Liberty Champion April 14 2015

Flames fans fill out stadium

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Lynchburg, Virginia

Volume 32 | Issue 20 April 14, 2015

ruling the runway

Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion

CREATIVITY DISPLAYED — “Cotton Couture” was the theme of the ninth annual Family and Consumer Sciences fashion show, which took place Saturday, April 11.

Cancer claims teacher’s life Robert “Bob” Mateer passes away after fighting long battle with disease Josh Janney jjanney@liberty.edu

Former Liberty University business professor Robert “Bob” Mateer died Monday, April 6, at the age of 81 after losing a battle with cancer.

Bob Mateer was born in New Jersey and spent much of his childhood in Louisiana. He had an extensive background in finance and served as MATEER vice president for Chase

Manhattan Bank before teaching at Liberty for 28 years. At Liberty, he was most known for teaching corporate finance, real estate and investments.

He is survived by wife Marilyn Mateer and his children Dirk Mateer, Marianne Mateer Hardey, Dawn Gorman, Dale Glasgow, Paul Glasgow and Todd Glasgow.

“He’s a great father,” Dirk Mateer, who teaches economics at the University of Arizona, said. “He inspired me to take up my profession, which is very much like his. It is the joy that he got from teaching that made me think twice about going into corporate jobs and instead (led me to) pursue a job to

help other students learn.”

According to Scott Hicks, dean of Liberty’s School of Business, Bob Mateer’s greatest contribution to Liberty is the finance department.

“He really just added value to (students) not from a textbook standpoint, but from an experience standpoint,” Scott Hicks said. “Until recently, he was unparalleled.

We didn’t have a ton of experience in our professors. We had a lot of academic experience, but not real-world experience.”

Scott Hicks and his wife Melanie Hicks, who is an accounting professor, first met Bob Mateer when they were college

students at Liberty in the mid ’90s.

“We were students here, and he was our professor,” Scott Hicks said. “And when we started dating, his wife (Gladys) was passing away at the time, and we became really good friends with him.”

According to Scott Hicks, one of the largest takeaways from any student of Bob Mateer was the importance of cash flow.

Bob Mateer loved the concept so much that he even named his cat Cash Flow.

“He really wanted us to understand that cash is king when it comes to business,

See LIFE, A2

Fighting for freedom Annual 5K raises funds to combat human trafficking Hannah Elliott helliott9@liberty.edu

Many go through life unaware of the horrendous reality that is the industry of human sex trafficking and how widely it has spread. It is no longer exclusive to third-world countries or underdeveloped nations. It has spread across the globe, even within the borders of the United States.

Founded in Lynchburg by Christine Pettit, Freedom 4/24 is a nonprofit organization that has committed to actively fight the sexual exploitation

of women and children since 2008, at first within the red-light districts of Bangkok, Thailand, and now throughout the world. The idea of Freedom 4/24 came from the $24 cost it takes to purchase a woman’s services in Thailand for a day.

According to Freedom 4/24’s website, many women and children in poverty-stricken nations are sold into sex-trafficking by their own families or engage in prostitution for their own survival and the survival of their families.

Freedom 4/24’s seventh annual Run 4 Their Lives (R4TL) race is

coming up May 2, and the organization is once again encouraging individuals, students, families, church groups and kids to participate. Freedom 4/24 is offering a new “Run for Free” opportunity for race participants this year by providing the chance for runners and walkers to enter the event for free if they raise $50 by race day.

According to a recent press release issued by Freedom 4/24, “when participants sign up to fundraise, they are shown real monthly costs of caring for each girl at a partnering organization in

Feature

News Opinion

Lynchstock hosts more than 20 musicians in honor of Jon Gregoire.

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Sports Feature

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INSIDE THE CHAMPION

News

Forensics student places first in national debate conference.

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Opinion

Burdensome and confusing tax system needs reform.

Sports A4

Sam Chappell | Liberty Champion

See FREEDOM, A3 SPONSOR — Names are written on arms of runners.

Flames defense beats offense in annual spring football game.

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news

A2 | April 14, 2015 | Liberty Champion

Biblical Museum opens University officials dedicate newest addition to center Olivia Brown obrown5@liberty.edu

The Center for Judaic Studies held a ceremony for its new Liberty Biblical Museum Monday, April 13 at 2 p.m.

Located next to the Curriculum Library in the Jerry Falwell Library, faculty members from the Center for Judaic Studies gathered in the new Liberty Biblical Museum to see President Jerry Falwell cut the red ribbon and officially open the exhibits for students. Falwell’s wife and Senior Vice President for Spiritual Development David Nasser also attended.

The museum features archeological artifacts from excavations headed by Dr. J. Randall Price, who is the executive director of the Center for Judaic Studies, curator of the museum and a Liberty research professor.

After Falwell cut the ribbon, Price gave ceremony attendees a tour of the exhibits. “(T)he Liberty Biblical Museum is a unique educational collection of authentic, biblical-era artifacts that provide the historical and cultural background of the Jewish people over a 4,000 year period,” the Center for Judaic Studies website states. “The exhibits give faculty, students and the public access to a firsthand encounter with the ancient past and a realistic touchpoint with the facts of the biblical faith.”

Exhibits include copies of the Dead Sea Scrolls, a 200-year-old handwritten Torah Scroll, coins from the Roman Empire and an authentic Last Supper exhibit. Also included in the exhibit is rare

SGA election info Students interested in learning more about the 2015 candidates for student body president and vice president can attend a question-and-answer session Tuesday, April 14 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in DeMoss Hall 1113.

Candidates will also be available to talk to students at tables set up in the DeMoss Hall Grand Lobby throughout the campaign week.

Leah Seavers | Liberty Champion

EXHIBIT — Jerry and Becki Falwell and others enjoy a tour of the Liberty Biblical Museum. stone from the walls of the 2nd Temple.

During the tour, Price’s wife explained that artifacts that looked like palm-sized jars with very long necks were tear jars from Old Testament times. She mentioned that when a loved one left for war or for any other reason, the jars were used to catch the person’s tears, thus explaining what David meant in Psalm 56:8 when he said, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle.”

“My favorite exhibit was the tear jars that (Price’s wife) showed us,” junior Ellie Fraser said. “… I didn’t even know those existed, so that was cool.

Also, the piece of the Temple that Jesus would have seen while he was alive. … There are

just a lot of really cool things in (the exhibit).”

Falwell was also amazed at the artifacts that were displayed, stating that they were the kinds of items normally found in museums in Washington, D.C., and New York.

“It’s a lot more than I expected,” Falwell said. “It’s incredible. … It is hard to believe this is at Liberty.”

According to Price, the space was originally going to be the new Jerry Falwell Museum.

However, the Center for Judaic Studies received news early in 2014 that it would be occupying the spot in May, according to Administrative Assistant Ayelet Evans.

“I had heard of (the Center for Judaic Studies) before, but the last time I remember see-

ing it, it was in DeMoss (Hall),” Fraser said. “So I had no idea the location had changed.”

Price said students have been trained to give tours of the exhibits for anyone interested.

Exhibits can be viewed Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday tours are by appointment only, according to the Center for Judaic Studies pamphlet. However, Price said he hoped to eventually be able to install a sound system with earphones so students can walk up to each exhibit and listen to a more detailed description of the artifacts.

For more information on the Liberty Biblical Museum and the Center for Judaic Studies, visit liberty.edu/judaicstudies.

Current Student Body Vice President Tanveer Bhatia and Campus Concerns Committee Chairman Jonah Aspegren are running for the positions of student body president and student body vice president.

Bhatia and Aspegren will run against current Student Body President Quincy Thompson and current Junior Class President Jack Heaphy.

Students can cast their vote for student body elections on the Liberty splash page Wednesday, April 15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information on the SGA elections, visit liberty.edu/ studentaffairs/sga.

BROWN is a copy editor.

LIFE continued from A1 Tweet us with the hashtag #whatsuplu at @LUChampionNews or email us at libertychampionmedia@gmail.com with any upcoming events that you want to share and we will put it in the newspaper.

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and the bottom line is really cash,” Scott Hicks said. “Some of his exams were so hard that sometimes 75 percent of the class needed help. I didn’t really understand what he had taught us until a couple of years into corporate life, and the things he taught us were what helped me propel (myself beyond) even the stiffest competition out there.”

Scott Hicks recalled that Bob Mateer loved to pull pranks on students and that they loved to return the favor.

“He loved to joke,” Melanie Hicks said. “He always had a smile on his face. It was rare to ever see him in what we would deem as (having) a bad day.”

Bob Mateer’s wife Marilyn Mateer said she and her husband met at Rivermont Presbyterian Church, and that was where their romantic relationship began.

“His dentist was a friend of mine, so when he was in the dental chair, after his wife had died, he asked his dentist if he knew any eligible women that he could date,” Marilyn Mateer said. “And so (Bob) looked in the church directory and then called me and asked me to go out with him.”

Marilyn Mateer said she and Bob were best friends and that he was her hero. They shared their love of gardening, listening to music, going to concerts, the mountains and taking care of grandchildren. When they eventually married, she said he treated her children as if they were his own. She admired his very upbeat personality and positivity.

“Even when we were courting, he courted me in an oldfashioned way,” Marilyn Mateer said. “He would come by (where I worked) every day and put a greeting card on my car windshield. And if it were raining, he would put it in a plastic bag. And when we became engaged, he bought and put 100 red roses around the

room. So he just courted and showed his love in very sweet ways and always put me first.”

