Liberty Champion August 30, 2011

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LIBERTY CHAMPION Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Today: Sunny 85/62 Tomorrow: 84/65

Libertychampion.com

Volume 29 • Issue 01

Budget cuts hit GLTC

Changes abound on campus

target hits the mark

Pedestrian tunnel, bridge next on list

Company struggles to avoid changes

Katherine Lacaze kelacaze@liberty.edu

Jenna Vanden Brook jvadenbrook@liberty.edu

The earthquake was not the only thing to shake things up in Lynchburg recently.

The Greater Lynchburg Transit Company announced significant budget slashes to its operation, which caused an outcry from Lynchburg bus riders at the public meetings held Aug. 18 and 19.

“No changes have been made as of this date but there will be a board meeting at the end of this month (to determine what actions will take place),” GLTC General Manager Mike Carroll said.

Many Liberty University students, including sophomore Emily Hoffman, are concerned about what budget cuts at GLTC means for the future of the Lynchburg city buses and LU Transit. GLTC partners closely with Liberty University, supplying buses and additional resources to the campus.

For any returning student, the changes around Liberty University cannot be missed. The former Campus North has been renamed Green Hall. Almost all residential classes have been moved to DeMoss Hall, which now occupies the fourth floor. u The pedstrian The seminary bridge is scheduled has made a simi- to open at the end of lar transition by moving to the El- September. mer L. Towns Religion Hall. New structures and signs are sprouting up all around campus. Next in the long list of changes is the creation of the long-awaited pedestrian tunnel from Liberty’s campus to Wards Road and a bridge for pedestrians to safely cross the busy street.

fyi

Ruth Bibby

RED FRIDAY — Hordes of Liberty University students converged on Target last week for music, food and Black Friday-esque deals.

See Bridge, A8

See GLTC, A2

New parking regulations, construction cause growing pains University plans for centralized classes Ashley Bollinger akbollinger@liberty.edu

Rumors of parking garages, no freshman vehicle passes and additional parking lots can be heard throughout Liberty University’s campus as students, staff and faculty fight to find a spot before class.

With academic changes ushering in an increase in population in certain areas on campus, it has been unclear

to many students and faculty if there will be any changes made by the administration.

With the increase in the number of classes in DeMoss Hall, there has been an increase in demand for nearby parking. Some see this as a problem.

However, according to the administration, the parking “issue” is really not an issue at all, it is simply a phase that the university must go through in order to reach the vision of the university over the next five years.

“The idea was that we wanted students to get used to going to class in

one centralized area,” Vice Provost for the Graduate School and Online Programs Ronald Hawkins said.

The administration is essentially going to take the next three years to re-vamp the look and feel of the university, according to Liberty’s Director of Planning and Construction Charles Spence.

“By having taller dorms and taller classroom buildings you have more beautiful buildings but also you have more green space, but that means students are going to have to walk a bit,” Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. said.

A green campus refers to more

INSIDE THE CHAMPION

News

Special Report

Chancellor address problems with News and Advance article A6

Sports

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More than 4000 students compete on 300 teams B7

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than simply the color, emphasized Falwell.

“With a $120 million transformation of campus getting under way, University planners have the challenge of designing a campus that will eventually accommodate 20,000 residential students,” Falwell said in a post on the Liberty University Facebook page. “Universities of our size and larger have become pedestrianfriendly campuses. Green spaces, like the lawn at the University of Virginia, take precedence over asphalt and heavy traffic.”

See Parking, A2

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NEWS

A2/Liberty Champion

August 30, 2011

SGA to hold Hall Senator elections this week New system designed to better represent students Emily Hoosier eahoosier@liberty.edu “Leadership is servant-ship,” Student Body President Cody May said.

One and a half years ago, a group of Student Government Association (SGA) leaders started reviewing Liberty University’s Constitution to better serve their fellow students. The group thought the Constitution needed revisions and updates to make the SGA run more professionally.

Among other changes, the Hall Senator amendment was implemented, and the SGA welcomed the new Hall Senators in the spring semester of 2011. The Hall Senator system became an official part of the new school constitution as of spring 2011.

Hall Senators are students elected by their fellow hall-mates to represent

them in the SGA. Hall Senators are obligated to join at least one committee in the SGA. The committees range from a Clubs Committee to a Budget Committee and a Spiritual Life Committee.

Government students and nongovernment students alike are encouraged to be a part of this opportunity to serve the student body and gain experience working in a professional leadership position. Having diversity in the SGA allows other student groups to be better represented and helps SGA better understand which student groups need help as they grow.

“We can’t leave (student groups) behind,” May said.

The Hall Senator program is designed for students to have more direct access to the SGA leaders who represent them. The program helps the SGA operate more professionally, and students now have better representation.

There is also senator representation for commuter students. One senator is assigned to represent 100 commuter

students. Students who wish to be a senator, but lost their election, still have an opportunity to be a senator through open spots called “Senators at Large.”

When asked about the future of SGA, May’s eyes light up and SGA Vice President of Government Affairs Stephen Walsh fittingly referred to May as “Mr. Ambition.”

“We’re here for the students,” May said, “We see a lot of potential to grow and mature.”

SGA is striving to become more professional, while maintaining a relaxed college atmosphere.

“Balance is the key,” May said.

Brainstorming has already commenced to bring about fun events to connect the senators with the students.

SGA will continue with the annual Junior/Senior Gala, as well as introduce new events.

May encouraged students to consider running for Hall Senator.

“Definitely run,” May said. “(SGA) gives you a chance to serve. It’s a great place to meet people, and be

involved in community life.”

“We want to come to an era of understanding between students and administration. We want to march forward together,” We’re here for Walsh the students. said.

StuWe see a lot dents can vote of potential for their to grow and Hall Senator mature.

Aug. 30 — May during hall meeting. The next SGA meeting is Thursday, Sept. 8. The meetings occur every other week and last approximately one hour.

“

”

u Hoosier is a news reporter.

Parking continued from A1

Julie Ochoa

QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS — Students worry about how GLTC changes could affect their ability to get around town.

GLTC continued from A1 “At my work, they need me to work closing shifts, and I have to work so I can bring money in to pay for school,” Hoffman said. “They need me to work closing shifts. If I can’t get back to campus, I have to look for another job.

I need to know what will happen to the campus buses and city buses.”

The budget crisis and subsequent changes at GLTC will not affect bus services on Liberty University’s campus, Carroll and Assistant General Manager for Operations Josh Moore said.

“As far as the bus service on campus, it is set up based on a contract that was established at the beginning of the year,” Liberty Transit Office liaison Jim Spencer said.

The contract specifies the amount of buses that will operate on campus and when they will run. Contract holding, the current bus systems on campus will not change this year.

The amount of buses available on campus will not be downsized, Spencer said.

In 2009, American Public Transportation Association awarded GLTC the Outstanding Transit System Achievement Award in honor of their collaboration with LU Transit, LU Transit’s website said.

“We work closely with the Liberty administration,” Carroll said.

Currently, the LU Transit 4F bus runs off campus to locations such as River Ridge Mall, Candlers Station, The Plaza and Wards Road. On weekdays it runs from 5:45 a.m. to its last stop at The Plaza at 9:45 p.m. On Sundays it runs from 9:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Another LU Transit bus that runs off campus is the 84. It stops at places such as Wal-Mart, Target, Old Navy and Chick-Fil-A. The bus’s latest stop is 9:55 p.m. at Target.

