THE VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE
OCTOBER 12
IS QUICKLY APPROACHING.
Christmas Coffeehouse coverage
B8 B1
OCTOBER 12
IS QUICKLY APPROACHING.
Recap of men’s and women’s soccer
VOLUME 34, ISSUE 11
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LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA
LIBERTYCHAMPION.COM | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 | LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
stockings and Snapchat
Falwell declines Pres. Falwell offered Sec. of Edu. position Sarah Rodriguez srodriguez70@liberty.edu
On November 17, 2016 at Trump Tower in New York City, President-elect Donald Trump offered Liberty University President Jerry Falwell the secretary of education position in his cabinet, but Falwell was unable to accept the post due to personal reasons, as reported by the Associated Press (AP) Nov. 26. AP said Trump asked Falwell for a 4-6 year commitment, but Falwell said he was unable to leave Liberty for more than two years. In addition, Falwell said he did not want to move his family, including his 16-year-old daughter, Caroline. Later, Trump nominated Betsy DeVos for secretary of education. “I was greatly honored and humbled that the president-elect provided me with an opportunity to serve on his cabinet,” Falwell said. “I believe Betsy DeVos was an excellent choice for the post, and I believe that Donald Trump will prove to be the greatest president in my lifetime. I do plan to serve Mr. Trump in some capacity that allows me to remain at Liberty.” RODRIGUEZ is the editor-in-chief.
VTAG, you’re it Va. grant is safe from budget cuts Jack Panyard jepanyard@liberty.edu
Michela Diddle| Liberty Champion
IT’S LIT — Students gathered in front of DeMoss Hall to witness the annual Christmas tree lighting Nov. 28.
Making ends meet Lynchburg poverty rate hits record high, city introduces new initiative to provide job opportunities and support Will Young weyoung@liberty.edu
According to Liberty University Financial Aid Services, the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) will not be cut by the Virginia General Assembly this December. This past August, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced a budget shortfall, putting the state in a $1.5 billion deficit. The budget crisis has resulted in job losses and pay stagnations for state employees. According to State Sen. Steve Newman, the budget cuts have been fairly even. “This year the cuts are planned to be across the board as opposed to a few single areas,” Newman said in an email. “The governor has asked all agencies to prepare a budget cut of 5 percent to all departments.” Despite the cuts, Rachel Myers, senior supervisor of communications in Student See VTAG, A2
For the past 20 years, the residents of Lynchburg City have witnessed a relentless increase in poverty that has bolstered the city’s homelessness, left more children hungry, normalized malnutrition and made many working-class families desperate to make ends meet. The most recent data available, collected last December by the University of Virginia’s Demographic Research Group, reveals that nearly one in four (24.7 percent) residents in Lynchburg City live in impoverished conditions.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the national definition for poverty is receiving an annual income less than $12,082 for individuals and $15,391 for couples. Compared to the other 133 registered counties and cities across Virginia, Lynchburg’s poverty rate is the 13th highest, putting it in the 90th percentile of highest poverty rates in the state. Comparing Lynchburg’s poverty rate to the national scale reveals that it is nearly twice as large the national rate (13.5 percent). As opposed to Lynchburg’s number of impoverished residents, the number of poor U.S. citizens per capita is not only relatively small but also decreasing
steadily. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that 3.5 million U.S. citizens were raised out of poverty in 2014, shrinking the national poverty rate by 1.3 percentage points in a year (14.8 percent to 13.5). The same report from the U.S. Census Bureau estimated Lynchburg’s poverty rate is the highest ever in recorded history. Statistics show that Lynchburg’s current poverty rate grew by four percentage points since the 2010 U.S. Census was taken and a staggering 9.4 percentage points (38 percent increase) since the 2000 U.S. See POVERTY, A6
Fidelity for Fidel LU Send NOW team visits Cuba during Castro mourning
17%
OF STUDENTS AT LIBERTY RECEIVE THE VTAG
Logan Price lprice7@liberty.edu
LU Send NOW, Liberty University’s initiative to send students across the world to places in need, recently sent a team to Cuba to engage in a cultural exchange with other Christian university students who were
affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. The morning that the LU Send Now team departed for Cuba, longtime Cuban leader and revolutionary Fidel Castro died. This is an account of one team member’s experience during the week. The importance of certain moments is signified by how
they loudly ring throughout the halls of history, while the significance of other events is indicated by the silence that ensues. The death of Fidel Castro, father of the Cuban Revolution, was observed with a combination of both. After Castro’s death Nov. 25, Cuba observed nine days
INSIDE THE CHAMPION
News
Coverage of some of the new classes being offered at Liberty for the spring 2017 semester. A7
Opinion
A student’s opinion about being a West Coast sports fan on the A4 East Coast.
Sports
An overview of Liberty’s choice to hire Ian McCaw as the new athletic B1 director.
Feature
Story of professor Chad Thornhill’s attempt to appear on American B5 Ninja Warrior.
of mourning, which included the quietness one would expect during a time of mourning. The hushed atmosphere of Cuban towns, especially at night, resulted from a ban on selling alcohol and playing music, both integral aspects of See CASTRO, A7
News Opinion Sports Feature
A1 A4 B1 B5
news
A2 | December 6, 2016 | Liberty Champion
New year, new classes Liberty University adds new residential courses for the spring 2017 semester Valerie Pors vpors@liberty.edu
New classes offered in spring 2017 include virtual reality (VR) and printmaking, reaching back to historical processes and forward to cutting-edge technology to give students a niche in the job market. Digital Arts 327 virtual reality design and production, is one of the more than 15 new classes listed by the Registrar’s Office, is a pilot course that will explore both virtual reality and augmented reality, according to Professor John Rost. Virtual reality is a completely-produced world, either artificial or filmed. Augmented reality functions like glasses, where a person sees the real world as well as virtual elements, like in the game Pokémon GO, Rost said. “Some people view this as a huge next step, perhaps as big of an impact on our society as the internet was in the early ‘90s,” Rost said. In the class taught by visiting instructor Kam Diba, students will use just-released 360 cameras, with a ratio of 10 cameras for 20 students, Rost said. They will then edit the footage. “The core function of the class is to figure out how to tell a story in the virtual reality space,” Rost said. He said storytelling in 360 degrees is different from traditional visual storytelling because the cameras are shooting in all directions at all times. Challenges arise because set equipment and film crews cannot be anywhere in the camera’s line of sight. VR also allows the audience to choose what part of the scene to view at any given time, so students have to learn to creatively direct the audience’s attention through visual and auditory cues. “You have to leave little breadcrumbs along the way to say, ‘Look here, pay attention to this, and ignore the other stuff,’” Rost said. While some industries use the immersive experience to promote negative content, Rost said the class will discuss ethics and how to use the technology for redemptive storytelling. “When you are trying to raise money using traditional means for, say, an orphanage in the developing world, you show pictures of what people are dealing with in that space,” Rost said. “Now, if you take a virtual reality camera into that same village — and suddenly you’re looking in every direction and you’re seeing what it really looks like? The audience is no longer just looking at pictures, they are now immersed in that world.” Liberty University is trying to be at the forefront of the developing technology to VTAG continued from A1 Financial Services, reported the VTAG will not be cut. “While Virginia is expecting a large budget shortfall, Gov. McAuliffe and leaders with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia have communicated with schools who award the VTAG and the grant is not at risk for elimination,” Myers said. “Governor McAuliffe’s proposed budget actually supports the continuation of VTAG.” The VTAG is a grant that provides Virginia residents up to
prepare students for the future of the industry, according to Rost. “Everybody knows how to work with a lot of the popular software,” Rost said. “Being able to edit video on Adobe Premiere no longer separates you out from any of the other thousands of graduates that are coming out next spring, but not very many schools will be able to offer a virtual reality course.” Another class, listed as ARTS 497 special topics studio/digital, goes back to the historical process of printmaking by examining three methods and giving students hands-on experience with them, according to Todd Smith, chair of studio and digital arts. “It gets back to what I call the hand-to-eye approach to seeing things, and the creative thinking side of it really comes into play there,” Smith said. Class instructor Sandra Slayton said students will learn the history of relief printing, etching and screen printing. They will also be able to print using these processes as well. In relief printing, students will carve wood blocks to create a relief image that will carry the ink to the paper, Slayton said. Etching, on the other hand, involves cutting into a coating on metal and soaking it in an acid bath which eats crevices into the exposed metal, Slayton said. Ink applied to the crevices is absorbed up by paper. Screen printing relies on an emulsion that degrades in light, according to Slayton. If an image covers parts of the emulsion, those parts will remain and block ink from going through the screen and onto the printing surface. Screen printing has been used to make T-shirts, but one student used the technique in poster design, Slayton said. “There’s a niche out there for all sorts of things like that, and if you like hands-on, woodcutting, you can make your artwork, or your services to people, more diverse,” Slayton said. Smith said the printmaking skillset can be used in a variety of applications, including package design, product design and graphic design — in book covers and illustrations, for example. Printmaking is one of the historical techniques that has recently become popular in modern design, according to Smith, including techniques such as hand-lettering and calligraphy. “Students get a hands-on approach to a process that gave birth to the computer and digital design processes – going back to Gutenburg, Smith said. “So the students are given the opportunity to further develop practical skills for art and design. … Plus, to do everything on a computer limits a student’s ability to understand ‘big picture’
$3,200 per year to attend private universities in Virginia. The grant is highly accessible because of the minimal requirements to qualify, such as being a full-time student or being a Virginia resident. “I know that for a lot of people it would be a lot harder for them to get through school without it,” Liberty sophomore and Virginia resident, Nathan Adrukonis said. Bennett Brown, junior, also said he recognizes the value in the grant. He had to drop out of college a few years ago, but is currently at Liberty. “Any time when there’s a reduc-
NEW COURSE SPOTLIGHT AVIA 236
SMALL UAS FLIGHT
CINE 260
INTRO TO DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING
FACS 442
LIGHTING DESIGN
BUSI 370
DYNAMICS OF AMERICAN AUTO DEALERSHIP INDUSTRY
CLED 310
FOUNDATIONS OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP
processes that inform their skillsets.” But beyond classes of the historical or the futuristic, new aviation classes look to the skies. In Aviation 236 small UAS flight, one of five new aviation classes, students will learn command and control of small unmanned aerial systems, also known as drones. According to Liberty’s course catalogue, by the end of the class students will be able to perform small flights for commercial purposes. Several of the other classes explore safetymanagement systems and biblical organizational ethics in the aviation industry, according to the course description. The creative arts department has also gained new courses, including two music classes exploring the people and processes involved in feature-film production and the fundamentals of documentary produc-
tion in grants or a possible case where grants are being removed, it can be detrimental to me. It can be detrimental to other people who may not afford college, and that’s one reason why I had to drop out,” Brown said. “It’s very important to me to get as many grants as I can.” According to Myers, Liberty was a strong advocate for protecting the VTAG. “Out of every school who has contacted state officials to support the VTAG, Liberty accounts for 25 percent of the representation state-wide, which is a testament to how much we appreciate the VTAG
CAMPUS CALENDAR 12/6 - Open Mic Night 7 p.m. | Argo Tea Café 12/9 - Guys & Dolls 7:30 p.m. | Tower Theatre 12/9 - Comedian: John Crist 8 p.m. | LaHaye Event Space 12/9 - Liberty Craft Fair 9 a.m. | LaHaye Recreation & Fitness Center Basketball Court 4 12/10 - Movie Night: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” 10 p.m. | LaHaye Event Space 12/13 - Free Hot Chocolate & Cookies at the Student Advocate Office 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | DeMoss 2247 12/16 - Christmas break begins The last finals take place from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. COLOR KEY:
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ing and directing, according to the course description. Also in the creative arts, Music 369 principles of audio mixing and producing will allow students to study music production, audio engineering, critical listening and studio workflow, according to the description. Lastly, in Christian Leadership 310 foundations of christian leadership, students will study biblical leadership examples, evaluate social science theory and explore their own aptitude for leadership, according to the catalogue. A full list of new courses offered in the spring can be found in the sidebar.
