes the Highlanders Peter Gooch pgooch1@liberty.edu
Following one smashing kill, Liberty University Lady Flames sophomore volleyball defensive specialist Kaitlyn Young feigned losing consciousness on the sidelines and senior outside hitter Victoria Baptista pretended to
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You saw girls cheering for the other girls. It’s not just about you getting yours, it’s about us getting ours. —Trevor Johnson resuscitate her. After another authoritative spike, Young jumped into the arms of her teammates like a joyous new bride would jump into the arms of her husband. “It’s awesome just knowing that it doesn’t matter where you put the ball, they’re just going to crank and do what they can to score,” junior setter Hannah Morris said. “It’s an awesome feeling. It takes a lot of pressure off.” Morris was the only Lady Flame to play every point of Liberty’s Oct. 26 contest versus the New Jersey Institute of Technology Highlanders, as 12 of the 17 players on the roster appeared in the home team’s 3-0 steamrolling at the Vines Center. “You saw girls cheering for the other girls,” Head Coach Trevor Johnson said. “That’s most important to me. It’s not just about you getting yours, it’s about us getting ours.” With game scores of 25-13, 25-6 and 25-15, the Lady Flames’ 12th victory of the season was never
Allison Heise | Liberty Champion
SPIKE — Sophomore Darian Finnerty was named to the Big South Honor Roll last year.
YOUNG — The Lady Flames only have two seniors on their roster this season.
in question. NJIT (4-22, 2-9 in the after playing two seasons at Panola 420 consecutive sets through FriASUN) was simply overmatched, as College in Carthage, Texas. day’s game. Liberty (12-13, 8-3) never trailed, “She came in (and) was very “Margaret has been here for four never got aced and outscored their feisty and everybody didn’t know years and I know in the three years opponent 71-30 after the teams how to deal with her,” Morris I’ve been here with her, she’s just were tied 4-4 in the first set. said. “But she’s shown to be just a been a constant encouragement to Junior middle blocker Anna great spirit and competitor on the everyone on the team and leader,” Gragg scored on all six of her at- team. She makes everyone around Morris said. “It’s going to be sad to tacks to secure a 1.000 hitting per- her better.” see her go.” centage, Morris dished 30 assists Meanwhile, Latchford ranks with nine digs and junior right- fourth in program history with side hitter Casey Goodwin had a 1,666 digs and has appeared in GOOCH is a sports reporter. game-high nine kills, including a thunderous one towards the end of the first set that sent teammates Lady Flames celebrate seniors with and the 391 fans in attendance victory over North Alabama into a frenzy. But the night belonged to freshmen like outside hitter Lilly Kruse, Jacob Couch and neck until the Lady Flames middle blocker Aspen Thompson, jtcouch@liberty.edu advanced their 15-12 lead to 25outside hitter Madi Furtado and 19. The Lady Flames finished the defensive specialist Sydney Street, Lady Flames seniors Margaret sweep by rebounding from a 13-12 who secured the blowout as start- Latchford and Victoria Baptista deficit to win 25-17. ers like Gragg and Goodwin sat for led the Lady Flames to a combined Despite the Lady Flames havmost or all of the third set. 28 digs in route to the team’s ing two seniors on their roster, the “What you saw tonight is what 3-0 sweep against the North 13-13 Trevor Johnson-led team we see in practice every day from Alabama Lions Sunday, Oct. 28. have managed to go on a six-game everyone,” Johnson said. “I have a The Lady Flames Sunday after- win streak. good bad problem: I can only play noon victory concluded their nine Latchford, Baptista and the Lady six, but I have a lot of good girls consecutive game series played Flames finish the regular season that can play.” in the Vines Center. The series with four conference road matchPlaying time was also given to marked the longest home-game ups, starting Nov. 2 at ASUN leadsophomore outside hitter Darian series in Lady Flames volleyball er Kennesaw State University (20Finnerty, who made her collegiate team history. 