Liberty’s campus transit will not change this year but students who use the Lynchburg bus routes may still encounter problems.

For use of bus services to off-campus locations other

than LU Transit buses, students can still use the GLTC bus services for free with their Flames Pass, the LU Transit website said. However, students may now be restricted by whatever changes the GLTC board of directors makes.

GLTC held public meetings to hear the concerns of the Lynchburg community regarding possible solutions to the budget crisis, GLTC’s website said.

The front running solution to the budget crisis was completely eliminating bus service in Lynchburg on Sunday and stopping bus routes earlier at night. Consequently, that budget crisis remedy received the most backlash from the citizens. “(The main concerns of the citizens were) the night service, primarily, and the Sunday service. Just, cutting the service in general,” Moore said.

Currently, GLTC buses run until 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They run 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays.

After hearing the concerns of citizens regarding bus service changes, GLTC is looking at other ways to effectively deal with the budget crisis. GLTC management is considering internal cuts, Carroll said. Management is also considering decreasing frequency in bus stops or making cuts in routes apart from evening and Sunday routes.

“If the city buses don’t run late, the campus should make certain their buses run late, especially for those of us who work,” Hoffman said.

In the current economic climate, many companies are suffering from financial problems. GLTC’s budget problems increased in line with increasing fuel and maintenance costs.

“The cost of service is outstripping available resources,” Carroll said. “We have to close the gap … or get more revenue.”

1971 UNIVERSITY BLVD, LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA 24502

EDITOR IN CHIEF

administration

Deborah Huff FACULTY ADVISOR

Ben Lesley

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Amanda Sullivan GRADUATE ASSISTANT

Dominique McKay GRADUATE ASSISTANT

content

Shelanne Jennings

Kate Lacaze

FEATURE EDITOR

Omar Adams

ASST. FEATURE EDITOR

Gabriel Fowler

COPY EDITOR

NEWS EDITOR

ASST. NEWS EDITOR OPINION EDITOR

Betsy Abraham Devin Francis

Andrew Gula

photography

Nathan Brown

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Derrick Battle

ASST. PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

OPINION EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR

ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

fyi

outskirts. u Bollinger is the editor in chief.

u Vanden Brook is a news reporter.

LIBERTY CHAMPION Ashley Bollinger

Through the major changes in the parking and vehicle registration, the university is attempting to lower the number of cars that are on the campus at all times.

“The reason we are charging $300 is not to make money, it is actually to discourage students from bringing their vehicles on campus,” Falwell said.

“We are seeking your help in reinventing how we view the use of automobiles and buses on campus,” Falwell said in the Facebook post. “Even though we constructed hundreds of new parking spaces this summer, it is not possible, with our size, u Commuter for everyone to be entitled to a parking passes are space near their class- sold at a ratio room and workspace, of 1.75 passes especially if we are going to continue to to 1 parking grow in the future.” space.

Many students have raised questions about a parking garage, or freshman possibly not having their cars on campus. However, the administration warns that neither of these will actually solve any of the current issues.

The administration warns that neither a parking garage nor prohibiting freshman from bringing cars on campus would actually solve the current challenge.

“The cost of decals would go up $70 if freshmen were not allowed to bring cars,” Richard Martin, Liberty’s director of financial research, said.

“A parking garage centrally-located on campus would create traffic gridlock on Liberty’s small, two-lane roads,” Falwell said. “Thousands of cars would have to enter and leave campus each day in addition to the existing traffic.”

The administration plans to add new parking lots along the perimeter of the university as it is going through the changes over the next three years, moving most, if not all, parking to the

Ruth Bibby

Alyssa Bockman

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES & INFO

The Champion encourages community members to submit letters to the editor on any subject. Letters should not exceed 400 words and must be typed and signed. The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Letters and columns that appear are the opinion of the author solely, not the Champion editorial board or Liberty University.

All material submitted becomes property of the Champion. The Champion reserves the right to accept, reject or edit any letter received — according to the Champion stylebook, taste and the Liberty University mission statement.

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Send letters to: Liberty Champion Liberty University, Box 2000, Lynchburg, VA 24502 or drop off in DeMoss Hall 1035.

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NEWS

Aug.302011

Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr. – 1977

Aerial Campus View – 1979

& Liberty University and Coleman-Adams Construction both reach that impressive milestone this year, 1971-2011.

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As each moves forward, Coleman-Adams honors Liberty University, its positive impact on our community, and A New Era of expanding its missions and world class facilities. Coleman-Adams and Liberty University celebrate 40 years of building futures together.

Quality, Performance and Value Since 1971 | www.coleman-adams.com | 434.525.4700

OPINION

AUGUST 30, 2011

Some too open on Facebook Amanda Sullivan amsullivan3@liberty.edu

Liberty Champion

COLLEGE LIFE — Learning how to fit in right away.

Friendly advice for freshmen Rachel Deas redeas@liberty.edu

I

t is that time of year again when summer comes to an end and school starts back. But the transition from high school to college can be rough for some, so here’s what new students need to know about college life at Liberty.

The most important thing to learn at college is how to compromise. Dorm rooms are small and shared. Roommates can be best friends or worst enemies—and the difference is usually how much each person is willing to compromise.

Another helpful tip is for those who are privileged enough to bring a car. Many Liberty students know that driving in Lynchburg can be a little confusing, so either buy a GPS or buddy-up to an upper classman who knows their way around. Because getting lost is not on anyone’s to-do list.

Those not fortunate enough to bring a car need to wear comfy shoes. This is a must. Liberty is built into a mountain—literally, it’s on top of the mountain, through the mountain, engraved into the mountain—which means a lot of walking and a lot of hills. Good shoes that don’t hurt are absolutely necessary if blister-free feet are desired.

Also, while walking around on campus, it is a good idea to go ahead and map out classes.

“Numbers in DeMoss can be really confusing, so find your classes in advance,” sophomore Megan Youngdale said.

This is good advice, regardless of what year a student is, since the numbers seem to change every year. No one wants to spend their first days lost and having to ask people for directions only to end up late to class. No need to start the year off irritating professors.

Freshmen also need to know that certain

key words can give away any new student.

Cars are parked in the “Pit,” and there are two of those. Students eat at the “Rot,” that place where people identify their seats by surrounding wall colors such as the popular “Barney” and “Watermelon” sections. So when at Liberty, talk like a Liberty student.

Another saying new students will discover quickly is “ring by spring.” It doesn’t take long to find out that Liberty is very family-oriented, meaning they like to help students find their spiritual spouses here before heading outside of the Liberty bubble. Don’t be surprised when it is talked about in Convocation, because during each service it receives at least one honorable mention.

“Warn them [freshmen] about the ‘ring by spring’ thing because when people joke about it; they’re only halfway joking,” junior Bailee Stewart said.

Another item students only half-way joke about is Lynchburg’s nickname, Drenchburg. As a new freshman already found out since being here, “Take an umbrella with you even if you don’t think it will rain…because it will,” Autumn Lightner said. This piece of wisdom tends to be prophetically true. Even if there is a zero percent chance of rain, bring an umbrella because otherwise, rain is guaranteed.