PORS is a news reporter.
and the assistance it provides our students who are Virginia state residents,” Myers said. “Over 2,500 Liberty resident students receive the VTAG, so actively supporting its funding is critical.” Even though the VTAG will not be cut this coming December, it may be reduced if worse comes to worse. “I do not believe the VTAG program will be eliminated this year, but I am concerned that the benefit could be reduced if we are not vigilant,” Newman said. PANYARD is a news reporter.
Google Images
CAPITOL — The Virginia General Assembly is located in Richmond and allocates the VTAG yearly.
CAMPUS SAFETY ALERT Students received an email from the Liberty University Police Department (LUPD) Friday, Dec. 2 making them aware of a previous incident. The email read: “Recently an incident was reported to the Lynchburg Police Department alleging that a young female was potentially served food or drink in a local restaurant on Wards Road that led to her being sexually assaulted. All Liberty students are encouraged to not be out alone and to always be cautious about their surroundings. If you must go out alone, be sure that someone knows where you are going and the time of your expected return. Please contact the Liberty University Police Department at (434) 592-7641 or LUPD@liberty.edu with any questions or concerns. In an emergency situation always dial 911 immediately.” Colonel Chief Hinkley of LUPD echoed the email’s sentiments. “Things you can do to protect yourself are get informed, be prepared and be aware of your surroundings, situation and people,” Hinkley, said via email. “And, if something happens be sure to report it to Law Enforcement and/or Title IX.”
Check out the weekly world news update! Published Wednesdays on our website: www.libertychampion.com the
news
Liberty Champion | December 6, 2016 | A3
It's not a pipe dream
The plans for the Mountain Valley Pipeline create environmental concerns Logan Price lprice7@liberty.edu
The Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) project is a proposed 300-mile natural gas pipeline that has resulted in both the Virginia Department of Conservation and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) voicing concerns. The Roanoke Times reported that proponents of the pipeline believe the project will provide economic enhancement, minimize dependence on coal and support America’s energy independence. Andrew Downs, the Central and Southwest Virginia regional director for the ATC, said that while getting away from coal and energy independence is important, pipelines should not be built carelessly across the countryside. “We’re not opposed to all pipelines,” Downs said. “We’re opposed to pipelines that haven’t been fully thought out and planned, and the environmental impact of which is avoidable.” Downs said he believes there are many environmental concerns associated with the MVP in particular, and that there are better and smarter places to put pipelines, such as areas of existing impact. The pipeline would be up to 42 inches in diameter at certain parts and would permanently require 25 feet of land on both sides of the pipeline to be cleared to lay out its entire length. According to the MVP web-
site, 125 feet in total would be needed for construction. The Roanoke Times noted in their reporting that opponents of the pipeline believe necessitating that much land would impact property rights, as eminent domain could be used to acquire land across private property. In addition, Downs said local economic growth is dependent on clean water and a connection to outdoors, both of which are threatened by this project. “The pipeline will be, or might be, visible from 19 different vistas along 75 miles of hiking,” Downs said. “That’s a pretty shocking amount of visibility.” Water purity has also been shown to drastically affect local wildlife. The Virginia Department of Conservation stated the pipeline could seriously impact Slussers Chapel Conservation site, where rare invertebrate species are dependent on good water quality. The reason these issues have arisen and have not been fully considered or adjusted for is because the MVP has been project-andindustry-driven thus far, Downs said. Pipelines should behave like highways, Downs said, which have done a better job accounting for infrastructure and existing environment. There are currently multiple proposed pipelines on the East Coast, but Downs said they have not been coordinated effectively. “They’re all operating in a vacuum,” Downs said. A solution proposed by Downs and the ATC is having the Federal Energy Regula-
Julie Deutsch | Liberty Champion
VISTA — The Roan Mountain on the Appalachian Trail is one of the sites that would be affected by the Mountain Valley Pipeline. tory Committee intervene to have the MVP and other proposed pipelines consolidate and work together to formulate the best plan and minimize overall impact. Money is also a factor, as Downs said billions of dollars have been invested into national parks, such as the Appalachian Trail, and because of that investment the possible impact needs to be re-evaluated. In addition, the MVP would be a $3.5 billion project, according to The Roanoke Times, and to Downs, a project that large
should be deliberate in being as useful and considerate as possible. The estimated timeline for the project, as posted on the MVP website, includes the Draft Environmental Impact Statement being open to public comments until Dec. 22. Then, a Final Environmental Impact Statement will be released in March 2017. Finally, if all is approved, the targeted completion date for the MVP is the end of 2018. PRICE is a news reporter.
Rising above the rest
Liberty University recieves No. 1 ranking for online school programs in Virginia Kylie Kehrman kkehrman@liberty.edu
Liberty University Online (LUO) has been ranked Virginia’s No. 1 online school for 2016 by onlinecolleges.com. Liberty University was No. 1 over 74 other schools in Virginia, including both 4-year and 2-year schools. According to Katherine Rainey, a data editor for onlinecolleges.com, 48 of those schools are 4-year intuitions. Rainey said the colleges are narrowed down and ranked based on material provided by the National Center for Education Statistics’ Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPED). She said IPED provides data for more than 7,500 schools. However, Rainey said raw data is not everything. “While we are looking at raw data for the ranking, we chose to use data points that reflect a broad experience at the school and not just look at the number of programs they offer,” Rainey said. She said the reason Liberty did so well in the rankings had to do with the school’s variety of degree programs, services provided, and percentage of students enrolled in the online school. According to Rainey,
Liberty was ranked first both overall and among the 4-year schools for the number of distance education programs, third in both for the percentage of students participating in the online program, and 14th overall and 13th among the 4-year schools for total electronic library facilities. She said, among the 4-years schools, Liberty ranked 26th for instate tuition and No. 15 for average out-of-state tuition. “While Liberty’s online component is key to its No. 1 ranking, we’re also impressed by the student services and flexible credit offering that shows Liberty cares deeply about the quality of education and the experience that they offer to their online students,” Rainey said. Currently, there are more than 95,000 students across the nation and in other countries enrolled in LUO. Dr. Steve Peterson, vice president of admission, said about 100,000 students were enrolled in LUO at the start of the semester. He said that does not include the students who have signed-up for online classes since. LUO also offers more than 250 degree programs. Peterson said the degrees are designed to be flexible for distant students. There is a variety of resources and services that
online students can access, such as an online library database, career services, online tutoring, online student communities, military and veteran services and spiritual resources. Peterson said LUO strives to include online students in the community. He said they have opportunities to serve in ministry through the office of Spiritual Development and to study abroad. “We’re trying to offer services and opportunities that develop a community just like a student would experience in the residential environment,” Peterson said. LUO has a dual enrollment program known as Edge, which allows high school students to gain college credits that can also count towards earning high school credits. The credits earned through these classes can be transferred toward the college of the student’s choice should they choose not to attend Liberty. Peterson said students also have the option to earn their associates of art while still in high school. Online classes are also an option for residential students, and Peterson said most of the classes are eightweeks long. He said it is common for students to take general education courses online because they take less time to complete.
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
OFFICE — The Liberty University Online building has moved from River Ridge (above) and is now located on Graves Mill Road.
Peterson said the residential campus strengthens the online experience. He said Liberty wants its online program to have the same quali-
ty as the residential program. “Our online program is an extension of our residential campus,” Peterson said. “It provides our stu-
dents with quality, rigorous academics.” KEHRMAN is a news reporter.
OPINION Pipeline protest
December 6, 2016
A4
TH
S WH ’ T A
The native territory in North Dakota has gained attention Austin Eagen aeagen@liberty.edu
With all of the hysteria and excitement surrounding the presidential election, one important story that continues to fly under the radar is the construction and subsequent protest of the Dakota Access Pipeline. If this is the first time you’ve heard of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) protests, here is a synopsis: The DAPL is a project that began in the spring of this year. It is a pipeline constructed to transport crude oil from the northwestern portions of North Dakota to southern Illinois. Energy Transfer Partners (ETP), a natural gas and propane company, has orchestrated the construction and development of the pipeline. According to the ETP, the pipeline would be greatly beneficial to the economy, as it would decrease American dependence on foreign oil. Members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, with the assistance of various activists, have been protesting the construction of the pipeline. According to the leaders of the tribe, the pipeline will destroy several sacred sites and burial grounds. Additionally, they state that an oil spill from the pipeline would permanently contaminate the Missouri River, a main source of water for the tribe. The protesters have made several appeals to both private and governmental bodies to halt the construction of the pipeline until they can arrive at an agreement with the ETP. Protesters have even taken legal action in their fight against the ETP, but courts have ruled in favor of the pipeline. Since the Army Corps of Engineers already granted approval to ETP to build the pipeline, the government doesn’t have any real foothold in their battle against the pipeline. Beyond the facts and claims of the pipeline conflict, there are some interesting points worth considering. The pipeline is being constructed on privately-owned land and does not cross
Google Images
PIPELINE — There has been outrage since plans for the new installment were made. over any portion of the Standing Rock reservation. Additionally, an oil pipeline already runs through the same territory in North Dakota. The Northern Border Pipeline runs almost parallel to the DAPL and was built in 1983, according to standingrockfactchecker.org.
“
THE CONFLICT ESSENTIALLY BOILS DOWN TO CAPITALISTIC FREEDOM VERSUS CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY. Since a pipeline already occupies the proposed site of the DAP, it diminishes the argument about how much of an impact a new pipeline would really have on the areas in contention. However, the DAP has already been rerouted a few times to avoid major cities
and populated areas, displaying the ability of the ETP to reroute their pipeline in order to be respectful of any Native American claims. The conflict essentially boils down to capitalistic freedom versus cultural and environmental responsibility. When analyzing the arguments of both sides, it is important to gather as many facts as possible regarding the case. In today’s society, it is easy to fall in line with one side or another due to preconceptions based on historical precedent. While the facts seem to imply that the Standing Rock Sioux tribe has no real claim to the territory in question, it is important to remember that the U.S. had no real claim to the territory in the 19th century either. Although the current powers were not responsible for those dealings, they represent a body that was. This fact must be considered and respected, regardless of the legitimacy of the Native American claim. EAGEN is an opinion writer.
Dedicated sports fandom goes beyond time zones
Raiders.com
DEDICATION — Being a sports fan can lead to sleep deprivation, loss of appetite and stress.
They say you can’t help who you fall in love with, and if they were referring to which sports franchises gain your loyalty, time and tears ... well, then they were right. The holiday season makes us feel all warm and cozy inside, reminding us of the things we’re most grateful for. Few things in this life make me happier than the Oakland Raiders, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the USC Trojans. Now imagine Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” playing softly in the background as you let that sink in. I’m a best coast girl living way out of the view-
SAID
Sarah Rodriguez srodriguez70@liberty.edu
West Coast, best coast
Cierra Carter cmcarter18@liberty.edu
AT
ing market of all my favorite teams. It’s a rough life. For the past 21 years, I’ve been a dedicated sports fan. My dad didn’t let the fact that I wasn’t a boy stop him from showing me the ropes from an early age. Some of my earliest and most vivid memories go back to playoff wins, buzzer beaters and the like. I’m assuming most young girls don’t rejoice over playoff football games on and around their birthdays — these are the things I live for. But things get complicated when all of the teams you root for are nearly 3,000 miles away on the other side of the country. When most people think of the West Coast, they think
of the glamor — the celebrities living in Hollywood, the beaches and the sunshine. Well, it’s not all palm trees and paradise. No one knows struggle better than a fan born on the East Coast with a West Coast state of mind attempting to simply watch games that are relevant to them each week. There’s a high probably that you’ll end up watching the game cast box score updates alone, and for that, you’re both faithful and resilient. WatchESPN, NFL Sunday Ticket and NBA League Pass are necessary and proper — and expensive. It’s nearly impossible to find reasonably-priced team apparel in any store. This sends
you down the rabbit hole of online shopping. Sometimes you win. Sometimes you buy old sweatshirts on eBay that smell like moth balls and cigarettes. True story. And if you haven’t paid enough, there’s also a physical deficit to overcome. Games regularly start at 10:30 p.m., and when your fandom is true, you don’t miss a second of it. You also sleep a lot less. Have you stayed up until 2 a.m. to watch your team lose to Nebraska in the final minutes of the Holiday Bowl lately? It’s not fun. I definitely don’t recommend it. As for those NFL games that start at 4 p.m., nothing important should be going on at that time because it’s inconvenient. Get used to having the perfect dinner time spoiled by the stress that comes with watching the game. Crucial decisions must be made: do you cook before or after the game? Does halftime give you enough time to run that errand and eat? The answer is usually no. I regularly complicate my life because of the teams I support, and I will often complain about it, but that’s the life I’ve chosen to live. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Just win, baby.