4, 11-0 through Friday). debut and sent down a kill to the The game’s first set was never zealous delight of the Lady Flames. even close as the Lady Flames led “It’s just super fun to see people 15-3 before finishing the set 25- COUCH is the assistant that work hard in practice and may 10. The second set remained neck sports editor. not get highlighted in a game to … go out there and do their thing and be successful,” Gragg said. The win, which took just over an hour to complete, allowed Liberty to become the third team to clinch one of six spots in the 2018 ASUN Volleyball Championship, which begins Nov. 15. “I think we’re a pretty scary team going into (the postseason),” Johnson said on a night kids came to the Vines Center in costume and received candy for Halloween. “I think some teams don’t want to play us.” After a 2-7 start to the year, the Lady Flames have found their groove, as the win over the Highlanders was their season-high fifth straight. “At the beginning of the year we told them, ‘It’s a process,’” Johnson said. “They have to work hard for what it is they want. … Obviously, we can still get better, but it’s good to see it coming to fruition, all the stuff we’ve been preaching every day in practice.” The team is looking forward to honoring two seniors before its final match Sunday, Oct. 28. Before the match, Liberty will honor the two seniors on its roster, Baptista and libero Margaret Latchford. Kayla Horn | Liberty Champion Originally from Sao Paulo, BraSMASH — The Lady Flames brought their record from 7-13 to 13-13. zil, Baptista transferred to Liberty
said. “I believe he will continue BURACK continued campus, Convo and all the people,” Burack said. “I to grow and continue to give from B1 had already committed before himself an opportunity to play
Jessie Rogers | Liberty News Service CLOSE — Cole Burack transferred to Liberty
before his sophomore year.
Macy Hrncir | Liberty Champion
When Burack first heard about Liberty, he was not interested. He instead chose to attend a Division III school in New York. After a severe concussion, he considered quitting hockey. But then he received a text from a friend asking him if he would consider visiting Liberty. After a short visit he was convinced that Liberty was the place for him. “I just fell in love with the
I even left.” Burack does not have any set-in -stone plans after graduation. He has been leaving his options open. “I have a few different things laid out,” Burack said. “If I can play after I graduate, I might go that route, whether that’s here in the states or overseas.” Coach Handy believes that if Burack wants to he should have the opportunity to continue his hockey career professionally. “I believe in Cole,” Handy
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I had already committed before I even left. —Cole Burack
even after graduation.” Burack said he doesn’t want to rush into anything, he would
rather live in the moment and enjoy his senior season. “I’m really excited — I actually don’t have any nerves at all about this,” Burack said. “I’m just staying in the present right now, eventually that time will come.” See Burack and the rest of the men’s hockey team back in action Friday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. when the Flames take on Stony Brook University.
MONTGOMERY is a sports reporter.
feature
Liberty Champion | October 30, 2018 | B5
Stitching together
Fall Festival fun
Beverly Detwiler turns library worker shirts into quilts for refugees Jenna Crenshaw jmcrenshaw@liberty.edu
Somewhere in a war-torn country, there will be a person wrapping themselves in a blanket made from the familiar blue shirts worn by student workers at the Jerry Falwell Library through the combined efforts of Beverly Detwiler and Abigail Sattler. Detwiler’s love of quilting and color has led her to craft quilts that have been sent oversees to ministries that support refugees. “They would love to just have a blanket, but they had to run for their lives with only the shirts on their backs,” Detwiler said. The cushions in the prayer chapel and the draperies in the LU Shepherd office were made by Detwiler. She also provided upholstery for Thomas Road Baptist Church, where she attends small group with Sattler, archivist at the Jerry Falwell Library. When Sattler received word that a giant bag of old library workers’ shirts were going to be thrown out, she knew exactly where they would go to a good cause. “Seems a shame to let all that fabric go to waste,” Sattler said. “I know someone who could do something charitable with that.” Detwiler lives in Lynchburg with her husband, who is a biology professor at Liberty. Her involvement in this ministry began with her parents in Pennsylvania, who have supported ministries that send supplies oversees in hostile areas. Clothing and blankets are some of the items that these ministries have provided people who are impacted by wars, often in the Middle East. Given the demand for blankets, Detwiler began using her leftover fabric and quilting skills to help respond by sending quilts to those who are affected by the conflict.
