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ELECTION DAY
E T O V
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LIBERTY CHAMPION Today: P. Cloudy 52/33 Tomorrow: Rain 54/38
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
libertychampion.com
Volume 30 • Issue 9
Ready to vote
Stein speaks
one last appearance
Tabitha Cassidy
Tyler Eacho
tcassidy@liberty.edu
tpeacho@liberty.edu
Election Day is here, and the Champion has spent the past month informing readers about who they will be voting for at the polls. In addition to the congressional, senatorial and presidential candidates the Champion has featured, voters heading to the polls need to be aware of the constitutional amendments on the ballot. Only legislatively-referred constitutional amendments are allowed on the ballot in Virginia. According to the Virginia State Board of Elections, proposals must be made during the commonwealth’s legislative session. The first amendment, titled Question 1, deals with eminent domain and would limit instances when private property could be taken for public use. It is a proposed amendment to Section 11 of Article 1 of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Bill of Rights. According to the Virginia State Board of Elections, the second amendment, titled Question 2, deals with state legislatures and would allow them to delay the start of their veto session one week. It is a proposed amendment to Section 6 of Article IV of the Constitution of Virginia. For more information on the candidates, refer to the past three issues of the Liberty Champion at libertychampion.com. For more information on the proposed constitutional amendments, visit sbe.virginia.gov. EACHO is an asst. news editor.
Sears closing Melanie Oelrich
moelrich@liberty.edu
Merigrace Ramsey mramsey@liberty.edu
Liberty University recently announced plans to build a new civic that it has purchased the Sears building in the River Ridge Mall on Candlers Mountain Road. According to Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr., Liberty bought the space for $6.9 million. The chancellor announced that Liberty does not intend to purchase more of the mall. According to The News & Advance, the purchase was the result of a meeting between the university’s real estate agent and a representative from Sears at a real estate
See SEARS, A3
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
ROMNEY — Presidential candidate Mitt Romney rallies in Lynchburg with one day left to campaign.
Well-known writer, actor, economist and TV personality Ben Stein, acclaimed for his role in the 1986 movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” made his way to Liberty University to speak at convocation Monday, Nov. 5. Taking advantage of the looming Election Day, Stein focused his address on progress, recovery, the collapse of the family and of education, as well as how the upcoming president can improve all of this. “The secret sauce is hard work,” Stein said. “We don’t need government subsidies … we need the government to get out of the way.” Hard work and acting as God intended us to act toward one another will help get America back to where it needs to be, Stein said. “It comes down to something that seems fairly simple: behaving decently toward our fellow human beings as God commands us to,” he said. “Work to make a better world.” According to Stein, there is a lack of serious work ethic in the United States. Yet, the best way to get people interested in working for their pay again is simple, Stein said. “Stop paying them not to work,” Stein said. To read the full article on Ben Stein, please visit libertychampion.com.
Romney rallies in ‘Burg New
Cassidy is the editor in chief.
Presidential candidate urges Hill City to get out the vote Kyle Harvey kharvey@liberty.edu
With less than 24 hours before polls open nationwide, Mitt Romney made a stop at Virginia Aviation in Lynchburg, Va. to address a crowd of nearly 5,000. Many of those in attendance were Liberty University students. Romney spoke for approximately 20 minutes, but insisted that words will not change the country. “Talk is cheap,” Romney said. “A record is real and is earned with real effort. The president promised change, but change can’t be measured in speeches. It’s measured in achievement.” According to Romney, what Obama has achieved is not good enough for the American people. “The president has brought almost every argument he can think of to try and convince you that the last four years have been a success,” Romney said. “And so, his plan for the next four years is to take all the ideas from the first term … and do them over again. He calls that forward. I call it forewarned.”
Gov. Romney said that he bases his optimism for the coming years on his faith in the American spirit. “If there is anyone who is worried that the last four years are the best that America can do, or if there’s anyone who fears that the American Dream is fading away … I have an unequivocal message,” Romney said. “America is about to come roaring back.” Romney thanked campaign volunteers, and called on everyone in attendance — campaign workers or not — to do their part in the final push. “I also want to thank many of you in this crowd that have been out there, working on the campaign, making calls at the victory centers and putting up yard signs — in your neighbor’s yard,” Romney said with a chuckle. “We ask that you stay at this all the way until victory on Tuesday night.” Gov. Bob McDonnell, who spoke prior to Romney, urged voters to get out the vote, citing the importance of every single voter in the close race. “I can tell you in 2009, when
you elected me attorney general, I was elected by 360 votes,” McDonnell said. “Let me do the math for you: one-seventh of one vote per precinct, that’s what made the difference.” Liberty students came by the thousands to the event, courtesy of buses provided by the Romney campaign. Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. excused students from classes to allow those who wanted to go to have the opportunity to do so. “I don’t know how many thousands were here, but I’d bet 50 percent of the crowd was Liberty,” Falwell said. “Gov. Romney knew it, so it speaks well for our university. We were well represented.” The event was the first of its kind for many of the student participants, and it will not be something any of them will soon forget. “It was really upbeat. There was a lot of energy and sense of hope,” Liberty junior Joel Denney said. “(Romney) has a clear vision for his plan, and that’s what I like to hear.”
INSIDE THE CHAMPION News
Sports
Liberty’s nursing program earned its highest pass rate A2 ever.
Carl Torbush, the Linebacker Coach for the football team, won a fight with cancer. B1
Feature
Switchfoot and The Rocket Summer performed for CFAW in the Vines Center. B5
See ROMNEY A3
News Opinion Sports Feature
dorms coming Tyler Eacho
tpeacho@liberty.edu
When construction on a new eight-story residence hall begins next semester, the transformation across campus will venture into the student living space for the first time. Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. announced the venture in Liberty’s convocation service Wednesday, Oct. 31. The tower residence hall will replace residence halls one through four on Liberty’s Champion Circle. The project is part of what has been called Liberty’s campus transformation, a $250 million overhaul of the
See DORMS A2 A1 A4 B1 B8
NEWS
A2/Liberty Champion
November 6, 2012
Nursing program boasts high pass rate Students with a 3.0 and above GPA are eligible to apply but compete against many other eager students
Nicole Steenburgh nksteenburgh@liberty.edu
Years of hard work and dedication from students, faculty and staff have helped Liberty University’s nursing program earn its highest pass rate ever. According to Deanna Britt, Chairperson of the Department of Nursing at Liberty University, students must apply to get into the program during their freshman year, a process that includes requirements such as a GPA of at least 3.0. Freshman year helps distinguish which students are prepared for the program. Other schools “weed out” candidates as they go through the program, which makes it easier to have a 100-percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination. According to Britt, determining worthy students during their freshman year only, as opposed to throughout the student’s college career, is what makes Liberty unique.
Lauren Adriance | Liberty Champion
HEARTBEAT — Nursing students advance their skills in the lab. “Once students are accepted in their sophomore year to the nursing program, we want them to succeed,” Britt said. In addition to getting used to a new environment and schedule, freshmen have to worry about actually getting into the program. Britt said that nursing applications are looked at in the
second semester, the spring semester, of the freshman’s career, and a 3.0 GPA is expected. The expectations of the nursing program are raised each school year, according to Britt. “By junior level, they are in a classroom and a clinical and must demonstrate not only good grades, but also good clinical
skills and safe judgment,” Britt said. Britt also said that once the student reaches senior year, classroom and clinical expectations are even higher, with the additional responsibility of taking care of more complex patients. During this time, nursing students are only required to keep their GPA at 2.75 because of the increased pressure. Once the students are admitted into the program, much is done to help them get through the work. According to Britt, faculty holds study sessions and offers tutors for some of the beginning courses. “The work load is still a lot to do, but the teachers are really encouraging,” Elizabeth Loncar, a sophomore nursing student at Liberty, said. “They do everything in their power to help out.” According to liberty.edu, 94 nursing students took the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) last summer. This test determines if a student
will become a Registered Nurse (RN). According to Tracy Turner, Assistant Professor of Nursing, if a student does not pass the NCLEX, they can retake it. However, the longer it takes, the harder it gets. It is not impossible for a student to pass on the second try, but the chances go down. The test is made more challenging by the fact that they are moving further away from their training and practice each time they retake the test. “They can’t practice as a nurse unless they pass the NCLEX,” Turner said. In May 2012, 97 percent of the 94 students became RNs, the highest pass rate Liberty has ever seen. “It’s exciting that it’s so high because it means that the nursing program is doing a good job in preparing students to pass,” Loncar said. STEENBURGH is a news reporter.
Photo Provided
RESIDENCE HALL — This sketch shows what the new dormitories on the current site of Liberty’s Champion Circle residence halls could look like.
DORMS continued from A1 campus. According to Liberty News Service, more than $100 million in construction projects have gotten under way since the end of school last spring, compared to the $20 to $25 million in construction projects during a “normal year.” The new residence hall will join more than 60 construction projects currently under way on Liberty’s campus, according to the Liberty News Service. These projects include the Jerry Falwell Library, a new baseball stadium, a new basketball practice facility and the College of Osteopathic Medicine. With the construction set to begin in the upcoming spring semester, stu-
dents currently living in those residence halls will have the choice of housing at the Quality Inn on Odd Fellows Road or at other dorms on campus. The university recently purchased the hotel in anticipation of this project. Liberty students are already living in the Residential Annex, another university-owned hotel that allowed more residential students to attend the school when it lacked oncampus living space. According to Falwell, the dining areas in the Annex will be expanded so that students in both hotels will share the same kitchen and dining room. During his convocation address, the chancellor praised the students affected by the decision for their patience. “They’re the ones sacri-
ficing so we can make this university a world-class university in every way,” Falwell said. The new state-of-theart residential tower is scheduled to be finished by fall 2014, according to the Liberty News Service. Upon completion, it will be large enough to house all students currently living on the Champion Circle. In the future, Liberty officials plan to build five such residence halls in that location. The current residence halls on Champion Circle were built in the late 1970s and were only meant to be temporary, but they have now been in use for more than 34 years, according to the Liberty News Service. Falwell said that he wants current students to have the benefit of the
Photo Provided
DORMS — The new residence halls will be surrounded by lawns and foliage. new facilities, which will feature two beds and one bathroom per room and lounge areas on each floor that are separated from
Champion corrections In issue 8 of the Liberty Champion, there was a misprint of the name of the author for the article on the School of Communication’s Career Fair. The article was written by news reporter Amanda Fortner, not news reporter Tracie Hearne.