CARTER is the opinion editor.
As a sports fan of all things Marylandrelated, 2016 has been another mediocre year in the world of the DMV. So this winter, my Christmas list to Santa is a little bit bigger as my sights are set on a championship being brought back to my beloved home. I could ask for championships in each sport, but I’m realistic and know that’s impossible, so I’ll keep my requests more reasonable and let Santa work his magic. 1. Joe Flacco to stop throwing interceptions The Baltimore Ravens quarterback has returned from an ACL tear last season to lead the Ravens to a current record of 7-5, but Flacco’s interception numbers on the season are at 11. When the Ravens won the Super Bowl during the 2012 season, Flacco threw only 10 interceptions. Flacco needs to cut down on the turnovers to make a substantial playoff run season. 2. The Washington Capitals to finally win in the playoffs In the past two seasons, the Capitals have lost heartbreaking series in the conference semifinals, not being able to make it to the Stanley Cup despite the leadership of left wing Alex Ovechkin. Ovechkin, the fifth fastest player to score 500 goals and leader of the Capitals for more than a decade, has never been able to bring home a Stanley Cup, so I’m asking for the drought to be over. 3. Maryland Terrapins basketball to stop giving heart attacks With the losses of Jake Layman and Diamond Stone to the NBA, this season was sure to take on a different tone, but the Melo Trimble-led Terrapins have already had some close calls. An overtime win over Richmond and one point victories over Kansas State and Oklahoma State in the beginning of the season have me uneasy and not looking forward to a season full of similar games, so my request includes larger margins of victory and a sigh of relief. 4. Baltimore Orioles make a substantial offseason acquisition The Baltimore Orioles may have made the playoffs in 2016, but a loss in the AL Wild Card game versus the Toronto Blue Jays leaves a bittersweet taste in my mouth. In order to build off the season, the Orioles need to bolster their roster with a few power players in order a run at the 2017 World Series. The Orioles had one of the best bullpens in the MLB, and to keep that ranking, the O’s must make some moves before the trade deadline. 5. Maryland Terrapins football to crack the top 25 Since the switch to the Big Ten Conference in 2014, the Maryland Terrapins football team has finished the with regular season records of 7-6, 3-9 and 6-6. Getting excited to watch college football on Saturdays is difficult when the Terrapins consistently beat the midmajor teams but are consistently blown out by the top teams in the Big Ten. It is due time for the Terrapins to have a wellrounded team who can hold its own in a Power 5 conference. My wishes may be asking too much, but that’s why they’re called wishes. Even if none of my requests are met, I’m a Maryland sports fan through and through, and that’ll never change.
RODRIGUEZ is the editor-in-chief.
AT’S H T ! D ...AN E WROTE SH ALL
opinion
Liberty Champion | December 6, 2016 | A5
A divided perspective Media coverage of the Cuban leader’s death has opened up conversation Jordan Jarrett jjarrett4@liberty.edu
Cubans React a perspective by Logan Price
A single news alert lit up my phone while I was getting ready in the darkness of morning to leave for my LU Send Now trip to Cuba, and it changed our entire week. The alert read that Fidel Castro had died. The next 12 hours of traveling to Cuba were filled with airport stops in which every TV was dominated by coverage of Castro’s death. One of the main stories that played throughout the day was Americans who had previously lived in Cuba celebrating Castro’s death in Miami, Florida. Imagine our surprise then, after seeing no coverage of Cuba’s reactions, to enter a week of witnessing Cubans demonstrate their mourning carrying his portraits through the streets and waiting hours to see his ashes. The intention behind these actions can be debated, but that is not my focus. Nor is my goal a conversation of how Castro should be remembered. Instead, I have found this to be a reminder that the media in America needs to be on guard against assuming it’s country’s response to a situation is the only one. As journalists, we must recognize our preconceptions so that we may seek the reactions of those who see life differently than we do. If this is not done, we will become a stagnant society — never challenged by the new or stretched by the complex. Any coverage that portrayed Castro’s death as being celebrated by all was inaccurate, as there were those who were genuinely mourning and those who are still too confused to know how to react. Since returning, I have found several articles that accurately depicted Cuban reactions, and my hope is they did not come too late. First impressions are powerful, which is why journalists should never let truth and necessary depth be compromised when attempting to cover breaking news before other networks. Both sadly and understandably, once many people have heard a story once, they don’t continually check to see if that story has been updated or corrected. Journalism has been called the first draft of history, as much of how historical events are remembered is shaped by how the media reported that incident. Journalists must immediately seek all perspectives when a story begins developing so that a diversity of views can be incorporated as quickly as possible. The story of Cuba will continue to be written in the coming months, and journalists must consider America’s long history with the current government but not let it dictate how the entire story is told. If we are going to boast in the freedom Americans have to hold varying opinions, we must demonstrate that freedom and report the variety of views Cubans have on their future, no matter if we agree or not.
Following Fidel Castro’s death, the news media has represented a split perspective on Castro’s legacy, reflecting the similarly divided reaction that has rippled through the rest the world. Some people are decrying the media as corrupt for romanticizing the Cuban dictator’s life, or for at least downplaying the more brutal aspects of his regime. To these people, the media can’t seem to know which characterization of Castro’s legacy to settle on — revolutionary icon or tyrannical despot. For instance, BBC ran its announcement of Castro’s death with the following lead: “Cuba’s former president Fidel Castro, one of the world’s longest-serving and most iconic leaders, has died aged 90. … He defied the US for decades, surviving many assassination plots. His supporters said he had given Cuba back to the people. Critics saw him as a dictator.” The article includes varied photographs of Castro and two brief video clips of reaction-based interviews. One depicts people in mourning in Havana and the other depicts an entire Miami neighborhood in celebration. Much later in the article comes a brief three-sentence paragraph devoted to what appears to be a few negative aspects of Castro’s regime, pithily put as “political opponents have been imprisoned,” “the independent media suppressed” and “thousands of Cubans have fled into exile.” Granted, such a piece is merely an attempt to summarize someone’s entire life. Yet how come a supposedly all-encompassing report like this one uses a single scant paragraph to cover the violent nature and tyrannical adversities of Castro’s regime with vague details and only a slightly negative tone, while taking several more paragraphs to glowingly detail his tactical skill and the mourning his death generated? The brevity of the interviews pins a more incomplete undertone to this story’s nature as well. A CNN article’s lead calls the infirm Castro the “whisper of the Marxist firebrand whose iron will and passionate determination bent the arc of destiny.” It’s poetic — almost suspiciously so.
Google Images
CUBA — Fidel Castro died Nov. 25, 2016 at age 90.
The article relates a 2012 quote from Robert Pastor, former national security adviser for President Jimmy Carter, saying Castro “reshaped Cuba in his image, for both bad and good.” The rest of the article carries this tame “good-and-bad” flavor through its all-inclusive narrative, yet it relayed a surprisingly more well-rounded summary of Castro’s life and role in history than BBC did. Yet another major news outlet, NPR, issued a brief but concentrated audio story — plus transcription in article format — strictly from the perspective of 600 surviving veterans from the Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961. The reporter covering the story asked one of these veterans, Esteban Bovo, what he felt when he heard of Castro’s death. His response: “That we couldn’t do it ourselves. That God did it instead for us. … That’s the only disappointment I have.” This sentiment is echoed through the interviews in the rest of the story. Is this news perspective on Castro’s death one-sided? Sure. But is it also deeply informative, non-floundering, definitive, raw and real? Absolutely. Other feature-type stories trickling from the media, all one-sided and personal from an interview perspective, include The New York Times’ interview with Castro’s sister Juanita, Variety magazine’s interview with Andy Garcia, even Dr. Manny’s opinion piece on Fox News Health. Each of these stories represent individual, subjective perspectives and are bent strictly to one side, but they truly make up the foundations of the greater narrative of Castro’s actual influence. All in all then, is representing a nuanced perspective justifiable for the media even when it concerns a communist dictator’s legacy? The short and perhaps controversial answer is yes. Subjective, narrowed perspectives of reaction-based interviews are typically supplementary in such a case, not entirely definitive, and come in behind as a background accent to the hard facts or history surrounding the story. But in the case of Castro, it would seem that subjective accounts against the backdrop of history and fact are imperative in further defining the socialist dictator in an experience-based way that the press’s feeble attempts at “balanced” life summaries truly cannot. Biased perceptions from experience are the flesh on the skeleton of history, making up the body of Castro’s legacy. Presenting subjective testimonies to demonstrate an unfolding narrative is one thing. Masking biased perception as objectivity is another. History cannot absolve Castro, and neither can the press in its own power or in its lukewarm pseudo-reverence. Only the stories of those who actually experienced history under Castro, whether prosperous or brutal, can speak and judge his legacy for themselves. The people from each side, whether in grief or jubilation, should be allotted their own clearly defined platform to tell their stories with the complete and thorough bias they deserve to retain. JARRETT is an opinion writer.
Welcome to believeland Cleveland sports are experiencing success, rejuvenating the city and people
Google Images
CHAMPS — The Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 NBA Finals deficit. Leah DePiero ldepiero@liberty.edu
I grew up in Cleveland, which means that I don’t have memories of sitting on my dad’s shoulders watching a championship parade or anticipating a stellar season for any of my hometown teams. Instead, I have memories of crowding into my grandma’s room
at a rehab center to watch LeBron James announce that he was going to the Miami Heat or watching my brothers burn their LeBron posters in our backyard. I may have waited the entire 20 years of my life for a Cleveland championship, but that’s nothing compared to my dad. A toddler when the Browns won the NFL Championship in 1964, he lived most of his life dreaming of a
championship. My dad grew up attending games and personally witnessed some of the most infamous moments in Cleveland sports history, such as “The Drive,” where John Elway and the Denver Broncos stunned the Browns by scoring off of a 98-yard drive in the last minutes of the game. This led to overtime and a Broncos victory off a field goal, preventing the Browns from making it to the Super Bowl in 1987. Despite all of the heartbreak Cleveland has endured over the years, 2016 has turned out to be a dream of a year for what a Wall Street Journal article calls “the much-maligned Rust Belt city.” This summer, I witnessed history as the Cleveland Cavaliers ended a 52-year Cleveland championship drought and became the first team in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 game deficit to win the NBA Finals. The fact that James, a Northeast Ohio native had re-
turned home and spearheaded the team made the victory that much sweeter. It didn’t just feel like the Cavaliers won — it felt like we, as a city, won. The incredulous feeling that washed over me the moment the clock ended after the fourth quarter of Game 7 of the NBA Finals will stay with me for the rest of my life, perhaps as potent as it is because I know it may be once-in-alifetime occurrence. This fall, I sat in my dorm room, watching as the Cleveland Indians faced the Chicago Cubs in the World Series. Game 1 was played at Progressive Field in Cleveland, right across the street from where, that same night, the Cavaliers were presented with their championship rings. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that these two events on the same night would ever happen in Cleveland during my lifetime, and never had I wanted to be back home in
Cleveland so badly. Visions of the Indians winning their first World Series since 1948 and bringing the second major league sports trophy in one year home to Cleveland danced in my heads, but it was not to be. As Cleveland’s unofficial motto says, “There’s always next year.” Maybe next year the Indians will finally win the World Series again, and maybe next year the Cavaliers will win their second championship in a row. While it’s unlikely and I don’t count on it happening, it would be incredible if it did. However, no matter what happens next year, for Clevelanders 2016 will always be remembered as the year when “next year” finally came.
