Liberty champion 24 sept 2013

Cameron promotes ‘Unstoppable’

A7

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Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Today: Mostly Sunny 75/55 Tomorrow: Partly Cloudy 77/55 Liberty University

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libertychampion.com

Volume 31 • Issue 4

Lynchburg, Va.

Bond rate increases

celebration

Moody’s awards LU Aa3 Greg Leasure gleasure@liberty.edu

Moody’s Investors Service upgraded Liberty University’s bond rating Monday, Sept. 9, from A1 to Aa3. According to Moody’s, an Aa3 rating is given to organizations “judged to be of high quality and very low credit risk.”

According to the report, the change reflects the university’s increases in cash reserves and operating performance, as well as its general growth, among other things.

“This momentum, if continued, will produce sufficient cash to fund transformative capital investments as well as to build reserves over time,” the report read. “The growth in revenue and cash and investments makes Liberty a true outlier in Moody’s portfolio of not-for-profit universities.”

Other factors included in the increased rating were the growth of Liberty University Online (LUO), its growing enrollment, flexible and mostly liquid assets, surpluses, and significant increases in cash and investments.

Ruth Bibby| Liberty Champion

JOY — The Children of the World perform at Convocation Friday, Sept. 20, after the completion of Global Focus Week.

Piper brings global focus Gabriella Fuller

gfuller2@liberty.edu

Liberty University’s Center for Global Engagement (CGE) hosted its biannual Global Focus Week Sept.

16-18, welcoming more than 60 mission agency representatives and prominent guest speakers such as John Piper, Naghmeh Abedini and Bob Creson.

According to CGE, Global Focus Week is a semesterly tradition that encourages students to delve deeper into the world of international evangelism and global work. The theme for the fall 2013 event was “Take Your Degree Global,” a movement that CGE is encouraging students to get involved in by adding a minor in global studies.

John Piper, theologian

and chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary, kicked off the week of events with his Convocation message Monday morning, Sept. 16. In his first visit to Liberty, Piper challenged students to find joy in persecution for the name of Christ and embrace suffering for a death-defying gospel.

“Confidence in fullness of joy and pleasures forev-

ermore in the presence of Jesus on the other side of this so-called dying is the root of love that is willing to lay down its life for the sake of the nations,” Piper said.

“This confidence that you cannot die but only have increased pleasures produces martyrs who die in love, not martyrs who kill from hate.”

See MOODY’S, A3

Bowden inspires Mark Tait

See GLOBAL, A6

mtait@liberty.edu

Bedford will ‘Never Forget’

the use of DNA have made it easier to identify soldiers in recent years.

He estimated that somewhere between 50 and 100 people are found every year.

Nearly 10,000 students gathered in the Vines Center Friday, Sept. 13, to hear from a man who once coached before a home crowd of more than 80,000.

Bobby Bowden, the winningest coach in Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) college football history and former leader of the Florida State Seminoles, discussed God’s guidance and provision in his life as he shared his story at a Convocation service.

“Sixty years ago, I was sitting right were you are,” Bowden said. “I can look back and see exactly how God put my life together.”

Bowden said he developed pneumatic fever at 13 years old. The illness kept him from attending school and exercising. Doctors projected that Bowden would only live to be around 40 years old, but Bowden asked God to intervene.

“A couple years later, I did get healed,” Bowden said. “I told God I would serve him through athletics, and that’s what I tried to do.”

Bowden told the story of his journey to becoming head coach at Florida State and attributed each one of the jobs he acquired to God’s work in his life. He said he never applied for a coaching position he received. For each of the six jobs he held throughout his career, the teams called him.

“Ain’t God good. Ain’t God good,” Bowden said.

See MEMORIAL, A6

See BOWDEN, A3

The D-Day Memorial held a ceremony to bring awareness of POW/MIAs of America Joshua Janney jjanney@liberty.edu

Citizens of Bedford and surrounding counties came out to “Never Forget,” a prisoner of war/missing in action (POW/ MIA) awareness event, at 11 a.m., Sept. 21.

The ceremony was originally supposed to be held at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Va., but rainy weather forced the event to be moved into the nearby Bedford Elementary School at 806 Tiger Trail.

The event featured former Air Force Disc Jockey Adrian Cronauer, who was portrayed

by Robin Williams in the movie “Good Morning, Vietnam!”

Cronauer spoke about his position as special assistant to the director of the Pentagon’s POW/MIA Office, which he took over after 9/11.

According to Cronauer, the POW/MIA Office does three things. The first is making

sure that the soldiers are properly trained and equipped so that they do not get left behind or become a prisoner of war. The second thing that the Pentagon does is follow up on every credible report that they receive in America.

“We do not pay, ever, for any information about missing Americans,” Cronauer said.

“But if a report does lead to an alive American, then we do reward them.”

According to Cronauer, the majority of the office’s time and effort is spent trying to account for those who are missing or still unaccounted for. The Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) sends out teams led by professional archeologists to go to plane crash sites and burial grounds of POW camps to retrieve the remains of missing Americans.

“When they (find Americans), they bring them back to the POW identification lab in Hawaii,” Cronauer said. “And

Joshua Janney| Liberty Champion

REMEMBER — People pay their respects to America’s soldiers. then a professional will take the bones or whatever we bring back and try to identify who they are between the remains themselves and the things we find buried with them.”

Cronauer noted how advancements in technology and

INSIDE THE CHAMPION News

Sports

Feature

Lynchburg residents attended Get!Downtown A8 Friday, Sept. 13

Barr sisters journey from Northern Ireland to play field hockey for Liberty B1

Les Miserables opened with record ticket sales Friday, Sept. 13 B8

News Opinion Sports Feature

A1 A4 B1 B8

NEWS

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Liberty Champion/A2

D.C. shooting hits home

Current and former students receive encouragement after losing family members Greg Leasure gleasure@liberty.edu

Sophia Hahn shahn3@liberty.edu

A shooting at the Washington, D.C., Navy Yard killed 12 people and left at least eight injured when gunman Aaron Alexis opened fire Monday, Sept. 16.

According to NBC News, Alexis entered the building with a valid pass and made his way to the fourth floor, where he began shooting employees at random with a shotgun.

Alexis terrorized the third and fourth floors before making his way to the atrium. His shooting spree lasted 30 minutes before first responders were able to kill Alexis, NBC News reported.

Liberty University later disclosed that four current and former students had been personally affected by the incident in Washington. Current students Alexandra and Meghan Kohler’s father, Frank Kohler, was among the 12 killed, as well as alumna Isabel Bodrog’s father, Martin Bodrog, and alumna Heather Hunt’s father, Richard Michael (Mike) Ridgell.

Liberty senior Jen Tenney, a close friend of Isabel Bodrog, said she first heard about the shooting at approximately 9 a.m., and the two started praying for those affected by the tragedy. It was not until 10 p.m.

Monday night that the two women heard that Isabel Bodrog’s father had been one of 12 victims of the shooting.

“When I heard about the Navy Yard

“

God has given me a peace that I didn’t think was possible ...

shooting, I was so horrified,” Tenney said. “… Having a personal tie to someone that works there made me sick, because I didn’t know what to expect of the outcome.”

According to Tenney, the Bodrog family has received a lot of support from Liberty students and faculty.

“I think that is what makes Liberty unique,” Tenney said. “We’re so big, yet we still operate like a family. I’m thankful that the leaders of this university lifted up people like Isabel and the victims of this.”

Tenney said both she and Isabel Bodrog attended a “celebration of life” service for Martin Bodrog Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Bodrog’s home church in Washington.

“It was beautiful and touching,” Tenney said. “Mr. Bodrog was an amazing man.”

Meghan Kohler, a current Liberty student, is adjusting to the thought of life without her father.

“It’s been really hard thinking about all the things that I’m going to miss out on doing with my dad, but God has really given me a peace I didn’t think was possible to have in a situation like this,” Meghan Kohler said. “I know God has a plan to use this for something great.”

According to Meghan Kohler, her whole family has felt encouragment from

— MEGHAN KOHLER friends and from the university.

“Some of my friends came down for the life celebration for my dad this weekend, and I’ve had so many people texting me and messaging me saying that they are praying for me,” Meghan Kohler said.

“They have all sent me so many encouraging Bible verses that have really helped.

Also, in Convocation, I know that everyone prayed for my sister, my mother and me, which is really encouraging.”

As those close to the victims of the shooting mourned, Tenney reflected on how the incident affected her views on gun control.

“It has changed my views a lot,” Tenney said. “I used to honestly think everyone should have a gun … Now I think the process should be a lot more challenging to acquire weapons.”

According to CNN, Alexis’ motives are still a mystery because he did not survive, but people have begun to speculate about what may have led up to this event.

Alexis was known to have psychological problems and heard voices in his head, a CNN report said.

LEASURE is the editor in chief.

HAHN is the news editor.

Brunch supports spouses The Office of Military Affairs hosted the event Saturday in order to foster fellowship Nathan Skaggs ncskaggs@liberty.edu

Liberty University’s Office of Military Affairs hosted its second-annual military spouse brunch Saturday, Sept. 21 in the Hancock Welcome Center.

The event was intended to introduce military spouses to each other in order to build a support group within the military community at Liberty, according to Meghan Ellis, associate director of military affairs.

“With Military Affairs here at this school, we really want to give all of you the opportunity to connect with each other and know that you’re not alone,” Photo Provided Ellis, also a military spouse, DINE — Military spouses got the chance to encourage one another over lunch. said in her opening statements.

“We’re all in this together.” of God’s greatest gifts is Falwell helped her husband Ashley Eskridge, military friendship. during his first deployment in outreach coordinator, de“The good news is friends February 2003 by having all scribed the basic goal of the are there for the good times of her husbands fees incurred brunch. and the bad,” Godwin said. during that semester waived.

In 2006, the Of“This event is a great time Throughout the morning, According to Ellis, it is now for all our military spouses to military spouses shared their the job of the Office of Milifice of Military Afconnect and have a time of fel- stories with each other over a tary Affairs to assist students, fairs consisted of lowship with one another,” Es- catered brunch of scones and like her husband, during the eight full-time emkridge said. quiche. hard times of deployment. ployees and apFollowing the formal welBethshan McLeod, wife of Ellis said she hopes to branch come by Ellis, the spouses a Navy Reserve officer, shared out with the next event. proximately 5,000 participated in an ice breaker about the importance of the “We really want to involve military students. game called “What’s in Your event and the camaraderie it and include Lynchburg military Currently, the ofPurse?” Laughter ensued as promotes. spouses,” Ellis said. “I’m hoping everyone got to know one an“(The brunch) was a won- that the next time we have this fice employs 49 other better. derful opportunity for military it will be very community drivand is projected Ellis introduced the keynote spouses to get together and en as well as supporting of our to have nearly speaker for the day, Carol God- meet new people who are in the Liberty spouses.” win. Godwin, wife of Provost same situation,” McLeod said.

Ellis said she hopes to have 28,000 military Dr. Ron Godwin, shared her “Deployment is a very difficult another event in spring 2014. students

by June testimony and a message of en- thing for the military member “It’s always been our goal 2014, according couragement with the spouses. as well as their families, and it to have (a spouse event) once “God has a plan,” Godwin can put you into a tailspin.” to Meghan Ellis, every semester because we do said. “He is faithful. Surround Ellis, whose husband Staff that for our veteran students,” associate yourself with people who will Sgt. Ryan Ellis has been de- Ellis said. director. love and encourage you.” ployed three times with the While sipping on tea, God- Marine Corps and the Army, SKAGGS is a news win said she believed one shared how the late Dr. Jerry reporter.

FYI

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Photo Provided

LEGACY — “Preach the word.”

Fink dies Mark Tait

mtait@liberty.edu

“Jehovah, Jehovah, my Jehovah.”

These were the final words of beloved religion professor Dr. Paul Fink as he looked up to heaven moments before passing away Saturday, Sept. 7, at Lynchburg Regional Hospital, according to his daughter Cathy Eubank.

He is survived by his wife Mary and his children Anne, Glenn, Jerry, Cathy, Dawn and Gary, according to Eubank.

Fink arrived at Liberty in 1979, where he taught religion classes for 34 years before retiring in May 2013.

“He has left men who want to preach the Bible the way the Bible wants to be preached,” Rory Chapman, who took four of Fink’s classes, said.

According to Chapman, Fink’s courses required a large amount of work, but the results were rewarding.

“It was the one thing that made us love him so much, because he challenged people, because he made sure, if you’re going to study the scriptures, if you’re going to know the word, then you have to do it right,” Chapman said.

According to Chapman, Fink’s classes, particularly his inductive Bible study course, will impact his ministry and those of his classmates for years to come.

“Everybody will tell you that they still use his methods,” Chapman said. “I still even use his formatting method for writing sermons.”

Liberty senior Jack Graves took Fink’s inductive Bible study course as well.

“He was my favorite professor,” Graves said. “Without him, I would not know how to study the Bible like I do today. He taught me the proper way to handle God’s word. He also taught me to take it really seriously.”

According to Graves, Fink was serious about the study of the Bible, but he also had a great sense of humor along with a willingness to help his students.

“You could always visit him or call him if you needed help, not even just with homework … if you had any type of problem, he was always willing to talk,” Graves said.

According to Eubank, Fink did not only impact the lives of his students. He had a great influence on his children’s lives as well.