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES & INFO
the residence halls, where male and female students can interact. “Liberty needs to replace these 34-year-old dorms that were meant to only be temporary dorms when they were built in 1977 without further delay. The new dorms will help Liberty continue to attract the best Christian college students in the nation,”
Falwell said in a letter to the student body. “God has given Liberty the resources to make this university a better Christian university, and we feel we have a responsibility to do it while construction costs are still low due to the poor economy and to do it without delay.” EACHO is an asst. news editor.
The Champion encourages community members to submit letters to the editor on any subject. Letters should not exceed 400 words and must be typed and signed. The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Letters and columns that appear are the opinion of the author solely, not the Champion editorial board or Liberty University. All material submitted becomes property of the Champion. The Champion reserves the right to accept, reject or edit any letter received—according to the Champion stylebook, taste and the Liberty University mission statement.
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NEWS
November 6, 2012 ROMNEY continued from A1 “Being at this rally was not only empowering for the Liberty University student body, but I thought it was also empowering for America,” Liberty student Tucker Whitley said. “I was excited to be here, and I really hope that tomorrow, we’ll see a change.” For one Liberty student from California, taking part in Republican rallies while attending Liberty has become a family tradition. “It’s really neat because my mom went to Liberty many years ago and got to hear Reagan speak before he was elected president,” Jeannette Larsen said. “And now I’m at Liberty, and I got to hear Romney speak before hopefully he is elected president.” Roanoke, Va. Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney also stopped at Integrity Windows in Roanoke, Va. Thursday, Nov. 1 to deliver a stump speech to a crowd of approximately 2,500. At the top of Romney’s agenda was to debunk the president’s recent plan to create a new secretary of business position to oversee the economic progress of the nation. “We don’t need a secretary of business to understand business, we need a president who understands business,” Romney said. “This isn’t a time for small measures. This is a time for greatness — for big change, for real change.” Cutting into the crowd’s raucous chants of “five more days, five more days,” Romney outlined the changes he would like to make, reiterating his already well-known Five-
“It’s really neat because my mom went to Liberty many years ago and got to hear Reagan speak before he was elected president...and now I’m at Liberty, and I got to hear Romney speak...” — JEANNETTE LARSEN Point Plan. Peppered with digs at the president, Romney delivered the key points related to his five domestic goals tied to energy, foreign trade, education, debtreduction and lower taxes. “I don’t care how much the president talks about liking, ‘all of the above’ when it comes to energy because I know what he means by ‘all of the above,’” Romney said. “He means all of the energy that comes from above the ground. I like wind and solar too, but I also like the energy that comes from below the ground — oil, coal and gas.” Romney also called for a dramatic decrease in government spending and aggressive debt-reduction. “I’m going to do something that’s been spoken about for years, but hasn’t been done yet, and that is I’m going to cut federal spending,” Romney said. “I’m going to cap it and finally get us on track to a balanced budget.” The last of the governor’s major talking points was related to taxes — something he says the government has been taking too much of. “If you’re successful, the government wants more than half of what you make,” Romney said. “I want to change this dynamic, and make business
recognize that they have a friend in Washington — not a foe.” In a private telephone interview, the Champion asked Democrat Dick Cranwell, former Majority Leader in the Virginia House of Delegates and former chairman of the Democrat Party of Virginia, for a response. Cranwell suggested that to ask what a candidate would do to create a more business-friendly environment is asking the wrong question. “America is the best place in the world to do business,” Cranwell said. Cranwell also called into question Romney’s adamant appeal for jobs in the coal industry, arguing that Romney’s record in Massachusetts indicates he is not nearly as big a supporter as his rhetoric suggests. Finally, Cranwell defended Obama’s plan for a secretary of business, claiming that Romney had misrepresented it. “What the president proposed was to merge several agencies,” Cranwell said. “It would probably be reducing the government.”
HARVEY is the sports editor.
Liberty Champion/A3
SEARS continued from A1 fair a few months ago. According to Falwell, the building will be used by the university for administrative functions, including the Liberty University Online operations center, which will free up space in Green Hall for academic uses. “The Teacher Education Hall will soon be demolished to allow for the construction of a new Science Hall,” Falwell said. “One possible scenario might be for the School of Education to temporarily be located on one floor of DeMoss Hall. Part of the Integrated Learning Resources Center (ILRC) would move to Green Hall in this scenario.” Falwell said that another option might be for the School of Education to be temporarily located in Green Hall. Other options are being considered as well. “After the new academic buildings near DeMoss are completed and the Sears space is no longer needed for university use, the university has proposed that Lynchburg use the Sears property for a new regional civic center,” Falwell said. “The city and other stakeholders have already conducted a study indicating that the civic center would be feasible for the Lynchburg area if Liberty used the facility for basketball games and other events.” The grounds of the new center will include a 10,000-seat arena, a 50,000-square foot exhibit hall and a 250-room hotel, according to Falwell. However, nothing has been finalized, and a substantial amount of work
Photo Provided
BLUEPRINT — Above is the depiction of the proposed civic center as provided by the chancellor’s office. needs to be done before plans become permanent, according to Lynchburg city manager Kimball Payne. The construction of the center could take between six and 24 months, according to Payne. “It is not something that is going to happen real soon, as in the next year or so,” he said. Students are looking forward to the opportunities that the center would provide not only to the Liberty family, but also to the community. “It would get more business to the mall area as well as offer jobs to the community for people to work at the civic center when they finally get it up and running,” Chad Atchison, Liberty student body president, said. “It is part of our endowment, but it’s also a chance for Liberty to give back in the form of events to the community as well.” As for the proposed blueprints, Payne explained that the space available is enough to build more than just the civic center. “It would basically take the Sears building foot-
print itself,” Payne said. “There is a lot of parking that is associated with the Sears building, and it would build within that space an arena, the exhibit hall, a multi-story parking deck and a multi-story hotel.” According to Payne, if the university were the main tenant of the arena, the Liberty Flames basketball team would hold games in that space to help eliminate traffic on campus. If plans for the civic center are approved, it is unclear whether the university will donate, sell or otherwise transfer ownership of the location, according to the chancellor. “Liberty would not maintain ownership of the site if it became a civic center,” Falwell said. The city board plans to meet with Falwell again to discuss developments. OELRICH is an asst. news editor. RAMSEY is a news reporter.
OPINION
NOVEMBER 6, 2012
Donkey Hotey | Creative Commons
NO LAUGHING MATTER — With the frenzied presidential election of 2012 coming to a close, did the debates really benefit the voter?
Pro/Con: Do debates still matter? Event serves as a window into the mind of candidates Whitney Rutherford wrutherford2@liberty.edu
As Americans flood the polling places to fill in the bubble for the next president of the United States, reflective voters must return to the focal point of this election season: the presidential debates. John Sides, a professor of political science at Georgetown University, said in an article in the Washington Monthly that the four debates organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates drew in more Americans than any other broadcasted campaign event. According to Nielson Co., the presidential debates played their traditional role in the evaluation of the candidates for more than 67 million Americans who watched the debate. Even though Big Bird and horses and bayonets distract from substance, the presidential debates strengthen our voting process by challenging voters and candidates alike. Each debate presents voters with more information than rallies, advertisements or news reports do. The candidates must simultaneously impress viewers with their plan for the nation as well as with their personality. The presidential debates challenge voters to be thoroughly educated, providing front-row seats to political discourse. When political information typically flows through campaigns, news and social media before finally reaching the average voter, the debates offer a rare chance to compare the candidates in real time. “By projecting the candidates into viewers’ homes and providing more threedimensional portraits than ones provided by sound bites, airbrushed advertisements and position papers, (debates) provide voters with deeper, if largely intuitive, insights than they are usually given credit for,” Luther Spoehr, a senior lecturer at Brown University, explained in an article for the History News Network. Only the debates allow candidates to relate personal anecdotes, policy prescriptions and rebuttals in the same place. Furthermore, the presidential debates set the agenda for what issues will be discussed in the final weeks of the election. Benjamin Knoll, professor of government at Centre College, argued in his article for the Huffington Post that the tone leading up to Election Day is
From the
Desk Tabitha Cassidy tcassidy@liberty.edu
The election is nearly over, and the results are almost in. For now, Americans sit patiently by, waiting to learn who the leader
“Debates challenge voters to be thoroughly educated.” — RUTHERFORD determined by the questions moderators ask and the answers candidates provide. The presidential debates test the candidates’ policy knowledge as well as their people skills. Historically, candidates grapple with portraying a consistently positive persona during the debates. Answering the question is important, but an ill-timed smirk, sigh or laugh costs credibility. George H. W. Bush lost credibility during his 1992 presidential debate against Bill Clinton, appearing uninterested by glancing at his watch throughout the debate. A similar gaffe occurred in 2000 when Al Gore sighed repetitively, creating the unattractive persona of a politician annoyed with his opponent, George W. Bush. History has repeated itself during the 2012 debates. Vice President Joe Biden chuckled, smirked and frequently interrupted during his debate against representative Paul Ryan. During the first presidential debate, President Obama was described as disconnected by live social commentary on Twitter and YouTube Politics. Being unguarded for just an instant can leave a candidate open to vicious reviews from millions of watchful eyes around the country. Political analysts may question whether the presidential debates will change the election outcome, but they ignore the unique attributes of the debate cycle. Without the debates, voters lack a comprehensive look at the candidate’s platforms as well as their communication skills. The issues leading up to election day would remain confused if candidates did not have the opportunity to appeal directly to the American people. Whichever candidate wins the presidency, he will not gain the honor without garnering respect during the debates.