According to Detwiler, as soon as she began to get involved in this ministry, the list of opportunities unraveled. As she began to quilt, other people in her life began giving her scraps of fabric. “Now, when people say, ‘Oh, I have fabric,’ I’ll take it.” Detwiler said. The scraps of fabric were too small to make entire blankets, so Detwiler combined the squares to make quilts. Detwiler adds variety to the quilts, avoiding drab colors in favor of bright ones. She focuses on durability for the quilts, not just the looks of them. “If they do get washed, it will be in a creek … (so) it has to be able to stand up to that,” Detwiler said. When friends ask Detwiler if she would make quilts for them, she normally refuses. For her, she wants to focus her efforts on providing items that Americans take for granted to those who could not otherwise access them. Detwiler takes the money she makes from various projects provided by Liberty and Thomas Road and puts it toward her quilting. “It’s just incredibly fulfilling,” Detwiler said. “I just love doing this.” Detwiler made around 50 quilts last year and plans to exceed that number this year. Detwiler’s passion for quilting and people has ignited her drive for this ministry. “We pray over all these quilts. They’re going to somebody who is in desperate need and needs to look to the Lord, whether they are a believer or not,” Detwiler said.
S
tudents were able to take a break from hectic college life and enjoy fall traditions, such as painting pumpkins and sipping on warm apple cider. Little orange pumpkins were scattered around the grass to create a mini pumpkin patch with the Hydaway pond as the backdrop. This year, Student Activities changed up the food options and provided a full popcorn and pie bar, which included several toppings and add ins. Dawn and Dusk Donuts, a student-run food truck selling donuts and coffee, also provided food options to event-goers. The atmosphere was light as students partook in Camp Hydaway activities such as kayaking on the pond, driving ATVs and zip lining. In addition, SA brought novelty booths offering caricatures, state decals, photo books and leather engraving. If students wanted more of a thrill, they could take a ride on the mechanical bull or take a spin in a human gyroscope. A local Lynchburg band, ANX, performed a few of their songs throughout the event. While students were painting their pumpkins, they could sit and enjoy ANX’s alternative sound. An event supervisor for Student Activities, Marissa Kusayamagi, commented on the Fall Festival as being a great way to bring the student body together. “The fall season is something that everybody loves and is a great way to attract the whole student body by having it at Camp Hydaway and having a band for people who want that,” Kusayamagi said.
CRENSHAW is the feature editor.
TROUTMAN is a content reporter.
Kyra Thompson | Liberty Champion
RECYCLE — Detwiler plans to make more than 50 quilts this year.
Living the fitness lifestyle
Students prioritize working out, gym offers outlet for students to stay healthy
Olivia Deloglos odeloglos@liberty.edu
Although Liberty Senior Christina Feazell is often recovering from injuries, this doesn’t stop her from prioritizing fitness at the LaHaye Fitness Center every night. “I have a lot of orthopedic issues and medical issues,” Feazell said. “Basically since I was 14, I’ve had two surgeries a year. Once I got a grip on my life again and I was starting to recover, I wanted to be able to take control of my body while I had the time.” Although Feazell’s reasons for pursuing fitness are unique, there are many students all over campus who prioritize time in the gym. Whether they are into body-building, have specific fitness goals or just want to feel healthier, balancing schoolwork with the pursuit of strength can prove challenging. “It has become a lifestyle for me,” Feazell said. “It’s a part of my day, just like showering and eating.