“Dad demonstrated his love for Christ through everything he did and how he cared for us and provided for us,” Eubank said. “Christ was number one in his life, then mom and us kids.”

According to Eubank, Fink and his wife, Mary, gave birth to their son Glenn and adopted Anne, Jerry, Cathy, Dawn and Gary.

“He adopted me into his family and taught me to love God and to know him with all my heart, just the same way God adopted me into his family and still teaches me to love him each and every day,” Eubank said.

Fink did not only serve as a professor and parent, but also as a soldier, according to Eubank.

“He loved his country and what freedoms came from our service men and women,” Eubank said. “His brother Glenn died (in the D-Day invasion). I won’t forget him telling us. ‘I was on the Iowa, and Glenn was on the Juneau. I looked one minute, it was there and, the next, it was gone.’”

According to Eubank, Fink loved his country as well as teaching students.

“He always said, ‘Preach the word.

Preach the word. Preach the word,’ and it’s a three word mantra that will pretty much always be a mantra of every single one of his students,” Chapman said. “If I were him, I would be happy to have left a legacy like that.”

TAIT is the asst. news editor.

NEWS

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Liberty Champion/A3

Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion

GUIDANCE — Bowden shared stories of God’s direction and provision throughout his life and encouraged students to “put God first.�

BOWDEN continued from A1 Liberty student Seneca Elliott said she enjoyed hearing Bowden’s story. “It was just amazing to see how God has worked in his life and has given him all these jobs, and it’s exciting to think what’s God going to do in my life,� Elliott said.

In addition to sharing his sto-

MOODY’S continued from A1 “We came to the realization over the last 25 years that significant cash reserves and endowment funding was needed to ensure that Liberty University could fulfill its mis-

ry, Bowden advised students to always be sure God is their first priority and family their second priority when making decisions. “Don’t do nothin’ if you don’t think God wants you to do it,�

Bowden said. “If you’ll follow that, then I think you’ll end up successful.�

Bowden also cited Proverbs 4:23, which says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.�

sion to provide Christian education for generations to come,� Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. said. “It is rewarding when rating agencies recognize Liberty’s commitment to and recent successes in building those resources for the future.�

Liberty’s Christian iden-

To illustrate the verse, he told the story of the University of Illinois football team snapping an 18-game losing streak against number-one-ranked Michigan in 1939. He asked students how the win was possible. “They wear the same pants,�

Bowden said. “They wear the same helmets. They got the same set of muscles, but it’s not the same team (that lost so many games), because the issues of life

tity, lower cost and residential campus experience including intercollegiate athletics� were listed as positives on the residential side, but the report especially highlighted the growth of LUO. “Prospects for sustained strength in online enroll-

come from where? The heart.�

Along with providing advice and sharing his story, Bowden did not fail to give his audience several laughs. “My wife, she used to get on me every year and every game,�

Bowden said. “‘Bobby, you do love football more than you do me. Bobby, you do love football more than you do me,’ and I said, ‘College or pro?’�

Bowden returned to Liberty

ment growth are good given institutional prowess, academic cost structure and economies of scale,� the report read.

The outlook for Liberty’s financial future was described as stable. Although the report cited the university’s current lack of diver-

for his first time since visiting in 2007. He said he was impressed by the university’s growth but saddened by the death of Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr. To view his entire message, visit youtube.com/libertyuniversity.

TAIT is the asst. news editor.

sity in revenues, Moody’s predicted that more time should allow the school to improve in that area. “The university has limited revenue diversity, with student charges comprising 91 percent of FY 2012 revenues,� the report read. “The University’s explo-

sive enrollment growth, diversity of academic programs and relatively low cost help mitigate the risks of concentrated revenues.�

LEASURE is the editor in chief.

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OPINION

A4

September 24, 2013

Nation mourns Naval Yard shooting

The recent massacre in Washington, D.C. left 12 dead and several injured as a result of shooter rampage Jacob Tellers jtellers@liberty.edu

Why? Once the dust settles after a tragedy, this is the question that inevitably will be asked.

In the case of the recent shooting in D.C., this question was brought up less than 24 hours after Aaron Alexis walked into the Navy Yard and killed 12 people.

It is madness, an act that is impossible to comprehend, yet we still demand answers.

We look around for something or someone to blame, as if knowing the cause will provide closure.

Gun control and violent video games are easy targets that provide the quick solution, which is very appealing.

“Ban all guns! Ban violent media!” This is the cry coming from the vengeful crowd.

This desire for justice, this search for a solution, is not wrong, but it is misplaced and misguided. The hard truth is that this shooting is not a simple issue that can be responded to with the pre-planned, cookiecutter answers the media is so quick to provide in the aftermath of tragedy.

There are many sound arguments on both sides of these issues, and in the haste to defend one side or the other, the underlying problem is usually ignored. The blame often lies outside these two favorite scapegoats and instead falls on the murkier issue of mental health.

According to CNN, Alexis claimed to hear voices in his head, experienced episodes of paranoia where he believed he was being stalked by three people, and had eight incidents of misconduct during his time in the Navy.

Alexis began to receive treatment for his mental issues roughly a month before the shooting, according to the Atlantic Wire.

Along with these mental issues, Alexis had two previous incidents of gun violence.

The New York Times reported that

Photo Provided

MOVING FORWARD — A change of command ceremony in the D.C. Navy Yard Monday, Sept. 23, signals a return to the routine after mourning.

Alexis fired several shots at a construction worker’s car in 2004. Alexis was arrested in 2010 for what he claimed was just an accidental firing of his gun in an apartment complex. According to the New York Times, Alexis’ neighbor claimed that Alexis had previously been threatening her.

With mass shootings, motive is often elusive. There is no rational reason to murder people solely for the sake of murdering them.

While violent media could be a contributing factor, and potentially lax

gun control could have provided the opportunity to commit the crime, the deeper issue is mental health. A sane person simply does not act the way Alexis did. If similar tragedies are to be prevented, the U.S. needs to be able to both recognize and respond to mental health problems in a more effective way.

Unlike proposals dealing with gun control or violent media, it is much harder to enact solutions to mental health problems.

Determining whether or not someone is mentally unstable is a subjective task, but it needs to be attempted. With Alexis,

the signs were clear. If proper actions had been taken to restrain him, this tragedy may have never occurred. There needs to be a system in place so that when someone who is mentally ill shows signs of violence, that person’s ability to own guns can be restricted, and if confinement or treatment is needed, it can be provided.

We may never fully understand why these tragedies occur, but we can be vigilant in watching for the signs in order to work to prevent them.

TELLERS is a sports reporter.

Learning to love our neighbors in Lynchburg

In order to successfully share our faith, Liberty students should be mindful of testimonies in the community Sara Warrender sewarrender2@liberty.edu

Among the lanyards, sweatshirts and our tacky car stickers, Liberty University students can typically be spotted a mile away. Whether we are attempting to buy groceries with Flames Cash or cutting someone off in traffic with our parking stickers flashing in the afternoon sun, we have grown to be a big part of the Lynchburg community. So, we’re back for another semester of school, but is the local community happy with the atmosphere we brought back with us?

Our actions show the quality of our relationships with Christ. To be servants of Christ, we must also be

“

When we pick up our books we must also pick up our crosses — SARA WARRENDER

willing to be servants of others, regardless of where we are in the community.

Most Liberty students have heard the rumor that we do not tip well, or at all, but one Liberty student, Katy Davis, brought up a good point. She said that Liberty students often view restaurants in the same way that we view Doc’s Diner. “(T)hey don’t realize that there is a difference between on-campus dining and off-campus dining,

by Greg Leasure Humans can be surprisingly impatient, especially when it comes to phones.

Apple released the new iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C Friday along with iOS7, the company’s newest operating system for its phones. As expected, lines stretched on for days, and Apple struggled to keep up with demand for the device.

As I watched my classmates plan their iPhone purchases or anxiously wait for iOS7 to download, I could not

and the respect that goes along with it,” Davis said.

“Yes, these are college people exactly like us. They need our tips just as much as we need a job.”

After interviewing many businesses, let me speak for them. We do not own this town. God gave us land in which a college was planted. God gave us this chance to study, better ourselves and grow through Him. This land, this campus and this opportunity is not ours. God gave this

help but notice the incredible impatience that smartphones have created.

Some people even chose to download the update right after it became available Friday morning, leaving them without a phone for much of the day when they could have just downloaded it overnight.

As an Android owner, I have seen LEASURE how addicting a smartphone can be, and I can only imagine how much stronger that effect can be with an iPhone. In a business sense, Apple has worked hard to create

chance to us.

Luke 12:48 states, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required.”

We go to a Christian university. Wherever you go, the name, “Christian,” must go also.

“If we don’t live it out right, they look at us and say, ‘That’s the way a Christian acts, it’s who they are,’” Dr. Elizabeth Sites, an assistant professor of psychology, said.

Liberty students cannot

act a certain way, then expect the local community to take our college and our faith seriously. When we pick up our books we must also pick up our crosses.

“How we drive when we leave the parking lot, that all has to do with how we reflect our God and how we reflect on this university as well,” senior Ryan Hepler said. “Tipping is an extension of generosity, which would be an extension of holiness. Our ministry isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are.”

Many Liberty students are blessed to experience short-term mission trips, but for the majority of the year, our mission field is Lynchburg. We cannot feed the hungry in Nicaragua, then ignore the

a brand that millions of people keep coming back to, and I have no problem with that. However, I think that it is time we consider what our buying habits say about us as a society.

The fact that people waited hours upon hours in line, many times to replace a now-outdated phone they bought less than a year ago, astounds me. Technology moves at a lightningfast pace these days, but we, and our wallets for that matter, are not always required to keep up.

I know several people who own outdated, simple phones, and they could not be happier with their decision to stick with what works. In fact, I would say that those people seemed much

people here who are in need of a good influence, a true friend or a listening ear. Sometimes being a witness or a missionary means putting down your plane ticket and opening your heart to the needs in our local community.

So next time you decide to leave campus, remember that just as your car is stamped with the Liberty logo and Christ’s name, your heart is stamped with the influence of Christ.

As the Rev. Jonathan Falwell, senior pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church, always says, “We must go out into the community and earn the right to be heard.”

WARRENDER is the feature editor.

more content with their phone than any iPhone owner I have met.

There is nothing wrong with buying the best phone on the market and enjoying it. But when the pursuit of the newest device becomes the highest priority seemingly every few months, it is time to re-evaluate some priorities.

I understand the appeal of an iPhone, but it does not take much technology to show how impatient we really are. So when the iPhone 6 inevitably renders today’s iPhone 5S useless, remember that “wait” is not a four-letter word.

OPINION

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Liberty Champion/A5

Pastors Rick and Kay speak out The Warren family made their first television appearance since the upsetting suicide of son Matthew Warren

“

Gabriella Fuller

As in Isaiah 61, the Warrens were given beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, and praise instead of despair.

gfuller2@liberty.edu

Two parents were thrown into a living nightmare as news of their son’s death headlined every major media outlet April 5, 2013.

Now, less than six months after the emotional and heartbreaking family tragedy, Rick and Kay Warren are speaking out about their journey, their grief and, ultimately, their God. The Warrens appeared on an exclusive interview with CNN’s Piers Morgan Tuesday, Sept. 16, to discuss the life and death of their son, Matthew Warren.

Matthew Warren was only 27 years old when he took his own life. The suicide ended what had been a life defined by battles with mental health.

“The day that I had feared might happen one day, since he had been born, and the day that I had prayed would never happen, happened,” Rick Warren told Morgan in his first interview since Matthew Warren’s death.

Since being interviewed in what Morgan has called “the most inspiring interview I’ve ever done,” the megachurch pastor and his wife have willingly returned to the national spotlight, placing themselves at the center of public attention.

— GABRIELLA FULLER

Few individuals could ever display the amount of bravery and resolve that the Warrens have recently shown. Rather than grieve in silence, the couple opted to expose their pain so that millions might learn the message of healing and hope.

When asked about their faith, the Warrens responded with steadfast confidence.

“I never questioned my faith in God,” Rick Warren said. “I know God is a good God. God isn’t to blame for my son’s death. My son took his own life. It was his choice.”

Kay Warren exhibited similar reassurance and contentment when confronted

by Morgan.

“Matthew’s body was broken,” Kay Warren said. “That gun broke his body, and he was buried in brokenness. But he’s going to be raised in glory.”

What a beautiful picture of God’s allsurpassing peace. Though the Warrens could have reacted with any number of emotions, their only answer was to point

Men’s soccer team triumphs in qualifier for seventh year

Tom Foote tfoote2@liberty.edu

David Van Dyk dvandyk@liberty.edu

Abigail Bock | Liberty Champion

WAR — Colombia faces terrorism.

Since then, the conflict has seen its peaks and valleys. Interestingly, the economy in this Latin American country has seen impressive progress. The Colombian peso has confirmed growth in the past decade, according to Matthew Bristo and Andre Soliani, reporters for Bloomberg Businessweek.

“The Colombian peso has rallied 47 percent in the past decade, the best performing major currency in Latin America,” Bristo and Soliani wrote. “Colombia’s IGBC stock index has gained 552 percent in local currency terms over the same period, compared to a 228 percent gain for Brazil’s benchmark Ibovespa index.”