RUTHERFORD is an opinion writer
of the free world will be for the next four years. Debates between Republicans and Democrats over who will be the best president have polarized parts of the nation, causing animosity between families, friends and coworkers. On one hand, it is comforting to know that Americans care so much about the nation that they are willing to lose a friend in order to follow their belief system. On the other hand, it is terrifying to think that
the United States is so split on who t h e y think the presid e n t should be that they are willing to go to CASSIDY verbal war with one another over it. Thinking about what all of this means, it is even more nerve-racking to realize that come the day after the election, just un-
Dialogue offers a lot of style, but little of substance Jacob Tellers jtellers@liberty.edu
The presidential debates have featured punch lines instead of policy and a bigger focus on appearance and style rather than the candidates’ positions. A candidate’s aggresiveness was valued by viewers as much as, if not more than, their planning. The result was 90 minutes of jokes and talking points that are largely devoid of substance. One main problem is that the candidates had little time to respond to issues. For most questions, candidates were provided two minutes to give their answer, hardly enough time to get into any detail about their policies. Instead, both sides would often simply repeat their many campaign points rather than give more detail. Candidates had enough time to say what they want to do, but never enough to say how they are going to do it. Without the time to fully elaborate on their policies, candidates resorted to other means to win the audience over with a large focus on making short, funny points to distract from real issues. “Mr. President, you’re entitled as the president to your own airplane and to your own house, but not to your own facts,” Romney said in response to Obama’s statements about the governor’s position on education. “We have fewer ships than we did in 1916. Well, governor, we also have fewer horses and bayonets because the nature of our military’s changed,” Obama said later, accusing Romney of being ignorant about the military. Funny lines and biting sarcasm can be used to make effective points, but they also have the effect of overshadowing everything else. A related problem is that there has been an increasing focus on how the candidates speak, not on what they say. Many thought Romney won the first debate because he came off as much more aggressive than the laid-back Obama. “Mitt Romney and his team are reveling in the Republican nominee’s postdebate reviews, which generally give him high marks for being aggressive compared with President Obama’s more muted performance,” Catalina Camia of USA Today said. Although the way a presidential cander half of the nation will disagree with the choice for president. Just under half of the nation will not believe in its leader. Regardless of who wins the election, one thing is clear: We as Americans need to unite as a nation and support our president. This does not mean that we must agree with everything he does or that we should not challenge his decisions if we believe them unjust. No, this means that we should back up our president when the
“There is an increasing focus on how candidates speak, not on what they say.” — TELLERS didate carries himself is important, the validity and practicality of their words should hold even more merit to voters. Yet, too often, their statements are tossed aside. If candidates realize that voters are more influenced by their tone and demeanor than their credibility and stances, we will be stuck with debates bursting with unproductive one-line comebacks. The system has been better. The Washington Post pointed out that the debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephan Douglas during the 1858 senate elections stood in stark contrast to the current format. During Douglas and Lincoln’s seven debates, the first speaker would speak for 60 minutes, the second would respond for 90 minutes and then the first would get 30 minutes to respond. This format may not be a perfect solution to the current setup, but it does show that there was a time when politicians could fully explain and defend their beliefs in a way that the current debate format does not allow. Yet as long as candidates get only two minutes to answer questions and audiences continue to cheer jokes and insults, basing results on how aggressive a candidate was, these debates will continue to be uninformative. Future presidential candidates have the power to fix this. According to an LA Times article by analyst James Rainey, candidates suggest debate rules and format, which are then voted upon by the Commission of Presidential Debates. If candidates truly wanted change, a term that has been recently thrown around so loosely, they could have it. It is time to have a debate about the debates. The current format is neither useful, nor informative, and the means of correction are readily available.
TELLERS is an opinion writer
time calls for it. He will be the figurehead representing us to the rest of the world. Having a nasty attitude about who our leader is and causing chaos for him will only result in our enemies seeing us as divided and weak. When we look at other nations and judge their strength, we primarily focus on their people. Do they support their king, president or prime minister? If not, the division is plain to see, and we are apt to act on this weak-
ness. If they do support their leader — if they do hold strong as a nation, standing together — then it is harder to break their forces and challenge their behaviors. We are a strong nation, not because of our leaders, but because of our unity as a nation and our ability to band together when the United States needs it most. During times of rest, we should be no different. CASSIDY is the editor in chief.
OPINION
November 6, 2012
Liberty Champion/A5
Take advantage of Military Emphasis Week The time of appreciation for veterans who serve and have served gives students the chance to give back. Andrew Woolfolk alwoolfolk@liberty.edu
Life in itself is an ongoing drama, each day filled with an inevitable mixture of ups and downs. Throughout the journey, moments of tragedy are a certainty. On Oct. 13, the Liberty University community went through one of those trials. This was the day that U.S. Army Sgt. Robert J. Billings, a Liberty University Online student, was killed while serving in the line of duty in Afghanistan. The story is filled with many tragic details. There is the fact that Billings was just one month away from returning home, according to his hometown news station in Morely, Mich. There is the sad reality that his goal of obtaining a B.S. in Criminal Justice will never be achieved. But when I read the news of Billings’ passing, a few other names stood out besides his. They are the names of his family. The name of his wife of eight years, Christy, seemed to jump off the page. The list of his four children, Isaiah, Kayle, Elijah and Naomi, pulled at my heartstrings. All of them face the shocking and premature reality of life without their husband or father. As a community, we share in their pain. As Christians, we pray for their future. As fellow Americans, we appreciate Billings’ ultimate sacrifice. The question many ask is, “How can we help?” This question must be answered. Monday marked the beginning of Military Emphasis Week (MEW), which will run from Nov. 5 to Nov. 10. According to the university website, MEW is dedicated to raise awareness of and appreciation for those who serve and have served in the United States military. There has never been a more appropriate time for the student body to step up. The Office of Military Affairs offers numerous ways for students to donate and show support. Director Emily Foutz and her team have joined up with the student-run organization
Photo Provided
LIBERTY VETERANS — Military students from Liberty University pose with the school’s banner during a tour in Iraq. Students Behind our Soldiers to send care packages filled with snacks, hygiene products and of course, Liberty T-shirts. To maintain the ability to do this type of ministry, they are relying on students to chip in. “This is something Students Behind our Soldiers does yearround. Resources help them to continue to do that,” Foutz said. Boxes will be placed at the Vines Center as well as throughout DeMoss and Green Hall. Drop in a few donations when you pass by, because our veterans appreciate it. Psychology students and any other interested parties can attend a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Seminar Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in DeMoss Hall 1114. A definition of what PTSD is, what treatments are available and other tools that can help those affected will be discussed. Stop by and listen, because a veteran may need your help one day. Former Navy pilot Jerry Coffee will also speak in convocation Wednesday. Coffee was a prisoner of war in North Vietnam for seven years. After he was released in 1973, he went back to work in the Navy. Come to convocation and give your full atten-
tion, because our veterans deserve our applause and respect. More events are being held throughout the week, from luncheons to military panels. All are listed on the Military Affairs’ website. It is time to put our words of encouragement into actions of assistance. Foutz said that something as simple as attending these events and voicing our gratitude is priceless to the families of veterans. “It really helps if we have a lot of students show up to support and recognize all the sacrifices that they have made,” she said. And that is the key to the success of the Office of Military Affairs. “It’s about creating a sense of community with veterans on campus,” Foutz said. “It helps when they can encourage each other in classes and share in each other’s struggles.” Those outside Liberty’s campus have various ways to donate as well. Organizations such as American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America and Disabled American Veterans have their own websites, where you can lend financial support, no matter how small. The fact that our university dedicates a whole week to honor
Photo Provided
CARE PACKAGES — Office of Military Affairs counselor Melissa Mills displays one of the packages that they and Students Behind Our Soldiers send to veterans. those who serve or have served is a blessing. Liberty has over 200 on-campus soldiers alone. Never forget the fact that we live in a country where we have the freedom to embrace our troops.
Now, it is up to us to take the time to thank those veterans who give us the freedom to do so. WOOLFOLK is the opinion editor.
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A6/Liberty Champion
NEWS
November 6, 2012
Former congressman addresses students Ohio representative Bob McEwen visited Liberty University to remind students why America stands strong
Melanie Oelrich moelrich@liberty.edu
Former Ohio representative Bob McEwen returned to Liberty University Oct. 31 to remind students of the founding principles this country was built upon. During Liberty’s convocation service, Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. commended McEwen as “a public speaker like none other. He communicates the founding principles of what this country is all about better than anyone I know.” McEwen drafted his message on historical focal points that have shaped how this country is run. He mentioned the four standards by which citizens of the United States should measure the greatness of our nation: the strength of the economy, the military, politics and leadership. “This country is in a very unique place, and you hold the key to where it goes,” McEwen said. The former congressman also mentioned that a politician cannot produce jobs. Instead, the citizens of this country have to create them — and to create them, we must build them. “You have to create wealth, and government cannot create wealth for you. Government only takes from people who have it,” McEwen said. In the midst of this historical election, McEwen encouraged students to vote for a leader who will not fear the future, but will stand for the founding principles, according to the Liberty News Service. In addition, he also stressed the importance of voting for the nominee who would best uphold those principles. According to McEwen, presidential nominee Mitt Romney best suits the role of president because he closely upholds those founding principles. “I think Mitt Romney will win, and by a pretty wide margin,” McEwen said. However, if incumbent president Barack Obama wins the election, McEwen believes that the current economy will continue down its current path. “If Obama is president for another
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AMERICAN PRINCIPLES — Bob McEwen reminded students about the importance of the founding principles Oct. 31. four years, we will lose more wealth, more jobs, and we’ll lose influence in the world,” McEwen said. “If this turns into nearly a decade, America’s position in the world will be severely damaged.” McEwen said that if a businessman such as Romney is put in a position of presidency, the jobs currently in China would be made available to Americans again. “We’re on the threshold of greatness. If we have a businessman instead of a politician in the White House, we could bring the jobs from China home, and
America would take off like a rocket,” McEwen said. According to McEwen, Liberty University has made a lasting impact on the former politician, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for six terms. While in office, he and U.S. Sen. Robert Dole observed the first-ever parliamentary election of a non-Communist leader of a Soviet country, which led to the destruction of the Berlin Wall. “I was here for the first time in ’73 or ’74, and I’ve been here several times since,” McEwen said after his convoca-
tion message. “If I could do it again, I would have gone to school here. The student body is happy, and they aren’t filled with bitterness toward their families and their country. They’re looking forward and upward, which is what Christ does for all of us. That’s what I love most about Liberty.” McEwen currently serves as the senior advisor of his own nationally-recognized law firm, McEwen Law Firm Ltd. OELRICH is an asst. news editor.
Want to volunteer, or do you need Christian service hours that you can get simply by staying at home? Help us defend economic freedom in Lynchburg today! •Web: www.afphq.org/virginia • Twitter http://twitter.com/AFPVA • Facebook: www.facebook.com/AFPVA
NEWS
November 6, 2012
Liberty Champion/A7
Alpha Lambda Delta hosts ceremony The Order of the Torch Award was presented to five members of Liberty’s honor chapter
Elizabeth Smith ejsmith2@liberty.edu
It is not unusual for Liberty students to excel both in and out of the classroom, and Friday, Oct. 26 was no different for five exceptional students. On that night, the Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) National Honor Society presented the Order of the Torch Award to five members from Liberty’s chapter at a ceremony hosted by faculty advisor Marilyn Gadomski. The ceremony, which was held in the Grand Lobby of DeMoss Hall, included a brief speech about the Order of the Torch Award and the history of the ALD by Sandrea Williamson, one of nine National Council Members. She presented the students with the Order of the Torch banner and commended them for their hard work. Although the ALD is represented by 270 college chapters around the country, only five are awarded with the Order of the Torch Award every year. To win the Order of the Torch Award, chapters must create a scrapbook portraying the events and activities from the past year. Only five members per chapter may take part in the designing of the scrapbook.