I need the gym.” For students as serious as Feazell, this means planning ahead in classes. She spends one day a week working ahead in all her classes, so she has time to dedicate to the gym. Other students like David Hendricks, a sophomore, feel it is worth it to wake up extra early to get in a workout. “You just feel so much better after you work out,” Hendricks said. “Staying healthy is super important; you’ve got to treat your body right.” This doesn’t mean that exercise has to be boring, though. For Isaiah Contreras, a sophomore, mixing up his workout routine is part of what makes it fun. “I’m not always in the gym lifting – I’ll run, I’ll swim,” Contreras said. “ … I like to just be able to have a wide variety of what I’m doing.” Part of what has made fitness so popular in recent years is its prominent presence on social media. For some, this is a powerful tool, while
others may see it as a source of intimidation or body-shaming. “If you scroll through my Instagram feed, most of it is various fitness pages,” Feazell said. “It can feel deflating at times because you see where some people are, and you want to be there, now.” She emphasized that there is a balance to everything, and the right mindset when going to the gym is vital. In her opinion, if someone is going to the gym because they hate the way they look, they should step back and re-evaluate. When used correctly, Feazell said social media can be used to learn about new regimens, track progress, and find healthy recipe ideas. “(Social media) plays a big role,” Contreras said. “A lot of people get motivated by it.” For Contreras, social media is just one small tool that can be used to live a healthier life. For him, fitness permeates everything — what he eats, his sleep schedule, and even his mental health. This hits home for Feazell too.
Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion
FIT — The gym provides students of all kinds a safe place to exercise. As someone who deals with anxiety, she has found that the physicality of working out has helped her immensely. For her, creating a lifestyle of fitness is more than about building muscle — it is about taking her body back. “I’ve always been a super active person – when all of it was stripped away from me, I was extremely depressed,” Feazell said. “When I
finally was able to get back into it, I felt like I was getting access to that part of me again. (Fitness has) always been a priority for me, but you don’t realize what you have until it’s gone.”
DELOGLOS is a feature reporter.
feature
B6 | October 30, 2018 | Liberty Champion
lydia poindexter | Liberty Champion
PUNCH — Michael Jr. challenges audience to use their past to empower others.
Lydia poindexter | Liberty Champion
LAUGH — Audiences enjoyed a night of comedy in the School of Music Concert Hall.
Throwing punch lines Michael Jr. brings laughter and encourages audiences to use life experiences Rachel McClamroch rkmcclamroch@liberty.edu
Sometimes something miserable must come before something happy. This was the experience of the crowd who huddled in the cold, dark rain outside the Concert Hall Friday night in the hopes that the Michael Jr. comedy show would make everything worth it. Some people reached the doors only to learn that it was a “Clear Bag Policy” event. Husbands trudged back to the parking deck with their wives’ purses. Shoulders were soaked, fingers went numb, breath frosted in the air. Hands took turns: one to hold an umbrella, the other shoved in a pocket to warm up, then switch. But then they were inside the Concert Hall, rapidly warming up and ready to laugh. The comedian, Michael Jr., held the concert hall entranced, jumping from one short setup and punch line to the next with no transition needed but the audience’s laughter. He told anecdotes of baseball, awkwardness, the strangeness of common idioms and more. There hardly seemed to be a minute without roars of guffaws. “He’s cool, collected,” Shaquille Cook, an audience member said. “… I like his style. It keeps me on my toes.” Cook had seen Michael Jr.’s previous performances at Liberty and was expecting some of the same material. To his surprise, all the jokes were new. Michael Jr. was comfortable with the crowd, casually interacting with them. “Welcome to the show,” he said, giving a curt wave to one couple who arrived late. The man copied the movement, drawing more laughter, and the couple sat down while Michael Jr. ribbed them further. “Great laugh right there,” he said when one person’s giggle sounded almost like a shriek. “Sounded like someone stabbing a gerbil.” Near the end of the show, Michael Jr. did a segment called “On Break” which consisted entirely of interacting with the audience. No jokes were planned, but they poured forth