Liberty is a wonderful place to be, so don’t be overwhelmed by all the things a new student should know. Freshman year can be intimidating enough for some without the worries of getting lost or saying things that pinpoint a new student as a freshman. But hopefully, these helpful hints will make for a great start to this school year. u DEAS is an opinion writer.

u SULLIVAN is the graduate assist.

FromtheDesk M

y little grey SUV felt more like a monster truck as I tried to maneuver myself through the 15-vehicle traffic jam that had, so conveniently, placed itself in the middle of the parking lot. Horns beeping, freshmen dodging angry seniors—not unlike myself—and too many skateboarders reminded me that today was the first day back at Liberty University.

As I finally decided to venture out into the unknown—that is, the farthest parking space available— I knew I was going to have to book-it in order to make it to my class on the third floor of DeMoss on time.

Ignoring the fact that I felt, and probably looked, like a freshman—no offense to the freshmen, we love you dearly—carrying everything I own, including my lunch and coffee, into the building, I quickly made my way to the closest staircase. It was there that I was reminded of my freshly sprained ankle, thanks to a lovely hike up Devils Marble Yard, and the warmth of my coffee as I tripped up the stairs spilling it all

Society has a way of re-inventing the wheel, so to speak, to further accommodate the needs of the people. Now, culture demands that citizens embark on an age of immediacy — one that allows down-to-the-second updates on all things personal, professional and news worthy to be sent to our phones, which we are equipped with at all times — someone may actually have to surgically remove my BlackBerry from my palm in the event of my death.

Welcome to the Digital Age, where social media and networking websites reign supreme in the news gathering world. Don’t scoff — how did you learn about the recent 5.8 magnitude earthquake that shook Virginia and surrounding areas last week? I surmise that the announcement came via a text or Facebook or Twitter notification.

Not to mention, that each Facebook page “renovation,” such as the new chat bar and the even more recent addition of “share options” — I think Mark Zuckerburg is worried about Google+ stealing his friends—quickly becomes the topic of status rants and normal conversation for weeks.

The social media outlet is here to stay, as we are all hopelessly devoted to the tiny, red notifications that somehow appear on our phones and Internet browsers. Besides, did events really occur if we weren’t invited via Facebook invitation, or are people really dating if their relationship status doesn’t proclaim the couple’s seemingly undying love for each other? Additionally, are all those women, who insist on posting their ultra sound pictures, really pregnant if it doesn’t appear on Facebook?

We are dependent on social media. Our future employers, educators, friends and, sometimes, family depend on the social networking site to peer into our everyday lives. But what most people don’t factor in to their online profile are the underlying ramifications of some Facebook conversations. Many streams of thought on Facebook have been found to haunt some students seeking employment or internships, as many employers view posts and profiles to gauge a person’s character.

Unfortunately, I can pinpoint several Liberty University students that may find themselves included among this statistic. Recently, I have observed some students blatantly disrespect our school, chancellor and fellow classmates on the social networking site — the most recent being a couple of days ago about the ever-sensitive campus parking subject. Whereas, I am a promoter of free speech and honesty, I am an even bigger advocate for integrity and face-to-face communication in times of conflict or other sensitive events. I am a firm believer that if one person has an issue with another, he or she should speak directly to the individual in question — even if it happens to be a private email or message.

Integrity and character of the actual person are reflected through the digital realm — as so much of our lives tend to do today. So, my advice, although not sage by any means, is to watch what you say on Facebook and consider the ramifications or consequences. Some good judgment, and a lack of swear words, could save your future job, educational experience and, maybe, even a couple of friendships along the way.

I am all for smart social networking — and you can like that.

over myself.

Finally on the third floor, I realized 10 minutes too late that I had written down the wrong room numbers.

Needless to say, it was a great start to my senior year. Throbbing ankle, road-rage hangover, coffeestained jeans and 15 minutes late.

Although, it may seem easy to bash the administration because there seems to be no end in site for the parking dilemma, which arguably kick-started my 25-minute melt down, I decided, rather, to see how parking at other institutions works.

After researching James Madison University, University of Virginia and Regent University, I found that Liberty does have a problem, but the question is, is it one that can be solved?

“People are so accustomed to their ways that they don’t wanna put in the extra time and effort to walk,” senior Bethany Smith said. “ I think that more parking lots are necessary, but where the administration

AshleyBollinger would be forced to put them may not be a convenient central location.”

JMU, UVA and Regent all have stricter parking policies than Liberty, which may be a large part of the problem.

At Liberty, freshmen are allowed to bring vehicles, something not true of most universities our size. We are also given the opportunity to park in close vicinity to academic buildings, which is unlike the previously mentioned universities.

In the end, what we have to understand is that there is never going to be a way to appease all of the masses. Someone is going to be upset, whether we prohibit certain vehicles from campus, build a parking garage or create more lots farther away.

Sooner or later the parking issue will finally be addressed, and the relentless complainers will hopefully be silenced. Until then, I will count my blessings — and leave 45 minutes early for class.

OPINION

August 30, 2011

A5/Liberty Champion

Start a budget before dollars start disappearing Some students fall prey to spending Emily Bass embass@liberty.edu It is no secret that times are tough in the financial realm these days.

According to the US Treasury, Congress is wading through a $14.6 trillion deficit. However, there may be no other people group in the United States more acutely aware of how tight money is than the average college student.

“State-budget cuts forced many colleges and universities to make huge tuition hikes,” Jahna Berry said in her USA Today article. Due to the increase, education is causing aspiring students to reach even further into their pockets for spare change.

There obviously is not much students can change about their skyrocketing tuition payments, but there are plenty of things college students may be spending precious pennies on that are not quite as essential as they think.

The College Board website posts a breakdown of how college students are dispersing their money.

The breakdown consists of 47 percent for housing, 18 percent for transportation and a whopping 35 percent for miscellaneous purchases. Such purchases include clothing, entertainment and restaurants.

In this simple generic breakdown of how college students are spending their money, there are obvious ways to make simple cutbacks without sacrificing a fulfilling college lifestyle.

One of these cutbacks is trans-

Compiled from stockexchange.com

DON’T BURN MONEY — Even in the face of an economic crisis, there are easy ways to stay savvy with personal spending.

portation, which is virtually unnecessary on most college campuses.

Specifically at Liberty University, there are a variety of alternatives to driving, such as the bus system or good old fashioned tennis shoes.

By opting out of driving aimlessly around campus, students could potentially save hundreds of dollars a month on gas. For students brave enough to sacrifice not bringing along a car, money, which would have otherwise gone toward a shiny new parking pass, is placed safely back into their wallet.

As far as “miscellaneous purchases” go, college students fall prey to excessive spending without even realizing how much money is truly being wasted by the end of a semester. One obvious money pit

for college students is food. Utilizing the dollar menu may seem like an economical and appetizing meal option, however, over time all those dollars add up, leaving the student with no dollars. Instead, make the most of cafeteria meal swipes and any form of meal point system on campus. While these are technically not free meals, this allows students to avoid wasting precious dollars from their wallet.

Other limitable expenses include buying unnecessary school supplies, overspending on entertainment and spending money to relieve stress.

Instead of buying a random assortment of school supplies to fill freshly furnished dorm room desktops, check with professors to avoid buying items that will not be used

throughout the semester.