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RECOGNITION — Members are awarded for their yearly accomplishments. “The scrapbook was an accumulation of all of our events that we did, starting with our initiation and ending with the initiation of the new class officers,” Liberty junior and ALD member Audrey Ralon said. “The events included everything from the local teddy bear drives that we did, when we went to the jubilee center, and sending out Thanksgiving packages. (The scrapbook) was just a recap to let the other ALD members see what we
did throughout the year. The purpose of it was to share our chapter and our success and to view other chapters and their successes.” Liberty junior and ALD advisor Sara Compton said she had never heard of the society before she was invited to become a member by Liberty’s chapter. “The ALD is actually a really good society,” she said. “It’s something where once you are in it, you are in it forever.
They offer a lot of scholarships. They offer resources to help you build your leadership skills.” The Order of the Torch Award was not the only award presented at the ceremony. Brian Maulding, the president of Liberty’s chapter, received the 2012 Jo Anne J. Trow Award. Mauldin was one of 35 members of the ALD nationwide to receive the Jo Anne J. Trow Award, which also includes a $1,000 scholarship. “Our (chapter) nominated two people for this award,” Mauldin said. “It was a fairly typical scholarship application. I had to send in my résumé, my transcript and a couple of recommendation letters from this club to the ALD. I was the head president of this chapter, so that probably affected how I did, and also that I took a leading role in the ALD helped my chances of winning.” According to Williamson, Liberty is one of the top six schools among ALD’s 270 in the country for their academic standing. “Your chapter has been really active and has (done) wonderful work,” Williamson said. “Liberty is in the top six (chapters) in the nation. That’s outstanding.” SMITH is a news reporter.
Planes donated to the School of Aviation The SOA has received over $1 million in both cash and equipment donations to aid in furthering education Jeremy Angione jangione@liberty.edu
Liberty University’s School of Aeronautics (SOA) has recently received donations to the program in the form of several aircrafts that will be used for student aviation training. The SOA is making strides in the aviation industry. Dean of the SOA Gen. David Young believes this is partly due to valuable support and substantial donations that the program receives. The flight team recently won the National Intercollegiate Flight Association regional tournament for the eighth consecutive year. Liberty professor Kurt Reesman was also accepted into the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airman Testing Standards and Training Working Group. “We’ve been very blessed with both cash and donated equipment,” Young said. “To date, we have received over a million dollars from donors in both cash and equipment.” The Piper Super Cub, donated in 2010, carries with it a unique history. According to Young, the plane’s previous owners were Martin and Gracia Burham, who were imprisoned in the Phil-
Nov. 5 – Nov.10 Military Emphasis Week
Carter Bowns| Liberty Champion
AIRCRAFT — Jodi Jacob, a junior aviation student, examines the features of a newly-donated plane. ippines for one year. Martin was killed in a rescue attempt. Donated by Gracia, “the SOA uses the plane as a tailwheel trainer for students, and is very special to us,” Young said. Three other donations were made this year. Donated by Lane Lee of Minot, ND, a Piper Cherokee that was used to train potential flight
instructors is now being used to train aircraft mechanics in the Aviation Management Technical Services program, Young said. George Arthun, the uncle of SOA dispatcher Amanda Spence, donated a Cessna 172 that is currently being used as a standard flight training aircraft, according to Young. Dynamic Aviation is an air-
craft and aviation solutions provider that employs several of the SOA’s graduates and with which the SOA has a strong relationship. They donated a Beechcraft King Air, which will also be used to train aircraft mechanics, Young said. Other supporters have also stepped forward and indicated that they will be donating air-
UPCOMING EVENTS Nov. 8 Apartment Fair Back Hall of DeMoss, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Nov. 7 FACS Department Designer Launch Party Executive Dining Hall, 5:30 p.m.
craft to the SOA. David Lowe, whose father owned a 1931 Travel Air biplane, has agreed to give it to the SOA for a very unique purpose. Once the SOA and Freedom Aviation have restored the aircraft to flying condition, there is interest in entering it as a participant in the annual Air Race Classic ladies’ annual race across the country. Travel Air was actually the winning aircraft in the first 1929 race. In 2012, the SOA fielded two teams in the race for the first time and has already selected the teams for 2013. All aircraft received through donation are evaluated to determine any associated cost for preparation and how to best incorporate them into the SOA, according to Young. The SOA may also be receiving a 1973 Piper Cherokee, which they will evaluate for potential use, Young said.
ANGIONE is a news reporter.
Nov. 8 PRSSA Etiquette Banquet Executive Dining Hall, 6 p.m.
Nov. 8 English and Modern Language Alumni Lecture Event DeMoss Hall 4040, 7 p.m.
Open House November 11th, 12p.m. - 4p.m.
Deadline: Nov. 12 Drop off your shoebox in DeMoss Hall 1035.
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A8/Liberty Champion
NEWS
November 6, 2012
T
he legacy we leave behind for our children, grandchildren,
and this great nation is crucial. As I approach my 94th birthday, I realize this election could be my last. I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel. I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman. Vote for biblical values this November 6, and pray with me that America will remain one nation under God.
Billy Graham MONTREAT, N.C.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY THE BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION
SPORTS
NOVEMBER 6, 2012
Men’s Volleyball
Men’s D2 Hockey
Men’s D3 Hockey
Women’s D1 Hockey
Women’s D2 Hockey
Crew
Liberty 1 Duke 2
Liberty 5 Virginia Tech 3
Liberty 3
Liberty 4 Stevenson Univ. 1
Liberty 1 Slippery Rock Univ. 5
Head of Occoquan race Liberty 22nd out of 34
Virginia Commonwealth Univ. 1
Bulldogs tie Flames on Senior Night
UNC Asheville forces a draw, but Flames still manage to earn the No. 3 seed in the Big South tournament Jay Sir ysir@liberty.edu
The University of North Carolina (UNC) Asheville Bulldogs took to the field at Osborne Stadium as underdogs Friday, Nov. 2. They were losers of all nine of their conference games to date, but were able to avoid a 10th loss, playing Liberty University to a 0-0 draw. Despite the match going into a second overtime period, the Flames tie against UNC Asheville extended their unbeaten run to nine games. The Flames end the regular season with a conference record
of 6-1-3 and an overall record of 8-6-3. “I thought Asheville played extremely well. We knew that with them not qualifying for the playoffs, they were going to be hungry, and it showed, ” Head Coach Jeff Alder said. “I felt that we had two or three chances that we should have finished in the first half, but there were two or three shots that were reduced by their keeper. He made some good saves.” Dan Jackson, the Bulldogs goalkeeper, made eight saves over the course of the night and managed to keep out the Flames defense despite severe pressure on goal.
Liberty outshot UNC Asheville 25-10. Senior night As the 2012 season ends, seven seniors will be hanging up their cleats for their last time. Before the match started, the graduating seniors were awarded with framed jerseys and took pictures with the coaches and their families to commemorate the occasion. “I love our seniors,” Alder said. “They’ve got a special place in my heart.” According to Alder, the senior group
See SOCCER, B2
Timothy Sutton | Liberty Champion
STRENGTH — LU controls the ball.
Torbush defeats cancer Olivia Witherite ogwitherite@liberty.edu
‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD…
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
Flames sink Buccaneers OVERWHELMED — Liberty defensive back Brent Vinson forces Charleston Southern receiver Chase Jones out of bounds.
Liberty’s 26-12 victory keeps them in the hunt for a share of the Big South Conference title Kyle Harvey kharvey@liberty.edu
After a disappointing loss to rival Coastal Carolina last week, the Flames bounced back with a solid outing against the Charleston Southern University (CSU) Buccaneers, winning 26-12 to keep their slim hopes of a Big South title alive for another week. For the Flames, the key moment of the game may have been a decision made before kickoff. Usually one to defer to the second half when he wins a coin toss, Head Coach Turner Gill elected to take the ball first when the Flames won the toss, and his aggressiveness paid off.
“I thought it would be advantageous for us to have the ball first,” Gill said. “I thought we had a good game plan in the first series or two as far as our plays that we had called and wanted to try to get an opportunity to get out in front and get a lead on these guys.” Senior running back Aldreakis Allen gave the Flames that advantage, putting Liberty on the scoreboard early with a 35-yard touchdown on the opening possession of the game, and the Flames never looked back. CSU’s offense, made up of a power running game and no notable aerial attack, was ill-equipped to play a game from behind.
“Anytime you go into a game, you want to start fast,” center Aaron Lundy said. “Anytime you can develop momentum, that’s a huge thing. It’s a goal of ours to start fast. … First drive of the game, you want to start with a touchdown.” It was a banner day for the offensive line, which paved the way for over 300 yards of offense on the ground and for the second time this season, did not allow a sack. “Our goal is 200 yards rushing and no sacks,” Lundy said of the offensive line. “Anytime you can rush for over 200 yards and develop some momentum is a huge thing. As you run the ball, it takes the
Carl Torbush, assistant head coach and linebackers coach for the Liberty Flames, said that he never imagined he would be coaching today. With his feet propped up on his TORBUSH desk, his body leaned back against his office chair and a smile on his face, he said that he thought he would be sitting in his home by the lake in Tennessee. Instead of overlooking the water this fall, however, he has spent his time preparing the Flames for their quest for a Big South title. Coming out of retirement to coach under Head Coach Turner Gill in his first year at Liberty, Torbush has conquered personal adversity to coach the Flames. There were various factors contributing to his choice to coach in Lynchburg, Va., but one reason almost prevented him from ever stepping foot into Williams Stadium. … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. In the middle of the 2010-11 season, while serving as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach under Gill at Kansas University, Torbush went to the campus doctors for a routine checkup. An avid baseball player and runner, Torbush can serve as an example of how to stay in shape. During the
See FOOTBALL, B3
See TORBUSH, B4
Field Hockey falls to Stanford in first NorPac title debut Derrick Battle dbattle2@liberty.edu
In only its second year of existence as a NCAA Division I team, the Lady Flames field hockey team went to their first NorPac Conference title game Nov. 3, losing to the Stanford Cardinals 3-0. This was also the Lady Flames inaugural season as a part of the NorPac Conference. The tournament took place in Farmville, Va., and because of their 14-5 (7-1) regular season record, Liberty was able to draw
the No. 1 seed as a part of the Eastern Division. Their first opponent was the No. 4 seeded Pacific University Tigers from the Western Division. The game was close as both teams knotted 1-1 going into overtime. A minute into the extra period, the NorPac East Division Offensive Player of the Year, freshman midfielder Natalie Barr, delivered the game-winning goal that sent the Flames to face the Davidson College Wildcats in the semi-finals. The Lady Flames outshot
the Tigers 24-2 and had eight penalty corners to Pacific’s zero. In a two-week timespan, the Lady Flames had faced Davidson twice — defeating them both games. In their third match-up, the result was no different. The Lady Flames were able to complete its sweep against the Wildcats 3-1. Liberty freshman midfielder Abbey Basom scored in the 23rd minute off a penalty stroke. Three minutes later, Davidson answered with a goal from freshman forward Lucy
Pidock, who gathered a rebound and shot it into the back of the cage. After halftime, the Lady Flames scored two unanswered goals by Barr and freshman forward Ashlee Krulock. The 3-1 victory set up their encounter with the Western Division No. 1 seed, Stanford. After its game against Davidson, the Lady Flames became the second team in nine years to make an appearance in the NorPac Conference title game from the Eastern Division. The first to make
this accomplishment was Radford University in 2003. While the Lady Flames were unable to score in the title game, Liberty was able to recognize Barr and fellow team freshman defender Erin Dombach, who both made the 2012 NorPac All-Tournament team. The MVP of the tournament was Stanford’s senior defender Becky Dru. She finished the tourney with two goals and an assist. With this loss, the Lady Flames saw its eight-game
winning streak and season come to an end. The season may be over, but the Flames showed progress from its first year as a NCAA sport — an improvement in wins from 10 to 16. Stanford advanced to the NCAA tournament play-in game today, Nov. 6. BATTLE is the asst. sports editor.