DEPIERO is an opinion writer.
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news
A6 | December 6, 2016 | Liberty Champion
Small shops think big Local restaurants and businesses celebrate Small Business Saturday Nov. 26 Hayden Robertson hbrobertson@liberty.edu Siani Null snull@liberty.edu
As the Christmas season begins, one weekend pushes holiday shoppers to help the local businesses in the Lynchburg area. Small Business Saturday took place in the Lynchburg community Saturday, Nov. 26. Small Business Saturday helps those familyowned business in the area stay open. It also inspires Christmas shoppers to shop local instead of shopping in larger stores. According to the Small Business Administration website, there are 28 million small businesses in the U.S., accounting for 54 percent of all sales in the U.S. The website also says 600,000 franchised small businesses account for 40 percent of retail sales and provide 8 million people with jobs. The Water Dog, a new oyster bar that opened this past September on Jefferson Street in Lynchburg, is known for its oysters and specialty sandwiches. The mission of the company is to have the mentality of a water dog, which does not know the difference between work and play. Their goal is to provide a casual, social environment for the people of Lynchburg. “I think Lynchburg city is a unicorn,” Owner Dave Henderson said. “All of downtown is working to revitalize and has done an amazing job. It is on the cusp of something very special, if not already there.” In addition to oysters and drinks, The Water Dog features shuffleboard and cornhole games, vinyl spin and trivia nights and an 8 by 15-foot screen projector. The restaurant also hosts various festivals and oyster roasts throughout the year. “I hope we become a place people like to call home and can be their go-to spot,” Henderson said. “We just want to have fun and for people to have fun. Life is too short, and that’s why we started this business.” In Amherst, Virginia, one couple has owned two small businesses since the 1950s. The businesses, Hill House and Hill Hardware, were started by family members for future relatives to own. Walter and Sharon Turner encourage everyone to par-
ticipate on Small Business Saturday to give those businesses a fighting chance. “Being a small, privately owned business can be a difficult job,” Hill House owner Sharon Turner said. “Many small businesses like us rely on the Christmas holiday season for a great deal of sales.” “We want our customers to know that yes, you can get other products like the ones I sell here from Lowe’s and Home Depot, but I also provide those tools as well and (many) more products,” Hill Hardware owner Walter Turner said. “Our main goal is to provide whatever our customer needs in a quick fashion in order for them to not have to go to those bigger stores.” When working a small business, owners get to know who their customers are and what they like. The Turners want their customers to know how much they appreciate their business and what it means to them when you shop there. “I love getting to meet new customers,” Sharon Turner said. “In my boutique shop, if something is not there that they want, I ask them what they need and do whatever I can to find that item. “Being a hardware store can be really fun or really hard,” Walter Turner said. “We provide your basic set of tools and equipment for our customers, but there is only so much my small business can do when it comes to those larger tools that construction workers and factory workers use. I can repair their equipment, but selling it can be difficult.” After running two small businesses, the Turners have said they have had great success while operating their business. They say that their hard work and love for their customers keeps them going. “When I see a familiar face walk into my store,” Sharon Turner said, “I immediately go up to that person and tell them thank you for coming and seeing us again!” To me, that means the world because it shows me I did something to help that customer when no other business did.” “At the hardware store, all of my customers are like family,” Walter Turner said. “They will come in, and just strike up any kind of conversation with me before
Caroline Sellers| Liberty Champion
LOCAL EATS — The Water Dog, an oyster bar located on Jefferson Street, was founded by Lynchburg native and Virginia Tech graduate Dave Henderson.
Photo Provided
SHOPPING SMALL — Sharon Turner of the local boutique shop Hill House said owning a small business allows her to get more acquainted with the community of Lynchburg. even needing anything. Seeing them return makes me enjoy the hardware store just as much as they do.” For more information on small businesses and where they are located, visit buylocallylynchburg.com to find
a new place to eat and plan the next Christmas shopping trip. ROBERTSON is a news reporter. NULL is a feature reporter.
POVERTY continued from A1 Census was taken. To address the steady influx of poverty, the Lynchburg City Council is currently considering a three-pronged strategy that is based off a collaborative model where governmental and non-governmental corporate entities work together to provide apprenticeship opportunities to low-earning local workers. “A lot of people are working but are still living in poverty because they have three children and are making minimum wage at McDonald’s,” Lynchburg City Manager Bonnie Svrcek said. “We want to get those people who are willing and motivated into jobs where they have a benefits structure and can be a pipeline for the future workforce for local companies.” Such opportunities, Svrcek said, may include connecting unemployed and underemployed residents with entry-level positions at Centra, RR Donnelley, Porter Fabrication and other locallybased companies that could offer potential workers mentorship and education of a particular skill. The city council’s plan also looks to assist children of impoverished families through case management and hopes to build a network of support groups through poverty awareness dialogues that could help individuals and families in poverty with any given need. The dialogues on poverty, Svrcek said, would run very similarly to the dialogues on race and racism that the city hosted eight years ago, where the city engaged approximately 1,000 residents split up in 8-12 person study circles in discussion over race relations. Svrcek said she believes awareness is key to getting the community involved in the project. “Lack of awareness is absolutely a problem,” Svrcek said. “It’s important to use the dialogue to educate people on what poverty looks like in our community because a lot of people who’ve never experienced poverty don’t
Will Young | Liberty Champion
HELPING HAND — The Daily Bread soup kitchen in Lynchburg feeds, on average, 150 people a day. understand it.” For the past two fiscal years, Lynchburg has designated $50,000 to initiatives fighting poverty, and the latest initiative will not demand additional funding, according to Svrcek. She said she does not feel limited by the budget because she believes most of the pieces are already in place, and all that is left to do is conduct a focused plan. The plan will be spearheaded by Lynchburg’s assistant city manager, a recently vacant position that was formally assigned to John Hughes IV as of Friday, Dec. 2. Svrcek said she is willing to designate 50 percent of Hughes’ time to launching the poverty initiative. The goal of the initiative – which will be discussed further and explained formally at Lynchburg Mayor Joan Foster’s State of the City address in February – is to move 50 families out of poverty per year for the next five years. When the city of Greensboro, North Carolina tried a similar approach to poverty, they were
able to move 18 families out of poverty in 18 months. “I know 50 is an aggressive and optimistic goal, but heck, give me a goal, and we’re going to shoot for it and do the best we can,” Svrcek said. If the city’s goal is achieved, it would be a drastic change of pace
partment of Education. During the holiday season and summer when students are not able to be provided food from their school, Dixon said Daily Bread sees an upswing in child guests. Daily Bread is Lynchburg’s largest soup kitchen and on any given day feeds lunch to an average of 150 people. In 2015, UNLIKE COLLEGE that equaled to serving a total of 53,475 meals, apSTUDENTS WHO ARE proximately an 80 percent PLANNING FOR THEIR increase in meals served FUTURE, THE GUESTS HERE ARE TRYING TO GET annually from when Daily Bread served nearly 10,000 THROUGH TODAY. meals in the years after it — TRACEY DIXON opened. Having been the execucompared to recent years. Tracey tive director of Daily Bread for Dixon, executive director of lo- five years, Dixon said she believes cal soup kitchen Lynchburg Daily the core of Lynchburg’s poverty Bread, said there has been a steady problem is not about getting unincrease in the number of guests employed residents into hired at their facility since its start positions. According to the U.S. 34 years ago, especially in the Census Bureau, Lynchburg saw number of children. a 1.7 percent increase in employNearly 70 percent of children ment from 2013-2014, yet continregistered within Lynchburg City ues to see an upsurge in poverty. public schools are eligible for free Rather, Dixon said, the proband reduced lunch, according to lem is that many of the guests who statistics from the Virginia De- come into Daily Bread do not have
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a long-term mindset, and because of it, they fail to prepare for the future and invest in opportunities that would be able to raise them out of poverty. “Unlike college students who are planning for their future, the guests here are trying to get through today,” Dixon said. “When you’re in that sort of crisis mode, it’s very hard to get a longrange view.” Daily Bread guests Robert Newberry and Bridget Romano said they recently moved to Lynchburg and were hired relatively quickly, but have not been paid by their employer yet. To save money, they said they regularly come to Daily Bread for lunch when they’re not working to save money. “Where we’re from there’s no place that will give you a leg up,” Newberry said. “Here, it feels like they generally care.” Many other humanitarian organizations like Daily Bread, including the Salvation Army and Central Virginia Continuum of Care, have worked together to limit the impact poverty has on an individual or family. When looking at the number of homeless as a measure, it seems to be working. At the last count there were only 237 homeless people in Lynchburg and surrounding areas. That said, there was no change in the number of homeless from 2014 to 2015. Addressing the poverty issue head-on, Dixon said, is the next step in creating radical change for the residents in the Lynchburg area – many of whom see no clear way out. “Times are hard out there,” a guest at Daily Bread, who wished to stay anonymous, said. “Some of us are out here just living on faith. This is us living on faith. When God says he will provide needs like food, he will, just like he is here.”
YOUNG is the news editor.
news
Liberty Champion | December 6, 2016 | A7
Get out of Towns Towns Religion Hall to be demolished in 2017 to build new school of business Cassie Conley cconley20@liberty.edu
Towns Religion Hall, located in the center of Liberty University’s campus, will be demolished after 2017 Commencement in order to create a space for the new school of business. Vice President of Major Construction Alan Askew said other locations on campus were considered for the new building, but the driving force behind this decision was the central location that currently hosts Towns Religion Hall. “We talked about different locations on campus, but with the school of business serving an academic function, we did not want to get it too far away from the heart of the academic precinct,” Askew said. Askew said with the construction projects that are currently underway on campus, there will no longer be a need for the current location. “In the long-term master plan, we always planned for a building to be in that location, and with the campus Freedom Tower containing the school of divinity, there wasn’t a need for the Towns building being the religion hall anymore,” Askew said. Many classes currently held in Towns are already being dispersed to other buildings such as DeMoss Hall, but the bulk will be moved to the new Freedom Tower. The new school of business is expected to be completed in the fall of 2018 with functioning classes possible in January 2019. Business student Emily Bledsoe said she is excited for the new location of the school
of business because it will bring unity to the department. “With future students, I project that it will help them focus better and help the school of business feel more like a whole,” Bledsoe said. “I also think it will make professor and student relationships stronger, because currently the professors’ offices are all the way at Green Hall.” Towns Religion Hall was dedicated to Dr. Elmer Towns, co-founder of the university, in 1982. Overall, he spent 30 years of his ministry at Liberty. Askew said the university is taking special care to assure this dedication is not forgotten. “When you have a building that’s named after someone, especially someone as important to the legacy of our school as Dr. Towns, you take care to ensure that reverence is carried on,” Askew said. “At this point, that determination has not been decided, but is under discussion.” Towns said in an email that he is glad to have been part of the ministry. “I praise God for 30 years of ministry in the Towns Religion Hall,” Towns said. “Also, I am glad to have been a part of the ministry in that building in training young champions for Christ.” “I look forward to ministering through the new school of divinity,” Towns said. “I pray that the spirit of Liberty will continue to capture the hearts of Liberty students and most of all that the command of the Great Commission would be carried out by all students.” CONLEY is a news reporter.