When it comes to entertainment, there are often a variety of exciting activities provided by a school’s campus activities coordinator. By making use of the activities fee to plan weekend rendezvous, students can truly save a substantial amount of money over time.

“The goal is to save money now so you can continue enjoying your money on both essential and frivolous expenses,” Bloomberg Businessweek reporter Ben Steverman said. While college is an expensive privilege, students can certainly pinch pennies without being pennyless. u BASS is an opinion writer.

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NEWS

A6/Liberty Champion

August 30, 2011

SPECIAL REPORT

Chancellor sets the record straight Liberty University Chancellor and President Jerry Falwell Jr. recently questioned the reluctance of a Lynchburg, Va. newspaper to clarify raw U.S. Department of Education federal student aid data the n e w s p a p e r FALWELL reported in an article earlier this year.

The premise of the March 27 article in The News & Advance was that Liberty University students received $445 million in financial aid in the last fiscal year, the highest total of any four-year university in Virginia and the eighth-highest total among all universities nationwide.

The article did not include the fact that Liberty is the largest four-year college in Virginia and the eighth largest four-year university in the nation, nor that it currently receives no direct federal assistance.

Falwell decided to issue his statement after numerous agenda-driven websites and news outlets drew erroneous conclusions based on data provided by The News & Advance report.

Falwell said several attempts by Liberty to persuade the newspaper to publish follow-up information on the data have been unsuccessful.

“The News & Advance and its parent company, Media General, refused to do a follow-up article on the March 27 report, which appeared on the newspaper’s front page and was circulated nationwide by the Associated Press,” Falwell said.

“Due to factual omissions in the newspaper’s research, some misimpressions could be reasonably drawn from the data provided,” Falwell wrote in a May 5 letter to Terry H. Jamerson, the newspaper’s publisher, and Donna M. Reed, Media General’s vice president of content.

“The article never indicated that 86 percent of the federal money provid-

ed to Liberty students is in line students spend pro- ploys has increased from the form of loans that are ceeds from their federal 2,563 in 2005 to 5,499 in repaid to the federal gov- student aid in communities 2011. In the past decade, ernment with interest,” across the nation, Falwell Liberty has created 4,115 Falwell wrote. said. Liberty University new jobs without receiving In addition, Falwell said Online educates students one cent of governmental the article omitted the fact in all 50 states. economic development that approximately $200 In Lynchburg, the uni- money afforded to other million of the $445 million versity has upgraded its developing businesses. is refunded to students, athletic facilities, which Recently, Liberty rewho spend it in their local brings thousands of visi- ceived an AA bond rating communities to cover liv- tors into the area for from Standard and Poor’s ing expenses while attend- NCAA Division I athletic because of its prudent fiing college. events and for state cham- nancial management in The article also omitted pionship football games. recent years. That rating the fact that the student Liberty has one of the puts Liberty among the loan default rate for Liber- few indoor track and field elite colleges in America ty graduates is about half facilities in Virginia and for financial stability and the national average. serves as a regional hub for was a key factor in Liberty “Liberty students fi- thousands of Virginia high launching an ambitious nance their education just school athletes participat- campus transformation like college students do at ing in winter-time track that will enhance its acaevery other university in and field events. demic offerings and the the nation, except our stuLiberty has also built a overall quality of student dents receive slightly less unique artificial ski slope life for years to come. than the average student in – the only one of its kind In its profile of Lynchfederal need-based grants in North America – that burg, Moody Corp. has like Pell, is used said that Liberty has beand our stuby Lib- come a key stabilizing facdents pay erty stu- tor in Lynchburg’s once off their as withering economy. PriDue to factual dents, student well as ski marily because of Liberty, loans betenthusi- Lynchburg is being touted omissions in ter than asts from as the site for a new rethe newspaper’s C e n t r a l gional civic center. the average college stuVirgin“As a beneficiary of Libresearch, some ia and erty’s success itself, it is bedent does nationally,” u n d wildering to me that The misimpressions ather ocounFalwell said.

News & Advance would Liberty try.

Libwant to create the misimcould be students erty also pression that Liberty and financed has an Liberty’s students receive reasonably their edui n d o o r a disproportionate share drawn from the s k a t i n g of federal aid,” Falwell c a t i o n through prirink and said. “If these students data provided. vate lendan indoor had not attended Liberty, ers before s o c c e r they would have likely ob— Falwell the student c e n t e r tained similar federal stuloan inthat have dent loans to attend other dustry was b e c o m e colleges and universities nationalr e c r e - in other cities,” Falwell ized by the a t i o n a l added.

Obama administration in venues for many Central The Liberty-commisrecent years.

Virginia families and tour- sioned economic study, Lynchburg, Va. is a rela- ism attractions for the re- conducted by Mangum tively small city and the gion.

Economic Consulting, economic impact of LibA study commissioned LLC, a Richmond, Va. erty University on the city by the university showed firm, found that Liberty’s is significant. that Liberty alone is re- contribution to Central In addition to rent and sponsible for about 60,000 Virginia goes beyond dollocal purchases by stu- hotel occupancies in and lars and cents. dents, Liberty University around Lynchburg in any Liberty students, facspends tens of millions of given year. ulty and staff contributed the tuition dollars paid by Liberty is embarking on 674,879 hours of service the students with the pro- a $120 million building in Lynchburg in 2009 with ceeds of their federal loans program, which will up- the average student volwith local businesses, in- grade its campus, reduce unteering 4.3 hours each cluding The News & Ad- road miles logged by buses month. The report says vance. serving students and cre- that the monetary value “Last year, Liberty spent ate hundreds of construc- of these volunteer hours approximately $76,000 tion jobs in the Lynchburg – just at minimum wage – with the newspaper,” Fal- region. would equal $4.9 million. well said.

The number of people u Liberty Liberty University On- Liberty University Q3 –emAUGUST 2008University News

“

”

Office

News Briefs //HURRICANE// Hurricane Irene hammered the East Coast from North Carolina to Newfoundland over the weekend, unleashing more than one foot of rain and winds above 100 mph. Irene was the first hurricane to make landfall in New Jersey since 1903, and Vermont experienced the worst flooding since 1927. BBC reported as many as 28 deaths from the storm, most from flooding or fallen trees and power lines. New Jersey Transit remains closed until further notice, but JFK, Newark and LaGuardia airports reopened Monday. //AL-QAIDA// The United States continued to decimate the ranks of al-Qaida when the terrorist organization’s operations chief, Atiyah Abd al-Rahman, was killed last week in a suspected CIA drone strike. According to BBC, Abd al-Rahman was second among the U.S. Military’s top five most-wanted insurgents. The attack came after the high-profile killing of Osama bin Laden in May, and new Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced in July that the defeat of al-Qaida was “within reach.” //LIBYA// The war in Libya that has droned on since March appears to be drawing to a close. Rebels finally captured Tripoli and Col. Muammar Gaddafi’s compound last week and have surrounded his hometown of Sirte. Gaddafi himself vanished during the rebels’ final push into Tripoli, and a manhunt has ensued on the part of the rebels. BBC reported on a leaked UN document discussing the plan to maintain stability in the region without an occupying force. Under the proposal, roughly 400 UN and NATO personnel would remain in the country, including both military observers and police. //RUSSIA// Russia’s space agency, Roskosmos, grounded all flights for a month following last week’s loss of an unmanned Soyuz-U supply craft en route to the International Space Station (ISS). Roskosmos reported that the upper stage of the rocket failed, and the craft burned up in the atmosphere. The failure is cause for concern, since the rocket is similar to the one that carries astronauts to the ISS, and the United States recently retired its surviving space shuttle orbiters to rely on Russia for ISS flights pending a shuttle replacement.