SPORTS
B2/Liberty Champion
November 6, 2012
LU student continues quest for NASCAR Stephen Berry survives wreck-filled race to finish 13th in the Virginia Is For Racing Lovers 300 Andrew Woolfolk alwoolfolk@liberty.edu
Liberty University student Stephen Berry has always lived life in the fast lane. He knew back when he was 14, when he started racing go carts professionally, that he was headed for a high-octane future. That future now includes a racing career in the latemodel stock car racing circuit. BERRY After an impressive performance at one of the biggest races on the stock car racing circuit — the Virginia Is For Racing Lovers 300, Oct. 21 — Berry is looking to continue his dream of reaching the ultimate goal of all competitive drivers: NASCAR. Berry finished in 13th place in the race that is considered the “Daytona 500 of the series,” his highest finish in a late-model race featuring its standard amount of 80 drivers fighting to qualify. Late-model racing serves as a minor league of sorts for NASCAR, so the every-manfor-himself mentality creates a highly competitive racing atmosphere. Of the 42 cars that started the race, Berry was one of only 23 that finished. “It was one of the craziest races I’ve ever been at,” Berry said. “Drivers were beating and banging. Drivers were going three wide. It was wild.” Berry’s high finish is especially impressive when you consider the odds stacked against him. On just the fifth lap of the race, a wreck in the group of cars in front of Berry knocked out his right front tire’s suspension and
SOCCER continued from B1 has been the glue of the team this year. “We started the year with a record of two (wins) and six (losses). But those guys just kept fighting and competing and willing us to win, and they got us steamrolling in the right direction.” Alder said. The graduating seniors include Rafael Amaya, Uriah Bentick, Zack Clark, Andrew Jones, Travis Joseph, Richard Nyarko and Greg White. White is the current team captain and has started in 75 consecutive games that span four years. “It was just a great experience,” White said. “I can’t thank the coach and staff enough for giving us a chance to come here and work. God has done so much in my life, and it’s just been phenomenal. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
altered his car’s alignment. “The car was pushing because of the alignment issue,” Berry said. “The bad thing about my car after the crash was that I had to use a lot more brakes to hold the car steady during the turn, so my right front tire was getting worn out, so it was working the brakes hard. It definitely tested me as a driver.” The fight for funding Berry also had to fight against an obstacle that hindered him before he even entered the car. Lacking the necessary sponsorship to compete on a regular basis, October’s race marked the first time since July 2011 that Berry had been in a racecar. Berry estimated that running a competitive team for the stock car series would require around $150,000 per year, and for his team so far, the dollars just have not been there. “We just haven’t had any money. I have had several topof-the-line teams say that they want me to come drive for them if I could just get good sponsorship,” Berry said. Currently, Liberty is one of Berry’s biggest supporters, funding him since 2007, Berry’s first year at Liberty. During his races, Berry’s car is adorned with the Liberty’s name. Berry first presented the idea to Jerry Falwell Sr., who immediately signed on to help out. “He loved the idea. One of the last times I saw him was during the homecoming parade that year, which he let me drive my racecar in. He came up to me afterward and told me that the crowd loved it,” Berry said. “He was a very genuine and unique guy.”
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FAST LANE — Berry started 21st, but his was one of only 23 cars that finished the race Oct. 21. While Liberty’s support has been crucial in Berry’s success, more funding is needed for his team to reach the next level. Several universities have started NASCAR-focused programs for students. Clemson University has gone a step further, with students forming a class with the specific purpose of raising funds for driver Mike Wallace, who participates in the Nationwide Series, the level directly below NASCAR. The students at Clemson are getting sponsored by alumni, and making contact with other prospective clients in the local area in hopes of fully funding Wallace’s team. “We put on a great show for Liberty at the race,” Barry said. “I think if I was in the racecar full time and had supporters from Liberty, such as donations from alumni, it would be great. NASCAR is getting huge, and schools want to participate. I think it’s cool Liberty is already trying to do the same thing as
well.” Moving up Berry is now looking to the future and searching for ways to reach the upper echelon of racing. He has set his sights on joining NASCAR’s Truck Series, where many prominent NASCAR Cup drivers, such as Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick and Mark Martin, first gained public recognition. Berry has also had conversations with representatives from series powerhouse Kyle Busch Motorsports in hopes of joining the team in the next few years. “They are one of the premier truck series teams. They like me and I like them,” Berry said. Still, Berry hearkened back to the fact that joining an upperlevel program inevitably means more need for funds. More than any other sports league, NASCAR teams are driven by the donations of sponsors, and financial support must be attained before a deal can be
reached with teams. “It’s all about getting that money to pay for the team and the equipment,” Berry said. “Everything that goes into that — tires, breaks — it’s expensive. So, we’re going to try to talk to Liberty and see if we can make a deal to race full time for the championship next year.” Despite funding being hit-andmiss, Berry’s passion and dedication to the sport is unchanging. “People have said I have a natural overall talent,” Berry said. “I love being out of control. You’re literally going as fast as you can the whole race, within inches of each other, beating and banging. It’s a huge adrenaline rush. I’m just trying to make it into the big leagues and make my dream my career.”I’m just trying to make it into the big leagues and make my dream my career.”
WOOLFOLK is the opinion editor.
“My experience at Liberty University was great. It was hard, it was fun, it had everything I could ask for,” Joseph said. “I think the coach has been building a really good team in the last couple of years, and I’m looking forward to finish on a high note. We won the Big South Championship last year, and I believe we can win it again this year.” The path towards another championship begins Tuesday, Nov. 6 at Osborne Stadium. The Liberty Flames are seeded No. 3, after Coastal Carolina (10-1) and Radford University (7-2-1), and will host No. 6 Winthrop (5-4-1) in their first playoff game. The semifinals will be aired on the Big South Network Nov.. 9, and the finals will be broadcasted on ESPN3 Nov. 11. SIR is a sports reporter.
Jake Mitchell| Liberty Champion
CONTROL — Tyler Bullock (far right) muscles past the Bulldogs defense to start a play.
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SPORTS
November 6, 2012
Liberty Champion/B3
Coach Layer, Flames look for healthy start
Men’s basketball focuses on the upcoming season with their first test coming up against the Richmond Spiders Derrick Battle dbattle2@liberty.edu
A new year of Liberty Flames basketball has crept up on us, and for Head Coach Dale Layer and crew, staying healthy is key. Early injuries to players cost the Flames its first eight of 10 games last season. As those players slowly returned, the Flames were able to win five out of seven games late in the season before being ousted in the quarterfinals of the Big South Tournament to Charleston Southern. “We are a different team without Jesse Sanders, but we got a nucleus of a really good team,” Layer said. “If we stay healthy, it’s a team that can contend for a championship in the Big South.” Forward Sommy Ogukwe was one of the players who was unable to play last season after he suffered a severe knee injury. Ogukwe’s presence will give added depth to the front court along with the return of forwards Antwan Burrus and Tomasz Gielo. However, 6’10’’ center Joel Vander Pol will miss the beginning of the season. “I think it will be the best front court we have had in a long time since I’ve been at Liberty,” Layer said. “Sommy is back, he is about 95 percent, Tomasz is much improved, Antwan has been our best player throughout the preseason. We need Vander Pol back, but we are deeper and more athletic in the front court since
I have been here.” Vander Pol is currently receiving treatment for a nagging back injury. Last year, he played throughout the season with this injury, appearing in 29 contests. Training camp impressions Layer has collected five transfers, some of which will see playing time early in the year. One is transfer Davon Marshall from Monroe College. After an impressive training camp, Marshall has gotten the nod at the starting point guard position. “Davon Marshall has molded well into the team,” guard John Caleb Sanders said. “He will most likely be our starting point guard. He is real unselfish, but a very good scorer. He is not Jesse (Sanders), but he is a different style of player.” Combo guard freshman Wesley Alcegaire is another player who has progressed well in Layer’s team. Alcegaire is one of two Florida high school recruits who entered the Liberty basketball program, the other being guard Larry Taylor. “Everyone is trying find each other’s game out and trying to fit into the coach’s system,” guard Tavares Speaks said. “I think the point we are at now, we are looking pretty good.” The Flames ended training camp with a blue-white scrimmage that drew to a 65-65 tie. J. C. Sanders posted a doubledouble with a game high 20 points and 10 rebounds. “As a team, we have progressed well during boot camp,” J.C. Sanders said.
Ruth Bibby| Liberty Champion
NEW FACES — Jarred Jourdan is one of many transfers Liberty acquired. “We need to look forward to get ready for Richmond next Friday night.” Season Outlook In the preseason polls, Liberty is predicted to finish fourth in the North Division of the Big South Conference. The Flames were also invited to the Legend Classic, where they will face Big East op-
ponent Georgetown University, and will host an ESPN BracketBuster game for the second time in three years. Liberty opens its season on the road when it travels to Richmond Friday, Nov. 9. The first home game is against William & Mary Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Vines Center. BATTLE is the asst. sports editor.
Lady Flames hit 20-win mark for sixth straight year Courtney Tyree cntyree@liberty.edu
The Lady Flames volleyball team was able to notch their fifth straight victory and third straight road win during a visit against Campbell University (25-19, 3028, 26-24). The Flames were 10-2 in the conference heading into the match, while the Camels were 0-12. Liberty took the lead in the first set 21-13, but Campbell fought back, putting the score at 21-19.