Bob Mateer found out he had cancer in November 2013, a little less than a year and a half before it took his life. Despite having cancer, he tried to keep working hard to serve others. He served as treasurer at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, which he and his wife helped form 11 years ago.

“I am so very proud of all that he did and how he handled great adversity with such grace,” Hardey, a Liberty graduate, said. “(He was my) hero, they very essence of what a father, husband and friend should be.”

Dirk Mateer said that even though the cancer was aggressive and his father never fully regained his energy, Bob Mateer battled it without any complaints and rarely talked about the pain.

“He maintained his upbeat personality no matter what,” Marilyn Mateer said. “It was contagious, and it was very good for me. And he completely trusted God’s plan.

It came from an attitude of thankfulness. He was always thankful for what God had given him — family, friends, a home and our church.”

In the last year and a half of his life, Bob Mateer would read the Bible aloud to his wife every day. According to Marilyn Mateer, it was during this time that he would constantly try to seek what God would want him to do. He would often tell young people not to chase after their careers while neglecting their families in the process.

“As an older man, he showed us how you should love your wife,” Scott Hicks said. “He wanted to serve her. That became his greatest hobby and accomplishment.”

JANNEY is the asst. news editor.

news

Liberty Champion | April 14, 2015 | A3

Forensics student places first Senior Kenny Lau wins oral interpretation category in national competition Taylor Frost tfrost2@liberty.edu

For the first time in its six-year history, the Liberty forensics program won a championship. Senior Kenny Lau won first place in Program Oral Interpretation (POI) at the American Forensics Association (AFA) competition.

Since 2009, Liberty’s forensic program has been growing and competing against larger universities and forensics programs.

Both Lau and junior Bo Quel competed at the AFA held April 4-8 in Portland, Oregon.

“AFA is the best of the best,” Denise Thomas, Liberty forensics coach, said.

“I am excited for Kenny as a senior for finishing his college career with a win.”

According to Thomas, the AFA competition is very challenging. In order to compete in it, students must qualify and acquire a certain amount of points at regional competitions. Liberty’s forensic season began September 2014.

“Competing against larger schools used to be nerve-racking, but now it’s exhilarating,” Lau said. “But I work hard and I have a vision of what I want. I loved the challenge of competing against the bigger and more privileged schools. I loved being the underdog and surprising people.”

More than 80 teams competed at the AFA. Lau came in first place in POI, followed by second-place finisher Wiley Col-

FREEDOM continued from A1 Bangkok, Thailand, (and) the Home of New Beginnings.”

This partnering organization helps in providing permanent freedom, safe shelter, relationships, healing and higher education for victims of human trafficking. Freedom 4/24 hopes this new option will help participants understand the impact of their contributions in a real way.

The R4TL race serves to raise awareness and encourage others to take action. R4TL also collects contributions to support women

Photo Provided

VICTORY — Kenny Lau takes first place in Program Oral Interpretation contest. lege and the University of Texas at Austin in third. The AFA is open to all colleges and universities.

“It felt like family, and I was excited to perform in a giant ballroom with hundreds of people knowing that they are rooting for me,” Lau said.

According to Lau, POI is a mixture of prose, poetry and drama. Through these genres, competitors present an argument

and children who have been sexually exploited through the industry of human sex trafficking.

Through their partnerships and received donations, they are able to provide a variety of services to free victims and their families, meet various needs and bring them the justice they deserve.

Freedom 4/24 Executive Race Director Ryan Barr hopes this year’s race will inspire others to participate and contribute. He also encouraged participants to remember the stories and faces of the women and children while they run to bring them freedom.

This year’s R4TL event will be

or topic. The goal is to make an impact on the audience through different mediums such as news reports, Ted Talks, scholarly articles, documentaries and other credible sources.

Lau’s POI contained content about racialization of the American Chinese restaurant industry.

“The General Tso’s chicken and chop suey that you see today are fake

representations of Chinese culture and (were) actually a response to blatant and severe racism and discrimination toward Chinese Americans in the last century or so,” Lau said.

According to Thomas, Lau and Quel are the most experienced members on the team. The team will now begin a new phase of training novices to compete next year.

Next year, Thomas plans on training a new generation of forensic team members to compete and win as Kenny did. Sarah McCargish, a novice forensics member, said she has learned to speak up and share her opinions with others through forensics.

“Overall, this year with the forensics team has been a blast and a privilege,” McCargish said. “I have been blessed with devoted and supportive coaches and encouraging teammates. We really have become a family.”

AFA was the final tournament for this year. The forensics season will begin again in September.

“It’s surreal the way we have had to work,” Lau said. “It’s the entire community who built me up (and) who inspired me.

The privilege of traveling around the country for competitions and making friends with thousands of people is an inspiring experience I will never forget.”

FROST is a news reporter.

hosted by Lynchburg College and will feature a 5K race, which is open to both runners and walkers of all ages, as well as the Kids Fun Run Saturday, May 2 beginning at 8:15 a.m. Registration for both R4TL events will end April 29 at 11:59 p.m.

For those interested in registering, donating or fundraising, visit r4tl.com. For more information regarding Freedom 4/24 and their impact, visit freedom424.org.

ELLIOTT is a feature reporter.

Sam Chappell | Liberty Champion

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OPINION

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April 14, 2015

GOP pushes tax reform The Republican Party focus on new policies to promote economic growth Lee Sutherland lsutherland6@liberty.edu

A new buzzword being thrown around Washington nowadays is the term “reform conservatism.” Led by many of the top members of Congress, such as Sen. Mike Lee, Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Paul Ryan, this ideology has been pushed into mainstream political thought.

“At its core, at least as I see it, ‘reform conservatism’ is just applied conservatism,” Yuval Levin, a reform conservatism advocate, said. “In many areas of policy, we’re trying to move Republicans from merely saying no to the left, or worse yet saying ‘yes, but a little less,’ to showing what the right would do instead. Offering a clear, distinct direction is likely to be a more powerful and effective strategy than just acting as a break on someone else’s agenda.”

As reform conservatism spreads, its propositions are beginning to take the country by storm. The major focus of this group seems to be economic policy, as it believes that current policies the Republican Party is putting forward do not address the problems the majority of Americans encounter. Specifically, reform conservatives have articulated policies that would push forward the Reagan ideas of the 1980s in the area of tax reform. One such forward-looking reform has been advanced

by Lee and Rubio. This tax plan “eases the tax burden on American families,

corrects economic distortions created by the tax code and encourages work, investment and growth.”

Practically, this reform would simplify the tax code and would assign a $2,500 tax credit per child in a family.

Lee’s proposal is effective and important for society for a number of reasons.

First, it promotes child-bearing and large families. Levin, in his article titled “Updating Reagan,” wrote, “the immense expense of raising children deserves to be treated as an investment in America’s future, and so to be rewarded and encouraged. Our entitlement system in particular depends on future taxpayers, and over time amounts in effect to a transfer of wealth from larger families to smaller ones.”

Second, it creates greater economic mobility. The tax credits for families allow those in all classes to rise, as they would be able to tackle such problems as “health care and higher education.” This combats the often-cited criticism of Republicans as caring only about the 1 percent of society who can line their pockets with campaign funds.

These policies would express a focus on the betterment of all society and not just on those generating the most income.

“Stagnating economic mobility and rising middle-class costs of living are key impediments to growth and prosperity today, and addressing them as Reagan and the supplysiders addressed the key impediments to growth and prosperity three decades ago

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TAXES — Reform conservatives presented ideas to simplify tax code to create mobility. will require an approach like the one Lee has proposed,” Levin said.

Tax reform may not look exactly like the proposal Lee and Rubio have put forward, but it should contain the same forwardthinking, growth oriented policies that affect all of society and create opportunity

for social mobility. Reform conservatism may be taking the Republican Party by storm and influencing the thought of many of 2016’s top candidates.

SUTHERLAND is an opinion writer.

Obama lectures faithful, again President uses Easter Prayer Breakfast to reprimand Christian community Emily Brown erbrown@liberty.edu

While the bees proved to be quite the problem during recent Easter festivities at the White House, President Barack Obama brought on his own swarm of angry responses with his Easter Prayer Breakfast remarks.

For the second time in about two months, Obama took advantage of a public, national event celebrating the Christian faith to do what any leader of a Christian nation naturally would — he lectured Christians.

Though Obama did have a few good remarks about the significance of the day, his speech quickly spiraled downward with two simple sentences.

“On Easter, I do reflect on the fact that as a Christian, I am supposed to love,” Obama said.

“And I have to say that sometimes when I listen to less than loving expressions by Christians, I get concerned.”

Most commentators and analysts believe Obama was referring to Religious Freedom Restoration Acts that have dominated the news in recent weeks. But is the Easter Prayer Breakfast — a time celebrating the central message of the gospel — really the time to surreptitiously slide in your thoughts on contentious

Google Images

EGG ROLL — Barack Obama read a story to children on White House lawn this past Monday, April 6. legislation while simultaneously taking a jab at Christians?

As Obama’s days in the Oval Office are numbered, he seems to care less and less about what Americans think of him, and he certainly is not concerned about alienating Christians. According to a 2012 Gallup poll, 77

by Emily Brown Dozens of layups are made during the course of a basketball game, but on Nov. 2, 2014, one layup stood out from the rest.

After being diagnosed with terminal cancer in the form of a brain tumor during her senior year of high school, Lauren Hill decided she would still make her dream come true. She was determined to play college basketball despite only being given months to

percent of the adult population in America identifies as Christian.

But even more concerning than his disrespect for Americans is his blatant disregard for Christians suffering around the world.