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NEWS

August 30, 2011

A7/Liberty Champion

Leadership was displayed at Summer Program ROTC Cadet and Liberty Student Austin Coombs learned to put his skills to the test at Operation Warrior Forge Jessica Rowell jrowell@liberty.edu

For most college students, summers are filled with internships, jobs and an occasional vacation. For Liberty University senior Austin Coombs, however, it was a time of leadership testing, as he and other Army ROTC cadets from across the country embarked on Operation Warrior Forge.

The tall, athletic cadet from Wichita Falls, Texas can be recognized by his blond hair, strong build and welcoming smile. But behind his easy-going exterior is a driven individual, eager to step up to leadership roles and responsibility.

“We recruit scholar-athlete-leaders and Cadet Coombs is a poster child for that description,” Maj. Robert Foy, director of Liberty University’s ROTC program, said. “He has a 3.4 GPA in the exceptionally challenging Bio Chemistry arena. He was the captain of the LU Crew team, and regularly scores 280 points or above on the Army Physical Fitness test.”

Accomplishments aside, Coombs and other ROTC cadets were challenged in their leadership abilities this summer at Operation Warrior Forge.

The intense assessment tested participants in their performance as they trained to serve their country. Cadets were evaluated during various activities including patrol missions, land navigation, squad tactics and overall leadership skills.

Photo Provided

IN TRAINING — Austin Coombs (center, holding flag) practices leadership in personal life, Liberty ROTC program and Army National Guard.

“I can tell you that Austin is a very high performer in our organization,” Foy said. “Additionally, he is articulate and confident, and he brings an infectious optimism and enthusiasm to his duties every day. The bottom line is that Austin is a special young man who will be an outstanding Army leader.”

With all his experience, Coombs is no stranger to military life. As a participant in the Simultaneous Membership Program, he serves in both the Liberty University ROTC program

as a Cadet and in the Army National Guard as an E-4 specialist.

His father was a member of the Air Force and Coombs spent much of his childhood participating in the Boy Scouts, eventually earning the highest honor of Eagle Scout. Coombs said his experience and skills eventually led him to join the Army.

“I joined two and a half years ago,” he said. “I was always interested in camping, outdoors, extreme challenges and crazy things, and shooting guns ... so it all pointed me in the direction

of the Army.”

His time with the Boy Scouts not only prepared him to serve his country but also gave him the skills to exhibit heroism in everyday life.

At age 15, Coombs saved his younger sister as she nearly drowned under a ladder in their family pool, he said.

The harrowing experience earned Coombs the Boy Scouts Heroism Award, which is given to a scout who exhibits life-saving skills without thought of their own personal safety.

“It all happened pretty fast. But I didn’t panic, only reacted to the situation immediately,” Coombs explained. “… I thank both God and the leadership experiences I gained from Boy Scouts that allowed me to calmly react immediately to the dire situation.”

Since his time with the Boy Scouts, Coombs continues to excel as a leader. The future looks bright for this 4th Regiment cadet, who has great hopes for his continuing career in the military.

“I enjoy serving my country in the best way that I can, training to one day be able to defend the beliefs of our great nation,” Coombs said. “And, if need be, lay down my life to preserve freedom.” u Rowell is a news reporter.

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NEWS

A8/Liberty Champion

August 30, 2011

Construction continues around Liberty campus

Candice Gladfelter

fyi u Construction on the Hancock Visitor’s Center is in the home stretch as it is scheduled to open by Homecoming Weekend in October. The building will house Liberty’s Welcome Center, the Jerry Falwell Museum, 40th Anniversary Museum and theater, all currently located in DeMoss, as well as conference rooms, a gift shop and a banquet area.

Stephanie Marshall

Bridge continued from A1 According to Liberty University President and Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr., the plan for a pedestrian walkway over Wards Road has been discussed for several years. When the City of Lynchburg promised monetary support of approximately $1.3 million, the idea finally came off the table and into execution.

At first, the city created a plan for a crosswalk, but then Charles Spence, Liberty’s director of planning and construction, took the proposed budget and with it created a construction plan that would get pedestrians completely off of the road and would not stop traffic.

“The money that was going to be spent on a dangerous plan was then redirected to a safe plan,” Falwell said.

Liberty agreed to pay for any expenses that exceeded the $1.3 million dollars that the city had promised for the project.

Spence is now the primary overseer of

both the tunnel and the bridge.

Falwell and Neal Askew, senior vice president of operations, said they contributed a lot of the success in getting the city to allocate funds for a bridge to Liberty’s student body, many of whom vote locally. According to Askew, the city has to honor the needs and wishes of its taxpayers and for many months out of the year, the city’s taxpayers consist of thousands of Liberty students.

“That’s what I want to keep stressing to students,” Falwell said.

“Things like this happen only because they got involved, and things like this will only happen in the future if they stay involved.”

The primary purpose of both projects is safety.

Currently, many students get to the stores and restaurants along Wards Road by walking through the parking lot of the Reber-Thomas Dining Hall, passing over the train tracks and then darting through traffic to cross the highway.

Soon this dangerous

Victoria Pearce

ABOVE AND BEYOND— Pedestrians will soon have safer options to access Liberty’s campus and cross Wards Road.

act will no longer be an option.

On Aug. 31, the construction crew will set the structure for a bridge that will span across Route 29, from Panera Bread to Sam’s Club.

According to Don Ash, manager at Panera Bread, they are simply waiting for the impending completion of the bridge and for the construction to be complete, although that has not negatively affected the business.

“The contractors have

gone out of their way to not get in the way of the establishment,” Ash said, adding that they have “bent over backward” to avoid disruption.

It will take another two or three weeks after the structure is set to get the bridge completely finished and ready for use.

The tentative date for it to be usable is the end of September, according to Askew.

Spence said that, shortly following the

opening of the bridge and tunnel, the city will build a fence in the median of Wards Road and the school will construct a fence along the railroad tracks.

This will force students to only use the pedestrian tunnel to get off campus to get to the shopping centers along Wards Road and the bridge to cross over the busy traffic on Route 29.

“They have either got to use that tunnel and bridge, or they’ve got to run through an intersec-

tion,” Falwell said.

Other than a slight increase in construction traffic on campus, such as trucks containing workers and materials, the tunnel construction will have little impact on the daily lives of students, according to Falwell and Askew.

Askew said that they are scheduling certain times for the construction to take place so that the slight increase of accompanying traffic will not disrupt the students.

Once the tunnel and bridge are complete, those, too, will change one of the most prominent venues that students will use to leave campus and access stores, shops and restaurants in the surrounding city.

Since going through the tunnel will be mandatory for students, Falwell and Askew said that Liberty would be implementing certain new mechanisms to ensure safety and monitoring for the students using that point of access. u Lacaze is the News Editor.