FOOTBALL continued from B1 pressure off the quarterback and receivers and helps them open up the passing game going downfield.” The first half of action could be summed up in three plays: Aldreakis Allen’s two long touchdown runs and the Bucs’ lone significant passing play, a 41-yard touchdown pass on a well-timed misdirection play to wide receiver Kirby Broome. The first 30 minutes, both offenses moved up and down the field almost exclusively via the running game. Liberty compiled 190 yards on the ground before halftime, with Aldreakis Allen earning 99 of the yards. Nintey-one of those yards came on two touchdowns. Allen’s runs gave the Flames a 13-6 lead at the half. Redshirt freshman fullback Nicky Fualaau scored his third touchdown of the year at the beginning of the second half on
The Lady Flames were not going to let this one slip away, scoring the next four points and ending with a kill from Lillie Happel. The second set was close as Liberty led 20-15, but Campbell fought its way back on a 9-0 run, gaining the lead (24-20). Liberty came back with a kill from Jade Craycraft to tie the score at 24all. The teams rallied, but the Flames finished on top, winning the set 30-28. “In the second set, we gave up about a nine-point run late that put them up 24-21,” Head
Coach Shane Pinder said. “They had us in a tough spot, but our kids showed great resolve and came back and tied it up and ended up winning a tight one.” Liberty and Campbell were tied 20-all heading into the end of set three. With help from Caroline Douglas with a kill, the Flames won the set 26-24. The Lady Flames out hit Campbell, .213-.168, in the match. Liberty posted eight blocks to Campbell’s six. Happel led the Flames in kills on the night with 16 and also added
a five-yard reception, putting the Flames up 20-6. Minutes later, Allen scored his third touchdown of the game, bursting up the middle for a 30-yard score. Allen finished the night with 179 yards on a 9.4-yard per carry average — his second highest total of the year. “I thought Allen ran hard. I thought he had good vision, and he made good cuts,” Gill said. For Allen, the success of the running game was two-fold heading into a key contest next week. “The line knows that if I can see the hole, I’m going to take it,” Allen said. “(Tonight) is a very big confidence booster for me, and also, I know it is for the line.” In spite of playing behind for the entire contest, the Bucs’ onedimensional offense remained committed to running the ball. CSU managed one more score in the fourth quarter to push the final score to 26-12. It is hard not to underscore the role the Flames defense had in the victory.
“The defense did a great job holding them down as far as their rushing attack,” Gill said. After averaging an astonishing 329 yards on the ground in a three-game winning streak coming into the contest against Liberty, the Flames defense held CSU’s offense to a mere 306 yards Saturday. The win was Liberty’s seventh straight over CSU and gives Liberty an 18-2 lead in the overall series. Looking ahead, Liberty hosts Stony Brook University next Saturday, Nov. 10, in a game that may decide the winner of the Big South Conference. Stony Brook is undefeated in conference play, and Liberty and Coastal both have only one loss. Liberty can force a three-way tie with an upset over Stony Brook and a win over Virginia Military Institute the following week.
11 digs. Douglas scored 11 kills, while Loren Thomas had eight. Craycraft totaled 39 assists and 10 digs. Gabrielle Shipe collected 15 digs, while Becca Haraf and Ansley Gebben had 13 digs a piece. “(Women’s volleyball) is another special team at Liberty, with a special group of young student-athletes that at the end of the day, are striving to become Champions for Christ at Liberty University,” Pinder said. “There is not a better place to be able to do that but at Liberty University.
I’m really proud of them and of Liberty athletics as a whole.” The Lady Flames will close the regular season with two conference home matches, hosting University of North Carolina Asheville Friday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. and Gardner-Webb Saturday, Nov. 10, at noon. Liberty will honor its senior volleyball players at Saturday’s match against Gardner-Webb. TYREE is a sports reporter.
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HARVEY is the sports editor.
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Liberty Champion
ZONED IN — Aldreakis Allen had 179 yards and three touchdowns against Charleston Southern Saturday.
SPORTS
B4/Liberty Champion
November 6, 2012
Men’s Hockey leading goal scorer shows progress Rick Turner tells his experience as being part of the Division I team, and being a student at Liberty Jonathan Pearson jwpearson@liberty.edu
Sports fanatics understand that behind every great team, there is a leader — the player that stays late, shows up early and bears the weight of responsibility for every win and loss. This leader is selfless, determined and unrelenting in his pursuit of team victory. Rick Turner is that player TURNER for Liberty University.
TORBUSH continued from B1 interview, the 61-year-old said he was considering a jog in the brisk, postHurricane Sandy weather afterward. Despite being in shape, when Torbush went to the University of Kansas doctors for a physical, they realized that he had aboveaverage prostate-specific antigen levels. After a second opinion, the doctors eventually told Torbush the one word that no one wants to hear — cancer. “(The doctor) said, ‘I need to see you.’ When he said that, I knew something wasn’t right,” Torbush said. “I was very much at peace because I knew if it was the Lord’s will, it was the Lord’s will.” Even though it was low-grade prostate cancer, action needed to be taken right away. Torbush decided to retire from Kansas University and from coaching in general, electing to have a radical prostatectomy. He returned to East Tennessee with his wife,
An Auburn, Mich. native, Turner’s love affair with hockey began with a childhood gift from his parents. “My parents gave me a pair of roller skates when I was 3,” Turner said. “They saw that I loved the sport. They got me started in youth hockey, and it just started off from there.” Once Turner got started, he couldn’t stop and it wasn’t long until he was playing for large crowds. “It’s way different,” Turner said. “When I played junior (hockey) we would probably get about 300 people a night, and here we get about 2000.” Turner said that he enjoys interacting
Janet, and son, Trey. The surgery was successful, and Torbush was back to playing baseball and jogging almost immediately. Torbush said that he was happy in retirement, but he heard of Liberty’s opening for a new head coach. He thought Gill would be a perfect fit. Torbush made a few phone calls and, in December of 2011, Gill was hired as the head coach of the Flames. Soon after, Gill worked to hire Torbush as a member of his coaching staff. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. However, Torbush had some reservations, which he made clear to Gill, saying, “I will not come if my cancer’s not totally clean and cleared.” “I went and got rechecked about two weeks later,” Torbush said. “I was scot-free, zero-zero-zero. So, I felt that that was the Lord’s way of telling me, ‘You need to go.’” With a slight smile, Torbush said with his
with the crowd and seeing them scream and pound on the glass. He likes to get them amped up with a big hit or a goal. “I love it. Anytime I can get them more pumped up, it’s always good,” Turner said. “I’ve been playing hockey for about 20 years now, and this is by far the best place that I’ve played.” For Turner, the only thing better than the fans is playing with teammates. They are like a family in pads and on ice, he said. “It’s always fun playing with these boys,” Turner said. “That’s why you come to the rink every morning, for every practice and every game.”
Ruth Bibby| Liberty Champion
FAITH — Liberty coaches on the sidelines Saturday. Southern drawl, “So, here I am.” Arriving in Virginia, Torbush was impressed with the kindness of the people and the atmosphere of Liberty, noting how he can pray with athletes without being condemned by fans and onlookers. His praise of Liberty’s values and its facilities comes with much experience and with the perspective of a lifetime of coaching. He began his life after graduation from Carson Newman College
in 1974 playing a year of baseball in the Kansas City Royals’ organization. From there, he moved up the ladder from high school football to a graduate assistant position at Baylor University and later to assistant coaching positions at Southeastern Louisiana and Louisiana Tech. In 1983, Torbush became the defensive coordinator at the University of Mississippi and at the University of North Carolina before earning his first head coaching position at UNC
Turner is a senior sports management major. He plans on graduating next year and either starting a career or earning a paycheck playing hockey. “Hopefully, it will take me to the next level somewhere, whether it’s in Europe or the (United) States. If it doesn’t, well, that’s why I come to college,” he said. “I’ll get the degree and get a job out of college afterward. I’d love to stay in hockey, whether it’s coaching, or anything involved with hockey.” PEARSON is a sports reporter.
in 1998. He also had stops at Alabama, Texas A&M, Carson Newman, Mississippi State — his alma mater — and eventually Kansas, where he served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach under Gill. There, his loyalty to Gill was enforced. “If I started my coaching career again at age 25, I’d coach for him for the rest of my life,” Torbush said of Gill. “That’s how much I think of him.” You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Due to his loyalty to Gill and Assistant Coach Robert Wimberly, Torbush committed to coaching the Flames Dec. 28, 2011 — the same day he discovered he was cancer-free. “The Lord gives us experiences, heartache and trials, and learning how to deal with certain situations,” Torbush said. “I think, over a period of time, those experiences give us the wisdom we need to have to deal with
certain situations.” Sitting at his desk, which is strewn with Bibles and devotional books, Torbush reflected on what he has achieved so far in his life. The seasoned coach who has overcome cancer brings a wealth Subheads of life and taken from c o a c h i n g Torbush’s favorite experience Bible to Liberty University. verses, He has Jeremiah overcome 29:11-13 being let NIV. go from positions, criticism and a cancer diagnosis. Throughout the interview, however, he kept mentioning God’s will with a smile spread across his face. When asked to describe something he learned during his battle with cancer, he spoke for a while on serious matters, paused, looked up from his desk, and said: “Don’t take yourself too seriously.” WITHERITE is a sports reporter.