Jessie Rogers | Liberty University News Service
BUILDING — The Towns Religion Hall on main campus will be demolished spring 2017.
Photo Provided
MOURNING — Castro’s ashes were wheeled throughout cities in Cuba for onlookers. CUBA continued from A1 typical Cuban culture. Cuban resident Alexeis Doimeadios said this ban was technically only given to state establishments, but because of what Cubans know about the past, they took it upon themselves to observe this as well. As a result, the streets of Cuba transitioned from a musical hotbed typically accompanied by dancing to a stillness broken only by the occasional conversation or plodding hooves of a horse-drawn taxi. The silence was so unnatural that even
foreigners noticed something was missing from the culture, even if they did not originally know what that piece was. Then, just as the light of day replaced the darkness of night, so too did the quietness get replaced by the racket of the events of the time of mourning. One such event was the signing of condolences, which brought thousands of people to town halls, where everyone waited in line for their chance to sign the book. From the military to groups of school children, people of all
Photo Provided
PRIDE — Cubans put up photos of Castro and wrote his name on their faces in honor of him.
ages flooded the city squares with Cuban flags and pictures of Castro to share their condolences. The main cause for commotion throughout Cuba though was the opportunity to see Castro’s ashes, which traveled throughout the country, beginning in Havana and reversing the route Castro took when he seized power with his revolution in 1959. Cities on this route drew crowds of people waving flags and ready to wait however many hours necessary so they could see the box containing the man that had
shaped Cuban society in so many ways. More dedicated Cubans even wore shirts depicting Castro and would join in chants that rippled throughout the mass of people, such as “You can hear it! You can feel it! Fidel is here!” A common theme that ran throughout the crowds waiting to see the ashes was, “Yo soy Fidel,” which translates to, “I am Fidel.” This phrase could be found painted on the faces of small children, laminated on the foreheads of teenagers and chanted repeatedly throughout the anxious crowd.
Beyond the extremes of silence and shouting, the mourning consisted of visible representations as well, demonstrated through the Cuban flag. State facilities flew their flags at half-staff. Meanwhile, the rural homes that did not have flag poles still showed solidarity by posting a small flag with a black stripe above it outside their doors. The mourning ended Dec. 5, the day after Castro was buried during a private ceremony, according to Fox News. PRICE is a news reporter.
news
A8 | December 6, 2016 | Liberty Champion
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SPORTS
December 6, 2016
B1
New athletic director hired - Liberty makes change in athletics department-
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
JEFF BARBER Nate Haywood nahaywood@liberty.edu
Liberty University President Jerry Falwell announced Ian McCaw as the Flames new athletic director (AD) during a press conference in the Welcome Center, Monday, Nov. 28. “(McCaw) is a godly man with excellent character,” Falwell said in his opening statement. “He’s someone I have gotten to know in recent weeks. I could not be more excited about this announcement.” This announcement came on the cusp of
former AD Jeff Barber’s sudden resignation only twelve days prior. McCaw served as the AD at Baylor University for 13 years until he resigned in 2016, which was also the year reports indicating football players were sexually assaulting female students were released. According to Falwell, Baylor University asked McCaw to return. Falwell further added that McCaw’s track record and character are what made him a perfect fit as Liberty’s new AD. “When we did our due diligence, we found out what an incredible success he’s been professionally but also what a man of high integ-
IAN MCCAW
rity and high character he was,” Falwell said. “His faith commitment was a perfect match for Liberty. Then we looked at his accomplishments. It was a no brainer.” McCaw said he was both excited and honored to take over as the helm of the athletics department. “I view this as a tremendous opportunity,” McCaw said. “I have been following Liberty for many years. This school has tremendous resources, a beautiful campus, great facilities, a strong commitment from the leadership to be successful. I view this program to have a high ceiling and a lot of potential.” McCaw added a couple of the goals he has
Keep on kicking
as the new AD. One of which was developing a relationship with Liberty’s Title IX office. “We’re certainly going to be very committed from a Title IX standpoint,” McCaw said. “I’m anxious to meet with the Title IX coordinator to make sure we have everything in place to first and foremost prevent any incidences of interpersonal violence. But beyond that, to make sure if, heaven forbid, we ever have something take place, everyone understands the reporting systems and we have the structure in place to address it.” HAYWOOD is the graduate assistant.
moving on
Women win Big South, men finish in fourth
Julie Deutsch jdeutsch@liberty.edu
Despite slow starts to the season from both squads, Liberty’s mens and womens soccer teams both rallied to finish at or above their Big South preseason poll projections for the 2016 season. The No. 2 seeded Lady Flames finished first in the Big South conference after a dramatic 2-1 overtime win against No. 1 seeded High Point. The men’s team finished fourth in the Big South after falling to No. 5 seeded Presbyterian in the quarterfinals of the Big South tournament. The spark that ignited the Lady Flames season run started Sept. 2 against Appalachian State. “I think one game that I looked up to a lot was our first win when we were losing to Appalachian State, but we came back and won,” Coach Nate Norman said. “We were 0-3 the beginning of the season, but the girls rolled their sleeves up and got the win,” Norman said. Despite many changes from the previous season — including the introduction of a new coaching staff — the Lady Flames remained calm and stayed focused on their goal of a championship. “We started off slowly,” Norman said. “They lost a great senior staff and received a new coaching staff, but the way they reacted to
those situations, they grew stronger from them.” They were 41-292 in goal-shot attempts, had an average of 1.86 goals scored per game, a .140 shot percentage and recorded 40 assists. “There’s a ton of things we can improve on — which is exciting,” Norman said. “We can become a team that holds values. We want to work on pressing the other team and keeping possession of the ball.” The Lady Flames ended with a total of 41 goals, 292 shots, 115 saves and 101 corner kicks. “I was happy to see all the girls’ hard work and perseverance throughout those adverse situations pay off for them by winning the conference championship,” Norman said. When the Lady Flames did not finish the regular season in first place in the Big South, the coaches continued to encourage the players more and more. “Ultimately, we should have more motivation,” Norman said. “We always challenge them to do a little better and try a little harder. We’re going to challenge them every day in the spring.” The strong finish to the 2016 season only keeps the coaches and players more optimistic about what the team can do next season.
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
CATCH — Junior wide receiver Marquis Fitzgerald hauled in a catch in the Flames game against Robert Morris Oct. 1.
Not quite there Flames finish season with share of Big South title TJ Davis adavis331@liberty.edu
The Liberty Flames football team finished the 2016 season just out of reach of the FCS playoffs as it ended its year at 6-5 for the second consecutive season. Though the Flames fell short of their second playoff appearance in school history, their 4-1 conference record was enough to crown them cochampions of the Big South, shared with Charleston Southern University. The Flame’s share of the regular season title is a satisfactory accomplishment to a season filled
See KICKING, B4
M. Basketball
M. Basketball
with ups and downs. “We’re co-champions,” Coach Turner Gill said. “When you say champions that still makes you feel good, even though we didn’t end up like we wanted to. So I’m proud of this team. I’m proud of this coaching staff.” The Flames inability to produce wins against tougher competition ultimately led to their shortcoming at the end of the season. The 2016 season started off with a tough matchup against Virginia Tech (Sept. 3), a top FBS team who ended the season ranked 19th in the nation. At one point the Flames led 13-10
W. Basketball
but failed to score an offensive touchdown in the game, eventually leading to their 36-13 defeat. The Flames offensive slump became a recurring problem throughout the season. After bouncing back at home with a 55-7 win over Jacksonville (Sept. 10) in which the Flames posted 569 yards of total offense, the Flames seemed to have found an offensive identity. However, over the next two weeks the Flames would suffer defeat at the hands of tougher competition again.
See SHARE, B2
W. Basketball
W. Hockey
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UNCG
Richmond
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Bellville
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WE’LL SEE YOU AT THE GAME
M. Basketball vs. Furman Dec. 6 @ 7 p.m.
W. Basketball vs. W. Liberty Dec. 10 @ 11 a.m.
M. Basketball vs. Princeton Dec. 10 @ 2 p.m.
M. Basketball vs. Clarks Sum Dec. 16 @ 7 p.m.
M. Basketball vs. UNC Ashe. Jan. 3 @ 7 p.m.
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sports
B2 | December 6, 2016 | Liberty Champion
From across the pond Freshman forward from Poland making an early impact Lindsey Ball lcball1@liberty.edu
Poland native Ola Makurat has played basketball all her life. Now she has the opportunity to play NCAA women’s basketball as the freshman guard and joins Head Coach Carey Green and the Lady Flames squad this season. “Since I can remember, a basketball was always within my sisters and (my) reach,” Makurat said. “My parents play basketball. My mom is a former athlete for Poland, and she basically coached my dad. We were all very close.” Makurat left her home at the age of 14 to attend Sports Championship School, an all-girls boarding school in Lomianki, Poland, where she lived with 24 other basketball players. “I always had wanted to attend that school,” Makurat said. “I got an offer to attend from coaches before high school. I didn’t think about the offer too much because it’s the best school in Poland. The players who were in this school play on the national team.” The Sports Championship School’s mission was to challenge each player to compete at the highest level. Makurat herself went on to play for Poland’s U-18 and U-20 national teams. Through her experience on these teams, Makurat met Green. “Coach Green came to my school in Lomianki three years ago to recruit my friend,” Makurat said. “He was watching our practice and our games. Unfortunately, she didn’t come here, but after his visit, we went to the European championship in Portugal. Coach Green came there as well and had the opportunity to observe me on the court.” After these important matches, Makurat
had to take a year-long break due to surgery, but she stayed in touch with the coaches. That year, she prepared for entrance exams so that she could attend Liberty University. “I took English in primary school, but I only learned a few words — nothing special,” Makurat said. “In the year before I attended Liberty, I realized I needed to learn more and take classes to prepare for those exams.” In school, Makurat’s English classes focused on grammar and writing, but speaking was not a frequent practice in the classes. She said language has been her biggest challenge since coming to the United States. “All the time, I face new challenges,” Makurat said. “Even doing things like this interview is hard because of the language barrier. Also, I just miss my family and my friends. Language is different. Food is different. Here, we grab fast food. In Poland, it is always big meals.” Though America presents many challenges for Makurat, she is eager to take advantage of the cultural opportunities. “There are lots of differences between America and Poland,” Makurat said. “People here have a different mentality. I want to be more confident, and here I can grow in my confidence on and off the court. People here are more motivated, have more energy, and encourage one another.” Makurat said Green has significantly impacted her first few months here at Liberty through guidance and acts of kindness. “The first month was hard because everything was new,” Makurat said. “However, I felt at home. On my birthday, I had dinner with Coach Green. After we had a bad game, we talked, and he wanted to give me a book to help me improve.” Makurat studies sports psychology, but wants to return to Europe to play profession-
Leah Seavers | Liberty University News Service
PASS — Freshman forward Ola Makurat dished the ball to a teammate in the front court. ally after college. Eventually, her goal is to be both a psychologist and a personal trainer. She said she looks up to her parents for wisdom and wishes to reflect their hard work and faith. “They really love God,” Makurat said. “I would like to be like my mom. I admire her attitude, and I would like to grow in Christ. She is such a strong woman.” “I am not someone who likes to think about the future,” Makurat said. “I have one
big goal, but I am focused on this day. Before the game, I am trying not to think about the game. During games, I am focused on playing and taking responsibility for shooting.” Makurat and the Lady Flames take on West Liberty Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. in the Vines Center.