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anyway, improvised. He picked a random college-age boyfriend and girlfriend to get to know and to tease, and then asked for the couple in the audience who had been married longest. That was Earl Larkin and his wife, Cathy, who have been married for 44 years. Michael Jr. was disappointed to learn that there had not been a dramatic, formal marriage proposal between the two. “You know you ain’t really married,” he said. In response, Larkin got down on one knee between the seats, as if to formally propose, and asked his wife, “Will you stay married to me?” “Really, really intelligent guy,” Larkin later said of Michael Jr. “You’ve got to be some special kind of comedian — Michael Jr. to respond to anything anybody says.” But Michael Jr. did not focus merely on the lighthearted. He also spoke on the importance of giving and receiving. He offered his merchandise table as an exercise in it: audience members could buy extra DVDs or books to leave for others in the crowd who could not afford it. And to those who wanted the proffered merchandise, he said, should not feel too prideful to ask for it. “If you don’t feel comfortable coming to the table, you’re probably not comfortable coming to (God’s) table,” Michael Jr. said. Larkin agreed with Michael Jr.’s See Food encouragefor Thought ment for generosity. on A1 Indeed, the next morning Larkin was at Food for Thought, filling bags with food for school children to take home on the weekends. “We recently retired — but I like to say, ‘not retired, (I’m) repurposed’ — and that’s why I volunteer so much now,” Larkin said.
“There’s people who need you to deliver your punchline”
lydia poindexter | Liberty Champion
GIVE — Michael Jr. pointed out the importance of giving and receiving.
“I wish when I was working and raising kids and just busy like crazy, I really could have spent more time investing in other people. Because, even selfishly, the benefits are so worth it to me.” Larkin agrees with the importance of being able to receive as well, citing the time he had lymphoma a decade ago. Larkin had to learn not to react with pride when friends wanted to do things like mow his lawn for him, which he could do himself. “My wife told me, ‘God’s working in these people’s lives, not just yours,’” Larkin said. “’You’re going to deprive them of a blessing if you don’t let them do (this) for you.’” Michael Jr. said the generosity aspect of Christianity changed the way he does comedy. “In between the jokes I’m asking, ‘What can I give to this audience?’” Michael Jr. said. “As opposed to ‘What joke should I do?’, which is really about getting laughs.
I made this shift where, instead of trying to get laughs I’m trying to give people an opportunity to laugh. This shift changed everything.” One mode of generosity that Michael Jr. suggested was his charity Punchliners, a network of non-profits and volunteers. “Let me explain comedy to you,” Michael Jr. said. “First there’s a setup, then there’s a punch line.” According to Michael Jr., the setup is like your collection of talents and resources, and the punch line is when you take things in another direction from what was expected. Or, as Michael Jr. put it, use your setup to benefit others. “There’s people who need you to deliver your punch line,” he said. MCCLAMROCH is a feature reporter.
Aesthetic feel Art gallery displays seniors’ work Emily Wood ewood13@liberty.edu
Studio art senior Moriah Voogd’s lifelong interest is art. As a little girl, Voogd would draw on her dad’s sermon notes and cover her homework in doodles. For Voogd, her passion for art has developed on a deeper level since childhood and is the influence behind her college major and desire to go into interior design. “Aesthetes” is the theme for this semester’s Senior Studio Art Exhibition, and it boasts a variety of artwork created by the senior students of the studio and digital arts program. The exhibition showcases work from the seniors’ academic career, featuring photography, drawing, painting and sculpture. The “Aesthetes” opening reception took place Oct. 18 at the Liberty University Art Gallery in Green Hall. Dozens of people visited the event to mingle with the artists, view the collections, purchase artwork and enjoy refreshments.