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FEATURE
November 6, 2012
Liberty Champion/B5
Lynchburg competition creates growth Business redundancy has caused healthy synergy in the Lynchburg economy with Wards Road expansion Jaja Hsu rrhsu@liberty.edu
Competition can either fuel a fire or force it to burn out. Local businesses on Lynchburg’s Wards Road are no strangers to this concept. New franchises create a cluster, congesting the already highly-trafficked area of Wards Road. However, the spike in new businesses raises the question of whether it helps or hurts the local economy. “It is absolutely helping the local economy,” Christine Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Lynchburg’s Chamber of Commerce, said. “Growth in new businesses shows that the city of Lynchburg is growing.” Within a 10-minute walking distance, there are three different frozen yogurt places surrounding Wards Road. Within a four-mile radius, there are four Chick-fil-A locations and two McDonald’s locations. Different establishments offer similar cuisines surrounding Wards. “Those businesses are choosing to be in that area because they see potential,” Kennedy said. “That is a positive sign for Lynchburg’s economy because it means economic growth.” The city’s economic achievement has even received national praise. In 2010, Forbes named Lynchburg No. 28 for “Best Places for Businesses and Careers.” Milken Institute also ranked Lynchburg No. 35 on the “2010 Best Performing Cities, 200 Largest Metros” list. In 2009, CNN identified Lynchburg as “one of the best places to launch a small business.” Kennedy believes the cluster of businesses on Wards is an advantage rather than a disadvantage. One analogy Kennedy used compared Wards to a strip mall because it also features multiple stores selling similar items. In large, populated areas, there are
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
COMPETITION — Businesses along Wards Road have created increased competition in Lynchburg. numerous options for food, shopping and entertainment within a close proximity. The same is true for Lynchburg. “Having so many different options in one central location is an advantage, especially to Liberty students,” Kennedy said. “Parents want to know that their kids are safely getting to places. These are all within walking distance to the campus.” If growth in business and competition continues, one potential result that Kennedy foresees is an infrastructure that may not be able to keep up. More roads will need to be built, and the area will need to be expanded. However, Kennedy does not see this as a disadvantage. She says that it actually shows how well Lynchburg is doing because so many people want to invest in the city. Wards Road might seem con-
gested at times, but it is all about perspective. According to Kennedy, people who are familiar with high density areas, such as Washington D.C., are not phased by the traffic. However, residents of low density areas see this congestion as a nuisance. With the influx of traffic comes an influx of growth, and with the influx of growth comes an influx of competition, according to Kennedy. “Any savvy business owner will look at their competition and strategize their marketing and pricing around them,” she said. “It’s all about consumer preference and taste.” With restaurants like Chipotle, Bloop and Cook-Out residing on one stretch of road, Wards is the hub for dining out. However, Kennedy said that the attention Wards receives benefits more than just that area. Restaurants
all around Lynchburg also help spur the local economy. Kennedy pointed out that Lynchburg is great at focusing on the city in general rather than one significant area. When one area receives attention, the whole Lynchburg community is being promoted. However, restaurants located downtown will also have to compete with businesses on Wards for consumer preferences. Liberty University Graduate Assistant for the Department of Church Ministries Kate Downing especially approves of the new businesses along Wards. “When I was a freshman, Wards contained mainly chain restaurants, like Olive Garden and Cracker Barrel,” Downing said. “They were great, but got old quickly. Now, Wards offers more choices that are cheaper
and specialized.” Downing notices the growth in competition, but does not see it as cutthroat. She believes that the older generation will continue to go to the established restaurants while the younger will go to the newer ones. Local resident and Liberty graduate student Renee Harvey chooses restaurants located on Wards above any other because of the close proximity. “It’s not the typical boring foods,” Harvey said. “These restaurants bring excitement because for three years, (my friends and I) went to the same restaurants on Wards. Now, there is more variety.” With the new businesses, Harvey notices the increase in traffic on Wards. However, she also sees the jobs that are created from these new businesses that give more employment opportunities to local residents. With more options available, Harvey weighs the pros and cons of competing franchises based on pricing. “Sweet Frog is the original frozen yogurt place,” Harvey said. “They have better topping choices. But Bloop has punch cards and more chances to win free yogurt. You can’t beat that.” Downing considers cost when choosing a restaurant, but ambience is also important to her. “I choose Bloop over Sweet Frog because the interior is more appealing,” Downing said. “There is more seating, softer colors and better lighting.” Consumer preferences vary from person to person. One thing that Harvey and Downing both approve of is the variety of options now offered. Kennedy believes that time will tell how well each franchise does. Wards serves as evidence to the growth occurring in Lynchburg. HSU is a feature reporter.
Food drive aids VA Melissa Terry mterry3@liberty.edu
Liberty University will be joining with Sodexo and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank to make an impact in their community by holding a Thanksgiving food drive during the month of November. “This is an incredible opportunity for Liberty University to give back to the community,” senior women’s ministry major Ericka Fuller said. “We are blessed to be at this university and to have the chance to help provide a beautiful Thanksgiving for less fortunate families. I’m optimistic that this year, with more students, we can donate even more than last year.” The Liberty community donated 672 pounds of food in 2011. This year, the goal is to collect 2,000 pounds. All food collected during the drive will be used to meet the needs of local residents of the following counties that are part of the Southside Virginia Tobacco Commission Counties: Bedford, Campbell, Appomattox and Buckingham. Darren Wu, Christian service coordinator and assistant professor at Liberty, helps coordinate the drive. According to him, Liberty got involved in the food drive last year and partnered with Sodexo as an effort to help the Southside Tobacco Commission Counties. “This food drive is important because times are tough right now for many families,” Wu said. “For those of us that are fortunate enough to have been blessed by the Lord sufficiently, we should be moved enough with compassion to help others out that really need it.” Wu also said that the food drive arose as a way for Liberty to obey biblical commands to meet the needs of others, love your neighbor and be good witnesses. “What I love about Liberty is how much they reach out to the community,” senior Janae Stracke said. “Donating food to the Thanksgiving food drive is a perfect way for students to help out.” Students can donate various food items at convocation Tuesday, Nov. 14, and faculty and staff can donate at the Thomas
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
PASSION — Pastor Louie Giglio shared his testimony at convocation Friday, Nov. 2.
Abby Kourkounakis | Liberty Champion
CANNED — The drive started Oct. 22. Road Baptist Church sanctuary the same day. Students have been able to drop off early donations in the Reber-Thomas Dining Hall since Oct. 22, and the Student Government Association at Liberty has also helped collect food for the drive. “It’s great being at a university that does things like this around the holidays for the community, especially (during) Thanksgiving,” Liberty sophomore Samantha Ficco said. “It’s a time to be thankful for what we have, and to be able to give families something to be thankful for is a great witnessing opportunity.” Some of the non-perishable items that can be donated are: apple sauce, coffee or tea, canned soup crackers, desserts such as pudding mix or Jello, sugar, beef or chicken canned stew, fruit juice or drinks, canned salmon or tuna fish, baby food, tuna or hamburger helper, pancake syrup, macaroni and cheese, cereal, white or brown rice, powdered milk, canned fruit or vegetables, pasta and pasta sauce, canned meat, pancake mix, bisquick, mustard, mayo, catsup, peanut butter, paper products, cleaning supplies and hygiene items. TERRY is a feature reporter.
Giglio speaks at Liberty Kourtney Trivett kdtrivett@liberty.edu
Louie Giglio, pastor of Passion City Church in Atlanta, Ga., spoke Friday, Nov. 2 at convocation, kicking off Liberty University’s College for a Weekend. Giglio opened by encouraging high school students to come to Liberty. He spoke about the difference between knowing “about” God and actually knowing God on a personal level. The well-known pastor also gave his testimony and shared the challenges he has had to face in life. He explained that he found Jesus in his first year of college. “I was confused that my education had to take a backseat to my passion for Jesus,” he said. “I understood that for me to be the person that God wanted me to be, I needed to be equipped in the very best way possible.” Michael Johnson, a senior at Liberty, expressed how much he enjoyed Giglio’s informative speech. “I really needed to hear what he had to say this morning. He really helped me open my eyes to a lot of things,” Johnson said. Giglio challenged students to do their best in life for God. “There must be a time in life where the spirit of the living God opens up our gaze,” he said.
“I understood that for me to be the best person God wanted me to be, I needed to be equipped.”
— LOUIE GIGLIO Sandi Owens, a senior at Liberty, said she enjoyed hearing Giglio speak for the first time. She has heard so much about him through friends who have attended his Passion Conferences. “I think it is awesome how he reaches out to the college students across the world,” Owens said. “Many people don’t focus on our age, and I believe that we need encouragement and guidance because we are preparing ourselves to step out into the world.” The first Passion Conference was in 1977 and was designed for collegeage students. According to the conference’s website, its mission is to “call students from campuses across the nation and around the world to live for what matters most.”
TRIVETT is a feature reporter.
FEATURE
B6/Liberty Champion
November 6, 2012
Campus SERVE impacts community Victoria Wood vwood7@liberty.edu Jay Sir ysir@liberty.edu
Squatting over a row of vegetables in a small, fenced garden, Aubrey “Chubs� Barbour stood up for a moment to take a rest. The row was small and narrow, and there were patches of weeds on the side, but regardless of its size, the field resembled a small farm in a very urban setting. “If you had been here approximately three or four weeks ago, you wouldn’t have believed what this field looked like. See back there in that area right there?� Barbour said, pointing to a patch of tall weeds. “Basically, that’s what (this field) looked like. Look at it now.� Volunteers working with Liberty University’s Campus SERVE ministry had cleared the field of waste, irrigated it and weeded it. “Not only do they help with the gardening, they help out with the community, too,� Barbour said. “They cut people’s grass, rake leaves, and whatever they need, they are willing to do.� The Yoder community — which Barbour is a resident of — is just one of eight inner sites that Campus SERVE visits on a weekly basis. These ministries mainly focus on helping the children of the community, but they also help with projects like the Yoder garden. Campus SERVE also serves the adult members of the Lynchburg community. They have two teams that visit senior homes and women’s ministries for single mothers as well as other special projects, according to Campus SERVE co-director Shaun Dennerlein. “Two weeks ago, we did a girl’s night out,� Van Johnson, leader of the Yoder team, said. “About eight volunteers went out and got 10 girls from the commu-
Katelyn Welch | Liberty Champion
SWINGING — About 200 Liberty students volunteer Saturday mornings as a part of Campus SERVE. nity, came to our mutual friend’s house and baked cookies.� “So, we baked cookies, we had a lesson about being women of God. We made craft picture frames and took pictures with fun boas and sunglasses,� Melissa Adams, another leader of the Yoder team, said. “We’re going to print the pictures and give them to the girls so they can have the picture in the frames that they made, just for a keepsake.� According to Johnson, the
most important part of the Campus SERVE program is its volunteers. “Every Saturday, I always tell my volunteers, ‘I love you guys, and what you guys do is so amazing,’� Johnson said. “They don’t really understand how (important) they are to this ministry.� Although leadership provides direction for any organization, Adams said that there is only so much she can do without the help of volunteers.
“Even though you try to do everything and delegate (as a leader), you can’t do anything without the volunteers,� Adams said. “All you can do is point them in the right direction and they just take over. It’s awesome.� Around 200 students attend Campus SERVE on Saturdays just to fulfill their Christian community service requirements (CSER) at Liberty. In addition to CSER students, there are other volunteers, such as former
Campus SERVE leaders, who coordinate with the ministry to serve the community, according to Dennerlein. “Last week, we had around 450 students,� Dennerlein said. “We also have students who just meet us at the sites, and when students have servant evangelism papers due for (Evangelism 101), we have tons of students.� Every Saturday morning at 10 a.m., volunteers meet together with their team leaders in DeMoss 1114 to prepare for the day’s outreach opportunities. After prayer and announcements, the groups break off to their respective sites and spend two to three hours serving and evangelizing in local nursing homes, neighborhoods and businesses. “I think it’s a good experience, and a lot of people should try it out once or twice,� Lucas Libby, Campus SERVE volunteer, said. “It helps to have a biblical worldview of serving.� According to co-director Andrew Cheatham, there have been about 28 salvations resulting from the ministries in the last two years. Volunteers throughout the years have also managed to impress not only Cheatham, but the communities they served as well. “I can’t speak for other communities, but (Campus SERVE) has impacted this particular community (Yoder) greatly,� Barbour said. “These kids are doing a tremendous job.� Students interested in volunteering for Campus SERVE — for CSER or just to volunteer — can contact Cheatham at campusserve@liberty.edu or call 256-698-6484. The last Saturday to participate this semester is Dec. 8. WOOD is a feature reporter. SIR is a feature reporter.