SHARE continued from B1
more experienced.” Turner Gill said in an interview with Liberty’s play-by-play broadcaster, Alan York. “When you have people flying around the football, that’s when you create turnovers. ...I thought the D-line did a fantastic job too.” Sophomore defensive end Juwan Wells was a breakout star, leading the team in tackles (79), sacks (5.5), tackles for loss (11) and fumbles forced (2). Wells performance rightfully earned him first-team all-conference defensive honors. The defense was also headed by senior linebackers Nick Newman, who earned first-team all-conference honors and Dexter Robbins, who earned second-team all-conference honors. In the secondary, the Flames were led by senior safety Alpha Jalloh and sophomore corner Chris Turner, both of which earned second-team all-conference honors. Though the Flames defense was relentless, it was not enough to defeat 14th ranked Charleston Southern in the final conference matchup of the season, as the Flames fell to the Buccaneers 48-26 (Nov 12.), essentially denying their playoff hopes again. The Flames then finished the year off with a disappointing 42-7 loss to 14-year rival Coastal Carolina (Nov. 17). Even though the Flames season fell short of their hopes of returning to the playoffs, the year was still highlighted by many individual accomplishments and a lot of experience gained for a young team. “(The young players) are hungry, they’ve got a taste of it, as far as playing,” Gill said. “They know now what they need to do and how to do it, and we’re going to be more specific in creating them into their craft.” The Flames earned 13 total Big South all-conference team honors including junior offensive lineman Lucas Holder earning Big South Scholar-Athlete of the year. Eight of the 12 recipients will be returning for next season. “We got a lot of experience,” Gill said. “(There’s) so much valuable experience we got this year that’s going to help us in the future.”
The first loss came from their second FBS opponent, Southern Methodist University (Sept. 17), and then to Jacksonville State (Sept. 24), who was ranked third in the FCS at the time, leaving the Flames at an unpromising 1-3. At that point, the Flames inexperience was on full display as the young team continued to struggle with protecting the quarterback, turnovers and putting points on the board. The head of the young team was freshman quarterback Stephen Buckshot Calvert. Calvert slowly earned the starting position in week three after junior quarterback Stephon Masha struggled with turning the ball over. Initially, Calvert excelled as a starter and gave the Flames a spark that helped revive the offense and put them back in the playoff hunt by winning their next five games. Calvert set a school record by recording 340 passing yards in his first career start versus Robert Morris (Oct. 1). He also added four touchdowns to his performance that led to the 41-7 victory. Calvert was also named Big South Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against Kennesaw State (Oct. 15) after recording a stat line of 22-of-30 for 211 yards and a single touchdown. Calvert’s success would eventually be met with rookie mistakes, as Calvert struggled with turnovers and getting rid of the football early enough. In order to ease Calvert’s workload, the Flames relied heavily on the run game later in the season. The Flames developed a one-two punch running attack between junior running backs Todd Macon and Carrington Mosley, along with a change of pace attack from freshman running back Frankie Hickson. In Liberty’s big win over Monmouth, the rushing core accounted for 362 total rushing yards and 78 more yards from passes caught out of the backfield. Along with a consistent rushing attack, the Flames relied heavily on a defense that was prone to creating turnovers. The Flames defense created 26 turnovers with the help of four all-conference recipients on the defensive side of the ball. “I think on the back end in particular, we had a few more guys that played a little bit
BALL is a sports reporter.
DAVIS is the asst. sports editor
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
CUTBACK — Junior running back Todd Macon broke an outside run toward the sidelines.
sports
Liberty Champion | December 6, 2016 | B3
From Puerto Rico to Lynchburg Freshman leads Flames in minutes played through eight games Timothy Cockes tlcockes@liberty.edu
In a season in which Liberty’s men’s basketball team is made up of seven newcomers, freshman guard Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz has been a standout for the Flames. Pacheco-Ortiz, a sports management major from Ponce, Puerto Rico, has started in six of Liberty’s first eight games. PachecoOrtiz has played more than 20 minutes in every game of the season and leads the team in total minutes played with 228, according to libertyflames.com. Pacheco-Ortiz said he has fought for the playing time he has received so far and hopes to keep improving as the season continues. “I work hard in practice to earn and keep the starting spot,” Pacheco-Ortiz said. “I know that I still can improve a lot. It’s my first year playing in Coach McKay’s system, and it’s a process. I’m not used to playing the pack-line defense, but I’m getting the hang of it.” Pacheco-Ortiz originally came to the United States to play basketball beginning his sophomore year of high school. PachecoOrtiz played three seasons at Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, Virginia, amassing more than 1,000 points in his career, according to libertyflames.com Pacheco-Ortiz said the transition of playing in the United States was challenging at first. “It was kind of hard because it is a different type of basketball than we played back home,” Pacheco-Ortiz said. “In the States, you practice for two or three months for a long season as opposed to back home you would play sometimes five games in a weekend, and it’s a different type of league to play in. It was hard my first year, but my next two years I did very well.” Pacheco-Ortiz also gained experience as a member of Puerto Rico’s national team for the Americas Championship tournament in 2013, 2014 and 2016. In July, Pacheco competed with Puerto Rico in the U18 Americas Championship, averaging nine points a game and leading the
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
POINTS — Freshman guard Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz averages 5.9 points per game. team in assists. Puerto Rico finished fourth in the tournament. Pacheco-Ortiz said those tournaments were helpful because he played against tough competition. “I got to play against guys who were better than me,” Pacheco-Ortiz said. “Back home, I was a star, but once you start traveling you
start to see guys that are bigger, quicker and more talented than you. It helped me be more patient and smarter with the way I play the game.” That patient, poised and under-control style has been on display in the Vines Center this season. Pacheco-Ortiz brings a versatility to the Flames which allows him to pass
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1 year with Sodexo as the Marketing Manager.
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the ball to set up shots for teammates and lets his scoring come naturally in the flow of the offense. “When I played for my national team, I didn’t have to worry about scoring a lot of points, and that’s the way it is also for me at Liberty,” Pacheco-Ortiz said. “I distribute the ball, but I can score if the team needs me to.” Pacheco-Ortiz said that watching college basketball from a young age gave him the dream of one day having the opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament. “My ultimate goal is to make the big dance,” Pacheco-Ortiz said. “A lot of people born and raised in Puerto Rico don’t make it to the big dance, so that would be a dream come true for me.” Pacheco-Ortiz’s basketball game is not the only thing that has improved since coming to Liberty. Pacheco-Ortiz said that his faith and relationship with God have grown so much since coming to Liberty. “I would say when Coach McKay recruited me to come to Liberty I believed in God, but I still had a lack of faith,” Pacheco-Ortiz said. “I remember when I got to see my parents when they came to visit Liberty last January, they were supposed to leave a few days earlier but ended up getting the chance to stay and see me at the college I was going to attend.” Pacheco-Ortiz said that this specific moment made him stop and think about the way God had provided for him in his life. “My dad was so proud of me, and I remember my dad saying to me, ‘God is great,’” Pacheco-Ortiz said. “I thought to myself, ‘that really is true.’ Coming to a Christian school like Liberty and having the opportunity to grow my faith and grow closer to God is the best decision I’ve ever made.” Pacheco-Ortiz and the Flames continue the season with a matchup against Furman University Tuesday, Dec.6 at 7 p.m. in the Vines Center.
COCKES is a sports reporter.
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sports
B4 | December 6, 2016 | Liberty Champion
The best time of the year is finally here. Christmastime is great and all, but bowl season is upon us, and that means there are 41 football games in a span of 24 days. My body is ready. Personally, one of my favorite things about Christmas break is doing absolutely nothing but watching football for hours on end. DILLARD In its first two years, the College Football Playoff did not disappoint. The Ohio State Buckeyes took the first playoff national title when they beat Oregon in blowout fashion after defeating the Crimson Tide of Alabama in the semifinal. However, the Tide got even with the Buckeyes last season, defeating the Clemson Tigers and a fantastic performance from Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson. Those three teams, along with the Washington Huskies — the new kids on the block — will meet for this year’s playoff. Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: Washington vs. Alabama December 31, 2016 The Huskies are interesting, but I have to wonder if they are for real yet. The program has not been in this kind of spotlight in a long time. They manhandled Stanford early in the year and destroyed Washington State and Colorado to end their season with a 12-1 record, with a home loss to USC the only blemish on their schedule. They will meet the Crimson Tide in the first round of the playoff, and I firmly believe Alabama will steamroll the Huskies. Washington has not played a team that compares to Alabama this season — probably due to the fact that Alabama is in a league of its own. The Tide will take this one with ease. It was a great season for the Huskies, and Head Coach Chris Peterson has a great thing going in Seattle. Watch out for them in the coming years. Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State vs. Clemson December 31, 2016 On the other side of the bracket, Ohio State will meet Clemson in the more interesting of the opening matchups. Both teams are solid all around. They each have offenses that can put up lots of points and defenses that give opposing offensive coordinators nightmares. I don’t like to admit it, but Ohio State’s only loss was a fluke that came from a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown against Penn State. They beat Oklahoma on the road in Norman and managed to hold on versus Michigan in The Game. Clemson’s only loss was a heartbreaking one at home against Pittsburgh. The Tigers have some impressive wins, including taking down the ‘Noles in Tallahassee and winning on the road at Auburn. The Tigers were also able to handle Heisman trophy frontrunner Lamar Jackson in their victory over Louisville. They have shown they can win big games, but the Pittsburgh game still irritates me. Clemson had no business losing to that inferior Panthers team. This game will be close, but I think the nail-biter goes to the Buckeyes in the end. National Championship: Alabama vs. Ohio State January 9, 2017 This one is for all the marbles. Alabama has dominated everyone all year, and Ohio State could be the only team in football that could slow them down. Alabama is so good this year because there is almost no drop-off from their first to second string of players. The starters are going to be draft picks. The backups are going to be draft picks. Ohio State boasts something similar. Since Urban Meyer got to Columbus, he has been recruiting at the elite level needed to win national championships, and he may very well have the talent to take down the Tide. For Alabama to win, they will need to control the tempo. Their defense must keep Buckeye quarterback J.T. Barrett off the field before he can get in a rhythm and begin to make plays. Freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts will be playing in the biggest game of his young career. The kid is 18 years old, and he is playing for a national championship. I am 20, and I did not want to get out of bed this morning. For the Buckeyes to win, they must keep Hurts under pressure. If their offense can score, taking momentum and placing the pressure on ‘Bama to score, Hurts may make mistakes. He has not been good against a heavy pass rush this season, and Ohio State’s front seven is one of the most talented in the country. If they can harass Hurts in the backfield and control the tempo on offense, the Buckeyes will be in the game in the fourth quarter and have a shot to win. If Alabama comes out firing on all cylinders early, it will be hard for the Buckeyes to bounce back. This is going to be a great game, but I think the Tide will win in another close game, 38-31.
DILLARD is the sports editor.
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
UP, UP AND AWAY — Junior setter Anna Willey set up the ball for teammates Sydney Morris and Sirena Vorster.
Steady progress Flames reach semifinals for first time in three years Logan Smith lcsmith1@liberty.edu
The Liberty University women’s volleyball team finished the season with an overall record of 16-11 (11-5) after a loss against High Point University in the semifinal match of the Big South Tournament. According to libertyflames.com, the last time the Lady Flames reached the semifinals was three years ago in 2013. The coaches and players, although disappointed with the end result, said they were thrilled to have accomplished so much with such a young team. “We did rely on quite a few freshmen playing this year,” Assistant Coach Cassie Crumal said. “Our goal (at the start of the season) was to get this team united.” Despite being so young, the Lady Flames goals were still set at a high standard. According to senior defensive specialist Michelle Melendez, getting a bye in the Big South Tournament was crucial. “One of our goals was to be in the top one or two in the Big South,” Melendez said. During the first half of the season, before conference play, the Lady Flames participated in four events: The Kennesaw State Invitational, the Liberty Invitational, the Davidson Wildcat Classic and the VCU Invitational.