SPORTS

AUGUST 30, 2011

Amoo and company ready for launch Team’s mission remains: play solid and win JAY WON SIR siryw8@gmail.com

Although the Liberty men’s soccer team ended their season early with a loss in the first stages of the Big South tournament, they have much to look forward to this season and have told the Liberty Champion that they are hungry for success.

With a talent of eight seniors, Lib-

erty men’s soccer will field an experienced and more seasoned squad, along with fresh talent who all have depth and skill in every position.

Among the returning players is Darren Amoo, the lead scorer for the Big South region and a player ranked sixth in the nation in goalscoring for two seasons straight.

The forward boasts a record of 30 goals in 40 games during the three

seasons that he has played for the men’s soccer team, and has already matched Craig Bell and Marshall Worthington in being sixth place for Liberty’s career AMOO goals. His exploits last season include scoring 12 goals in 16 games including two game winning scores, breaking the Osborne Stadium record for most goals scored in a game with four

tallies, being named to the Sculley Memorial All-Tournament team and earning the Big South Presidential Honor roll status for the third time in his career.

“Darren Amoo just might be the hardest working player in the Big South,” team-captain Christopher Phillips said. “Darren is a great player who brings a (different) dynamic and flair to our teams offense that will be the enemy of our

Volleyball rolling

Allegations norm in NCAA, not at Liberty

KYLE HARVEY kharvey@liberty.edu

The Liberty University women’s volleyball program officially started its fall season with a three-game road trip to Athens, Georgia. The Lady Flames played three games in the Hotel Indigo Bulldog Invitational over the weekend posting a 1-2 record Liberty started slowly against University of Georgia.

Liberty fell to Georgia in three games (25-21, 25-21, 25-20).

Sophomore outside hitter Lillie Happel led the team with 11 kills. However, Liberty hit .146 compared to Georgia’s .233.

Kansas led throughout their entire match winning three games (25-21, 25-13, 259). Liberty hit a dismal .057 against a strong Kansas defense and suffered 36 errors.

Freshman outside hitter Ansley Gebben led Liberty in kills with eight and Courtney Cooper had two aces.

After the loss to Kansas, Liberty bounced back with a dominating win over Florida A&M, winning in all three games (25-15, 26-24, 25-22).

Against the Rattlers, a much more polished Flames squad hit .336 and reduced their number of errors. Outside hitter Happel led the team in kills for the second time in the tournament, earning 13 kills with a .256 average.

With a record of 1-2 over the weekend, Liberty placed third in the tournament.

CONTINUED on B2

DERRICK BATTLE dbattle2@liberty.edu

Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion

HEAVY HITTERS — Liberty has been hard at work shoving around four-man sleds like this one. The Flames are preparing for their season debut in Raliegh.

‘Business as Usual’ NFL was locked out, but not NCAA NATE BROWN nbrown4@liberty.edu

N

ot long ago, every newspaper in America had the same headline.

“Football is back,” or some variation thereof. Ask Danny Rocco, Mike Brown or Asa Chapman and they’ll tell you football never left. Not for them or the other hundred or so Liberty football players who have been living in weight rooms, camping

u HARVEY is a sports reporter.

on practice fields and haunting film archives all summer.

After missing last season’s nod to represent the Big South in the FCS playoffs, Rocco, Brown and Chapman got to work on this season’s squad with the postseason circled on their maps. “(Our hunger) grows each and every year especially when we haven’t made it and fell short as we have recently,” Walter Payton candidate, senior quarterback Brown said.

FOOTBALL CONTINUED on B4

Over the past couple of years the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has seen a thickening array of allegations surrounding college athletics. Within a couple of years, the NCAA has swiftly passed judgment to many universities across the The Issue: U.S., most notably the University If an NCAA of Southern Califorplayer nia (USC), receives Georgia any comTech, North Carolina and pensation, Te n n e s s e e. it classifies C u r r e n t l y, Oregon, Mihim as a ami (Fla.) “pro.” and Ohio State are be“Pro’s” can’t ing investiplay colgated. But lege ball. what are these universities being investigated for?

That answer lies within the improper recruitment of high school athletes and giving improper benefits to student athletes that are currently enrolled at the school.

Whether if it has been putting a school on probation for

NCAA CONT. on B2

Record-breaking alumni welcomed to X-country coaching staff Josh McDougal returns to Liberty to don a whistle rather than spikes KYLE TERMARSCH

kmtermarsh@liberty.edu

Earlier this month, Liberty welcomed back one of their most decorated cross-country runners, Josh McDougal, as an assistant cross country and track and field coach. Head coach Brant Tolsma was exuberant about the hire of the 2007 National Champion and said, “ We believe Josh, who himself put Liberty cross country on the map, will be able to help us develop cross country teams that will regularly be able to compete at the NCAA national championship

(“Liberty Flames”).”

McDougal was very excited about the opportunity and said it was “a long time dream and goal.” He went on to explain that his position as an assistant distance coach would mean running and facilitating practice, working specifically with men and woman long distance runners, implement training and basically be there to help in any circumstance. In short, McDougal stated that his job was to take the stress off of Coach Tolsma.

It did not take McDougal long to praise Coach

Tolsma who he admitted drew him to Liberty and the cross country program. “I remember reading his book in high school and being drawn to the program,” McDougal said,.“When I came down unofficially my junior year and we talked for a long time I knew then that Liberty is where I wanted to be.” He went further by stating Coach Tolsma was a father figure whose spiritual leadership helped hold the team together and continually push the program toward greatness.

Being named an AllAmerican 14 times, being a National Champion, and setting countless amounts of records headlined McDougal’s athletic career here at Liberty. One re-

Photo

provided

| Liberty Champion

RUNNING HOME— Graduated cross country sensation Josh McDougal is being welcomed back to the cross country department at Liberty — this time as a teacher.

cord that brought him fame was his 5,000 meter time (13:20.43), which was not only his best time but the best collegiate time of all- time, up to that point.

McDougal also help lead the Flames to 10 Big South championships along with being named the Big South individual champion an astounding 17 times (“Liberty Flames”).

His impact on the Liberty cross country and track and field team not only came as a player but also as volunteer assistant. During his time as a graduate assistant, McDougal took part in the phenomenal career of Sam Chelenga, who won an outstanding four national championships (“Liberty MCDOUGAL CONT. on

B3

SPORTS

B2/Liberty Champion

August 30, 2011

New year, new team

Lady Flames soccer ready for upcoming season JULIE GONZALEZ jngonzalez@liberty.edu

As students return to campus, attend their first classes and hit the books, the Lady Flames soccer team has been hard at work training for their upcoming season.

After a disappointing end to their 2010 season with a penalty kick loss to Gardner Webb, the Lady Flames are back and better than ever. Since losing five graduating seniors, the Lady Flames picked up six new players to round out their 2011 roster. Fall practices began Aug 10 and Head Coach Jessica Hain has been working the team hard to prepare for their road opener against No. 10 ranked UVA Cavaliers Friday, Aug 26.

Coach Hain said that the team’s main focus during pre-season training was that “In all that we train, our goal is to develop mental toughness, unity, perseverance and confidence. We know that the season ahead of us is a marathon not a sprint. We are seeking to use the strength within us through the Holy Spirit to go beyond what we could do on our own.”