Even as Colombia sees economic growth, there is an undeniable need for peace in this war-torn country. As I look at Colombia and even Latin America, I see a land that can achieve great things and jump hurdles that no one else can.

From boasting a dominant soccer team throughout the late 20th century to being the third-largest oil producer in Latin America to having a seat on the United Nations Security Council, Colombia has shown what it is capable of, even under the herculean task of making peace with FARC. As Cuba plays host to two battle-weary belligerents, my hope is to see peace restored to the nation. How this will be done remains up to them. For now, we wait to see what happens when two warriors become weary of waging war.

Does the World Cup matter to the majority of Americans?

Probably not, but perhaps it is time for Americans to get behind their ever-improving men’s national team.

While most Americans would claim to never watch or care about soccer, television ratings would seem to differ. According to Nielsen ratings, the 2010 World Cup final drew more than 24 million total viewers in the U.S. — a record for soccer. And the U.S.-Mexico World Cup qualifier Sept. 10, 2013 drew a 1.9 rating — again, the highest for a World Cup qualifier in U.S. history.

These are great signs for the increasing popularity of soccer in the United States.

But soccer is still not covered or viewed as one of the major sports. However, this may change after the 2014 World Cup depending on the success of the U.S. men’s national team.

The 2-0 victory for the U.S. over Mexico Sept. 10 clinched a seventh-straight World Cup appearance for the team — something not even powerhouses such as England, France or the Netherlands have accomplished.

Yes, the U.S. does not face the same level of competition in the CONCACAF region that many of the European or South American teams face, but qualifying for the World Cup is an impressive feat in any region.

While the U.S. is not able to challenge itself consistently in CONCACAF, manager Jurgen Klinsmann has scheduled very difficult friendlies, and the team has been able to hold its own versus top quality teams from Europe. A 4-3 victory over then second-ranked Germany in May sparked a record 12 match-winning streak, which also

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included a Gold Cup title and a win at previously 13th-ranked Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The players for the national team have also challenged themselves across some of the toughest leagues in Europe. Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey are just a few of the Americans who have made a tremendous impact at the top tier of European soccer in countries such as England, Italy and the Netherlands.

No longer is the U.S. a laughing stock in world soccer, but with world-class players, an experienced manager and increased fan support, the team rightfully has high expectations for the 2014 World Cup. So maybe it is time for Americans to get behind their national team and give the beautiful game the chance it deserves.

The recycling article on A6 incorrectly listed Morgan Muszall as Students for Stewardship recycling coordinator. Muszall works for Liberty Field Operations.

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Going to World Cup

Turmoil in Colombia For more than five decades, violence and bloodshed have broken the land of Colombia, forcing civilians to either run in fear or join the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Operating out of the South-Eastern regions of the jungles, this terrorist organization has wreaked havoc for years.

Now, according to the New York Times, FARC and their government have decided that enough blood has been spilt over this half-century long war. After the deaths of approximately 220,000 people, according to a report by the National Center of Historical Memory, both sides have seen enough.

Peace talks are now being held in Havana, Cuba, but several obstacles still stand in the way of agreement. After forging a modification to the constitution to allow for peace talks, the government of Colombia saw legal accusations against the law.

According to Helen Murphy, a writer for Reuters, the law was deemed constitutional by a Colombian high court.

“Gustavo Gallon, a lawyer with the Colombian Commission of Jurists, had filed the legal challenge to three phrases in the text of the law that he said would allow lawmakers to select which cases of genocide, crimes against humanity and other war crimes, could be investigated and punished, leading to impunity for many,” Murphy said.

Though I can see where there might be worries for legal injustice, a bigger problem exists — a problem that has become evident in the past 50 years and in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people who have been either killed or displaced.

The wars and violence must end.

Hostility between the two sides saw a large spike after the failed peace talks in 2002, after which Colombia requested a large sum of money from the United States to combat the FARC.

back to the goodness of God. It could not have been easy for the pair to describe in great detail the demons that their son battled. And it certainly could not have been easy to relive the excruciating moment of his death.

And yet, here stands a family, burdened beyond belief, glorifying Jesus Christ.

What an incredible testimony to a world so often misguided by hypocritical faith.

In his first sermon since his son’s passing, Rick Warren voiced his anguish and his insights.

“We intend to spend the rest of our lives comforting others with the same comfort we have been given from God,” Rick Warren told the audience of Saddleback church. “Your deepest life message will come out of your deepest pain.”

Though heart-wrenching beyond what words can describe, the pain of the Warren family was not in vain. Matthew Warren’s life was not an accident, nor was his death a surprise to God.

God glorifies himself in mysterious ways. Despite the death of their child, he is still faithful.

As in Isaiah 61, the Warrens were given beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, and praise instead of despair.

Their obedience in drawing near to God in a time of crisis and confusion is inspiring. Through them, the world was given a glimpse of the Father’s steadfast love for his hurting children.

Though they may never understand the answer to the question why, God’s plan is perfect, his faithfulness unconditional and his presence sufficient.

As C.S. Lewis wrote in his book “The Problem of Pain,” the pleasures of life are easy to ignore, but pain insists on being attended to.

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world,” Lewis wrote.

Thank you, Rick and Kay Warren, for rousing us in our deafness and for strengthening us in our understanding that in all circumstances, God is enough. Thank you for allowing His power to be perfected in your weakness and for unashamedly displaying his all-sufficient grace.

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NEWS

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Liberty Champion/A6

Colorado floods devastate Heavy rain causes destruction, killing six and impacting members of the Liberty family

Dylan Friberg dwfriberg@liberty.edu

Northern Colorado has been hammered by heavy rains and catastrophic flooding since Sept. 9, causing six deaths and leaving thousands of homes destroyed.

Although Colorado is half a country away from Liberty University’s campus, Liberty Online adjunct faculty Jessica Cromley and Trisha Anderson are both in the midst of the disaster.

According to Cromley, her family’s home is a mere eighth of a mile away from a river, so when the National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings about “biblical rainfall,” things got tense. Thursday, Sept. 12 marked the day when things started to become worrisome.

“Our family has owned this home for 30 years, and there was only one other time that the NWS indicated a surge over flood stage was anticipated,” Cromley said.“ We went to bed not knowing what to expect the next morning.”

The phone rang at 12:45 a.m. with a pre-evacuation alert, Cromley said.

“For the next six hours we tried to sleep and just waited for the next phone call.”

The Cromleys live near Fort Collins in Larimer County. According to Cromley, they were never forced to evacuate, but the water from the river came within 200 yards of their house.

“At one point, my mom put a stick in the ground to measure the rise for one hour.

When we went back to check, the water level had risen three inches,” Cromley said. “God spared us from any property damage, and we did not have to evacuate.

Compared to so many others, we are extremely fortunate and richly blessed.”

The church that the Cromleys attend, Timberline Church, was used as a Red Cross evacuation center to assist displaced people, according to Cromley. Many families were separated. People brought anything they could carry with them, including dogs, cats and even parrots, according to Cromley.

“It was heartbreaking to realize that the backpacks they carried might be all they had left,” Cromley said.

Yet in the wake of so much destruction and loss, Cromley said that the people of Colorado have banded together to become stronger than ever. Good will and compassion abound in the citizens of the affected areas.

“There is a sense of hope which can temper the loss and despair that so many are facing,” Cromley said.

Fellow adjunct faculty member Anderson relayed stories of how Colorado has united in the face of this disaster.

According to Anderson, when a University of Colorado Saturday football game Sept. 14 was cancelled due to

GLOBAL continued from A1 Also at Convocation on Monday was fellow guest speaker Naghmeh Abedini, wife to imprisoned Iranian-American pastor Saeed Abedini. Naghmeh Abedini shared her testimony and the trying times her family has faced since her husband’s eight-year sentence in Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran.

“The kids and I desperately want him back, but we are proud that he has chosen to stand up for his faith and to proclaim the gospel in a dark prison and bring hope to those people,” Naghmeh Abedini said.

Before leaving, Naghmeh Abedini urged students to boldly proclaim Christ to the world.

“I pray that the Lord would awaken your desire to ask for nations for your inheritance, and that you would be on fire for the living God,” Naghmeh Abedini said.

The Children of the World choir from WorldHelp performed at Convocation, followed by a presentation from president of Wycliffe Bible Translators Bob Creson, Wednesday, Sept. 18.

Creson spoke to students concerning his life

Lauryn McDowell | Creative Commons

FLOODING — A Colorado local boats through an area devastated by excessive rain. flooded roads, the football team took all the food meant for concessions that day and served it to evacuees. Anderson’s church is also a Red Cross evacuee center and has had a huge amount of support from the community.

“There have been about 600 people come through there to get a hot meal, spend a night, reconnect with family,” Anderson said. “The amount of volunteers and service being offered is amazing.”

Roads around Anderson’s home are re-opening, and she said she was not forced to evacuate.

Although many like Cromley and Anderson did not sustain any property damage, the early state emergency office gave estimates saying that 18,000 houses had been damaged and 1,500 had been destroyed in the affected areas.

The local Virginian organization Gleaning For The World (GFTW), based out of Concord, has organized a relief effort to send non-perishable foods, baby supplies, cleaning supplies and personal care items to affected areas in Colorado.

GFTW has already sent one shipment of 4,200 blankets to Colorado, and will continue to send more supplies as they become available, according to GFTW Communications Director Andrew Young.

Young said if people are looking for ways to help, they can donate money, products, or come volunteer at a warehouse or collection site.

For more information on how to help with the disaster relief, visit gftw.org.

4.5 billion gallons 9.8 inches of rain 4 days

Downpour Torrential rain fell for four straight days on Colorado’s eastern side, according to adjunct faculty member Jessica Cromley.

The worst of it was centered around Boulder, with a record of 17 inches of rain that fell Sept. 10 - 13. According to CNN, on Sept. 12, amidst the rainfall, Boulder saw 9.08 inches of rain come down, which is almost half of its 20-inch yearly rainfall average.

According to Denver Post writer William Porter, an estimated 4.5 billion gallons of water fell on 25 square miles of Boulder during these four days.

Boulder’s main river, Boulder Creek, was producing a flow rate of 4,500 cubic feet per second. During the flooding, Boulder Creek pushed 140 tons of water every second, which is approximately the weight of a standard railroad locomotive, according to Porter.

FRIBERG is a news reporter.

calling to make the gospel available to every tribe and tongue. He also encouraged students to become involved in the “Race to 2025,” a project dedicated to producing the Bible in every language by the year 2025.

Global Focus Week also presented students with the opportunity to meet representatives from several of Liberty’s partner organizations, as well as participate in events such as Experience France, hosted by Christar, and Experience Bible Translation, hosted by Wycliffe.

Nathan, whose full name was withheld for safety reasons, is a Global Teams coordinator at CGE and one of several personnel from CGE that helped bring Global Focus Week together.

“I thought Global Focus Week was fantastic,” Nathan said. “Having Dr. Piper here was a great way to kick it off, but overall, I think it set the tone for what our school is about in training champions for Christ and recognizing that Christ has a heart for the world.”

According to Nathan, many students were able to gain awareness of what God is doing around the world and how they can engage in that.

“By God’s grace bringing people into our paths, both myself and a lot of people here in the office had conversations with students about short term trips and how to get involved,” Nathan said.

“There were also conversations with students who have been involved in short term trips and want to know what the next steps are to be able to pursue working overseas long-term, which is really exciting.”

According to Nathan, who has spent significant time in France, the Experience France event was very authentic.

“It was cool to see students engage in a culture, French culture as well as North African culture, and gain perspective on what life is like for people of different cultures, as well as what it is like to be a worker in another cultural context,” Nathan said. “A lot of students were interested in what God is doing in that area of the world.”

Tucker Whitley, a junior and global studies major, was one of the many students who was able to speak with representatives from various organizations, most of whom have spent years of their lives overseas.

“Global Focus Week,

MEMORIAL continued from A1 “It’s so small a number because it takes such … effort to bring people back and to identify them,” Cronauer said.

“Now we’ve got DNA, but back in Korea, World War II and Vietnam we didn’t have DNA, so we have to rely on other things.”

April Cheek-Messier, president of the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, said that documenting the loss of soldiers, name-by-name, was important to honoring them.

“It is our obligation as American citizens to ensure that we continue to locate and bring home every last service member who has serviced this great country,” Cheek-Messier said. “Today, and everyday, we should be mindful of the sacrifices made by our veterans — by those who were held as prisoners of war, by those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and by those still unaccounted for.”

According to Felicia Lowrance, the education coordinator at the National D-Day Memorial, the key to assisting POW/ MIAs is the raising of awareness.

“When you think across our country we have the Korean War memorial, the Vietnam Wall Memorial for soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country, but we don’t think about those men who were captured or are missing,” Lowrance said. “As far as getting involved, it is getting involved in events like this that really help.”

Felicia added that National D-Day memorial events similar to “Never Forget” are open to students. For more information, visit DDay.org.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day is nationally observed and proclaimed by the United States president every year as a time of remembrance.

JANNEY is a news reporter.

Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion

MOTIVATION — John Piper speaks about reaching the world for eternal reward. especially during the fall when we are able to work closely with all of our partner organizations, is very impactful,” Whitley said.

“I love getting to know the representatives. They were able to mentor us, and seeing them throughout the back hallway of DeMoss was almost like walking through a hallway of family.”