KICKING continued from B1 “I’m proud of them, and they are a fantastic group, and we are excited for the future,” Norman said. While they were unable to reach the success of the women’s team in the 2016 season, the men’s soccer team ended their season with a 7-9-2 overall record and a Big South record of 4-3-1. “We grew and we were very good offensively,” Head Coach Jeff Alder said. “We finished 20th in the country
Melendez said one of the most memorable matches this season was the game against the University of North Carolina Asheville. “It was one of our first away games,” Melendez said. “Their crowd is always crazy. It’s always exciting to play in front of people like that.” The Lady Flames fell behind during the first two sets of that game, losing 25-18 and 25-8. “The crowd was yelling, ‘Sweep. Sweep. Sweep,’ and we weren’t playing great,” Melendez said. Despite being under pressure, the Lady Flames came out of the locker room determined to play better. The coach challenged his players, and the players challenged each other to step up their level of play. “Coming back and winning that game was really hype for us,” Melendez said. “I think that win helped us a lot in our growth (as a team).” According to freshman outside hitter Leah Clayton, one of the greatest pleasures of volleyball is beating a team despite trash talk. “(After that win) is when we realized we could deal with anything,” Clayton said. “We had been in every situation, so we knew we could do anything we wanted to.” Two months later, the Lady Flames were in a similar situation — this time against High Point University
out of everybody in our scoring offense.” They were 33-213 on goal-shot attempts, averaged 1.83 goals scored per game, a .155 shot percentage, and recorded 32 assists. For Alder, the American game was a defining moment in his team’s season. “I really feel the American game was a big game because they were ranked 20th in the country the week before, but we ended up scoring on ourselves, tying the game,” Alder said. “We were good but we weren’t great, and we
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
POISE — Freshman defender Elisa Warren delivered a pass.
for the Big South semifinals in the Vines Center. “We always say, ‘Strive in five,’” Melendez said. “We love to be in (set) five. Those are the moments where you want to see what you put in come out.” The Lady Flames barely fell short of a victory against High Point, losing 1511 in set five after Liberty made a ballhandling error. “There were definitely tears in the locker room,” Melendez said. “We had prepared all season, so that’s why (losing) was so disappointing.” High Point University went on to win the Big South Tournament Nov. 20 against No. 1 seeded Radford University. According to Crumal, the Liberty coaching staff has high expectations for the 2017 season because they are returning the majority of the team. Crumal said Melendez was irreplaceable, and that her legacy will be the leadership she demonstrated on the court and in the locker room. Crumal said many of the players are already anxious for next season and are personally working out in preparation for next fall. “We’re 360 days until the next championship,” Crumal said. “So let’s get after it.” SMITH is a sports reporter.
need to be great.” After the loss in the quarterfinals to Presbyterian, Coach Alder said the team came together, and he was impressed with their actions. “It was very painful after that loss, but during that stuff it reveals a lot about our character,” Alder said. “I drove by the Monday after and there were 15-18 teammates out there playing small soccer games the day after. They were just playing, having fun together.” The team is not content with the loss, however. Alder said they are already working to advance even further in the Big South Conference tournament next season. “Disappointment is the catalyst that leads to change and work and drive and passion,” Alder said. “It is galvanizing our group. The guys will be working out and practicing and playing spring games to get these guys these experiences they need.” Alder said the team is letting go of seniors, and he is proud of them. They spent much of their time mentoring the younger players on the team. “I’m thankful for our seniors,” Alder said. “Each one of them lead and give to the team in a different way. Jeremy Lee and Kyle Carr really poured themselves into our team and community. Tommy and Martin and Allen all gave whatever they could give — they are a special group that will always
have a place in my heart.” At the sports banquet that took place Nov. 30 at the Welcome Center, the team watched a highlight video that really impacted the way Alder saw his players. “The season didn’t finish like we wanted, and it was disappointing, but their willingness to serve and love each other makes me feel great,” Alder said. “Matthew 23:11 talks about the greatest among you must be a servant, and the highlight film had pictures of the team serving, doing car washes, after school programs, trick or treating canned goods for people without food — for me that was cool because I didn’t ask them to do that.” Alder said he was so happy to see the team bonding at the end of the season. Seeing them off the field brings out a larger purpose in sports at Liberty. “Every year you bring in different personalities, background, and culture and they start liking each other, but in the end the prayer is they love each other and they become a brotherhood,” Alder said. Alder was excited because the team united throughout the season, but they found the greater purpose in life. “They got it, they learned that it is about serving, not just soccer,” Alder said.
DEUTSCH is a sports reporter.
feature
Liberty Champion | December 6, 2016 | B5
Rick, take the wheel
SIERRA FRANKLIN
Bus Driver Rick uses job to encourage students
NEWS & OPINION
Ryan Klinker rmklinker@liberty.edu
In the eyes of Liberty University bus driver Richard Edwards, his job means so much more than simply taking students from Point A to Point B on campus. Instead, Edwards sees his spot behind the wheel as a platform which allows him to do what his true passion is — engaging with and providing an unceasing amount of encouragement to his passengers. Never one to shy away from spreading a positive word or a boost of morale, Edwards seeks to use his position as a way to bless every student that steps onto his bus. “Every day, my prayer is ‘God, make me a blessing,’” Edwards said. “I want (students) to be aware that while they’re away from family, there’s someone who’s thinking about them and praying for them.” A minister and a former staff member at a Colorado church, Edwards made the decision to step down from the church’s staff and moved to Virginia to live closer to his family. As being a motor coach driver was always on his life’s “bucket list,” he was hired at Liberty in 2013 and said he sees his time behind the wheel for Liberty as an opportunity for his continued ministry and not simply a job. “When God calls you to ministry, you never really leave it just because you’re not in a full-time position,” Edwards said. “There’s an old saying that says ‘Be the kind of person people like to see come rather than go,’ and that’s my desire.” Striving for a personal connection with every passenger, Edwards said he has experienced some moments that make his whole goal worthwhile. Always open to praying for students going through difficult times, he has seen some truly amazing things in the lives of his passengers, and he attributes it all to God. He also said his ultimate objective is to treat everyone as Christ would treat them—regardless of who they are or where they come from. “The reward of ministry is the validation that God is using your life,” Edwards said. “The greatest lesson God is teaching me is that learning to love like Christ is giving every student — red, yellow, black, white, big, fat, skinny, small, tall — the same love and attention that Jesus would.” Coming into his fourth year at Liberty, Edwards has become known across the campus as “Bus Driver Rick,” and was even the subject of a student-led push in 2015 to have him speak at Liberty’s Convocation. Edwards has also used social media sites such as Twitter
D E S I G N E R S S AY
“bye y’all” Photo Provided
SELFIE — Edwards took a photo aboard the 71 route.
(@busdriverrick) and Instagram (@lubusdriverrick) to spread his positivity. While he enjoys being recognized by the Liberty community, he also wants to keep the focus on God, who is the one that has given him the personable attributes he uses daily. “If the popularity or the status is simply vindication that God is using me to be an encouragement, then that’s really my reward and that means a lot to me,” Edwards said. With an uplifting attitude that he brings along whatever route he drives, Bus Driver Rick plans to continue his ministry to whomever boards his vehicle for as long as he can, and he makes sure to never forget the source of his spiritual gift of encouragement.
ZANDER DOUB SPORTS & F E AT U R E
KLINKER is a feature reporter.
Becoming an American ninja Liberty theology professor works to secure spot on American Ninja Warrior Elisa Palumbo epalumbo1@liberty.edu
“In February or March, hopefully (my) phone will ring and I’ll see a California area code and it’ll be the folks from Ninja Warrior,” Dr. Chad Thornhill, a theology professor at Liberty University, said with a smile while discussing his most recent hobby. After seven years of rigorously pursuing a Ph.D. and having little time to workout, Thornhill decided to strive for a new goal outside of the realm of academia. This January marks the third year he has applied for NBC’s obstacle course competition, “America Ninja Warrior.” When he’s not teaching theology at Liberty, he enjoys figuring out new ways to obtain a spot to compete on the show, whether through training or building obstacles of his own. Thornhill said that he finds training for this show to be a great mental release from the stresses of everyday life. “It’s a fun way to stay in shape — better than lifting weights or (running on) the treadmill,” Thornhill said. “(Since) you’re using your mind, it’s a creative way to exercise.” He primarily trains using body weight exercises, such as push-ups, planks or pullups. Since a majority of the competition’s course is based on upper-body strength, the type of training has been different than what he has done before through organized sports. At least three times a week, Thornhill is training at LaHaye’s rock wall, as bouldering has proved one of the most useful forms of training. “(Climbing) builds hand and finger muscles unlike any other exercises,” Thornhill said. Not only does he physically train, but he practices mentally through his own
ADOPT continued from B8 Hamlette said adoption is never an easy choice for birth moms, and Family Life Services works to support them through the various difficulties. In 2015, they
course creation. “(I’ve) built stuff around the house, much to my wife’s chagrin,” he said. Thornhill first decided to apply three years ago. He filled out the 7-8 page application, submitted a video that told his story and displayed his athletic capabilities. Then, he waited. Though nothing happened, he decided to take it more seriously the second time around, and trained more intensely. This time his application made it past the first round with the casting company, yet he didn’t make the cut for the second round with the production company. When only 600-700 individuals are chosen out of the 80,000 applicants, it is hard to stand out. Thornhill said he hopes that being a theology professor who wants to take on the challenge will put the odds a bit more in his favor. Though he did not participate in the competition last year, through an underground social media group of Ninja Warriors, he found out about open calls to be a course tester. In order to make the courses evenly difficult and possible to accomplish, testers are needed to perfect the obstacles. Last year, Thornhill briefly tasted the excitement by testing the course in Atlanta and staying for the taping. “The only drawback to being a tester is that it disqualifies you from participating for the rest of the year,” Thornhill said. If an individual’s application does not go through, being a tester is not the only way to hit the course. If early and patient enough, individuals can stand in line as walk-ons at qualifier locations. According to Thornhill, last year in Atlanta, lines began three weeks prior to the show’s taping. This started as a Japanese show called “Sasuke,” where American participants were sent to compete in Japan to compete on diffi-
counseled 14 pregnant women considering adoption. “They lose their child, and there’s a very definite grieving process to that loss they go through,” Hamlette said. “But they gain the opportunity to pursue goals for themselves and build a more stable future that maybe will allow them to
cult obstacle courses and race each other for the fastest completion time. The show slowly morphed into the Americanized version of the show as it exists today. Originally, Ninja Warriors were the few who survived a prerequisite boot camp before arriving in Japan, yet by the fourth season, it was brought to the U.S. and named American Ninja Warrior, with finals held in Las Vegas. The decision to move the show proved worthwhile, as devoted fans have spread throughout various states. According to Thornhill, this particular community and hyped excitement about the show is something that sets it apart, “You don’t compete against each other,”
Thornhill said. “It’s all of the Ninjas against the course — everyone is rooting for each other to succeed. … Part of it is for the experience, and the other part is to see how far I can push myself.” That being said, Thornhill’s main goal is to make it through the city qualifying round, understanding that there are other contestants stronger and fitter than himself. Only time will tell, but updates on Thornhill’s progress can be found at his Twitter @ChadThornhill.
PALUMBO is a feature reporter .
Photo Provided
TRAINING — Thornhill has built a training area around his house to practice more often.
parent children later.” After Ulmer graduates from Liberty, she plans to travel to Romania with her family in hopes of finding her birth mom. “Knowing that such a young girl who had an unfortunate circumstance still loved me enough to have me — that to me means more
than anything else in this world,” Ulmer said. “Before she even knew me, she loved me and carried me for nine months. I want her to know how much I appreciate it.” Because Ulmer has seen the power of adoption in her own life, she said she definitely hopes to adopt some day.