“What saddens me most is not the president’s consistent swipes at orthodox Christianity, it’s an-

live — and she did. In Mt. Saint Joseph’s 2014-2015 season opener, more than 10,000 fans watched Hill score the first basket of the game — a layup.

“It’s a dream come true,” Hill said following the game. “To play on a college court, to put my foot down on the floor and hear the roar of the crowd — I just love it so much. I love basketball. Everything that happened today was amazing.

I’m truly happy. It’s a really good day.”

To many, the layup is a simple basket and a fundamental part of the game, but for Hill, the layup was a major feat. The tumor in her brain zapped her energy and severely limited her mobility. Yet, she did not let those obstacles stand in the way of her goal. She added eight more points in four total games by the end of the season.

Everyone who heard her story was

other missed opportunity,” Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said in an interview with Fox News’ Megyn Kelly. “… The president, once again, failed to bring attention to the persecution of Christians around the world.

(They are) persecuted for nothing more than the fact that they

touched, and people across the nation were united in support of Hill as she not only courageously fought the cancer that had ravaged her brain, but chose to live life in spite of the debilitating disease.

Though Hill, 19, died Friday, April 10, from the cancer, her special moment in the spotlight and her courage will not be easily forgotten.

While she could have just thrown in the towel and enjoyed a few quiet months with friends and family, Hill chose to never give up.

But Hill’s inspirational story did not stop when she left the court. Prior to her death, Hill raised more than $1.5 million to fund research to find a cure for her type of cancer, which primarily affects children.

Like Hill, we should be unafraid of facing the obstacles in front of us and

embrace Jesus Christ and they follow him.”

In addition to the daily slaughter of Christians in the Middle East by ISIS, just days before the Easter Prayer Breakfast, 148 students were killed in an attack on a Kenyan university. According to the LA Times, Al-Shabab, an Islamic militant group, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the university was on Muslim land and was encouraging “missionary activities and ... spread(ing) deviant ideology.” The attackers’ first target was a prayer meeting.

The prayer breakfast was the perfect opportunity for Obama to stand up for Christians and show America’s commitment to keeping Christians around the world safe. But he did not. He decided to show his support for the advocates that are against religious freedom and expressions consistent with the Christian faith. He ignored the deaths of 148 young people killed for their faith.

When will Obama learn to use his authority and multiple opportunities to take a stand for the principles upon which the nation was founded and give up trying to please the LGBTQIA activists and anti-Christian campaigners?

BROWN is the editor-in-chief.

should press on despite the circumstances. We should be determined to leave a lasting mark on those around us.

I cannot begin to imagine the trials Hill had to endure, but I know that I am without excuse. Next time I want to walk away from something because it is difficult, stressful or seems impossible, I hope to follow Hill’s example.

That basket could have easily been overlooked. A layup, only two points, often does not mean much in the grand scheme of the game. But that “layup for Lauren” will forever be an example of great courage and determination, perseverance and character.

opinion

Liberty Champion | April 14 , 2015 | A5

Conversion controversy

President Barack Obama begins push to ban reparative therapy for minors Tré Goins-Phillips dgoinsphillips@liberty.edu

President Barack Obama is looking for a legacy, and he has recently rotated back to a hot topic for the progressive left — gay rights.

The president wants to ban gay conversion therapy, or reparative therapy, for minors. The issue was brought to his attention by a petition on the White House website that garnered more than 120,000 signatures.

According to the American Psychological Association, reparative therapy is a form of “psychotherapy aimed at eliminating or suppressing homosexuality.”

While I disagree with the idea of a federal ban for more reasons than can be discussed in this editorial, I can agree with Obama on the fact that such an established form of therapy can be — and often is — dangerous.

But I can safely assume the reasons the president and I agree are different.

Reparative therapy, while not widely practiced, is dangerous because, rather than exposing people to the holistic truth of the gospel, organizations and individuals practicing this therapy are often forcing upon people a culturally comfortable ideology cloaked in theology.

However, let me clarify two things in particular. This is not to say counseling regarding homosexuality is wrong. It is not. Additionally, this is not an endorsement or belittling of what the Bible clearly states about these issues and others.

Changing our theology is not the answer — we have enough hipster and “homie” Jesuses to go around. But we have to do something about our approach.

For too long, the Church has stigmatized homosexuality above all other sin. The danger of isolating any issue above the rest is sending a message that particular sins have to be dealt with before the gospel can be experienced.

That is not countercultural — that is counter-biblical.

Exodus International, a nowdissolved organization, sought to partner with people who dealt with same-sex attraction. Alan Chambers, who at 19 years old discovered the ministry, said Exodus was not always about reparative therapy, but was a support ministry.

As a teen, Chambers felt he could never go to his church to address his same-sex attraction. Though he was thankful for the support Exodus provided him, he has seen the hurt caused by some of the practices

associated with the ministry.

In adulthood, Chambers went on to serve as the organization’s last president. When it closed in 2013, he issued an apology, saying his “good intentions meant very little” in light of the weight of damage done. Chambers has since authored the forthcoming memoir “My Exodus,” to be released this September.

“There was a growing number of Christians — who probably agreed with us theologically — who didn’t agree with Exodus,” Chambers told the Champion. “Or Exodus was kind of the scapegoat for the Church on this issue.”

It was then that Chambers felt something needed to change.

Now happily married with two children, he acknowledged that Exodus helped him years ago, but has seen how other methods of therapy — such as reparative therapy — have been destructive.

This form of therapy is devoted, essentially, to attempting to eliminate temptation, oftentimes at any cost.

The problem with reparative therapy is that it purports it can cure a person from the human condition. Just like you cannot “cure” a person who struggles to eat healthy food of his or her desire to eat unhealthy food, you cannot simply eliminate an inclination.

“We need to be honest (about our theology),” Chambers said.

“It doesn’t mean it will erase disagreement, but it will help us move further in not setting up a false reality for people. And I think in the end that will help us.”

The gospel teaches discipline.

It does not nullify the need to be responsible for our actions.

The Christian faith was never meant to be experienced like a video game where you have to build up enough holy points to score access to the next level of sanctification. The good news of salvation is that it is all or nothing.

At the moment of salvation, there is justification — all sin is paid for.

Keep in mind, all metaphors break down at some level, so just as there is no perfect answer to addressing this issue, there is no perfect analogy. As Christians, we are called to a higher level. We are held to a standard, according to the Bible.

The transformation of the gospel does not allow for continued sin. But it does not promise an end to temptation, either.

We cannot tell those within Christendom who struggle with same-sex attraction that such a situation excludes them from salvation. Any struggle — including

Britannica image Quest

NEW EFFORT — Barack Obama launched campaign to ban gay conversion therapy for U.S. minors. same-sex attraction — further exemplifies our need for the gospel.

“When it comes to same-sex attraction, I think it is a morally neutral experience,” Chambers said. “What you do with that certainly can lead to an immoral choice, but in and of itself, attraction is simply attraction.”

In his book “Counter Culture,” International Mission Board President David Platt emphasizes the fact that sexual identity is not the same as race, sex or ethnicity.

“Black or white is not an issue of right or wrong,” Platt wrote. “… However, sexual activity is a morally chosen behavior. To be sure, similar to how we have different skin colors, we may possess different dispositions toward certain sexual behaviors.”

In addressing these confounding issues, we must realize that the message of the gospel cannot be delivered piecemeal. Platt went on to write that because all things were made by God and for God, “nothing in all creation is irrelevant to him.”

The Church is doing believers — and the gospel — a grave disservice to separate sin, as if the gospel is not wide enough a net to catch all that our human nature throws toward us.

You cannot just “pray the gay away,” as is often said of reparative therapy in secular circles.

First, we have to establish that our natural inclinations as human beings are not our intended inclinations and that the gospel is great enough to compensate.

“I don’t think our goal should be to change anyone’s life,” Chambers said. “It’s not within anyone’s human ability to change someone’s life. Changing some-

Photo Provided

TURNAROUND — Alan Chambers’ memoir is available Sept. 29. one’s life is God and God only.”

At the end of the day, we do not need to sugarcoat or pull a sheet over what Scripture clearly establishes. But we do need to make sure we are proclaiming the full gospel — the gospel that accomplishes all it says it does.

So, yes, I agree with the president. Reparative therapy should stop, and the gospel should take its place.

GOINS-PHILLIPS is the opinion editor.

CONVO CONNECTION “You are not defined by what you do, but by who Jesus is to you.”

What defines you? Chances are, you have allowed either what you do or do not do to define you. Maybe it is not what you do but what people have said

about you that has defined you in some way. Again, let us read that first sentence. Carl Lentz spoke this powerful word to us Wednesday, April 8. A word meant to shake the very foundation of what it means to be a follower of Christ. If we allow who Jesus is to define who we are, it changes everything.

Lentz challenged us to “occupy our streets.” We are the

light of the world. God wants to use us now. In this very moment.

He’s looking for people who are available. Who are ready to grab hold of the calling God has placed on their life. Do not miss the moment. Lentz gave us two words that need to be eradicated from our vocabulary — someday and almost. We need to have an urgent passion to bring forth the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Matt Chandler spoke to us Friday, April 10, with grace and compassion, yet his message was filled with conviction. You do not have to have it all together. In fact, you cannot have it all together. If you could, you wouldn’t need Jesus. Our primary goal and focus is to fix our eyes on Jesus. We do not need to clean ourselves up. Christ did that on the cross. Ultimately, we need

B Y: E R I N K E L LY emkelly2@liberty.edu

to live every moment with our eyes fixed on Jesus alone. Our time is now.

Let this be our prayer — Lord, shake us up. Let nothing stop us from being salt and light in this world right now — right where we are.