Exhibition Assistant Candace Sampson said the exhibition gives seniors an opportunity to showcase their work. Sampson noted that the exhibition allows seniors to market and make connections with the community. The Senior Art Exhibition also allowed visitors to get to know the artists personally and see what is behind their work. “What I love about these exhibits is that you can see the personality of the artists and an in-depth look into who they are and why they create,” Sampson said. Voogd believes that artists can subtlety integrate the Gospel into art. “I love showing God’s creation in art and pointing all the glory back to Him,” Voogd said. “What you can do with art is to bring to the surface things that aren’t necessarily seen.” Paige Parlier majors in studio art and graphic design and hopes to teach art in a school setting. Parlier’s collection consists of an array of pieces that share a nautical theme. She ex-
plained how the light of the lighthouse and the anchor both represent Jesus, as He is the premise of each piece. Parlier incorporates some Bible verses in her work and hopes that people will see God’s creation in her art. Studio art senior Brianna Ethier shares a love of art. To be able to paint or draw from life amazes her. “Painting is just observation,” Ethier said. “(It is) to have an interpretation of the creations of God.” Ethier hopes that people who view her art will take away the peace and therapeutic effect that she receives while creating art. Ethier encourages anyone considering pursuing art to keep trying and not give up. “If God has given you the ability, keep working on it,” Ethier said. For more information on Liberty’s Studio Art department, visit the website. Visit the Senior Studio Art Exhibition until Nov. 1 to take a look at the work of Liberty’s talented artists. WOOD is a feature reporter.
allison heise | Liberty Champion
EXHIBIT— Works by senior art students will be on display until Nov. 1.
feature
Liberty Champion | October 30, 2018 | B7
Kyra Thompson | Liberty Champion
TEAMWORK — Special needs employees are a vital part of the Sodexo dining team at Liberty University.
Many hands make light work Sodexo values special needs employees and workers with disabilities Esther Eaton eeaton@liberty.edu
On a Tuesday afternoon in the kitchen at the Reber-Thomas Dining Hall, a cook filled racks with sheets of bacon in preparation for the next morning’s breakfast while others scooped muffin dough onto paper liners and emptied couscous into plastic containers. Sodexo, the global company that provides food to Liberty’s campus, hires special needs workers at many dining locations on campus. Russell Irby, human resources manager for Sodexo at Liberty, recruits potential employees. Irby works with the Virginia Employment Commission, Miriam’s House, Goodwill and others to reach out to minorities and veterans. “We’re calling to talk to each other on a regular basis,” Irby said. “ … Making sure they know that we are staying in contact with them that we’re still looking and that their people are important to us.” From his office in Green Hall, Irby listed the ways Sodexo works to recruit and accommodate minorities. He emphasized that the flexible options on campus allow Sodexo to create new solutions for workers in unique
circumstances, from a hearing-impaired barista to employees in wheelchairs. “There hasn’t been an accommodation yet that I haven’t been able to work with,” Irby said. Ryan Wheeler, unit marketing specialist for Sodexo, mentioned a blind employee in the dish return at Reber-Thomas. The dishwasher uses walkers to help him navigate the slippery dish room, and a team is assigned to help him exit safely during a fire drill. Wheeler said he has one of the highest quality control checks. “His dishes are never dirty when he passes them down,” Wheeler said. Amanda Clark, retail manager with Sodexo, oversees the food locations on East Campus. Some of her employees call her “Emoji face” for her wide cheery smile. Clark estimated 10 percent of her 40 employees have special needs. If Clark notices that employees are unsure how to relate to a co-worker with a special need, she said she will pair them on a task or bring up shared interests to help break the ice. One employee with hearing impairment can read lips and communicate smoothly,
but other employees wondered if they needed to use sign language or write things down until Clark clarified. Clark said she helps employees with special needs like she would any other, welcoming job coaches when needed and working
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There hasn’t been an accommodation yet that I haven’t been able to work with.” — Russell Irby
with unusual scheduling. Some workers with special needs rely on family members to provide transportation. Clark said the worst part of her job is when any employee quits because of limited or unreliable transportation. “That is the only issue: outside things keeping people from accepting positions or continuing to work in positions,” Clark said.