Whitley enjoyed listening to the week’s speakers, and even took a picture with Piper.

“John Piper, of course, was awesome,” Whitley said. “It was a dream of mine to meet him. I was

able to thank him for being one of the greatest encouragements of our age and of our generation. He definitely challenged us, and I’m going to take that challenge personally and follow the great commission with all my heart.”

According to Whitley, Global Focus Week offered students a practical picture of mission-centered living.

“When representatives come here, students are able to see them face-toface, they are able to ask questions, and they are really able to put their hands around what the great commission actually is,”

Whitley said. “That is so valuable. It is something that we definitely should take advantage of, and I think it was so helpful so that we can, as students, get a glimpse of what great commission work is, especially global work.”

According to CGE, Liberty will host its spring 2014 Global Focus Week Feb. 9-14. To learn more about Global Focus Week or how to “Take Your Degree Global” visit liberty. edu/globalengagement or email cge@liberty.edu.

FULLER is the opinion editor.

NEWS

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Liberty Champion/A7

Cameron speaks to student body

The ‘Unstoppable’ star covered tough topics, asking how God has proven faithful amidst the evils of the world

Emily Webster ewebster@liberty.edu

Students filing into Liberty University’s Vines Center for Monday morning’s Convocation were met with an unexpected request as speaker Kirk Cameron took the stage.

The actor and producer asked students to be a part of the introduction video for his new film “Unstoppable,” premiering Tuesday, Sept. 24 in more than 700 theaters across the nation. After instructing students on what to say for the cameras, Cameron took the stage again.

“Liberty University is what?” Cameron enthusiastically asked the Liberty student body.

“Unstoppable!” they replied.

Cameron spent time in Convocation not only speaking about his new film, but also interviewing people who have found God’s love and compassion in the face of suffering, one of the main themes of Cameron’s film.

One of the men Cameron interviewed was Tim

Lee, a Vietnam War veteran and evangelist. Lee, who is a familiar face at Liberty, recounted the story of how he lost his legs during Vietnam and how he was able to trust God through this trial.

Charles Wood also appeared on stage, giving an account of God’s faithfulness through the death of Wood’s son, a navy seal who was killed as he tried to defend the U.S. embassy in Benghazi one year ago. Performances by three-time Grammy-nominee Mandisa and Warren Barfield, whose song “The Time is Now” is featured in the trailer of “Unstoppable,” took place during Convocation as well. “(The world) might try to harm you. They might try to stop you, but the gospel is unstoppable,” Barfield said before performing.

Using Convocation as a promotion for his new film, Cameron said he is hoping hundreds of thousands of people come out to the premiere Tuesday night.

“I’m hoping that people leave the theaters with their faith not weaker, but stron-

Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion

‘UNSTOPPABLE’ — Cameron interviewed Vietnam War veteran Tim Lee about God’s faithfulness. ger, and having an understanding that God is good in everything that he does.”

In the trailer to his film, Cameron encourages viewers to join him in discovering the an-

swer to why God lets evil happen in this world.

“I think (the film) will impact a lot of people, because it is such a big question to answer that people have,” freshman Brandice

Clemens said.

Students said they enjoyed the way it was presented, because it was different from any other Convocation due to student interaction and Cameron interviewing

special guests. Others said they are excited to be a part of the introduction to the premiere.

WEBSTER is a copy editor.

Magazine highlights trail system Trail Runner Magazine features Blue Ridge trails, as well as Liberty employees Brenton and Jamie Swyers Dylan Friberg dwfriberg@liberty.edu

Liberty Mountain and the greater Blue Ridge area have been popular trail running spots for years, but earlier in September, the trails were promoted by Trail Runner Magazine, which featured two Liberty University employees.

The magazine encourages offroad exercise as a way of living healthier and has ranked Lynchburg the second-best trail running community in the nation.

The magazine’s September issue specifically detailed Liberty’s trail system and highlighted Liberty staff Jamie and Brenton Swyers on the cover.

“The article was definitely great publicity for the Lynchburg area as a whole,” LaHaye Student Union Associate Director Jamie Swyers said. “I have read the magazine in the past, and it is a great resource for trail runners.”

The magazine detailed Lynchburg’s diverse array of trail running opportunities, including places such as Blackwater Creek, Peaks View Park and the Liberty Mountain Trails.

According to Associate Director of Student Activities Josh Yeoman, who is also a trail runner, people like Lynchburg for the sport because it has a diverse

Photo Provided

NATURE — Jamie Swyers and her husband, Brenton Swyers, run the trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains. number of quality trail races that span different distances.

“I hope the article brings attention to Lynchburg, Liberty, The Liberty Mountain Trail Series and the Liberty Mountain Trail System,” Yeoman said.

“I hope to see new faces at our (Student Activities) races this year. I believe people in the surrounding areas like Roanoke and Charlottesville might now be more willing to come to Lynch-

burg for a weekend to race or just enjoy the trails.”

The Liberty Trail System consists of more than 50 miles of trails made for walking, running, hiking and biking, according to Liberty’s website.

According to Yeoman, Dr. David Horton, an exercise science professor at Liberty, was the pioneer of the Liberty Trail System. Yeoman said that, until 2006, Horton, his running class

and Lynchburg’s community of ultra runners were the only ones making the trails.

“In 2006, Vice President of Auxiliary Services Lee Beaumont helped to make the trail system what it is today,” Yeoman said. “Lee helped develop the system into something that the entire community could use.”

Jamie Swyers said she loves trail running because of the community that surrounds it.

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She loves being around a crowd that enjoys spending hours outdoors.

“Trail running is just a stressfree environment,” Jamie Swyers said. “I love that the sport is less about pace, splits and exact mileage, and more about enjoying the hours training. During a long trail run, if there’s an overlook with a view, most of the time we stop and enjoy it. We don’t stop our watches or worry about the minutes wasted. We hike the tough climbs and eat real food during runs. It’s tough training and hard work, but without a high-pressure atmosphere. It’s just a special sport that’s easy to fall in love with.”

Although heavily used by regular trail runners, the Liberty Trail System is available for all of the Lynchburg community, Yeoman said.

“You don’t need to be a trail runner to enjoy the Liberty Trail System,” Yeoman said. “The trails are there for anyone to enjoy. People can come mountain bike, run, hike or just go for a leisurely stroll.”

FRIBERG is a news reporter.

AWAKEN TO THE CALL In David Platt’s new book Follow Me, readers learn whether they are truly saved according to biblical standards and discover what it really means to be a Christian.

This eye-opening book is a must read for everyone who calls themselves a Christian.

FollowMeBook.org

Available through bookstores and online retailers.

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NEWS

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Liberty Champion/A8

Get!Downtown revives business

Lynchburg celebrates business by inviting people to stroll up and down Main Street at the fifth-annual event Sophia Hahn shahn3@liberty.edu

Even though superstitions surround Friday the 13th, people ventured out onto Main Street to enjoy loud music and fair food at Lynchburg’s fifthannual Get!Downtown event.

Street vendors lined Main Street between 8th and 13th St. to promote their establishments and rejuvenate the streets of downtown.

Lynch’s Landing Event and Communication Coordinator Stephanie Keener helped organize Get!Downtown with the National Main Street Program to introduce students to activities in Lynchburg.

“One of our missions is to create events that attract people to downtown Lynchburg,” Keener said.

According to Gladiola Girls owner Renee Wood, events like Get!Downtown show Liberty University students the world that lies beyond Wards Road.

“They say that 8,000-10,000 people come out for the event,” Wood said. “It is fun to help them kind of discover Lynchburg, restaurants and activities.”

Attendance increases every year, making it a “back to school tradition,” Keener said.

“The main purpose is to celebrate downtown and back to school,” Keener said. “Education is a big part of Lynchburg, six colleges and all the wonderful secondary and primary schools too. It’s a special part of our community, and downtown is a nice place for everyone to come together and celebrate that.”

Lynchburg Salsa supervisor Elizabeth Pfister said she is proud of Lynchburg, the chance she has to support the city and for Salsa to be known as one of its hidden treasures.

“Get!Downtown is one of my favorite events of the year,” Pfister said. “I love my little town, and there is stuff to do if you look for it, and (salsa) is one of the great things.”

According to Pfister, she has helped run Salsa for nearly five years and has seen a large increase in attendance, partly due to annually participating in Get!Downtown.

“Last year, I think we handed out over a thousand flyers,”

Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion

COMMUNITY — People take the streets at this annual event.

Pfister said. “It has grown a ton.

Some nights, it is so big that we even have to cap it.”

Pfister said they have tried to work with Liberty to make it safe for their students by setting a dress code and making it an alcohol and smoke-free environment.

“Myself and other directors that are there are constantly monitoring so that nobody can

mkdinges@liberty.edu

With the 2013 election for Virginia state governor quickly approaching, Liberty University students and faculty are filling out registration forms and preparing to vote in early November.

The 2013 ballot will have three main candidates running for Virginia governor: Democrat Terry McAuliffe, businessman of Fairfax County and chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Republican Ken Cuccinelli, attorney general of Virginia, and Libertarian Robert Sarvis, a lawyer and small businessman.

“The nation’s attention will be focused on the Virginia gubernatorial election in 2013 because it is the only hotly contested race of the season,” Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. said Monday. “Millions of dollars of out of state money is being poured into the campaign. It is a golden opportunity for Liberty students to make their votes count. I encourage every Liberty student to register to vote in the next few weeks. And it is not only the governor’s race that is at stake. The number of students who register and vote locally greatly impacts how City Council votes on many issues that directly impact Liberty and its students.”

Campaigns and voting advertisements can be seen throughout Lynchburg and near Liberty’s campus with several unofficial clubs as well. Ian McConell is a senior in the Helms School of Government and the vice chairman of the College Republicans of Liberty.

McConell started to develop an interest for politics in high school and was also involved with the College Republicans of Liberty during the Romney campaign.

“It’s something that I love ... it is very important

to get your voice heard not only for the nation, but also for your Christian values as well,” McConell said when asked how and why he got involved with politics.

The College Republicans of Liberty is an unofficial club on campus that promotes republican candidates and works with the community to get the voice of the students heard. College Republicans of Liberty is a branch off of the College Republican National Committee, which helps students and adults to gain experience and become future leaders in the nation.

Youth for Cuccinelli was recently developed as another unofficial club on campus to support the Republican candidate for this upcoming election.

During the presidential election in 2012, Falwell said the objective is not to put Republicans over Democrats, but instead to have students participate.

Liberty as an institution is not concerned about the party affiliation, although many support the Republican party personally.

“Students need to vote to have their voice heard ... to be able to say, ‘At least I’ve tried,’” McConnell said when asked why he thinks students need to vote. “One vote may not make a difference, but 500 people will.”

Student voting has been important since the university’s founding in 1971.

Until 2012, students who were interested in voting had to travel to Heritage High School to cast their ballot. In recent years, Liberty asked the city of Lynchburg to allow voting on campus to make it easier for students to get to the polls. Students now have the privilege of being able to vote on campus in the Vines Center across from DeMoss Hall. Student voting and involvement in politics in Lynchburg and in the state makes a difference as the city council decides whether to ap-

HAHN is the news editor.

Politics in Forest

Registration begins Mary Beth Dinges

possibly get in trouble for anything,” Pfister said.

Get!Downtown sent buses to all of the Lynchburg colleges to pick up students and bring them to the event. According to Keener, this gives students the chance to meet people from other colleges and see what downtown has to offer.

“Almost everyone that I have rung up tonight has been a new

customer, so that’s great to do,” Wood said. “And that is what we want. We want people to know that we are here, that we are open seven days a week.”

Gladiola Girls is a ministry, according to Wood. She believes that style is a choice and women do not need be indecent to be beautiful.

“I think that looking feminine isn’t about how much skin you are showing,” Wood said. “Everybody has a style, and I try to create something that I hope everyone can find.”

Other businesses chose to schedule their grand openings for the same night as Get!Downtown, such as the White Hart re-opening.

According to the new owner, Abe Loper, the White Hart plans to have the same vibe as it had before. He also said many college students frequent this Lynchburg coffee shop and are happy it has re-opened.

To find out more about businesses and activities in Lynchburg, visit lynchslanding.com or downtownlynchburg.com.

The Chamber hosts the ‘political event of the year’ Emily Webster

prove the construction of many infrastructures on and off campus.

Residential students can vote in the Vines Center Nov. 5 from 6 a.m.-7 p.m.

According to the Virginia State Board of Elections, Virginia law requires all voters to provide an acceptable form of identification at the polls.

Anything from a Virginia voter registration card, valid Virginia driver’s license, military I.D., concealed handgun permit to a valid student I.D. issued by any institution of higher education is suitable for identification.

Voting registration ends Oct. 15, and polls open Tuesday, Nov. 5 to vote for the new governor of Virginia.

For more information on identification and voting, visit the State Board of elections at sbe.virginia.gov/votinginperson DINGES is a news reporter.

Voter registration Sept. 4 - Oct. 10

Liberty’s voter registration campaign begins with registration tables set up in DeMoss Hall and the Tilley Student Center.