The Lady Flames 2011 schedule consists of 10 home games and nine road games, including a rematch against Gardner Webb, which promises to be an incredible match. Other exciting games include matches against Elon, Radford, VMI, Charleston Southern and Liberty Flames rivals Coastal Carolina.

When asked about the upcoming soccer season, freshman Carleigh Kuntz says “I’m expecting only the best from Liberty’s soccer team,” Junior Andy Mallory says

NCAA

Continued from B1 a certain amount of time, stripping championship or reducing scholarships a school can offer, new universities seem to appear daily violating the rules of the NCAA. “It’s sad that this is a problem going on in college athletics, I think a lot of it falls back on those who are outside of athletics such as donors doing something that no one in the athletics apartment knows about.” said Jeff Barber Athletic Director of Liberty University.

Over the past summer, the Georgia Tech football team was stripped of their 2009 ACC Championship as well as all of their victories from that season, and fined $100,000 due to a player accepting a couple of hundred dollars worth of clothing from someone who works with an agent.

The Oregon Ducks football team is currently being investigated for improper recruitment of high school players in the state of Texas.

The Ohio State football team is under investiga-

“I know they’ll be amazing, because this is Liberty.”

Tickets are already on sale for the Lady Flames home opener against the Longwood Lancers Aug 29 at 7 p.m. at Osborne Stadium. Longwood is looking strong after their season ending 4-1 loss to Morehead State last year. The Lancers finished with a 0-0 draw against Richmond and a 2-0 victory over Howard University in preseason play. When asked what the biggest struggle the team would be facing, Coach Hain said “Our biggest challenge will be to stay healthy. Over the past several years, we have suffered many injuries and we are praying for God to protect us and sustain us throughout this season.” Hain said that fans should watch out for “Senior forward, Aimee Luurtsema, led the team in goals and points last year. Senior forward and member of the Costa Rican women’s national team, Silvia Betancourt, is returning from injury and healthy.

Redshirt junior goalkeeper, Karen Blocker is returning from injury and healthy.” Be early, be loud and wear red does not just apply to football and basketball anymore. The Lady Flames soccer team has been working hard and they deserve to have a huge crowd of fans cheering them on at their home opener. “The support structure around our team (from family, friends and fans) is very, very important. When a solid, positive support base is around...the atmosphere is powerful and it fuels the student-athletes” Coach Hain said. u GONZALEZ is a sports reporter.

Tues

SOCCER

Continued from B1 opponents all season.”

He also added that Darren brings versatility to the frontline, as shooting well with both feet is a menace to the opposing team’s defense with his pace and strength.

Darren Amoo is a native of Ghana. He attended Presbyterian Boys Secondary School in Legon, Ghana, where he was named talent of the year during his sophomore year. He was also named sportsman of the year in his junior year.

Amoo will be framed with teammates like Phillip Aseweh, who was included in the All-Big South

Team last season, Junior Amaya, who has represented the United states at the U-17 level, and team captain Chris Phillips, who has represented the Liberty men’s soccer Team for the last 42 consecutive games.

The men’s soccer team is coached by Jeff Alder, who has led the team to their first Big South Championship title in the history of Liberty University. u SIR is a sports reporter.

and it needs to be repaired,” Barber said. After many warnings from the NCAA, SMU‘s football program was canceled for one year.

The year without football started a 20 year drought without a winning season.

This judgment is known to most as the death penalty.

These recent schools that have come under the investigation of the NCAA raises the question of who is responsible, the players who accept the gifts in order to better themselves and their families financialChampion Photo ly, or the coaches, boosters ON GUARD — The Liberty Flames football team has worked hard to follow the NCAA and Big and agents responsible?

South Conference regulations and guidelines.

For Liberty, however, tion due to players selling for fraud. Shapiro admit- bles to the Pony Express, Barber and his staff make merchandise (individual ted to giving the teams fa- the scandal involving the strides daily to follow the awards) and giving improp- vors in cash, prostitutes Southern Methodist Uni- standings of the NCAA, as er benefits to players. This and parties, among other versity football team in the well as the Big South Conlead to the resignation of things, during an eight year mid-1980s, which included ference.

“Our compliance departits head coach, Jim Tressel, span. He even admitted to coaches and boosters who and the withdrawal of their awarding players bounties promised to pay top high ment does a great job in top athlete, quarterback to hurt or injure key play- school athletes in order for overseeing the department.

Terrelle Pryor. ers on other teams Miami them to come to the uni- We do a good job educatLastly, the Miami foot- faced. “It’s disappointing versity and lied to NCAA ing our donors, coaches, staff and student athletes of ball and basketball teams when coaches and the ad- investigators. are currently under inves- ministration become in“When coaches and ad- what they can and cannot tigation due to players and volved because it’s our job ministration lie about their do. We are proactive when coaches accepting imper- to set examples for the play- actions it makes for a sad we deal with these types of missible benefits, partly ers and represent their insi- commentary on people and situations,” Barber said. from booster Nevin Sha- titution in a positive man- it can happen in any busipiro. Shapiro is currently ner,” Barber said. ness. In all, I think it gives a u BATTLE is the asst. sports serving 20 years in prison Most relate Miami trou- black eye to college athletics editor.

Men’s soccer vs.

Longwood at home 7pm

30

Les Schofer

LOOKING FOR MORE — Amoo’s 30 goals in 40 games placed him in high honors last year.

Cross Country at Virginia Tech Alumni Invitational 6pm Women’s soccer vs.

Brown at home in Liberty Invitational Tournament 7pm

31

Wed

1

Thurs

2

Fri

Field Hockey vs.

Radford at home 12pm Football at N.C. State Broadcast: FSN (radio) ESPN3. com (tv)

3

Sat

Women’s soccer vs.

Valparaiso in Liberty Invitational Tournament 2pm

4

Sun

SPORTS

August 30, 2011

B3/Liberty Champion

Intramurals kick off

University to offer 14 sports, four tournaments JAQUAYLA CAMERON jccameron@liberty.edu

ruth bibby

| Liberty Champion

ALL UP — The Flames men’s basketball team make sure that Christ is at the center of their play. Over the summer the team took the message overseas.

Team takes on Europe

Not just the NBA went overseas this summer

TYLER EACHO tpeacho@liberty.edu

The Liberty men’s basketball team was able to take an exciting trip overseas this summer to play against six European teams and finished with a 4-2 record.

The team spent nine days total in Europe, visiting parts of Belgium, Switzerland and France.

In between games, the team was able to experience European culture with the help of Dr. Samuel C. Smith, a history professor at Liberty, who accompanied the team in order to provide a historical perspective.

On Aug. 8, the team arrived in Brussels, Belgium to begin their European campaign.

After a sight-seeing tour, the team played their first exhibition game, defeating Excelsior in the Omnisport Gymnasium 81-53. Jesse Sanders finished with 16 points, David Minaya recorded 14 rebounds and John Brown finished with a double-double.

The team left Brussels to travel to Bruges, Belgium and toured historic landmarks in the city. After assisting Coach Layer with a basketball clinic, the team prepared for its second game, in which they defeated Ookstamp 86-58. Sanders led the team in scoring once again with 22 points, while brother John Caleb Sanders scored

18 points on 6-of-8 shooting from behind the three-point line. Minaya also turned in a 14-point performance.