“I have such a unique bond with my parents knowing that they chose me and they wanted me,” Ulmer said. “They came so far to save this young child who could have just been left on the streets.” COVEY is a feature reporter.
feature
B6 | December 6, 2016 | Liberty Champion
Christmas on the Boulevard School of music puts on holiday concert Dec. 6 Elisa Palumbo epalumbo1@liberty.edu
Christmas on the Boulevard, an annual Liberty University musical tradition, will have its largest performance yet Dec. 6 at the newly-built Concert Hall. With 359 choir members participating, this event is the biggest production the school of music has done. “This is kind of our first big deal in the Concert Hall, so that’s momentous,” Holly Carver, administrative director for the Center for Music & Worship. “We’re celebrating Christ. We’re celebrating music. We’re celebrating Christmas, but it’s a big coming together for the whole … school of music.” The new Concert Hall has the capacity to hold up to 1,600 people, which is a big step from the Towns Auditorium where the event was held last year. Though the concert’s participants are exclusively faculty or students from Liberty, the concert is open to the public. Ticket prices are $5 for general public and $1 for students with a valid Liberty ID. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Carver said the production is a great way for students and staff to enjoy the holidays through music. All of Liberty’s choirs and ensembles participate in the event, including worship and performance choirs, as well as LU Praise. As Liberty’s campus eases into the holiday season with lit-up Christmas trees and displays, this event furthers the Christmas spirit. Not only does it celebrate Christmas, but it is a worship-filled night that puts an emphasis on Christ in Christmas. “I think it’s one of the most exciting, most culturally and spiritually enriching programs that we have throughout the course of the year,” Vernon Whaley, dean of the school of music, said. According to John Kinchen III, the associate dean for the Center for Music & Worship, the event simultaneously serves as a way to share Christmas through the arts and a way to open Liberty’s doors to the Lynchburg community. “Our real goal and mission is to be able to have a yearly event that encourages our faculty, encourages our students, that reaches to the community and says, ‘Hey, Christmas is important,’ and we believe that this is something we can all rally around and enjoy the yearly festivities of Christmas,” Kinchen said. The production is divided into two parts: a more traditional performance in the first part that includes Handel’s Messiah, and a more contemporary second part. Typically, in the second portion, Christmas favorites are sung and the audience is encouraged to participate. Kinchen said that the event is a “tandem” that blends together both historical and modern music to create a “great” holiday performance. Tickets for the event can be purchased by calling 434582-SEAT or by visiting the LU Ticket Office webpage. PALUMBO is a feature reporter.
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CHRISTMAS TREE
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Amber Tillter | Liberty Champion
ENJOYING FAMILY — Debbie Perdew pushed two of her granddaughters on one of the tree farm’s three tire swings.
Oh, Christmas tree Family-run Green Needles Tree Farm offers cheer
Amber Tiller atiller2@liberty.edu
Twelve years ago, Jon and Debbie Perdew and their eight children moved from their fruit orchard in Maryland to a farm tucked away in the mountains in Coleman Falls, Virginia. Along with the farm came acres upon acres of Christmas trees — White Pines and Spruce trees covered the property. The Perdew family operated their farm year-round with Jon Perdew’s landscape business, but during the winter, their road — Yew Tree Lane — saw much more traffic. The farm is open to the public Fridays and Saturdays beginning the Saturday before Thanksgiving until Christmas . Green Needles opens at 10 a.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday and closes at 5:30 p.m. both days. Trees range from $34 for a shorter White Pine to $74 for a taller Fraser Fir. Prices range based on height. Through the next few weekends, Jon Perdew allows vendors such as Nomad Coffee to come to the farm free of charge. The Perdews also sell homemade pottery made by a friend who lives near the farm. In addition, the Perdews sell handmade wreaths, made from their trees, according to their site. “We’re just trying to make it more of a community event,” Jon Perdew said. Another element of the farm is the three tire swings located around the premise. Debbie Perdew played along as two of her grandchildren jumped on one of swings. Debbie Perdew said her children — six boys and two girls — used to help with the farm. Initially, when the family moved, their older children were starting to attend school at Liberty University. Since then, six of their eight children are graduates of Liberty and have moved all over the country, but some of them like her daughter, stayed close to home — right next door in fact. One of her children currently studies nursing at Liberty, and their youngest, Caleb Perdew, attends Central Virginia Community College. He continues to help his family during their weekend hours. The farm needs year-round maintenance such as shearing
during the summer and mowing, Debbie Perdew said. As the Perdews try to keep everything organic, they face the added challenge of having to work around using pesticides and find other methods of keeping their trees safe from diseases or insects. But the Perdews do more than grow trees — Jon Perdew continued to add to their farm. In the past year, he has planted a vineyard and cleared out fields on their property to use later as possible wedding venues. Jon Perdew has also planted fruits and vegetables as well as flowers and operated as a landscaping contractor. Debbie Perdew worked as a doula at Virginia Baptist Hospital. She worked with families, supporting the mothers during their pregnancy and childbirth, and some of her previous patients visited the farm Saturday to buy a tree. The farm also saw new customers such as Lynchburg locals, Kate Macklin and David Abbott. Macklin and Abbott brought their dog along to search for their first Christmas tree, aiming for a small four-foot tree. After deliberating and searching, they found a white pine fitting for their apartment. Macklin said she has always had a live tree for Christmas. When she lived with her family in Seattle, Washington, they used to purchase trees 11 feet tall, and she wanted a smaller tree this year. “We’re not really into decorating,” Macklin said. “We’re going to decorate (our tree) with climbing gear.” Much like Abbott and Macklin, the Perdews keep a White Pine tree in their house. Amongst the trees, the Perdews search for the perfect Christmas tree just like their customers. “This is all fun,” Debbie Perdew said. “Everybody’s on holiday. The fact that I get to share my farm with them makes my heart happy.” For more about Green Needles Christmas Tree Farm, go to their site — http://www.greenneedleschristmastreefarm. com or visit their Facebook page at “Green Needles Christmas Tree Farm.” TILLER is the social media manager.
light up the night
Michela Diddle| Liberty Champion
HOLIDAY SPIRIT — Liberty held its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony Nov. 28 in front of DeMoss Hall. Students came out to listen to Christmas carols, enjoy hot chocolate and watch as the Christmas tree and other parts of Liberty’s campus lit up in Christmas lights, signifying the beginning of the holiday season on campus.
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Liberty Champion | December 6, 2016 | B7
A Tradition of Elegance, Exclusively at Fink’s Jewelers
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FEATURE
B8
December 6, 2016
Coffeehouse (unwrapped)
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
IN THE SPOTLIGHT — Jake Ziegler and the Locals (left) and Divine Call (right) performed at Christmas Coffeehouse Dec. 3 in front of an overflowing student audience at the Vines Center.
A cheerful Coffeehouse Annual Christmas Coffeehouse showcases student talent with a holiday twist
Nathaniel Fraticelli nlfraticelli@liberty.edu
The night of Dec. 3 saw the Liberty University Vines Center packed out for the annual Christmas Coffeehouse. This year in particular, Student Activities decided to focus on the joy of opening presents on Christmas morning with its “Unwrapped” theme. “Each semester we find new ways to change Coffeehouse and are always trying new things, from concourse decorations to stage sets and diverse acts,” Student Activities director Stephanie Ward said. “The theme is ‘Christmas Coffeehouse: Unwrapped.’ The excitement of Christmas morning and unwrapping presents is unlike any other feeling. We wanted to hone in on that and focus on presents this year.” Over the past several weeks, students have had the opportunity to prepare songs, videos and dance performances
to present to an audience that has grown since the first Coffeehouse. “Coffeehouse began almost 25 years ago as a small talent show that brought together a couple hundred students,” Ward said. “Over the years, the event grew and grew to what you see today with over 8,000 in attendance.” The event was bookended by performances from Jake Ziegler and the Locals and DTrex, respectively. In between the two acts were a mix of bands, dance troops, acappella groups and videos. “There are 15 acts and seven submitted videos in this show,” Ward said. “The talent at Liberty is impeccable. We have seen so many incredible performers at Coffeehouse, and this show (is) no different.” Throughout the night, Student Activities used the hashtag #SACoffeehouse to promote giveaways and dialogue with students. The Undecided Majors, the Vegan Llamas and Up To Snow Good performed
in between student-made videos such as “Manger Things,” a Christmas parody of the show “Stranger Things.” Among the acts and videos of the night, attendees were the first to hear the theme for next semester’s Spring Coffeehouse, an announcement that is usually saved for spring semester. “We thought it had been a while since we did a decade,” Coffeehouse host, Heath Hatmaker said. “So what we have decided is next semester’s Coffeehouse is going to be ‘Coffeehouse: The 2000s.’” Bryan Cassell, a senior Liberty student, has been to every Christmas Coffeehouse event during his five years at Liberty. The biology major will be graduating at the end of the school year, and this was his last Christmas Coffeehouse. “Christmas Coffeehouse has been a great experience ever since I’ve been here,” Cassell said. “I’m really glad that I chose this school to come to because of things like
(Coffeehouse) and Christmas Convocation. This being my last one was sentimental, (and) I’m glad I got to go.” Student Activities has a lot planned for the student body for the remainder of the school year with open mic nights, concerts and free movies. Even with all that is planned, Coffeehouse will continue its tradition, which according to Ward is a worthwhile event for the Student Activities staff. “Coffeehouse is such a rewarding event for us,” Ward said. “Not only does so much work go into the back end, but I’m always so impressed with the student body. From the guests in attendance to those on stage, we’re so thankful for a family that celebrates all the talent Liberty has to offer. Liberty makes this event everything it is.”
FRATICELLI is a feature reporter.
Finding a forever home Family Life Services provides young women with an alternative to abortion Erin Covey ercovey@liberty.edu
More than 18 years ago, Lexi Ulmer’s parents traveled across the world to Romania to adopt her from a local orphanage. Since her two older siblings were also adopted from Romania, her parents never hid that aspect of her identity. Ulmer grew up taking pride in her story and using it as a way to reach out to other adopted children. “It’s always something I’ve been open about,” Ulmer said. “Whenever someone says to share a fun fact, I always tell that I’m adopted. I’m proud of it, and I’m so thankful for it, so I want others to know.” As a sophomore at Liberty University on the women’s lacrosse team, Ulmer sees how her adoption has changed the trajectory of her life and given her opportunities she might have never had. Many other Liberty students like Ulmer are adopted, and all have different stories. Adoptees have a
variety of backgrounds and experiences shaped both by their genetics and their adoptive families. Deanne Hamlette is the director of Family Life Services, a domestic adoption agency in partnership with the Liberty Godparent Home. Family Life Services was founded in 1983 to provide pregnant women at the Godparent Home with an alternative to abortion. According to Hamlette, adoptees like Ulmer who grew up knowing their story from the beginning are able to process that aspect of their identity in a healthy way. “What we’ve found through research is that adoptees who know about their adoption from the beginning and know all there is to know about their birth families do better,” Hamlette said. “They adjust better and formulate their identity better.” Moriah Miller, a sophomore studying nursing at Liberty, said her parents never hid the fact that she was adopted from South Korea as an infant. However, since Miller looks like her adopted mom, most
people assume she is her parents’ biological daughter. Because her parents normalized her adoption from the beginning, Miller said she feels that being adopted was not a significant part of her identity. “My mom said it was important that I wasn’t deprived of anything,” Miller said. “Being adopted never really impacted my life negatively.” However, not all adoptees have the same positive experiences that Ulmer and Miller had. According to Hamlette, obvious racial difference between the adoptees and their parents can cause more tension. “We have a lot of transracial families, and that’s not a bad thing at all,” Hamlette said. “But there can be times in a child’s growing up years when that’s difficult to deal with.” While many look at adoption from the perspective of the adoptive family, Hamlette said Family Life Services is committed to supporting the birth parents as well as the adoptees and adoptive parents. “The foundation of everything
Matthew Pierce | Liberty Champion
SUPPORT — Located on campus, FLS offers adoption placement nationwide. we do is that we want to find families for children, and we are not motivated by finding children for families,” Hamlette said. “That im-
pacts every way in which we work with people.”
See ADOPT, B5