Oct. 1-14

Online voter registration tables with laptops and wireless printers will be accessible in DeMoss Hall.*

Oct. 1 & 8

Voter education and registration will occur in residential hall meetings. *Voter Registration will continue to be available at all Flames football commuter tailgates.

ewebster@liberty.edu

Virginia senators, delegates and regional candidates flooded Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest as the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) hosted a biennial social event Thursday, Sept. 19.

The event, designed by LRCC to allow politicians currently in office and those running for office a chance to mingle and meet with the Lynchburg business community, included food from The Babcock House Bed & Breakfast and live music performed by the Olde Stuff Band.

According to Edie Swann, director of advocacy and special programing for LRCC, this event is a long-standing tradition in the Lynchburg region.

“It’s just a wonderful outdoor event,” Swann said. “It’s a casual environment for the candidates and legislators … to speak to the crowd.”

According to Swann, the event used to take place once a year, but when the economy took a turn for the worse, so did attendance. However, Swann said this year’s turnout proved a good one, with more than 100 people in attendance.

“It’s a chance for (politicians) to talk one-on-one with the folks in their district and talk with their constituents in a casual atmosphere,” Swann said. “And I think it’s growing again. This event (is) up 20 percent from last year. And I think people like being able to just chat with their elected officials and with candidates in a kind of a relaxed environment.”

Stephen Newman, Virginia state senator from the 23rd district, attended the event and described it as a good place to connect with people who are making LRCC work, as well as to discuss politics.

“The Chamber of Commerce … really gets it,” Newman said. “They are focused on jobs and economic development, and that’s critical. In so many areas we’ve seen the chambers and other groups kind of wander off into a little bit of everything and become the advocate of nothing.

This group is focused on what is really important, and that’s a testament to the chamber staff and to Rex Hammond (president and CEO of LRCC) in particular.”

Also in attendance was Kathy Byron, Virginia House of Delegates for the 22nd district, who said the event is the highlight of the election season, and it is a great opportunity to share her record and message with voters during election time.

“I want to show my support to the business community and show my pro-business record from the last 13 years, fighting for pro-business policies in Central Virginia that have created jobs and provided economic opportunity to the area,” Byron said.

During the event, those in attendance heard from state senators, delegates and candidates as short speeches were made.

Tom Garrett, Virginia state senator for

the 22nd district, said in his speech that one of the concerns of LRCC, the state of Virginia and the nation is what is being done to create economic opportunity jobs and growth.

“A lot of the men and women who are here tonight are leaders of private businesses, leaders of local government and policymakers who will set the environment in which jobs will be created or not, in which people will gain employment or not,” Tom Garrett said in an interview.

“And those are important people to talk to when the issues come back around to the economy.”

Concern for employment was a theme throughout the speeches, as Scott Garrett, of the Virginia House of Delegates for the 23rd district, also commented on this topic.

“We are absolutely focused on getting meaningful employment to all Virginians,” Scott Garrett said in his speech.

“Four years ago, when I was first elected to the general assembly, the unemployment rate in the commonwealth of Virginia was 7.4 percent. My friends, today it is 5.7 percent, and that ain’t enough.”

Another theme senators and delegates had in common was the impact that Liberty University has on the politics of Virginia.

“One could argue that they’re the most influential political school in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Newman said.

“I don’t think any other school can attribute a direct election of a state delegate like Liberty University can. (When) Scott Garrett was elected, he was elected, in no small part, on the turnout from Liberty. But also it’s the conservative anchor for all of Central Virginia … to a lot of people state-wide and nationally, it is an anchor for the conservative movement.”

Tom Garrett said he genuinely admires what Liberty has done to engage the student body more than any other institution.

“Liberty students with whom I come in contact are informed and engaged, and they can give reasoning for why they feel how they feel on various issues,” Tom Garrett said. “(T)he existential challenges that we face as a community, as a commonwealth and as a nation, those are the ones that are going to determine what kind of world we hand to the next generation. And if you don’t know what’s going on, you will not contribute to the solution of those problems. And so I think LU has developed a culture of students who are engaged and informed.”

With the upcoming elections, the consensus from delegates and candidates such as Byron and Scott Garrett was this event was a great opportunity to meet the business people of Virginia and educate them on what is being done on their behalf, and what can be done for them in the future.

WEBSTER is a copy editor.

SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

M. D1 Hockey Liberty

West Va.

6

3

Volleyball

UMBC 3

Liberty 1

Cross Country Men 1st, Women 2nd at VMI Invitational

B1

M. Soccer

Liberty American 0

1

Field Hockey La Salle 2

Liberty 1

Barrs raised

Sisters unite passion for field hockey, missions Alex Tichenor atichenor@liberty.edu

Ruth Bibby| Liberty Champion

Downpour of emotions MESSY CONDITIONS — Kendall Couamin returns a squib kick in the third quarter as the rain intensifies at Robins Stadium.

Two blocked field goals and two turnovers hurt Flames in soggy 30-21 loss to Richmond Derrick Battle dbattle2@liberty.edu

Playing against a coach who brought current Liberty football juniors and seniors into the program makes for an emotional setting.

No matter the end result, a bittersweet taste is all that remains. For former Liberty Flames (2-2, 0-0 Big South) and current No. 20 Richmond Spiders (2-2, 0-0 Atlantic 10) Head Coach Danny Rocco, it was just that, as the Spiders defeated the Flames Saturday, 30-21.

“I’m relieved this game is over,” Rocco said. “I’ve been waiting for this game to be over since February … I watched film on (Liberty) in the summer just to see what they look like, and they are a great team. I knew that after last week, this week turned into a must-win game. It was tough. I was there for six years and built many relationships.”

Among the 8,076 in attendance, Flames fans made the trip to Richmond to support their team, sometimes chanting and yelling louder than the Richmond fan base.

A steady rain that glistened over Robins

Stadium became a downpour by the third quarter, which caused second half blunders. A Liberty fumble, interception and two blocked field goals in the third and fourth quarters made the difference.

“We had two turnovers, and they didn’t,” Liberty Head Coach Turner Gill said. “We have to capitalize on our opportunities. We have to learn from our mistakes.”

Although known for the passing game, Richmond came out running, catching the Flames defense off guard and gashing them for huge chunks on the ground. With 9:51 left in the first quarter, Spiders running back Jacobi Green broke open a 51-yard run. This set up a field goal, and the Spiders took a 3-0 lead.

The Flames answered on the next possession. Quarterback Josh Woodrum went 4-4 for 59 yards on the drive, hitting wide receiver Gabe Henderson three times. The Flames capped off the drive with tight end Brandon Apon catching a 20-yard touchdown strike from Woodrum. Liberty took their only lead of the game, 7-3.

Before the end of the first quarter, Richmond quarterback Michael Strauss and his offense began to show their balance, keeping Liberty’s defense on its toes. The Spiders ended their five-play, 65-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown from running back T.J. Moon.

“I thought we would do a good job holding off their run game,” Gill said. “But we had to make adjustments in the second half to eliminate the success on the ground.”

After a Strauss touchdown pass gave the Spiders a 17-7 lead late in the second quarter, wide receiver Dante Shells caught a 32yard pass from Woodrum to set the Flames up in the red zone. Four plays later, at the 9-yard line, the Spiders could not contain Woodrum, who scrambled left and dove for the pylon, putting the Flames within three points.

However, after Woodrum’s touchdown, the Spiders balanced attack and 13-yard touchdown run by Moon gave the Spiders a 23-14

See EMOTIONS, B3

Thousands of miles and an ocean separate Lurgan, Northern Ireland, and Lynchburg, Va., but three sisters made the journey and currently play field hockey at Liberty University.

Older sister Natalie, along with twins Bethany and Serena, are the three Barr sisters of the Liberty field hockey team. Natalie Barr is a sophomore co-captain who leads the team in points through its first seven games, while Bethany and Serena Barr are the only freshmen to start each of the team’s first seven games.

Last season as a freshman, Natalie Barr led the Lady Flames with 40 points and 16 goals. Her contribution helped Liberty make its first appearance in the NorPac Championship game against Stanford in the team’s second year playing in the NCAA. Not only do the Barr sisters make large contributions on the field, they have also made sizeable contributions off the field.

The Barr family has been involved in mission work in Uganda since 2008, when they initially went to do AIDS prevention with their father, who is a doctor. Charlene Barr — one of seven Barr sisters — was particularly touched by the Ugandan people and felt a strong need to give back to the youth of the nation, according to Natalie Barr.

“In Uganda, we were all impacted, but Charlene (Barr) especially, because she knew

See PASSION, B2

Docksteader brothers net hat tricks

Tory Abrahmansen tabrahamsen@liberty.edu Jacob Tellers jtellers @liberty.edu

The Liberty Flames men’s Division II hockey dominated Elon and Millersville this past weekend behind the strength of hat tricks from Brad and Devon Docksteader.

LU squashes Elon, 10-1 The Flames played controlled, physical hockey as they steamrolled Elon, 10-1, in front of a packed house Friday, Sept. 20.

It did not take long for the Flames to get their scoring going. Within the first few minutes, Devon Docksteader snuck a shot past the Elon goalie and gave Liberty a lead they never lost. The goal had more significance for Docksteader, as it counted as one of his three total goals on the night — the first hat trick of his college career.

WE’LL SEE YOU AT THE GAME

Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion

LETHAL DUO — The Docksteader tandem tallied seven goals during the weekend.

Devon Docksteader and his brother, Brad Docksteader, proved to be a dangerous duo against Elon. In addition to Devon Docksteader’s hat trick, older brother

M. Soccer vs.

VMI Sept. 24 @ 6 p.m.

W. Soccer vs.

Charleston Southern Sept. 25 @ 3 p.m.

Brad Docksteader scored a goal of his own. They combined for four of Liberty’s 10 goals.

“I guess it makes (me) want to play

Field Hockey vs.

St. Louis Sept. 27 @ 3:30 p.m.

harder and be a step ahead of (my brother),” Devon Docksteader said.

The Docksteaders were not the only players to shine Friday night, however. Junior goalie Cary Byron shut out the Elon Phoenix until he was given a rest midway through the second period.

“When I’m in the net, I’m just focusing on the next shot,” Byron said. “When you start thinking about the score, that’s when you’re going to psyche yourself out, but (our defense) made it easy for me.”

The Flames defense allowed only one goal from Elon.

The offense also looked sharp at times, particularly with their puck control. Short, quick passes allowed the Flames to move the puck effectively around the net. Senior Bobby Cervone scored a particularly difficult goal in the first period, smacking a loose puck into the net only

M. D1 Hockey vs.

Towson Sept. 27 @ 7 p.m.

See TRICKS, B4

Football vs.

Ky. Wesleyan Sept. 28 @

7 p.m.

SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Liberty Champion/B2

Raising their voices for the fans The Flames cheerleading squad competes nationally and rallies the crowd at Liberty sporting events Courtney Tyree cntyree@liberty.edu

No one will ever win the debate of whether or not cheerleading is a sport, but one thing is for sure, the Liberty University cheerleading squad works incredibly hard to do what they do.

“I don’t think cheerleading is a sport per se, but I think my cheerleaders are athletes,” Head Coach Jennifer Sydnor said. “I know my athletes work really hard and do things that a lot of people cannot do.”

According to Sydnor, the Liberty cheerleading squad practices four days a week and works on strength and conditioning two to three times a week.

The squad is made up of approximately 46 members, which is split into two different squads, the red squad and the white squad.

Sydnor explained that the red squad is mostly made up of upperclassmen, and it competes at the Universal Cheerleading Competition in January each year.

The Flames have placed every year they have competed in the competition, capturing fifth the first year, ninth the second year and sixth this past year.

“We, of course, want to hit a perfect routine and get first place,” junior member Morgan Hoeritz said. “But it is also important to know that everything we do is for the glory of God, and we are there to represent him.”

Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion

COMMITMENT — Liberty cheerleaders display their team spirit during the football team’s loss at Kent State, Aug. 29.

Hoeritz and senior Rachael Calloway agreed that placing at nationals is a main goal of theirs, but that there are more important things than just a title.

“Everything we do is for God’s glory, so being a light to other schools means more to us than a title,” Calloway said. “However, we are going to work just as hard as anyone else to place in the top five.”

Liberty’s white squad is made up of mostly underclassmen. Ac-

cording to Sydnor, this squad competes at Christian Cheerleading of America nationals in March.

Liberty University’s cheerleaders not only compete in competitions throughout the year, but they are also responsible for cheering at football games, volleyball games and both men’s and women’s basketball games.

“I put a lot of hard work and effort into being a Liberty cheerleader,” Calloway said. “Being

an athlete means to train when no one is watching. Putting in extra time will ultimately show in the end.”

While cheerleading often goes unnoticed, Liberty team members show dedication and effort in practice, games and competitions.

“I have been cheering for almost 12 years, and it has always been a huge part of my life,” Hoeritz said. “I love competing at nationals and being able to be

PASSION continued from B1

Photo Provided

MAKING A DIFFERENCE — Three sisters from Northern Ireland ended up at Liberty after a series of miraculous events.

if she lived in a place like Uganda, she wouldn’t have survived to the age she (did),” Natalie Barr said.

Afflicted with cystic fibrosis, Charlene Barr started a charity called “Charlene’s Project” to educate Uganda’s children.

But her health took a turn for the worse just a few months after the family’s visit. Charlene Barr lost her battle with cystic fibrosis in 2010, but her charity has received hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations. The family has already built two schools in Uganda with the funds, according to Natalie Barr.