POLICIES & INFO Emily Brown EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Tré Goins-Phillips

PHOTOGRAPHY

SOCIAL MEDIA

OPINION EDITOR

Courtney Russo

Josh Gordon

Gabriella Fuller

Alex Tichenor

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

GRADUATE ASSISTANT

SPORTS EDITOR

Jomer Bunque

Tom Foote GRADUATE ASSISTANT

Nate Haywood ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

Leah Seavers ASST. PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

ADMINISTRATION

Amber Tiller

DESIGN

CONTENT

Breann Black

Deborah Huff

Dave Van Dyk NEWS EDITOR

Josh Janney ASST. NEWS EDITOR

FEATURE EDITOR

Olivia Brown COPY EDITOR

Ash Brownd COPY EDITOR

WEB MANAGER

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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

A6 | April 14, 2015 | Liberty Champion

th Emily Brown erbrown@liberty.edu

For the first time in more than 35 years, the Liberty Bell chimed April 9 during a ceremony in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Before the bell ringing began, reenactors offered a salute through a firing demonstration. Additionally, Dr. Wayne Kompelien, a professor in Liberty’s School of Music, sang “America the Beautiful” for the audience gathered around the bell, and Virginia Sen. Steve Newman offered a short speech remembering the cost of the war.

“I think it’s fitting that these bells will toll not only

anniversary of the

for those that have given the sacrifice, but (for) the great struggles that occurred about 35 miles east of here (at Appomattox),” Newman said.

Following Newman’s speech, the Liberty Bell, along with others across the nation, rang from 3:15-3:19 p.m., the approximate time when Gen. Robert E. Lee met Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House to surrender and end the Civil War. Each of the four minutes represented one year of the war.

Liberty professor Dr. Harold Willmington closed the event by reading a prayer thanking God for the unity of the U.S. 150 years ago and asking God to reunite the nation once again.

“Even more troubling (than the sacrifices of

1.

Americans during the war) is the knowledge that today, we are, as a nation, far more divided than in 1861,” Willmington said. “Then it was but one issue, but today there are many. Back then, it took a multitude of bloody and brutal battlefields … to settle the issue. But what will it take today to unite us again? … There is no East or West, no North or South in Christ Jesus. Your son is both able and willing to unite us. … Remind all of us that we still have access to the same blessed foundation of faith they once had. It worked for them. It will work for us.”

BROWN is the editor-in-chief.

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Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion

SESQUICENTENNIAL — 1. Soldiers march onward for Civil War reenactment. 2. Civil War brought to life for 150th anniversary. 3. Battle of Appomattox is recreated. 4. Liberty Bell sounds Civil War Anniversary. 5. Onlookers observe bell ringing ceremony. 6. Dr. Harold Willmington delivers address. 7. Decades-old bell tolls. 8. Tourists celebrate anniversary.

news

Liberty Champion | April 14, 2015 | A7

Artistic wall unites students

PysComm club creates board to spark discussion and change on campus Amber Tiller atiller2@liberty.edu

Leaving DeMoss Hall and walking down the concrete steps located in the front of the building is generally uneventful. A skateboarder may be testing out tricks or the occasional cinema student could be filming for his or her next big project. But Thursday, April 9, students were greeted by a massive chalkboard wall, which asked students to complete the sentence, “The world would be a better place if …”

The wall was set up by Liberty’s Department of Psychology and stayed in place from 7:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Chalk was scattered around the board for students to add their thoughts, but the board was not just there to create art.

According to sophomore Grant Barkely, president of PsyComm, a club that promotes community among psychology majors, the board’s main purpose was to spark ideas that could turn into movements to actually change the world.

While some students seemed to take the challenge more seriously than others, the board exhibited a variety of responses, including “… we all walked in love,” “… if people weren’t obsessed with money” and “… there was no ring by spring.”

“Hopefully, when someone writes something down here, they think, ‘I just wrote this (idea) down, now what can I do to make the world a better place?’”

Barkley said.

Last year, the Department of Psychology debuted use of the chalkboard during the spring semester with the phrase, “Before I die I want to …” The theme was inspired by a speaker specializing in grief counseling, according to Barkley. Because last year’s activity seemed to have an impact, the club wanted to make the chalkboard

Courtney Russo| Liberty Champion

COMMUNITY — The large chalkboard near the steps of DeMoss drew the attention of students walking to and from class throughout the day. appearance an annual event.

“This (event) does not connect to one of our classes,” Barkley said. “It doesn’t connect to a specific psychological theory.

No, we’re not running a test out here or something. We just want to provide an atmosphere of creativity and expression to students.”

In addition to the artsy nature of the chalkboard, students involved with Zeta Chi, the Studio and Digital Arts (SADA) Honor Society, participated in the activity by painting wooden desks and chairs nearby.

While Zeta Chi has been participating in other local activities, such as painting a day care, as well as some globally focused activities, including an event featuring students drawing portraits of children from

orphanages in different countries, the society’s participation with PysComm was more widely noticed than previous events. “(Participating in different activities has) just been fantastic,” junior Joy Quarmout, Zeta Chi’s president, said. “(I love being) able to use our gift(s) to glorify God and impact others.”

Zeta Chi assisted the PysComm club by painting desks and chairs that are original furnishings of Liberty Baptist College, which existed from 1971 to 1985 before the school was renamed Liberty University, according to Barkley.

Barkley found the chairs at Liberty’s 12th Street warehouse in downtown Lynchburg, where most of the antique furniture is stored. When Barkley and

People of the Land C

an ChrisƟan Zionism be defended in the twenty-rst century?

Theologically? Historically? Can it be defended in ways that are consistent with Jewish and ChrisƟan scriptures?

Are its legal, moral, and poliƟcal outworkings compaƟble with the ideals of the biblical covenant?

Come hear leading scholars and experts wrestle with these topics as they move beyond old assumpƟons and explore what may be one of the most profound quesƟons facing the New Testament church: how do we as ChrisƟans respond to the fact that millions of Jews once scaƩered around the world have returned to their ancient homeland and established a modern naƟon-state?

the Department of Psychology found out about the chairs being given away

by Liberty, they asked for a few, and the university complied.

With new campus traditions just beginning, Barkley and Quarmout hope in the coming years students can use their beliefs and talents to make the university and the world a better place.

TILLER is the feature editor.

Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion

ART — Students used chalk to express their thoughts.

April 17, 2015 Washington, DC Register today at

www.chrisƟansandisrael.org

A Twenty-First Century Case for Christian Zionism

Conference Topics ◆ Theology and history ◆ Theology and morality ◆ Theology and the churches ◆ Theology and poliƟcs ◆ Theology and the law ◆ Basic theological quesƟons ◆ Theology in the New Testament

news

A8 | April 14, 2015 | Liberty Champion

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SPORTS

April 14, 2015

Baseball

Softball

Softball

Baseball

B1

W. Lacrosse

ODU

Liberty

UNC

Liberty

Liberty

Radford

Liberty

CSU

Liberty

Presby.

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burning the camels

Courntey Russo| Liberty Champion

HEAD FIRST — Sophomore Will Shepherd (sliding) had a nice weekend against Campbell, including notching his team-leading eighth stolen base of the year.

Fighting Camels falter Flames win series, hand Campbell two of its six conference losses Luke Dillard mdillard1@liberty.edu Ryley Rush rarush@liberty.edu

Two ugly losses early in the week to Old Dominion and North Carolina meant Liberty baseball’s weekend series with Campbell would be crucial for confidence at the plate going forward.

The Flames (23-13, 9-3 Big South)

only scored one combined run in those early-week losses despite coming off a strong seven-game win streak when they averaged over six runs per contest.

With the Campbell Fighting Camels (25-12, 8-7) in town, the Flames bats came alive once again, combining for 37 hits and 19 runs over three games, taking two of the weekend’s three games in the process.

Game 1: Campbell 3, Liberty 2 The Flames dropped the series

opener Friday night, April 10 against the Campbell Fighting Camels in front of a record crowd of 3,983 at Liberty Baseball Stadium.

The Flames took a 2-1 lead into the seventh inning, only to see Campbell score two runs and take a 3-2 lead in the top of the seventh.

Senior pitcher Jared Lyons (5-1 1.24 ERA) started for the Flames after recently being named Big South Pitcher of the Week.

The Flames defense was plagued

by five infield errors, including one that led to a run. These errors continued extending innings and allowed Campbell more opportunities to score.

The Fighting Camels were led by a strong performance from senior lefthander Heath Bowers (6-2 2.59 ERA), who gave up just two runs and struck out nine Liberty batters in eight innings.

The Flames bats heated up in the

See FALTER, B2

Leading by example Brant Tolsma has coached Liberty athletes for nearly 30 years Cierra Carter cmcarter18@liberty.edu

Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion

HELM — Brant Tolsma has led Liberty track and field to 82 Big South titles.

WE’LL SEE YOU AT THE GAME

Most people live their lives hoping to leave a legacy behind, but Brant Tolsma is among the lucky few who do not have to wait to see that materialize.

At the ripe age of 65, Tolsma is still as strong and active as someone half his age. As the head coach for Liber-

ty’s track and field and cross-country teams, he has managed to put together the university’s most successful athletics program. According to libertyflames.com, the cross-country and track and field programs have collected a whopping 82 Big South championships, as well as three Intercollegiate Association of Amateur Athletes of America titles.

Known for his blunt honesty and sarcastic sense of humor, Tolsma’s colorful personality is just one side to the coach, who has been leading the Flames and Lady Flames to victory for nearly 30 years with no signs of slowing down.