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FEATURE
November 6, 2012
Liberty Champion/B7
Liberty band releases first album Samantha Gum sgum@liberty.edu
Audrey Moore grew up in the world of music, but she never envisioned being part of a band. Now a student at Liberty University, Moore has become part of Dogwood & Holly, a band that has even recorded an album. “I never thought that I would record an album or play big shows or anything,” Moore said. “I guess I just didn’t have that much confidence in my abilities.” The name Dogwood & Holly has been popping up quite frequently around the state of Virginia and other areas. With a debut album and shows in an array of places, the band has been making a name for itself. Made up of four Liberty students — Audrey Moore, Richie Worrell, Luke Sawyer and Owen Davenport — Dogwood & Holly has a passion for good, honest music and an underlying heartbeat for Christ. The band members said that their name ties together who they are. On surface level, it is a name that speaks to the home state of each member. The state tree of Virginia is Dogwood, and Delaware’s state tree is Holly. Three members hail from Virginia, and the fourth, Moore, calls Delaware home. Their name is also a good reflection of the band’s sound. With the traditional bluegrass combination of fiddle, mandolin, banjo and upright bass, the members of the band consider their music to be folk. “It’s folk, that’s certain, but there are a lot of genres,” Moore said. “Folk is a very broad category. One of our goals as a band is to incorporate all sub genres of folk into our music.” It was not until after the name was chosen that the band un-
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DEBUT ALBUM — Dogwood & Holly released their first album, “Bonaparte,” this summer. packed its deeper meaning. Legend says that the cross of Christ was made out of dogwood, and holly berries traditionally represent the blood of Christ. “The name kind of has a double meaning because it represents where we’re from, but it also represents what we believe in and what we stand for,” Moore said. The first time the group played together, they did not know each other at all. A brother-sister dorm event at Panther Falls marked the beginning for the band. “Richie had brought his guitar and Luke had brought his banjo,” Moore said. “They brought them out and started playing. I had my guitar as well, so I just started to play with them.” Members of the band also
played individually at an Open Mic event. Although the members played separately, it rekindled sparks from Panther Falls. They made an impression on many in the audience during the next Open Mic Night event, including Tess Coates. “I was floored. The show gave me chills,” she said. “I love them so much. I love their banjo and their vocals.” The band really began to formulate at that Open Mic. “The next day, we all brought our instruments and played some different covers, and then we met again the next day, and the next day, and we just started playing music like every single day, ‘cause we just love to do that,” Moore said. It is not just the music itself that appeals to the band, but the
lyrical aspect of it as well. “You can say so much in a song, and you can communicate to someone in a way you can’t communicate just in talking to them,” she said. Moore writes a large portion of the music, but writing has not always come easy for her. Being constantly immersed in the world of music, but never being able to compose lyrics, was a struggle for Moore. “I sit down and try to write something, and it just never turns out well,” Moore said. “It wasn’t until after high school that I wrote a song that I actually thought had merit to it. God’s just been continuing to develop those skills in me over time.” This struggle has made Moore understanding of others who are trying to hone their craft.
“I really have not been writing for very long at all, which is why I always try to encourage other people to,” Moore said. “It’s never too late to start learning how to do something.” What the band communicates through their lyrics is a driving force behind what they do. “What we’re attempting to do is write music that is accessible to the secular world, that is creative and a little bit unorthodox,” Moore said. “We aren’t a Christian band. We’re Christians in a band.” Moore said that much of what the band does stems from what music can do for people and the messages it can send. “People are so heavily influenced by the music that they listen to, and music is such a powerful force,” Moore said. “There are secular artists all over the place that are writing really good music, but it’s presenting a worldview that is contrary to the truth.” As far as having a future together, the band is open to just about anything. “We’re not really sure whether it’s going to go anywhere or not,” Moore said. “That’s just kind of how it is in the music industry.” Despite being unsure of the future, the band has accomplished a lot. Dogwood & Holly released their first album, “Bonaparte,” last summer. Many music videos are also in the works, and they have already performed a number of times. “As for me, I know I’m always going to be playing music the rest of my life,” Moore said. “It’s just a part of who I am, and writing is kind of how I process my life. So it’s kind of just up in the air, kind of just going with the flow and seeing what God intends to do with it.” GUM is a feature reporter.
FEATURE
NOVEMBER 6, 2012
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
VICE VERSES — Switchfoot lead singer Jon Foreman, originally from San Diego, Calif., performed songs from their newest album, “Vice Verses,” Friday night.
Switchfoot electrifies CFAW crowd The Christian rock band combined with The Rocket Summer to put on an energetic show at the Vines Center Greg Leasure gleasure@liberty.edu
Camera flashes and the light of cellphones waving back and forth lit up a packed Vines Center during the Switchfoot and The Rocket Summer concert at Liberty University Friday, Nov. 2. After The Rocket Summer warmed up the crowd with a high-energy performance, Switchfoot took the stage and played songs from their most recent album, “Vice Verses,” along with a few favorites from other albums. The Rocket Summer’s Bryce Avary energized the crowd before Switchfoot took the stage by singing a song from the middle of the audience and crowd-surfing back to the stage. He later
pulled out his new iPhone 5 and took a panoramic photo of the entire audience, which he posted on The Rocket Summer’s Facebook page the next day. Avary showcased his talent during the night’s performance, doing everything from singing to playing guitar, keyboard and drums. According to the band’s Facebook page, he records all of The Rocket Summer’s albums himself. Both bands took advantage of the audience filled with College for a Weekend (CFAW) participants and Liberty students by encouraging crowd participation. Switchfoot lead singer Jon Foreman climbed over the barrier between fans and the stage at one point in the show, walking through a mob of screaming people and standing in the mid-
dle of section 107 for two songs. “It’s good to be back, y’all,” Foreman said from the middle of the crowd of fans. “My goal for tonight, among many others, is for a party to break out, and it’s starting to feel like a party.” Switchfoot has played at Liberty in the past, and their second performance did not disappoint. CFAW participant Jake Kounter experienced the concert about 15 feet from the stage and touched Foreman’s hand as he made his way into the crowd. Kounter also said that Switchfoot makes the list of his top five favorite bands, so he was enthusiastic about seeing them in concert for the first time at Liberty. “I think (Switchfoot’s appearance) is super awesome because it’s not something that you are going to get at another college,”
Kounter said. “You’re going to get tons of stuff here that you won’t get anywhere else.” Liberty senior Kristi Johnson had her ticket duct-taped to the side of her bed for a month. She got in line almost two hours before the concert began, positioned herself at the front of the stage and was later rewarded for her persistence. After the concert ended, Johnson remained by the stage, and a crew member gave her a set list used by Switchfoot band member Jerome Fontamillas. “Honestly, (my favorite part was) getting in up front like I did and just getting to be so close,” Johnson said. “I’ve never been that close at a concert before, so that was so amazing.” Content with her free souvenir, Johnson was making her way to-
ward the exit when she encountered someone who was willing to buy the piece of paper from her. Still visibly excited, Johnson politely refused. “I love (their music),” Johnson said. “I own basically every album, and I love it, love it, love it.” This concert marked the second Student Activities-held concert of the fall semester and the first concert of the fall to be held in the Vines Center. Jars of Clay and Shane & Shane played at TRBC Sept. 21. LEASURE is the feature editor.
Christmas comes early to Liberty Mountain Daniel Bartlett dbartlett@liberty.edu
Christmas is a time filled with hope, joy and love. This year, it arrived early. The festivities started two months in advance to honor the wish of a 5-year-old boy named Nathan Norman. He was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 1, and the cancer later spread to his spine. Nathan Norman has gone through countless treatments but still fights back the illness. “At 5:30 in the afternoon, we received the call,” Dawn Norman, the boy’s mother, said. “It’s never good when the doctor’s office calls you after hours. He just kept saying on the phone, ‘There’s been an abnormality. I’m so sorry. There’s been an abnormality.’” When asked by his parents if there was something they could do to make Nathan Norman’s treatment easier, he responded like any 5-year-old boy would and said, “Celebrate Christmas.” Immediately,
both of his parents began to decorate the house, stringing up lights and setting up the Christmas tree. Even the Normans’ neighbors, who have supported them from the beginning, joined in on the pre-Christmas festivities and decorated their yards and homes as well. “Does it matter if people think we are crazy? Does it matter?” Robert Norman, the boy’s father, said. “Absolutely not. If this is his last Christmas, and he can spend it celebrating for four months, absolutely.” Liberty University took the idea of an early Christmas further Tuesday, Oct. 23 by allowing Nathan Norman to light the Christmas tree that adorns the Liberty mountainside. “Nathan was really excited to turn around and watch the tree light up, and now, for the rest of the season, as people drive through Lynchburg, everybody can know that Nathan got Christmas started for us this year,” Neal Askew, Liberty’s executive vice president, said.
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CHRISTMAS IN OCTOBER — Nathan Norman lit the tree two months early. “We are proud of that and proud to be a part of helping their family.” Nathan Norman received gifts from coaches,
athletic teams and the Liberty Bookstore. Sparky, Liberty’s mascot, showed up for the merriment to give the boy some Christ-
mas cheer. Joining in the festivity were Nathan Norman’s three siblings and some close friends and neighbors.
“This story has touched so many people, it’s crazy — more than I could have probably even imagined,” Robert Norman said. Nathan Norman’s parents still have a great deal of hope for their son. Through their faith in Jesus Christ, they trust that God has a plan. “When you ask Nathan, ‘Are you scared?’ he’ll say, ‘No, God is with me.’ His sister asked him, ‘Nathan, are you scared you might get to see Jesus soon?’ As a mom, I’m saying no. No one is going to see Jesus. Everybody is staying here. We’ll see Jesus when we are old,” Dawn Norman said. “But Nathan said that he is not scared to see Jesus, but he would just miss his Mommy and Daddy.” Nathan and his family said that they appreciated all the support and prayers. All Christmas wishes can be sent to Nathan Norman at 81 Dunivan Drive, Rustburg, VA 24588. BARTLETT is a feature reporter.