While the Barr sisters were making an impact in Uganda, Lady Flames Head Coach Jodi Murphy was at work using sports as her drive.

Murphy is the founder and president of Pathfinder Hockey, an organization whose mission is “to use field hockey as a means to help young people around the world and within the U.S. find the path that leads to good health, positive change and hope,” Murphy said.

“

a light in a totally secular environment. I honestly would not know what to do with my life if I did not cheer.”

Sydnor expressed her gratitude for being able to be a part of Liberty’s squad.

“As a coach, the Lord brought me here (and) … I know that my heart is to give back to the athletes,” Sydnor said.

TYREE is a sports reporter.

NATALIE (BARR) AND I SHARED A FAR GREATER COMMON THREAD THAN JUST (FIELD) HOCKEY

Oddly enough, the foreign country in which Pathfinder does a majority of its ministry is Uganda.

Murphy was originally targeting a different player from Northern Ireland after a tip from a coaching colleague, but when that player found out about Murphy’s mission trips to Uganda, she immediately redirected Murphy to Natalie Barr, who had just begun her first year of college in Northern Ireland.

“Natalie (Barr) and I shared a far greater common thread than just (field) hockey,” Murphy said. “So that was a big piece of why she came over — so we could partner in ministry.”

Once Natalie Barr became a Lady Flame, the door was opened for her sisters Bethany and Serena Barr to make the journey across the Atlantic to play on the team as well.

“We came out to visit Natalie (Barr) and had a look around the university, and we (Serena and Bethany) looked into the thought

— JODI MURPHY of coming (to Liberty),” Bethany Barr said. “Then we came out on our official visit and we loved it. And we’ve always ... enjoyed playing together. So it was an opportunity to get to play together again.”

The sisters are part of a young core of talent for the Lady Flames. Natalie Barr is the program’s all-time leading scorer, totaling 20 goals and 12 assists through 27 career games.

“I think (the sisters’ chemistry helps on the field),” teammate Hannah Doherty said. “They know where each other (is) gonna go on the field. And off the field, we are able to joke around because they love each other so much.

They’re all best friends.”

Best friends, teammates and ministry partners, among other things, the Barr sisters are bonded by much more than just a last name.

TICHENOR is a sports reporter.

SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Liberty Champion/B3

From game manager to playmaker Redshirt sophomore quarterback Josh Woodrum has transformed his game to become a leader this season Courtney Tyree cntyree@liberty.edu

While sitting in his living room at home, Josh Woodrum’s dad asked him if he was ready for his first varsity start. Little did Woodrum know, the start would be just the beginning of a successful football career that still is in the making. “When I got to middle school, I saw all these people in high school, and I (thought) ‘Man, I really want to go play college football,’� Woodrum said.

Woodrum graduated from Cave Spring High School in Roanoke, Va., in the spring of 2011. Although he had offers from several schools such as Duke, Wake Forest, University of Connecticut and Vanderbilt University, none seemed to stick out like Liberty did. “I just kind of fell in love with it,� Woodrum said. “It felt like home

more than anything. Then I committed here, and it’s been going good ever since.�

After sharing time with quarterback Brian Hudson for the two games of the season, the 210-pound quarterback won the battle for the position and started his first collegiate game at Montana Sept. 15, 2012.

Woodrum threw for 322 yards with two touchdowns on 34-44 passing. “(I) couldn’t have asked for a better place to have a start and kind of go up from there,� Woodrum said. “And Gardner-Webb obviously was the best game I have ever had as a player in college.�

Woodrum recorded 373 passing yards (25-31) and threw for three touchdowns against GardnerWebb Oct. 6, 2012.

As a redshirt freshman in 2012, Woodrum set a program record for freshmen with 1,963 total yards and also led the Big South

EMOTIONS continued from B1 lead heading into halftime.

Richmond wide receiver Ben Edwards worked to get open and was active in the first half, catching six balls for 85 yards. “First of all, I would not say (Liberty cornerbacks Walt Aikens and Kevin Fogg) are good, they are great,� Edwards said. “We really had our hands full preparing for them.�

The Spiders ability to move the ball at will ended at halftime.

The Flames defense only allowed 21 Richmond yards in the third quarter. “At halftime, we made the nec-

Conference in pass completion percentage.

Woodrum explained that last year his main purpose was to be a game manager more than anything. This year, he has bigger goals — he wants to be more of a playmaker. “Last year, (Head) Coach (Turner) Gill put me in a position where I could execute short throws, get us first downs and just manage the game,�

Wo o d r u m said. “But this year, I want to get the deep throws and the

intermediate throws. My goals are just to be one of the offensive playmakers — not so much just someone who is just consistent ‌ but more of a

threat through the air at every game.�

When asked about the 2013 season, Woodrum said that Old Dominion University will be a tough matchup.

He also explained the importance of a win against Coastal Carolina University as a Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion

POISE — Woodrum is a capable scrambler and passer.

essary adjustments that we needed to make,� Flames linebacker Nick Sigmon said. “We made more plays on the defensive side of the ball.�

In the first half, Richmond gained 332 yards on offense, with 116 of those yards coming from Green. “We had a bitter taste in our mouth that we didn’t produce enough rushing yards in the last two games,�

Green said.

On the Flames first possession of the second half, cornerback Kevin Fogg’s 36-yard kick return gave Liberty good field position.

Two plays later, running back Desmond Rice slashed through

Richmond’s defense down the right sideline for a 46-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to two.

While Liberty’s defense began to adjust to Richmond’s scheme midway through the third quarter, heavy rain drenched the field. A Rice fumble gave the Spiders great field position deep in Flames territory. “I was coming through the hole,� Rice said. “I don’t even think I got hit. I didn’t hold the ball with two hands, and it banged off one of our players.�

Coming out in the wildcat formation, Edwards took a direct snap and rushed into the end zone, giving the Spiders a

precursor to a Big South Championship.

Woodrum went on to express how important it is for students and fans to support the Flames. “In my mind, having the students here is tremendous,� Woodrum said. “It gives us encouragement and makes us want to come out here and have a good game and please the crowd. Overall, we couldn’t ask for a better home-field advantage.�

Gill commended Woodrum on his leadership skills on and off the field. “If your quarterback has the leadership skills, he is going to raise the bar for everyone around him,�

Gill said. “He is a tremendous asset.�

With time for growth and improvement, Woodrum is looking forward to building a rĂŠsumĂŠ that NFL scouts will ponder over the next three years. “Hopefully I have a good season this year and

30-21 lead. Richmond cornerback Wayne Pettus came up with three key plays that helped solidify a Spiders victory. Along with his four total tackles, he had two blocked field goals and an interception late in the fourth quarter that proved beneficial. “(The two blocked field goals were) very big, (because) we only won by nine,� Pettus said. “If they would have made the first field goal, they would have been down by six and (on) the second one, they would had been down by three.�

Rice ended the game with 12 carries, a career-high 106 yards and a touchdown. Rice ran for more than 100 yards in a game

FYI

In 15 career games, Woodrum has a 66.3 completion percentage build from there as far as my junior and senior campaigns go,� Woodrum said. “Obviously the NFL is in my dreams and aspirations, so hopefully that will work out.�

From sitting in the living room to playing in his first collegiate game and hopefully one day playing in the NFL, Woodrum is making his dreams come true everyday. “We thank God for (Woodrum) being here at Liberty University,� Gill said.

TYREE is a sports reporter.

for the first time as a Flame. “(Rice) is a really good kid,�

Rocco said. “I’m proud of him.

My son and him are real close friends, and it was good seeing how hard he ran tonight.�

Woodrum went 23-42 for 241 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Safety Jacob Hagen had 11 total tackles, cornerback Walt Aikens had 10 total tackles.

The Flames will play the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers at Williams Stadium Saturday, Sept.

28, at 7 p.m.

BATTLE is the sports editor.

Re-­elect

RON GILLISPIE Lynchburg Sheriff

Defender of the Second Amendment Serving the Lynchburg Community for 43 years 27 Years Lynchburg Police Department 4 Years Liberty University Police Department 12 Years Lynchburg Sheriff 100% of 45 Deputies and Staff of the

re-­election

NOVEMBER 5, 2013

Call

or

visit us online

434-258-3122 •

www.MoveToThevue.coM

SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Liberty Champion/B4

Tom Foote

Breann Black | Liberty Champion

tfoote2@liberty.edu

Oklahoma State’s trail of corruption Jonathan Husker jhusker@liberty.edu

Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion

SMOOTH TRANSITION — Freshman defenseman Ryan Sidun handles the puck against Elon.

TRICKS continued from B1 seconds before crashing into the goal.

Jordan Barstead, Jeff Boschman, Ben Freymond, Daniel Huntington and Josh King also scored goals to bring the Liberty total to 10.

Head Coach Chris Lowes seemed pleased with his team’s performance, although he realized they still have improvements to make.

“We still made more mistakes than I would like to see three games in,” Lowes said.

“We took a few penalties, which allowed us to work on our penalty kill, but we would like not to make that a habit.”

Lowes said his team’s mindset stayed the same from start to finish.

“The mentality shouldn’t change, and that’s what we were preaching — that we still want the same intensity of a tie game,” Lowes said. “By no means were we asking our guys to slow up and stop putting them in the net.”

There was also one more important piece of the game — the fans. The LaHaye Ice Center was packed with dedicated fans Friday, including many who stayed to the very end.

Flames beat Millersville, 8-4 Liberty’s Division II men’s hockey team scored eight goals

Saturday on its way to beating the Millersville University Marauders, 8-4.

Brad Docksteader led the Flames with a hat trick, scoring one goal in each period.

Five other Flames added goals of there own as well. Liberty finished the first period up 3-1 over Millersville.

In the second period, Brad Docksteader scored less than 20 seconds in after circling around Millersville’s goal and slipping the puck past the goalie.

Later in the period, Boschman scored when he exited the penalty box at the exact moment the Flames defense cleared the puck, giving him the opportunity to capitalize on a one-on-one.

Goals by forward Freymond and Docksteader late in the third period put Liberty up 8-2 with a little over 2:30 left in the game. However, Millersville took advantage of power plays to score two goals in the final two minutes of the game, bringing the score to 8-4.

In the third period, Millersville took advantage of two Flames penalties. Defenseman Lucas Ebel received a five minute penalty for boarding with 2:24 remaining in the third period. Thirty seconds later, his teammate Johnny Cotton received a two-minute penalty for tripping. Millersville took advantage as Chris Collins and Zack Zulliano each scored to

finish out the game.

While Liberty held control for most of the game, Lowes was not pleased with the decision making of his players.

“A couple of them, I didn’t like,” Lowes said. “Our guys know better. A couple of them were guys just battling, (and) ... other ones were part of the game, and they come with the territory. But you can’t give up five-on-threes against good teams. They exposed us.”

Lowes also talked about his overall impression of the game.

“It was a bigger test than we’ve had all year so far, and I thought we played pretty solid,” Lowes said. “We probably played 40 good minutes of 60 and tonight it was enough …

We took a few penalties, and they capitalized, but on fiveon-five I thought we played solid.”

Lowes said home games Sept. 27 against Christopher Newport University and Sept.

28 versus Bowling Green State University will be good tests for his team, and that playing complete games and avoiding plays just for show will be two keys for the upcoming weekend.

ABRAHAMSEN and TELLERS are sports reporters.

Charles Caleb Colton, an 18th century English cleric, once said, “Corruption is like a ball of snow, once it’s set a rolling, it must increase.” In the case of the Oklahoma State (OSU) football program, this quote certainly rang true.

In 2000, Les Miles accepted the job of head coach of the OSU football team. The program became a well-oiled machine, upgraing in nearly every way possible.

As a result, OSU improved to an 8-5 record in Miles’ second season as head coach. Just two years ago, the team finished 12-1, capturing the Big 12 conference title. Yet, no secrets remain hidden forever, and in recent weeks, the dishonesty within the OSU football program has come to light.

An eye-opening Sports Illustrated (SI) story first revealed the corrupt happenings. In the article, multiple reports of various NCAA violations — including taking money from boosters, academic cheating, drugs and sex — surfaced from the mouths of players themselves.

Money was distributed impermissibly. Many of the best players said they received cash-filled envelopes directly from boosters. Players also said they earned money through sham jobs.

Academic fraud was a problem too. Current Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver Dez Bryant reportedly had much of his homework done by tutors, even during his academic All-American year, simply because he was too lazy to do the homework himself. Several other players never attended certain classes they were enrolled in, yet were still given As as final grades.

According to the SI article, drug use was a widespread issue as well.

In the past eight years, 31 players reportedly used marijuana while they were on the OSU team. Several players even got high before games. Three players also confessed to selling marijuana.

In order to entice new re-

cruits, some members of a volunteer recruiting program entitled “Orange Pride” had intercourse with the potential players according to the SI article. The idea was to make the prospective athletes believe that these would be regular occurrences if they chose to come to OSU. These events are simply wrong.

Players, coaches, teachers and everyone else involved should have had better judgment in knowing that they were part of something that not only violated NCAA regulations, but was also morally and ethically wrong.

What took place at OSU did not benefit the players, or anyone else involved, in any way.