“Some people would say Coach Tolsma is sarcastic,” Assistant Coach Pete McFadden said.

Baseball vs. Maryland

Softball vs. VT

Softball vs. VT

April 14 @ 4 p.m.

April 16 @ 4 p.m.

April 16 @ 6 p.m.

“Some people would say he’s really straightforward. Some people would say he’s loving.

Some people would say he’s like a father figure. I would say, in some cases, he’s all of the above.”

McFadden knows what it is like to both compete for and work with Tolsma, an experience not many are afforded. McFadden was contacted by Tolsma to

come in and work after completing an internship with Liberty in 1986. McFadden noted that Tolsma’s influence does not stop with track, but reaches far beyond the field of competition.

“One thing you can know about Coach Tolsma is he’s fair, he’s just, he’s going to let you know where you stand

See LEAD, B3

Softball W. Lacrosse vs. High Point vs. Coastal April 18 @ April 17 @

4 p.m.

2 p.m.

Follow @LUChampSports for Flames athletics coverage

sports

B2 | April 14, 2015 | Liberty Champion

Call him Coach McKay Flames basketball program hires former head coach, readies for new era Nate Haywood nahaywood@liberty.edu

On April 1, 2009, Liberty Flames men’s basketball Head Coach Ritchie McKay announced he was leaving Lynchburg for Charlottesville, Virginia, to join the Virginia Cavaliers coaching staff, April 1, 2009.

Exactly six years later, Liberty University Athletic Director Jeff Barber announced McKay would once again take over as head coach of the Liberty Flames men’s basketball team.

The month-long coaching search came to a conclusion Wednesday, April 1 at a press conference held in Williams Stadium, where Barber made the announcement.

McKay coached the Flames from 2007 to 2009, when he resigned and headed to Charlottesville, Virginia, to join Virginia Head Coach Tony Bennett.

According to Barber, he interviewed nine different coaches — seven head coaches and two assistant coaches. Once all the interviews were conducted, Barber said he knew exactly whom he wanted to take over the basketball program.

“There was no question in my mind that the right coach for Liberty (is) Ritchie McKay,” Barber said.

Barber said he reached out to McKay as soon as he had the chance. Barber further acknowledged that the new head coach has proven himself as a Christian, coach and recruiter, three key components Barber wanted in a coach.

Barber, along with Liberty President Jerry Falwell, introduced McKay to an audience composed of fans, faculty and media, who gave a standing ovation when McKay took to the stage. The basketball team was also in attendance.

“The biggest first step (to changing to the direction of the program) is getting to know the players,” McKay said. “I want to get to know them as people.”

This announcement was primarily important to the team. Soon after their early

David Duncan| Liberty News Service

SIGNING DAY — Ritchie McKay speaks to a crowd after being unvield as the Flames new head coach. exit in the 2015 Big South Tournament, the players found out that former coach Dale Layer would not return. The news hit them hard, especially junior forward Theo Johnson.

“We all took (Layer’s firing) rather tough,” Johnson said. “He’s such a good dude. Off the court, he teaches (us) so much. …

He’s kind of like a father figure, in a way, especially for me.”

Junior guard Joe Retic expounded on Johnson’s claim that the team was unsettled in seeing its coach depart. Retic also said they eventually had to “move on.”

Approximately one month later, the team welcomed the new coach and could not be more excited. “(McKay) means business,” Retic said.

“He’s very truthful. He’ll tell you right away how he feels.”

According to Johnson, he’s not the only Flame excited about the hire.

“I think everybody feels like we just feels like we got a new life,” Johnson said. “There’s a new person, a new coaching style, a new system ... everything is just new.”

Johnson also acknowledged McKay’s strictly business mindset.

“I like (McKay) personally because he’s really a ‘no nonsense’ kind of guy,” Johnson said. “He’s really genuine. When he says something, he’s not just saying it to say it.”

With McKay’s team set, he recently compiled his new coaching staff. Omar Mance

FALTER continued from B1 second inning with shortstop Dalton Britt hitting a leadoff triple. He scored later on catcher Becker Sankey’s RBI double.

In the fourth inning, senior first baseman Alex Close, who leads the Flames with a .343 average, hit a leadoff double to get the Flames on base with no outs. He later scored on an RBI single from third baseman Sammy Taormina.

The Fighting Camels added their first run in the fifth inning from center fielder Cedric Mullins, who reached first due to a Liberty error. He later scored on an RBI single from left fielder Cole Hallum, who is among the nation’s top power hitters.

The Fighting Camels took the lead for good in the seventh inning, adding two runs to take a 3-2 lead. They began the inning with a leadoff double from catcher Steven Leonard, quickly followed by an RBI triple by first baseman Kyle Leady to tie the game 2-2. Leady later scored on a

Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion

OUT AT FIRST — Senior first baseman Alex Close reaches up for the force-out. sacrifice fly to give the Camels the 3-2 lead.

Lyons left the game after six innings, giving up nine hits along with two earned runs and five strikeouts.

Despite the loss, the Flames were proud to set a new attendance record.

Head Coach Jim Toman

said the record crowd provided a great atmosphere and venue for the game and the Flames players.

“It was awesome,” Toman said. “Thank God for CFAW, right? It was a beautiful night. I’m proud of the fans and students for coming out.”

Game 2: Liberty 7, Campbell 0 After losing a close game to open the series, the Flames left little doubt who would win the second game, getting an early lead on the Fighting Camels and never looking back.

The Flames came out

and Matt Olinger are the two remaining members, while Kyle Getter and Brad Soucie were brought in from outside schools.

Barber and the Flames believe McKay is the right man for this position, and so does McKay. “I’m competitive,” McKay said. “For those of you that know me, I want to win, but I want to win the right way. And I know that there’s a process to that.”

According to Barber, McKay signed a five-year contract for an undisclosed amount.

HAYWOOD is the asst. sports editor.

swinging, literally, as they went up 3-0 in the bottom of the first inning.

Senior pitcher and center fielder Ashton Perrit scored to put the Flames up 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning. Sophomore right fielder Will Shepherd then brought home Britt, and Taormina to round out the inning.

Britt kicked off the third inning with a triple before Alex Close brought him home with help from a Campbell fielding error.

Not long after, with bases loaded, Taormina put the Flames up 5-0 with yet another RBI. Shepherd was next home for the Flames, followed by a bunt from freshman outfielder Josh Close to plate Sankey for what would be the final 7-0 score.

Campbell leads the Big South in batting average (.297), but Liberty junior pitcher Victor Cole shut them down, allowing just five hits over eight innings. Sophomore pitcher Caleb Evans took over in the ninth to finish the game, preserving the shutout.

The win ended a threegame skid for the Flames.

Game 3: Liberty 10, Campbell 2 The Flames played their first nationally televised (ESPNU) home game Sunday, using a season-high 17 hits to notch their ninth conference win.

Four Flames — Perritt, Taormina, second baseman Clay Keranen and designated hitter Andrew Yacyk — finished the afternoon with four hits apiece.

The Flames took the lead in the third inning off a triple from right fielder Shepherd and never relinquished it. Shepherd advanced to home after an errant throw into the dugout from the Campbell shortstop.

Senior lefty Shawn Clowers got the win for the Flames and moved to 8-2 this season, tying him for the most wins in the country.

DILLARD is a sports reporter.

RUSH is a sports reporter.

sports

Tich’s Take Alex Tichenor atichenor@liberty.edu

This is officially ridiculous.

It has been officially ridiculous for a while now, actually.

The NBA playoffs are about the start and two teams with winning records will be sitting at home watching three teams with losing records play instead. I know we live in a world where someone named Snooki was famous once, but that still does not make any sense.

By any measure, the Western Conference’s ninth place team — currently the Oklahoma City Thunder — is better than the sixth through eighth place teams in the Eastern Conference. The main measure — actual win-loss record — proves TICHENOR it the most. The Thunder are 43-36 while the sixthplace Bucks have 39 wins.

And this season is nothing compared to last year. Phoenix went 48-34 and inexplicably missed the playoffs. Well, technically it was not inexplicable, just very poorly explicable. Guess who had an identical record in the East? Just the three-seed Chicago Bulls. Yes, the three-seed. The Suns won 10 more games than the East’s eighth-seeded Atlanta Hawks.

How is this legal? Where is President Obama when you need him?

Basically, playoff spots are given to teams who draw a bigger straw rather than the team who actually, you know, has a better record over 82 games. I guess it really is better to be lucky than good.

Conferences might mean something in college sports, but in modern professional sports, they serve little purpose outside of scheduling and tradition. In general, doing something for tradition’s sake is illogical and dangerous, but sometimes traditions do have merit.

This is not one of those traditions.

This is like one of those traditions where your aunt makes a terrible casserole at Thanksgiving that nobody eats. Just stop making the casserole, for goodness’ sake.

Keep conferences and divisions for scheduling purposes. That is fine.

Teams should play regional teams more often than teams on the other side of the country. That is perfectly sound and logical. Teams can even still get banners or T-shirts when they win their division and everything. But a team with the 15th-best record in the league should not miss the playoffs in favor of a team with the 18th-best record.

There is literally no argument as to why the best 16 teams do not make the NBA playoffs instead of the top eight from each conference. It contradicts math and logic. How does a team that does worse in a worse conference end up getting substantially more of a reward? Is a “C” better than a “B”? Is any other type of ice cream better than chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream? What kind of bizarro world is this?

Pretty much every American sports league has a similar broken playoff system, so at least the NBA is not alone in its incompetence. The Carolina Panthers were 7-8-1 this past year and hosted a first-round playoff game because their division was just that much of an atrocity.