The kitchen, with its occasionally wet and greasy floor, requires nonslip shoes and does not allow for a cane or walker, but Clark said employees could navigate frontof-house jobs if they felt comfortable during busy stretches. One young dish washer has a laugh that Clark said makes her happy, and she told him so. “Now he’ll just laugh randomly and tell me that he wanted to laugh because he knows it makes me happy,” Clark said. “He has just such a great soul.” He loves Liberty’s hockey team, so last year a supervisor contacted the team, who visited him on a break, bringing a hockey stick as a gift. “He still to this day talks about it,” Clark said. “Now he wants me to get the girls’ basketball team over here.” In Sodexo kitchens, flexibility and teamwork helps employees with different needs accomplish their roles independently. Clark wants to create a relaxed, hardworking atmosphere. “Have fun and get it done,” Clark said. EATON is a feature reporter.
FEATURE
B8
October 30, 2018
Fashion
Unfolded
Allison Heise| Liberty Champion
‘Fashion unfolded’ Theme of annual fashion show announced at designer launch party
Bethany Kocik bckocik@liberty.edu
During the launch party for the 13th annual 2019 Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS), designers stood around the DeMoss Grand Lobby chatting and eating light refreshments from carnation-covered tables as they eagerly awaited the reveal of the 2019 theme for the fashion show. As the designers prepared themselves for the theme to be revealed, the director, senior Stephanie Sedmak, began her presentation of the individuals assisting her in organizing the show and the individuals who would be assisting the designers throughout the entire design process. Quickly following the presentations, small handwritten notes wrapped in red ribbon were handed to the designers, which held the theme of the 2019 show. The excitement in the room had reached its peak as Sedmak read aloud the theme. “The theme this year is ‘Fashion Unfolded’,” Sedmak said. “The idea that fashion throughout the decades has not gone out of style.” Fashions of past decades were evident as Sedmak walked the streets of New York City in the Summer of 2018. Sedmak and her team of organizers and volunteers began planning for the annual
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show during May of 2018. As the Oct. 23rd Fashion Show launch party plans began to take shape during the Spring and Summer of 2018, the theme still was not clear to Sedmak. “I tend to decide things more last minute,” Sedmak said. “So, I really tried to gain inspiration when I was doing my internship this summer.” Sedmak detailed to the designers her
ward to in this year’s show. “We have a great mix of brand new and seasoned designers this year,” Suiter said. “We are really excited to see each of their unique takes on iconic fashion moments throughout the decades.” Suiter highlighted the dedication that the leadership team of the show has, to ensure quality from the designers of the show. “As they (the designers) start their designs, they will have several progress checks with the show leadership to help them stay on track to have a high-end show,” Suiter said. As the leadership continues to prepare for the show, they look forward to the end result. “We have been working on this concept for months and I really think we have some unique prospective from both the leadership and the designers that will contribute to Suiter make this a really great show,” Suiter said. The Spring of 2019 Fashion show is set to take place April 6th, 2019. To see the official event video or to keep up with the latest events visit the official Instagram @lufacsfashionshow or the Facebook page Liberty University FACS Fashion Show.
We’ve been working on this concept for months, and I really think we have some unique perspective from both the leadership and the designers that will make this a really great show.” — Jessica desire for them to aim towards more high fashion, red carpet type looks when thinking about the design. “I loved spending time at The Plaza Hotel,” Sedmak said. “So, I also gained inspiration from the idea of staying in such an elegant place.” According to sophomore Jessica Suiter, the assistant director of the 2019 show and a past volunteer for the show, there is a lot for prospective attendees to look for-
FACS Fashion Show
April 6th Follow @lufacsfashionshow for updates!
KOCIK is a copy editor.