Recently, both the Ohio State football program and the University of Miami football program had similar scandals brought to light. Ohio State and Miami both faced significant penalties. Miami had several players suspended during their 2011 season, while Ohio State received a one-year bowl ban, as well as other penalties. Considering the severity of OSU’s actions, their punishment will likely be significantly worse.

Corruption is indeed like a ball of snow. Yes, Miles began with the intent of creating a winning football team. While he did build a team that had multiple winning seasons and a conference title, the desire to win became more important than doing what was right.

As these events have come to light, OSU’s accomplishments have lost merit. The achievements gained through dishonesty and corruption cannot be regarded as highly as those which are earned honestly and legitimately, as is the case in every facet of life. No lies, dishonesty doings, or corruption will remain hidden forever. Miles and the OSU football may learn that the hard way.

HUSKER is a sports reporter.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

FEATURE

Liberty Champion/B5 Breann Black | Liberty Champion

Gabriella Fuller gfuller2@liberty.edu

The friendly atmosphere of Father’s Table stood in stark contrast to the gloomy Lynchburg weather as I walked into the cafe on a rainy Saturday morning.

Inside, head chef and owner Ken Reed greeted me and kindly invited me to help myself to the breakfast buffet and a cup of fresh coffee as he sat down to share his story and the history of his bakery.

Located on 18396 Forest Road, Father’s Table is a locally owned and family-operated cafe and catering business. According to Ken Reed, owning the bakery fulfills a lifelong goal.

Ken Reed attended culinary school in New York, and has more than 40 years of job experience.

“I love what I do,” Ken Reed said. “It’s a happy, warm place. Good food, good conversation, good Christian music playing in the background.”

Though not everyone who walks into Father’s Table is Christian, Ken Reed has made the bakery his mission field, showing the love of Christ to all who venture inside.

“We want to present the gospel in a nonconfrontational way,” Ken Reed said.

Customers will find scriptures interspersed throughout the bakery, and the name was even inspired by a devotional radio program.

This is the third year that Father’s Table has been open for business. However, according to Ken Reed, success has not been without difficulties.

Emily Brown erbrown@liberty.edu

Although the shop seems simple at first sight, there is much more behind the desserts that fill the display cases of Chestnut Hill Bakery than just the baking process.

The bakery has been providing sweet treats since 1968, but only recently did the shop come under the ownership of Richard and Glenda Hinkley, who purchased the store in April of 2011.

In addition to their other jobs — Glenda Hinkley as a part-time teacher for Lynchburg City Schools and Richard Hinkley as chief of the Liberty University Police Department — the two also work to produce the desserts that are made daily from scratch. “(It) seems to be the standing joke that not too many bakeries are run by cops, but we have a blast with it,” Richard Hinkley said.

As they took over Chestnut Hill, Richard and Glenda Hinkley wanted to keep the essence of the bakery the same, according to Richard Hinkley.

They kept all the original desserts offered since 1968 and even had their distributor chemically match ingredients that had been discontinued.

“It made no sense to change the recipes … because obviously, since 1968, the place obviously has done something,” Richard Hinkley said.

But in addition to ensuring the same quality of products previously produced, Richard and Glen da Hinkley also brought some new desserts

Sophia Hahn shahn3@liberty.edu

As I stepped off the streets of Wyndhurst and into a cozy, family owned bakery I was welcomed by the aroma of homemade breads and desserts as well as a friendly atmosphere.

Montana Plains Bakery, which is owned by Steve and Lucia Coates and their son, Joey Hertzberg, has been open for 16 years.

“Through all of these years we have kind of evolved, done different things and maybe that is it,” Lucia Coates, who also serves as head chef, said.

“We are just constantly evolving and doing new things to keep our customers satisfied and excited about coming into the bakery.”

According to Steve Coates, when the bakery opened, they only made bread. Now they have expanded to cooking pies, cakes, sandwiches, soups and much more.

“We use real ingredients,” Steve Coates said. “Real vanilla, it is not imitation. Real butter, there is no margarine here at all. No artificial flavors. It is all natural.”

Montana Plains tries to purchase local products whenever they can, which helps to give the bakery its European-Southern blend style, Lucia Coates said.

“I try not to be trendy, you know?” Lucia Coates said. “You want to keep current with what is going on in cooking and baking, but I feel like if you start

“We have the challenges of small business,” Ken Reed said. “It seems like the odds are against small businesses in this country, so we fight those odds every day.”

Despite challenges, Ken Reed affirmed that the bakery has a faithful clientele and maintains a loyal following.

“We let our customers do the judging,” Ken Reed said concerning the quality of the food.

According to Ken Reed, the bakery’s best sellers are its doughnuts, particularly the maple bacon, which sell out by early morning. Ken Reed offered me what he considered a close runner up, coconut macaroon ­— a doughnut that could also take first place.

Ken’s son Seth Reed is one of chefs at Father’s Table and a recent Liberty graduate. He took a moment of his free time from the kitchen to sit down and give his insight on the company.

“I love working with Dad,” Seth Reed said. “We’ve always had a very strong relationship. He’s my best friend.”

The Reeds begin looking at the production schedule at 3 a.m., filling catering orders and baking every item fresh from scratch.

“Usually when he gets here he makes coffee, reads his Bible, then starts the day off,” Seth Reed said about his father, Ken Reed.

Though days are long, generally 12-16 hours, Ken Reed is passionate about what he does.

“I’ve learned the spiritual lesson that no matter how things look, we still need to just trust,” Ken Reed

to the bakery.

According to Glenda Hinkley, the Hinkleys decided to expand their offerings to include not only the original cake flavor, but also several different flavors for specialty orders. Glenda Hinkley also began to offer more than 15 different flavors as cupcakes.

In addition to the cupcakes, Chestnut Hill customers can choose from a variety of desserts, including several kinds of handmade pastries, cookies and doughnuts, by walking into the shop and placing call-ahead orders. The bakery does birthday orders as well.

According to Glenda Hinkley, the bakery often fills orders from parents who live out of town and want to send their children at nearby colleges a cake or cupcakes. The staff delivers the order and will even include a handful of balloons if requested.

“I used to literally say ‘Lord help me to be a blessing,’ because somebody’s birthday gets this,” Glenda Hinkley said. “… We just think, ‘Oh it’s a business, here’s a birthday cake.’ No, somebody’s having a celebration, and we get to be part of it.

That’s the part I love.”

Additionally, Chestnut Hill sells thousands of pies and packages of bread around big holidays. The bakery has also produced huge orders for businesses and organizations, including a 2,000-brownie order for a local business and a 6,000-cupcake order for Liberty’s 2013 graduation reception. Currently, Chestnut Hill provides 250-300 doughnuts each week to students who

being trendy and you don’t really stick with what you think is a good product, then you can run into the wrong.”

Lucia Coates is always looking for new recipes, whether by making changes to existing ones or creating them from scratch.

“Every baker bakes a little differently,” Lucia Coates said. “If you try to get them to do everything exactly the same, people have a harder time learning how to do that.”

According to Steve Coates, Montana Plains is always focused on having quality products that their customers crave.

“The key to a good bakery is that it has got to be fresh and you have to have a variety,” Steve Coates said. “That is a challenge when you are building. It has to naturally grow because you have to build clientele for each product.”

I had the pleasure of tasting several items that the bakery is known for — a chicken salad sandwich on cottage cheese dill bread, two brioches, an éclair and Friday bread.

Every bite of food that I had from Montana Plains was filled with delicious flavor and appreciation for fresh ingredients. Their bread was moist. Nothing was over salted, or overly sweet. The serving sizes were generous and well worth the cost. Everything was just right.

According to, Steve Coates the bakery also has a big wedding cake business and is getting a vehicle license for catering deliveries. The owners are also

Gabriella Fuller | Liberty Champion

FRESH — The bakery is Ken Reed’s mission field. said. “Things can look bleak, but we have to realize where our resources are really coming from.”

I left my interview with Ken and Seth Reed encouraged and well fed. The food is delicious and the mouthwatering pastries leave you promising to come back. More than just a destination for flavorful food, Father’s Table is an atmosphere of home away from home. It is unlikely that I will meet a more genuine family or more welcoming space than at Father’s Table.

For more information, visit fatherscafeandcatering. com, and according to Ken Reed, customers who present this article in store will receive a buy one get one free doughnut.*

FULLER is the opinion editor.

Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion

SWEET — The bakery has been open since 1968. participate in Gillville, Liberty’s fan campout prior to home football games.

Overall, the Hinkleys see their business as an opportunity to touch others.

“It’s just a bakery, but you know what? It’s something God’s given us to bless other people,” Glenda Hinkley said.

Chestnut Hill Bakery is located at 5216 Fort Ave. and is open Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, 6 a.m.-3 p.m.

According to the Hinkleys, guests can present a copy of this article for a free cupcake with the purchase of a cupcake.* BROWN is a copy editor.

Sara Warrender| Liberty Champion

DISPLAY — The bakery has been open for 16 years. making their shop more technology-friendly by adding Wi-Fi and making a webpage.

“Nothing is going to be better than that childhood memory of that bakery, but what is great about it is, over time, kids and people think of us and our products as a bakery they have grown up with,” Steve Coates said.

According to Steve Coates, customers can present this article for a free drink with the purchase of a sandwich.* HAHN is the news editor.

*Offer is limited to only one free item per person with the purchase of specified item. Each guest must present a separate copy of the article at time of checkout.

FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Liberty Champion/B6

Wrestlers compete in Jacob Challenge Liberty athletes participated in the 24-hour training event to raise money for traveling expenses and gear Jeremy Beale jbeale3@liberty.edu

The Bible tells a story of a young man confronted in the middle of the night by an unknown traveler.

Locking hands in head-tohead combat, the young man fought valiantly against the traveler until the break of dawn.

This is the story of Jacob, “The Grasper of Heels,” who fought with God and became blessed with new life.

Forty young men gathered Friday, Sept. 20 in the wrestling room located near the south end zone of Williams Stadium to test their will in a 24-hour training event called the “Jacob Challenge.”

“The Jacob Challenge was both a team bonding experience and fundraiser designed to test the team both mentally and physically,” Liberty University Assistant Wrestling Coach Allen Hackmann said. “The secondary goal of this event was to raise $10,000 in funds for the wrestling team’s travel expenses and gear.”

Wrestlers gradually began filling the room, not knowing what they faced.

Filled with anticipation for this long day, wrestlers walked in and began to organize their cubbies, lace their shoes, bandage their bodies and sit quietly, watching as the short hand of the clock edged toward six.

“Walking in the room, I was a little bit nervous,”

returning All-American and Liberty University junior Chase Boontjer said. “I just got to thinking that this was one of those unique opportunities that I could look back on and say, ‘I did that.’”

Asking these young men to extend themselves in preparation for the long season ahead, the Jacob Challenge demanded their full attention.

“My anticipation walking into the room was to work hard, be tired and get mentally tough,” returning Liberty University wrestler and junior Josh Sanders said.

As heat began to fill the room, the wrestlers gathered around the coach in preparation and prayer for the trial, asking God for guidance, safety and determination.

Hour after hour, the intensity grew, as wrestlers battled it out on the mat.

The participants exhausted themselves, running the steps of William Stadium, flipping tires in the stadium and attempting to battle fatigue all night.

“These are the times you will remember,” former NCAA wrestler and Liberty University alumnus Jonathan Perkins said.

“Stay persistent during these moments, because once something like the Jacob Challenge is over, you will never be able to forget it.”

With each tick of the clock, wrestler after wrestler began to feel the threat of failure. How-

Photo Provided

POWER — Liberty wrestlers were no longer seen as Jacobs — “Graspers of Heels” — after the 24-hour training. ever, strengthened by their bonds to one another and their willingness to commit to the challenge, the team pushed through.

As the wrestlers reached the 23-hour mark, they began just as they started.

They again laced up their shoes, bandaged their bodies and sat silently, awaiting their final test — a 20-minute grind match.

“All I can ask of you guys is to push yourselves past your fatigue and take comfort in knowing upon completion of this you will have accomplished something that most men could not,” Liberty University Head Wrestling Coach Jess Castro said. “In this final hour, it is a chance to truly define yourselves and experience what it means to push through the pain.”

Photo Provided

TAP OUT — Wrestlers underwent a 20-minute grind match at the 23-hour mark.

As the wrestler reached hit six, and the men jour- “Fighters of God.” the mat, the final hour of neyed outside the wrestling the Jacob Challenge had room, they were no longer arrived. seen as Jacobs – “Graspers BEALE is a feature As the clock’s final stroke of Heels,” — but Israels— reporter.

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FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Liberty Champion/B7 BROTHER continued from B8

Kyle Erikson | Liberty Champion

ON DISPLAY — Aspiring artists and comic fans alike gathered Thursday, Sept. 19, to admire the work of experienced artist Lee Weeks.

Lee Weeks exhibit showcases art

Marvel and DC Comics artist showed students his tricks of the comic book trade, Sept. 19

Tobi Walsh twalsh12@liberty.edu

Students, faculty and families lined up outside of the Liberty University Art Gallery for the opening night of the Lee Weeks exhibition Sept. 19, which showcased some of the comic book artist’s best work.

“It’s an honor to be here at Liberty,” Lee Weeks said as he signed autographs and wowed some of his younger fans with magic tricks. “It’s amazing. I’ve just watched the whole exhibit blossom over the last few days.”