Seven teams with better records than Carolina missed the playoffs.

I will not even go into the problems with baseball’s terrible system, but just know that it is bad.

The NBA prides itself in being an innovative league and Commissioner Adam Silver is always thinking a step ahead. It is time to do the smart, logical, correct, etc. thing, NBA. Do not let luck triumph over good.

TICHENOR is the sports editor.

Liberty Champion | April 14, 2015 | B3

NBA PLAYOFFS WILD, WILD WEST Ranking the contenders in the NBA’s best conference probably doomed for a first-round exit.

More bad news: Matthews’ replacement Arron Afflolo looks like he will be less than 100 percent for the playoffs. But hey, C.J. McCollum has emerged as a legitimate asset down the stretch of the season. That is something.

Alex Tichenor atichenor@liberty.edu

T-8.

Oklahoma City Thunder/ New Orleans Pelicans It is a shame only one of these teams can make the playoffs (editor’s note: neither team had clinched a spot at the time of publication) because Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis are two of the best tickets in the NBA. It is a testament to their individual brilliance that their teams are even in the hunt in the bloodbath that is the Western Conference after injuries have riddled the Thunder and Pelicans all year. Still, the Thunder and Pelicans are as flawed as they are entertaining. Namely, Davis and Westbrook do not have the talent around them necessary to topple a top seed in the West. Also, Scott Brooks and Monty Williams are not winning any coaching duels.

Dallas Mavericks One major advantage the Mavericks have going into the playoffs: Rick Carlisle is their coach, and he is very good at coaching basketball. While the Spurs eviscerated every other playoff opponent last year, the eight-seed Mavericks had a 3-2 lead on San Antonio in the first round before ultimately bowing out in the final two games. One more reason to watch out for the Mavs: Playoff Rajon Rondo is back. Last time Rondo was seen in a playoff series, he almost led the Celtics to a win over the Heat, including an insane Game 2 performance when he put up 44 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds.

6.

Portland Trail Blazers Before Wes Matthews’ injury, the Blazers were legitimate title contenders. Now, unless LaMarcus Aldridge morphs into Godzilla (and assuming Godzilla can ball), the Blazers are

with this program, he’s going to give you every opportunity to be successful with this program, and he wants the best for you, not just for track, but for life,” McFadden said.

Houston Rockets Unfortunately, the injury bug decided to bite Houston at a pretty inopportune time. Just a few weeks a wrist injury ended starting point guard Patrick Beverly’s season, top backup big man Donatas Motiejunas’s sustained a back injury that ended his year as well.

James Harden might have to score 45 a game for the Rockets to even win a series. And it might happen with the year he is having.

4.

The big concern here: Mike Conley’s nagging foot injury. Conley can hang with the best of the best when healthy, but keeping tabs on the Pauls and Currys of the world is borderline impossible with foot issues. Still, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are going to beat up any opposing front line, and Tony Allen is still the most annoying defender in the league. Whether Conley is healthy or not, the Grizzlies are not going to be an easy out.

3.

Los Angeles Clippers Chris Paul might have taken all the talk of Stephen Curry and Westbrook as the best point guards in the game a bit personally. Since the All-Star break, Paul has essentially been the Human Torch, averaging 21.9 points, 11.5 assists and four rebounds. Still, no matter how good Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan are, lack of depth will be a major problem for the Clips. The coach’s son plays a major bench role for L.A., and the coach’s son is Austin Rivers. That is a problem.

It all started in seventh grade when Tolsma attended his first track meet and fell in love with the sport. He then built his own high jump to practice on in his backyard.

Tolsma began to pray that God would give him the talent, and in turn, he would give God

Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion

LEGEND — Brant Tolsma has coached at Liberty since 1986.

San Antonio Spurs Well, look who it is. For three-fourths of the year it seemed like the Spurs might really be at the end of the tunnel. They were losing games they never lost in the past, veteran players were more underwhelming than usual and Kawhi Leonard was incessantly banged up. Turns out, the tunnel might really be infinite. Since losing four in a row after the All-Star break, the Spurs have ripped off 20 wins in 23 games, demolishing opponents by an average of 14.3 points per game. Gregg Popovich is an evil genius. One more thing: the Spurs are the only team to beat the Warriors twice all year.

1.

Golden State Warriors

Memphis Grizzlies

7.

LEAD continued from B1

5.

2.

The Warriors have owned the ’14’15 regular season. Completely owned it. There have been six teams in NBA history with a higher average margin of victory than Golden State. Only one of those six teams did not win the title (the ’71-’72 Bucks), and that was because they lost to a team with an even higher differential (the ’71-’72 Lakers). Basically, they are a wrecking crew on par with Jason Statham’s character in Furious 7 (seriously, go see Furious 7 if you have not yet). They boast the league’s best defense (allowing 101 points per 100 possessions) and the second-best offense. And if Curry’s three-pointers are not falling, odds are Klay Thompson’s are. Well, the better odds are that both are hitting bombs from all over the court (the two combine to make 6.5 threes per game). With a 37-2 home record, and only five losses all year to West playoff teams, it is hard to see anyone beating the Warriors in a seven-game series.

TICHENOR is the sports editor.

the glory. Although he claims he never personally reached a high level athletically, he said he has been blessed with immeasurable talent in the athletes he has coahced. His first job was at Campbell University, before the Lord clearly led him to Liberty.

“Liberty is the best place in the world to glorify God through athletics,” Tolsma said.

“I think it was because that was the desire of my heart, he chose me to come here, and now I get to do that all the time.”

On any given day in practice, Tolsma can be seen hurdling, long jumping, lifting, running a 7:30 mile, or casually completing 21 pull-ups, bringing a whole new level of motivation. The 56-time Big South Coach of the Year (cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field) also holds the world record in the double decathlon for his age group, giving him plenty of experience and an even greater coaching perspective.

“Some people can teach you what you have to do, but they won’t do it with you,” freshman triple jumper Darrel Jones said.

“It adds to it and makes them more fun to be around. … It’s a good atmosphere.”

Tolsma’s athletes are quick to point out his technical mindset, which allows him to crunch numbers and put together the best strategies to win. With a Ph.D. in biomechanics, he knows how to develop techniques and instruction with head knowledge and experience. “(Tolsma is) very technical,”

senior Kyle Wheeler said. “He knows how to break down angles, and he’s coached a lot of good jumpers in the past, so he knows what a good jump is supposed to look like.”

Tolsma’s vision for the program at Liberty is one of excellence, as he hopes to clearly demonstrate Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr.’s motto that, “If it is Christian, it should be better.” He looks to Scripture, specifically in the book of 1 Samuel, as a reminder of what his ultimate mission is.

There are hopes of more conference titles and eventually national championships.

“If biblical principles work, and Christ is on the throne, and if 1 Samuel 2:30 is true, … we need to be going to the top,” Tolsma said.

Tolsma’s athletes have bought into that mindset, and it shows on the track.

“Coach Tolsma is a visionary,” senior heptathlete Riley Brandon said. “He has great faith and because of that, great expectations, so to be an athlete of his is enjoyable. He’s loving, he’s kind like a fatherly figure, but he also has expectations for you to improve and succeed.”

One thing is for certain — Liberty track and field has been guided by a true legend, and with a God-fearing, high-jumping coach, the sky is the limit.

“There’s just none like Coach Tolsma,” Brandon said. “He’s one of a kind.”

CARTER is a sports reporter.

sports

B4 | April 14, 2015 | Liberty Champion

Paul Vandenbosch prvandenbosch@liberty.edu

G N I R SP

The turf in Williams Stadium is no longer vacant. For about four weeks now, the Liberty football team has been vigorously preparing for the 2015 season during spring practice.

Following the most successful season in program history, the team appears primed and ready for another strong season. Liberty saw its first postseason appearance ever, as well as its first playoff victory, in 2014. Flames Head Coach Turner Gill said it was an honor to be a part of last year’s run, but that the focus has already shifted to the upcoming season.

“I’m just blessed to be a part of (this team),” Gill said. “I’m just thankful for our fans and for our players to do what they did here last season. But that was last season. We’ve got a new season ahead.”

With spring practice winding down, the team has progressed well, according to Gill.

“I think we’re improving in some areas,” Gill said. “Our defense is getting a lot of things going, and we’re trying out different packages there. Offense is trying to work some new schemes in. …

But overall we’re making good progress.”

Ahead of the Flames annual spring game, Gill said his eyes would primarily be focused on the play of the team’s younger players.

“We’re watching some of these guys who are inexperienced,” Gill said. “We’re trying to get them some reps and see how they respond in front of a crowd. Basically, we’re just trying to see what they do and how they do it over a long period of time.”

Liberty will look to address different needs along the offensive line as well as at the tight end position. The Flames lost tight end Dexter Herman as well as right tackle Mitch Hanson and center Greg Ray to graduation.

“I think depth is always a concern,” Gill said. “Specifically at the center position and the tight end position, we’re just trying to find some depth for those two positions.”

Gill and his staff received a lot of attention in February after Gill brought in what shapes up to be a fine recruiting class. However, the Flames still possess a strong veteran core led by senior quarter-

L A B FOOT

back Josh Woodrum. Woodrum, a captain for Liberty for the third straight season, said he feels fair at this point in the preseason.

“I feel pretty good,” Woodrum said. “I’m a little heavier than I was playing because I had that knee infection, so I’m moving a little slower and trying to get into better shape. … Mentally, I think I’m moving through the game faster than I ever have. (My) arm feels good and I’m just moving right along.”