The show, which runs until Nov. 10, displayed various pieces of Lee Weeks’ work from his decorated career. According to his biography on Liberty’s website, Lee Weeks started his career in the

early 1990s. Lee Weeks has drawn for both Marvel and DC Comics, but is most remembered for his work in “Angels Unaware” in the Daredevil series.

Guests of the show were invited to browse the gallery while enjoying punch and light snacks. Superheroes like Hulk and Wolverine were just a couple of the many pieces the show had to offer.

Studio art major Shoshana Lin said that although she had spent seven hours setting up the gallery for the show, she still was not tired of Lee Weeks’ work.

“I’m a huge comic book fan,” Lin said. “I’m amazed at the incredible detail that went into his work.”

Lin, who attended a question-and-answer session with Lee Weeks earlier in the week, said that it

was interesting to hear him talk about his salvation and listen to some of the tips he had for aspiring artists.

“He showed us how to make things exciting just by placing objects in different ways that you wouldn’t really think to do,” Lin said.

Carson Dortch, a graphic design major, said that it is great to see Liberty bringing in popular artists such as Lee Weeks.

“It’s a great opportunity to see what kind of talent is out there,” Dortch said.

“I’m really fascinated by what someone can do with paper and a pen.”

Dortch’s friend Garrett Shue, who is also a graphic design major, agreed how great it was to see Weeks’ work up close.

“You just look at the square frames and see what kind of perspective went into creating some-

thing like that,” Shue said.

“It really makes you think as an artist.”

Caleb Hall, another graphic design major, was also impressed by the show.

“It’s really awesome to see someone like Lee Weeks here at Liberty,” Hall said. “I couldn’t be happier to get the chance to look at some of this artwork up close. You can look and see where the pencil marks used to be.”

Another guest at the show was Lee Weeks’ daughter Vaughn Weeks, who is a student and an RA at Liberty.

“I can’t say it was like growing up with every other father in the world,” Vaughn Weeks said. “Me and my sister probably know more superheroes than a normal 20-year-old girl should.”

Vaughn Weeks said that

even though she knew that it was a big deal growing up with Lee Weeks as her father, it was not the comic book artwork that impressed her.

“Honestly, I’ve never seen someone marvel so much at new ideas and God’s creation as much as my dad,” Vaughn Weeks said. “His love for the Lord is incredibly challenging and very evident in the eagerness with which he talks about his God. I know my dad is a great artist, but he is also a great man.”

The gallery, which is free and open to the public, is located on the fourth floor of the DeMoss Hall. The hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

WALSH is a news reporter.

I was unsure of what I wanted to do outside of school,” Bryant said. “I knew I had to do something and had heard a lot of things about the Big organization, so I joined.”

According to the Big Brothers Big Sisters website, roughly 90 percent of children who were paired with a Big were reported to make better choices during their childhood.

“The Big program is definitely a good experience,” Bryant said. “I always wanted a little brother or sister, so I definitely felt that I would have a good impact on her, but I would say (my Little) has definitely taught me what it means to be a big sister.”

Bryant also said that not every Little is from a bad home, but may come from one where parents may not necessarily have enough time to spend with their child or children.

“The program requires eight hours of time to be spent with a Little per month, but I spend around 10 to 15 hours,” Bryant said. “My Little and I enjoy going out to the movies the most.”

Bryant said students interested in joining the program should not worry about being a bad Big brother or sister.

“For anyone interested in the program, all I can say is jump in, because all a Little expects is to hang out with a Big,” Bryant said. “The first time I met mine, I loved her.”

According to Bryant, once all her nerves were gone and it was just her and her Little, she realized she not only gained a friend, but a sister.

According to bigcva.org, “as a volunteer, you have an opportunity not only to impact a child’s life today, but to transform their potential for tomorrow.”

BEALE is a feature reporter.

FYI Big Brothers Big Sisters welcomes volunteers yearround. For information, visit bigcva.org.

Visitors explore law Melissa Skinner

mjskinner@liberty.edu

Photo Provided

ENDURANCE — This year marks 40 years of competition for the 10 miler.

MILER continued from B8 University’s Soar Dunk Team and Liberty’s mascot, Sparky.

After the packet pickup, all races will begin Saturday at 8 a.m.

Participants such as Bill Draper have enjoyed the race for years. Draper, who is 85 years old, has participated in every 10 Miler since 1973, when the first race was held. Draper has lived in New Jersey for the last 37 years, but has made an effort to be at the starting line for every 10 Miler.

“I have met a lot of interesting people in the last 40

years of the race and made a lot of friends,” Draper said. “The races are always exceedingly well organized, as well as full of comradery and fun.”

In addition to Draper, the 10 Miler will host Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially enter and run the Boston Marathon in 1967, according to virginiatenmiler.com. Switzer will be returning to Lynchburg, where she began her running career at Lynchburg College, for the event.

Fordorko said that because Liberty has a large hand in supporting the race, there will be hundreds of Liberty employees and students at-

tending the event.

According to Paul Carmany, a Liberty assistant athletic communications director, Liberty junior and runner Caroline Parris is a potential competitor this year, because in 2012, she placed 72nd overall in the 10 Miler with a time of 1:06:43. She finished first in her age group and 15th among other females.

Those who wish to participate in any of the races can sign up at the packet pickup.

WARRENDER is the feature editor.

BENSON is a feature reporter.

Liberty University School of Law hosted Experience Law, an event designated for prospective law students, Friday, Sept. 20, and Saturday, Sept. 21.

Guests of the event attended a law class and panel discussions with faculty and students addressing questions about the school Friday. Admissions and financial aid sessions during the day also guided prospective students.

Attendees were invited to use some of Liberty’s facilities Saturday. Some participants took advantage of the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre while others explored campus and the city of Lynchburg.

According to School of Law Director of Admissions Annette Pettyjohn, the most important session of the day is entitled, “How to Succeed in Law School.”

“We offer this session to help prospective students prepare for law school and help them learn, in advance, tactics and various study habits needed to succeed through law school,” Pettyjohn said. “During a reception at the end of the day, faculty and staff were available to answer questions from prospective students.”

According to Pettyjohn, Liberty University’s School of Law is unique because it is the only law school in the

country that offers six semesters of lawyering skills.

“Liberty recognized the need to teach students law theory through a Christian worldview, along with lawyering skills needed to start their own practice,” Pettyjohn said. “We have had several students graduate from our program and start their own practices immediately.

We want our guests … to realize the uniqueness of this program.”

Illinois, Tennessee, Florida, and Ohio were three areas represented among the 35 potential students from around the nation who attended the event. A prospective student from Nigeria, as well as several residential students enrolled in various undergraduate programs at Liberty, also came to the event.

According to Bethany Brock, a journalism student at Cedarville University in Ohio, the discussion panels from faculty and students helped her realize her passion for law.

“Law is a field where you can become a master in your field and do a lot for the Lord and America by promoting religious freedom and first-amendment rights,” Brock said. “My goal if I become a lawyer will be to persuade the field of law for God. “ The next Experience Law Weekend will take place Nov. 1.

SKINNER is a feature reporter.

FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

B8

Ruth Bibby| Liberty Champion

ART —Les Miserables takes viewers on a journey to19th-century France and gives a fictional taste of the real-life uprising in Paris in 1832.

Curtain opens with Les Misérables Alluvion Stage Company presented Liberty’s first play of the season to a sold-out crowd Friday, Sept. 13 Katey Roshetko kroshetko@liberty.edu

Alluvion Stage Company’s rendition of Les Misérables christened the Liberty University theatrical season with colorful and compelling performances that began Friday, Sept. 13 in front of a soldout audience. Theatergoers were transported to 19th century France and given a fictional taste of the real-life uprising in Paris in1832.

“Opening weekend was so surreal,” the actress who stars as Eponine, Sarah Seaman, said. “The energy in the audience was palpable. It had a heartbeat.”

According to several cast and crew members, their first shows were a huge success.

“I’m very proud of all the hard work of the cast and crew,” Connor Worthington, men’s wardrobe manager for the show, said. “We keep getting a lot

of positive feedback from the audience.”

According to walnutstreettheater.org, the musical premiered in Paris in 1980. Five years later, the English-language version opened in London. While critics were not impressed, the show was warmly received by the public. In its 28 consecutive years being run, the play has been performed in over 40 countries and translated into 22 languages. Now, this award-winning musical has arrived in central Virginia for the first time.

“I absolutely loved the show,” senior Liberty student Sam Farnsworth said.

“The music literally sent chills down my spine.”

Despite being written as a secular show, Les Misérables tells a very convicting Christian message — everyone is in need of redemption. As it comes to an end, one phrase sums up the three-hour show — ‘To love another person is

to see the face of God.’ “No matter who you are, you are born with a Godshaped hole, and nothing can fill that but the (God),” Kelli Overmyer, who plays the virtuous Fantine, said.

“People need hope. People need love. Les Mis presents, I think better than any other musical, the concept of God’s grace from Romans 8. Pure, sacrificial love conquers all in this show.”

Even the most solemn shows need comedic relief.

Christopher Nelson and Stephanie Lambert were perfectly cast as the raunchy innkeepers, Monsieur and Madame Thénardier.

They lifted the crowd from sober consciousness into uproarious merriment.

“When their characters were introduced, the show had been really serious,” Farnsworth said. “They came in right when we needed to laugh and were absolutely hilarious.”

However, the Thénar-

diers do not fit into the family-friendly category of characters. According to Nelson, they symbolize “the growing darkness in the story, a representation of life without faith.”

“It’s important that I give him life so that the contrast is shown even more vividly between a life marked by unbelief and a life marked by redemption, as is the case with Val Jean,” Nelson said.

Undertaking a show like Les Misérables can be a hard journey from the very beginning. Rigorous rehearsals and healthy habits were required for both actors and crew members.

“Putting together such a big, complex show in a short amount of time meant that the rehearsals were intense and quick,” Worthington said. “The thing that pushed us to get it done was our desire to do it well. Everything the show stands for really motivated us to succeed.”

Serving the children Jeremy Beale

jbeale3@liberty.edu

Nerves filled her heart moments before they officially met. All the background information she had been given about the little girl raced through her mind. Then the door opened, and they met. Her fears calmed as a new relationship was born.

One year ago, Courtney Bryant, a Lynchburg, Va., local and Liberty University junior, made the decision to join the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia program and is still a volunteer today.

According to bigva.

scribe the appreciation she feels for the opportunity to be a part of the performance.

“Bringing (Les Misérables) to life is such a blessing, and one I’m honored and grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to perform each night,” Seaman said.

The show will continue to run through Sunday, Oct. 20. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketreturn.com, over the telephone at (434) 582-SEAT or at the Vines Center box office. Discounts are available for students, seniors, military members and children.

“I hope the audience will see a story of a man who is being redeemed

by God and that it will remind us all that no one is a lost cause,” Nelson said.

ROSHETKO is a feature reporter.

10 Miler approaches The Genworth Virginia 10 Miler kicks off Sept. 28 Sara Warrender sewarrender2@liberty. edu Denisha Benson dbenson@liberty.edu

org, “the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported, one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better.”

According to Bryant, she intended to leave an impact during her time at Liberty.

Not knowing how she would make a difference in the Lynchburg community, she decided to take a chance.

“Transferring from George Mason University and coming into Liberty, Photo Provided

See BROTHER, B7

Within the enormous scope of Les Misérables are incredible characters that require great passion and vulnerability. Fantine is one such character.

“It felt like a lot to live up to until I realized one thing — there are so many other girls who are currently doing this role all over the world,” Overmyer said. “… The Lord has given me this incredible opportunity, and I don’t want to live a moment of it in fear.”

Both Overmyer and Seaman have touched the hearts of many by telling their characters’ stories with humility and consistently giving the glory to God. “I realized that my duty in this show is not to astound people or make them like me,” Overmyer said. “I am one of many servants to the Lord’s purposes for this show. It’s his story, after all.”

Seaman went on to de-

SISTER — Courtney Bryant volunteers.

With the Genworth Virginia 10 Miler quickly approaching , more than 4,000 people are preparing to run in the 40th annual event.

The 10 Miler will take place Saturday, Sept. 28 and will begin at E.C Glass High School.

“The race is meant to be a footprint that captures what Lynchburg is,” Jeff Fordoko, the 10 Miler director, said. “People from all over come to experience our city.”

Fordoko and volunteers are continually encouraged by the positive

FYI Women’s cross country team members Kate Spencer, Kaitlyn Hutchins, Megan Versen and Mary Cate Cooper are running the 4 Miler this year.

difference they see in the health and wellness of the community.

In addition to the 10 Miler, other races, including the 4 Miler, 4 Mile Walk and the Amazing Mile Children’s Race — offered in half mile and quarter mile increments — offer the opportunity for people of all ages and physical conditions to participate. There

are also Safety Awareness Fitness Excellence (SAFE) Strides training team meetings offered by the downtown and Jamerson YMCA. The training teams are run

by YMCA-trained professionals who coach participants to meet their fitness goals for this year’s event.

Festivities begin with the packet pickup, which will be held at Amazement Square, Thursday, Sept. 26, 12-7:30 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 27, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. According to virginiatenmiler. com, the packet pickup will feature live music, games, Liberty

See MILER, B7