Woodrum and the Flames offense welcomed back senior running back Desmond Rice, who missed all of the 2014 season after tearing his ACL in last year’s spring practice. Rice redshirted the 2014 season and will return to the backfield for his senior season after leading the team in rushing yards and touchdowns in 2013. Rice said it has been a challenge coming back from an injury, but he is confident he will perform well.

“The hardest part (of coming back) was trusting myself,” Rice said. “Just trusting that when I make a play or when I get hit that my knee is going to hold up. It’s not a problem physically because I feel strong, but just mentally being able to trust my

SPRING GAME RECAP Joel Schmieg jaschmieg@liberty.edu

The Liberty Flames officially kicked off the 2015 football season Saturday, April 11 at Williams Stadium in front of the Flames faithful ready to see what is in store for the fall.

The game featured a unique scoring system that rewarded both the offense and defense for different facets of the game. The offense gained points for things like explosive plays, third-down conversions and, of course, touchdowns. The defense, on the other hand, gained points for things like blocked passes, minimal explosive plays allowed and forcing three-and-out series.

The final score was 71-67 in favor of the defense after John Lunsford nailed his only made field goal of the game from 40 yards. He missed one earlier wide right from 32 yards out.

After sitting out last season with an injury, running back Desmond Rice was a star in the game with a couple of explosive plays, including a touchdown.

Backup quarterback Stephon Masha threw a screen pass to Rice, who broke two tackles and beat one more man to the end zone for the first touchdown of the day.

“Just to get the ball in my hands and make a play felt great today, “ Rice said. “I feel (I am) back to where I was before. This whole process has been a mental one for me.”

The Flames main running backs from last year, D.J. Abnar and Todd Macon, as well as quite a few other starters, were sitting out because the coaches did not want them to get hurt, according to Liberty Head Coach Turner Gill. Gill said all the players would be ready in the fall.

With Rice now healthy, Gill will have to make a tough decision when it comes time to choose a starter at the running back position. Starting quarterback Josh Woodrum said Rice was stronger than ever and Woodrum never thought the knee injury would be a long term one.

“I think the No. 1 running back spot is up for grabs for anybody,” Rice said.

“It’s an open race, but I fully expect to be starting when the time comes.”

5 1 2L 0 E T A UPD

Masha, who won the Samkon Gado Award for the most improved offensive player of the spring, led the Flames second team on a few solid drives that included Rice’s touchdown. Gill said they could use Masha in many different ways other than at quarterback and that he will always be in their repertoire.

Woodrum had a couple nice throws, including a 50-yard pass to Ryan McCarter that set up the only other touchdown of the day from Carrington Mosley. Woodrum said he did not feel they were out of sync, but they were just looking for the right pieces at receiver to fit the puzzle.

“I’m glad we aren’t playing a game today, because we aren’t there yet as far as that chemistry with the new receivers being together with our quarterbacks,” Gill said. “We will be there when the time comes.”

Woodrum said the goal of this season is to win the conference and make it even further in the playoffs than last year, and anything short of that “isn’t going to be a success for us.”

“Ultimately, the goal is the national championship, but we just got to take each game at a time,” Woodrum said. “I (think) spring ball has been pretty productive. We didn’t have a lot of people move on from the offense, but a lot of crucial people moved on.”

According to Woodrum, the offensive players were not worried about the score at the end of the game. However, the defensive players were not so quick to dismiss the score.

“It was good to finally beat the offense,” linebacker Jimmy O’Grady said.

“I think they won the past couple of years, so it’s definitely a great feeling.”

At halftime, Gerald Holt was awarded the Samkon Gado Award for most improved defensive player during the spring, along with Masha on the offense. The 2014 seniors were also honored and given commemorative framed jerseys. Javan Shashaty won the Luke 2:52 Award for the best graduated senior with whole person development.

SCHMIEG is a sports reporter.

self back out there.”

Woodrum said he looks forward to having Rice in the backfield again this year. “(Rice is) a great blocker, first and foremost,” Woodrum said.

“He’s a great runner, obviously, but he’s a tremendous pass blocker. … I know I’m going to get a consistent block from him every time. He’s not going to whiff somebody or cut him when he should stand him up, so it’s really comforting to have him back there.”

Defensively, Liberty will look to replace All-American safety Jacob Hagen and linebacker Dylan Lewellyn, as well as fill other positions. Their contributions to the team, both tangible and intangible, will be missed, but players such as junior linebacker Nick Newman are ready to rise to the challenge.

“I just have to help these guys do the best they can every day,” Newman said. “Whether that means talking to them or just being a leader on the field and showing the guys what they have to do.”

Flames kicker John Lunsford will also attract a lot of attention when September rolls around.

Lunsford made headlines last year when he kicked a game-tying, 60-

yard field goal as time expired to tie the game against Richmond, breaking his own Big South record. Lunsford said his success is important not just to himself, but to the entire team.

“Obviously, everyone has to do their part,” Lunsford said. “As a kicker, you have one shot, and if you don’t make it count, you’re kind of the scapegoat for everyone to be mad at. But honestly, it’s just all mental, knowing that you’re going to go out there and do your best and be clutch whenever you need to be and just do the things that you normally do.”

Lunsford has also set a lofty goal for himself for his final season at Liberty.

“I want to make a 65-yard field goal by the end of my senior year,” Lunsford said. “The NFL record is 64 yards. … But I want to break that, and hopefully it will be at a home game.”

The Flames will hold two more practices before the end of the school year. After that, the Flames will not practice again, aside from voluntary workouts, until they return from summer break in August. The Flames open at home Sept. 5 against Delaware State.

VANDENBOSCH is a sports reporter.

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feature

Liberty Champion | April 14, 2015 | B5

Honoring Jon Gregoire Legacy of co-founder lives on with third annual Lynchstock Music Festival Lauren Glossner lbglossner@liberty.edu

While it would have been easy for Jon Smalt to walk away from planning the Lynchstock Music Festival following the tragic death of his friend and co-founder Jon Gregoire last fall, Smalt chose to honor Jon Gregoire with another year of music and unity within Lynchburg.

After two years of observing the artistic abilities of musicians in Lynchburg, this year’s event will focus on celebrating the life of Jon Gregoire by honoring his vision. Jon Gregoire died last November after being hit by a train on a trestle over the James River in Lynchburg.

While many may think the festival is a way of “preserving” Jon Gregoire’s memory, Smalt said that is not the case.

According to Smalt, “preserving” implies stopping something where it is rather than continuing to cherish a legacy.

“A better way (to say it) is we aren’t preserving, but taking what (Jon Gregoire) started and allowing it to grow,” Smalt said.

According to Smalt, a Liberty alumnus who is also a member of the band Glass Oaks, Jon Gregoire and he shared a passion for music and the Lynchburg community, which led them to co-found Lynchstock in 2013. “(Jon Gregoire) saw Lynchburg as a community that needed the support and love of the LU students,” Mark Gregoire, Jon Gregoire’s father, said. “He wanted this to bring them together.”

The first Lynchstock Music Festival started with four bands and 200 people.

Last year, around 1,000 people attended the event.

According to Smalt, both Jon Gregoire and he hoped Lynchstock would continue to grow, and Smalt is projecting 2,0003,000 attendees this year.

Mark Gregoire said he hopes to see an even bigger number of people impacted by the festival.

“It is our hope and prayer that as many as 10,000 will turn out to this annual festival and enjoy themselves with friends, meet new people, possibly share Jesus with someone and honor God in worship and praise,” Mark Gregoire said.

Mark Gregoire asked the Liberty community to join him in praying that

Photos Provided

LIVE — Jon Smalt, co-founder of the Lynchstock Music Festival, wants to celebrate the life of his friend through the 2015 event. these 10,000 people would not only listen to the music, but also see the gospel being portrayed through art.

This year’s theme goes along with Smalt’s vision — building. According to Smalt, Lynchstock’s purpose is to unite the community and grow it together to break artistic and institutional divides and celebrate music and the arts together.

“To see so many different artists and people come together, there’s nothing like it,” Smalt said.

According to Smalt, he and Jon Gregoire had only had one meeting to plan for Lynchstock 2015 prior to Jon Gregoire’s death, but Jon Gregoire was excited and passionate and was looking forward to seeing what would happen.

Jon Gregoire’s parents will attend the festival this year for the first time.

“We are excited to see, in person, the vision of Jon Gregoire and Jon Smalt come together,” Mark Gregoire said.

“Jon Smalt intends this to be part of both of their (legacies), as they both loved Lynchburg and Liberty University with true compassion.”

The Lynchstock Music Festival will take place April 18 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 14900 Forest Road in Forest, Virginia.

Twenty bands, including four nationally recognized groups such as Dogwood and Holly, will perform. Several of the band members knew Jon Gregoire, and many have written songs inspired by him, according to Mark Gregoire.

While many bands will be on stage during the festival, poets and spoken word artists will also contribute to the festival during the Listening, an hour of spoken word and poetry, according to the Lynchstock website.

Because charity was very important to Jon Gregoire, this year’s spoken word artists, poets and other Lynchstock performers partnered with Miriam’s House, a charity in Lynchburg that helps homeless, single mothers and their children.

For more information about Lynchstock, visit the Lynchstock Music Festival Facebook page or lynchstockmusicfestival.com GLOSSNER is a feature reporter.

WILD continued from B8

Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion

MODEL — Inspiration for designers came from many different aspects of nature and culture, including a field of flowers, the four seasons, and even a quote about a peacock from the movie “The Other Guys.”

“This is my last year here, and I thought it would be (a) fun last project,” Bouwer said.

Bouwer went on to win Best Single Piece Collection at the end of the night.

After the 22 designs were showcased, there was a short intermission for judges’ deliberation. Audience members enjoyed refreshments catered by students in the Culinary Club under the guidance of Linda Kitchel, an assistant professor in the FACS department.

During this time, a raffle offering gift cards to Lifeway, Penelope’s and Maurices took place. A slideshow was also displayed, presenting photos from the various checkpoints throughout the year, such as the designer launch party, model casting and garment fitting. Garrett was also available to take photos with guests.

At the end of the evening, every participant was presented with a handmade trophy created by Dr. Ruth Glaze, a professor in the FACS department.

Awards were given for categories such as best use of fabric texture, best multiple piece collection, best male and female runway presentation, best use of color, best use of inspiration and audience choice.

Cameron closed out the evening with prayer and commended the designers on a job well done, commenting on how they incorporated the natural beauty of God’s creation into their designs.

“When I spoke with all the designers here on their storyboards, they all told me how God inspired them through their chosen element of nature,” Cameron said. “And it really shows in their final designs.”

MAURER is a feature reporter.

feature

B6 | April 14, 2015 | Liberty Champion

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feature

Liberty Champion | April 14, 2015 | B7

Passion for fashion Alumna Ruth Bibby uses experience in fashion PR to judge Liberty’s annual show

Hannah Elliott helliott9@liberty.edu

Liberty University’s Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) welcomed back former fashion show director and alumna Ruth Bibby to assist in judging its ninth annual spring fashion show, titled “Cotton Couture: Nature’s Dream,” April 11 in the Schilling Center.

Bibby graduated with a double major in fashion merchandising and journalism, along with minors in business and photography. Before graduating, she also participated in a number of societies and activities. Bibby served as president for the Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society, was a member of the Omicron Gamma Phi Honor Society and was the FACS fashion show director and photo editor for the Liberty Champion.

Bibby’s passion began when she started modeling as a child in Taiwan and continued to stay involved in fashion throughout high school. She is now working in public relations for a company in New York known as “FullBeauty Brands,” where she immerses herself in various aspects of marketing, management and merchandising.

“It’s kind of like promotions, meaning I have to make sure our products are being seen in the right places,” Bibby said. “So, for instance, I would pull out clothing samples to be placed in (well-known) magazines, coordinate styles for television segments and plan events such as runway shows.”

According to Bibby, FACS professor Matalie Howard asked her to assist in judging the fashion show because of her current position in the fashion industry, as she thought it would be a way for Bibby to encourage current students that are aspiring toward a similar degree. But the primary reason for Howard’s invitation, Bibby added, was because Howard knew how excited Bibby would

CONCERT continued from B8 “As far as the demographic of the crowd, the average age is a little higher than some of our other concerts,” Shields said. “There were a lot of parents and a lot of younger kids.”

Shields said this demo-

be to help with the show in some facet. “(Howard) knows how passionate I am about the show and fashion,” Bibby said. “I think it was spring break my junior year, ... I didn’t go home, I didn’t go anywhere with friends. I just stayed and worked on the fashion show. I lived and breathed for that show.”

Bibby said the FACS fashion show is a chance for designers working toward a career in the industry to meet and communicate with peers, enhance their creative abilities and gain real-world experience for their future in the fashion industry.

According to Bibby, companies are now expecting students to have at least one to two years of experience before they apply for a job.

Whether that is through a university or internship, that experience is required before they are offered an entry-level job. She thinks events like the fashion show are perfect opportunities for students to gain experience and improve relationships in the process.

Bibby encouraged students to keep working hard and look toward the future. She believes establishing who, what and where they want to be is essential to success. But as for her future, Bibby is hoping to become a brand director of public relations or even possibly working in fashion production for the runway.

“Having a fashion show on a college campus is great for students, because it gives you that experience companies are looking for,” Bibby said. “They can say, ‘Yeah, I actually do have experience, because I did (this) at my campus’ fashion show.’ They also have something that’s tangible to show for it and get to meet and interact with other designers, ... who will be eventually working with each other, ideally.”

ELLIOTT is a feature reporter.

graphic is part of what made this concert different from others SA hosted this year.

“What made this concert unique is the fact that it catered to a different crowd than a lot of the other concerts,” Shields said. “A lot of the other (concerts) cater more toward just students. This kind of hits

Courtney Russo| Liberty Champion

CAREER— Sports photography was one of Ruth Bibby’s passions while at Liberty. Her love for fashion began when she modeled as a child.

a bigger group of people.”

From his view at one of the Vines Center entrances, Shields said he thought people were enjoying the concert.

“It seem(ed) like people (were) having a blast,” Shields said. “You (didn’t) really see a lot of people up walking around.

People seem(ed) like they

(were) staying in their seats and (were) focused on the show.”

In addition to hearing the bands play, concert attendees had the opportunity to partner with Food for the Hungry, an organization that connects people with children in need around the world. For $35 a month, attendees could

start sponsoring a child.

The money provides school supplies, clothing and food for children who normally would not have access to those things, according to Dustin Daniels, a band member for Finding Favour.

Finding Favour is a ministry partner with Food for the Hungry, and booths

are set up at each concert on the “We Believe God’s Not Dead Tour” to give people the chance to sponsor a child.

To find more information about the tour, visit newsboys.com/tour.

FRASER is a feature reporter.

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FEATURE

April 14, 2015

Leah Seavers | Liberty Champion

MUSICIANS — Newsboys, Audio Adrenaline, Finding Favour and John Tibbs brought the “We believe ... God’s Not Dead Tour” to Liberty April 11 at the Vines Center.

Concert fills Vines

Newsboys lead vocalist Michael Tait visits alma mater, performs for CFAW Ellie Fraser efraser2@liberty.edu

Liberty alumnus and Christian singer Michael Tait stepped onto the stage in the Vines Center Saturday, April 11 no longer a student. But Tait was not just visiting for mere pleasure, Tait had come to perform and to preach the message of Jesus Christ.

Tait was accompanied by his band, the Newsboys, as Liberty was one of many stops on their “We Believe … God’s Not Dead Tour.”

According to Student Activities (SA),

around 5,700 people filled the Vines Center for the concert.

The Newsboys were preceded by three different acts. John Tibbs, an up-andcoming artist, took the stage first, followed by the band Finding Favour and Audio Adrenaline.

The crowd cheered loudly when the Newsboys took the stage. They started their set with the song “Restart,” which is the title track of their newest album.

After the Newsboys’ second song, lead singer Tait had to briefly leave the stage to fix his ear monitor. The three remain-

ing band members filled the time with a few jokes and a little bit of musical improvisation while the crowd waited.

“I’m back in business,” Tait said when he returned on stage.

Tait quickly made it known to the crowd that he attended Liberty for college during the 1980s, and it changed his life.

College for a Weekend (CFAW) visitor Ariana Bacon said the concert was an added bonus to her weekend experience at Liberty. Earlier in the day, Bacon saw Tait walking around campus and approached him.

“I took a selfie with Michael Tait,” Bacon said. “It was awesome. He was walking down to the dining hall, and I was like, ‘Hey, can I have a selfie with you?’ and he said, ‘Yes.’” CFAW contributed to the diverse demographic of ages at the concert as well as the Newsboys family-oriented fan base, according to concert worker Scott Shields.

See CONCERT, B7

Wild wardrobe

Spring fashion show responds to the call of nature Emma Jane Maurer emaurer@liberty.edu

Audiences were treated to visual representations of nature at the ninth annual Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) spring fashion show, titled “Cotton Couture: Nature’s Dream,” at the Schilling Center April 11.

The night began as JaNique Cameron and Julie Earle, director and assistant director of the show, explained that the theme was inspired by the FACS department’s partnership with Cotton Incorporated.

Cameron and Earle also described the rules of the program: designers were required to use 60 percent cotton in their garments in

addition to meeting certain deadlines, such as sketching checkpoints, model selection and garment-fitting, earning them points if they met the deadlines on time.

Then Cameron and Earle introduced the judges: Michael Taylor, Miss Virginia 2014 and Liberty alumna Courtney Garrett, Kristen Wallin, Ashley Thorton and Liberty alumna and previous fashion show director Ruth Bibby.

The crowd went wild as the first design took the stage. Inspired by the quote, ‘I’m a peacock!” from the movie “The Other Guys,” junior Nam Nguyen designed a navy blue, teal and black floor-length flapperstyle dress complete with feathers. Nguyen went

on to win the Designer’s Choice Award at the end of the evening, in which all the designers voted on their favorite design.

Although he is a junior electrical engineering major, Nguyen entered the show because he enjoys sewing on the side. “(Sewing) is a hobby I started out with,” Nguyen said. “It started out as a prank. I took my mom’s sewing machine and sewed all my roommate’s clothes together in his closet.”

Continuing the “Nature’s Dream” theme, senior Melissa Breaux based her collection on the four seasons, not only in nature, but in life as well. “(My collection) is based on the growth of one girl

growing up,” Breaux said.

“For the spring, I started with a children’s look when the girl is eight years old, then a more mature look for the junior/teenage years. Of course, fall is falling in love, so there’s a male look. Finally, the winter is represented by the girl’s wedding.”

Breaux went on to win awards in Best Childrenswear and Menswear later in the evening.

Senior Carley Bouwer based her design, Vintage Floral, on a field of flowers. She entered the show as one last fun activity before graduation.

Courtney Russo| Liberty Champion

See WILD, B5

THEME — Models strutted down the runway sporting intense, bright designs at the ninth annual fashion show.