After a 2-0 start, the team rested before heading to Ghent, where they visited three historical buildings. Later that evening, the Flames faced their toughest test thus far, defeating Zwevezele 79-66 to run their record to 3-0. Zwevezele pulled within one possession of the Flames with 7:30 remaining in the game, but impressive shooting and tough defense led the Flames to the win.

Day five saw the team resting after their early strenuous schedule. The Flames exhibition that evening was special for the people of Brussels, who were holding the game in tribute to Frederic Mucole, a young Belgian basketball player who had died one year earlier in a tragic car accident.

In honor of Frederic, the Flames took on the Brussels AllStars, losing 77-76.

Brown finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds in the impressive effort, while Jesse Sanders finished with 15 points, six rebounds and three assists.

Following four consecutive days of basketball, the team took a day to travel from Brussels, Belgium to France.

After spending time in the Riquewhir shops and the Chateau de Haut in

Konisberg, France, the Flames prepared for another game.

Soce, a former player for Layer in the mid1980s, organized the game that evening.

Soce, who was born in Senegal, Africa, partnered with Madame Keller, the proprietor of the hotel in which the Flames were staying, to raise money for a school in Senegal. All proceeds from the game went to providing utilities for the school. As for the game itself, Liberty picked up its fourth win, defeating Kayserberg 79-64.

Five flames players finished with double digit scoring, including Minaya who lead the team with 18 points, while Sanders finished with 14 points 10 rebounds and seven assists.

On day eight, the Flames traveled from Kayserberg to Mulhouse, France. The team spent the majority of the afternoon preparing for the final game of their trip. Playing its sixth game in seven days, Liberty battled despite losing 88-79 to Mulhouse. Once again, Minaya led the team with 16 points.

Antwan Burress and J.C. Sanders each posted 11 points, while Sanders put up 10 points of his own, concluding the European tour with a 4-2 record.

“

I make intramurals like a study break.

Here’s a trivia question for students in light of returning to school. What offers a great opportunity to interact with friends, make new ones, stay in shape and compete at a comfortable level, all with little commitment?

This week, intramural registration deadlines come up for broomball and table-tennis on Aug. 31 and soccer on Sept. 1.

Intramural sports make an escape from the heavy workload possible through Liberty University’s campus activities.

Intramurals have become one of the many ways a student can choose to maintain physical health and are designed to give students the opportunity to participate in recreational activities regardless of skill and experience levels. However, unlike the NCAA athletics, intramural sports are designed for minimal commitment.

Sophomore Makenzie Brinson played intramural basketball last spring.

“The good thing about intramural is that if you can’t make it to one of the games, it’s okay,” Brinson said. “You get a schedule and try to make time around it.”

This fall, Liberty is offering 14 intramural sports and four tournaments, including flag football, paintball, basketball and volleyball. There are also non-physical sports such as fantasy football, an online interaction game where football fans compete based on how well their favorite teams and players perform each week.

In addition to convenience, intramural sports will give students the opportunity to develop solid friendships.

MCDOUGAL CONTINUED from B1 Flames”).

McDougal called Chelenga “the most talented athlete to attend Liberty.”

His own personal achievements, especially being crowned a national champion, do not distract him from being focused on what is truly important: the team.

“When I think about my time at Liberty I think of the hard training, I remember traveling to meets with friends, honestly the National Title is something I don’t think

“I met a variety of new people that were on my team that I originally didn’t know and to this day, we are still friends,” sophomore Morgan Smith said. Smith played intramural volleyball during both the fall and spring seasons last year.

As of last year, nearly 4,000 students that form 300 teams participated in a sport each semester. The most popular sports were basketball, coed volleyball, broomball, indoor soccer and flag football.

Students become involved with intramural sports to maintain the desire that they have for playing.

“I played volleyball in high school and wanted to continue playing because it has always been a large passion of mine,” Smith said. “I make intramurals like a study break for me so I make it my opportunity to enjoy something that is really important to me.”

Any Liberty student or alumni who are not currently playing on an NCAA team is eligible to play an intramural sport.

This fall, intramural games are being held at a wide range of locations on campus, including Liberty’s newly constructed Cook Tennis Center.

The process to get involved is simple and includes a small fee. Visit www.liberty.edu/ims for a complete list of sports offered along with their deadlines. u CAMERON is a sports reporter.

about much at all. I think it was the team experience that meant the most to me. If I had to choose between winning a national title and getting the team to nationals, I’d pick getting the team to nationals.”

The journey to the national championship starts for the Liberty Flames and Assistant Coach Josh McDougal Sept. 2 at the Virginia Tech Alumni Invitational. u TERMARSCH is a sports reporter.

u EACHO is a sports reporter.

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3921 Wards Rd.

SPORTS

B4/Liberty Champion

FOOTBALL

CONTINUED from B1 Veteran receiving targets Chris Summers, Ervin Garner, Pat Kelley and B.J. Hayes will lead Liberty’s passing attack. Summers returns after a breakout 1,000-yard receiving season donning a captain’s band and multiple preseason honors.

On the defensive side of the ball, more experience in veteran transfers and speedier personnel have improved Liberty’s squad over the summer.

Liberty’s front five will field four to five new starters in 2011 but will

be led by junior Malcom Boyd, who finished the 2010 campaign with 82 knockdowns. Liberty Christian Academy standout 300-pounder Grant Jones is on many local fans starting depth charts, but might not spend too much time on the field immediately amongst Rocco’s more experienced juniors.

On the defensive side of the ball, Rocco will field experienced transfers and a speedier defensive unit.

“Honestly we feel it’s about time for us to step up,” 380-pound nose tackle and team captain Chapman said. “(Last year) we left too much to chance. Hopefully we can play better this year to where we can

Brandon Robinson WS KaJuan Lee CB

Chris Summers WR(X)

Brent Vincent ADJ

Mike Connolly LB(D) Stan Herring LT

Greg Schuster DE

Malcom Boyd LG

Ryan Ayers FS

editorial

Andrew Woolfolk

Liberty Champion

FOCUS — Flames look toward opener

earn it this time to where nobody can even take a guess.”

Illinois transfer Walt Aikens has been highly touted since sign-

Asa Chapman NG

Jay Weatherington C

Mike Brown H SirChauncey Holloway RB

August 30, 2011

Nick Sigmon LB(M)

Aaron Lundy RG

u BROWN is the sports editor.

Corey Freeman

Toney White RT

ing on with the Flames. Standing at 6-1 and weighing in at 195 pounds, Aikens brings size to the defensive backfield. Junior Kevin Fogg brings blazing speed to the defensive backs, as well as in special team coverage.

This defense faces it’s first test of the year in ACC powerhouse North Carolina State, Sept. 3.

Rocco’s MO for the game, as well as the season — protect the football. Play solid defense and dominate.

Scott Hyland LB(J)

Tommy Shaver TE

Walt Aikens CB

Ervin Garner WR(Z)

Peter Gagliardi FB

Fantasy 4-1-1: The info you need

alwoolfolk@liberty.edu

When the news that the NFL lockout had officially ended on Aug. 5, there was undoubtedly a large demographic that was more excited to play fantasy football again than about the upcoming season itself.

This year’s season could have a slightly different feel to the beginning of it. The long summer layoff could adversely affect every team’s chemistry, specifically the connection and communication between quarterbacks and their receivers, offensive lineman, and running backs.

“Get ‘Em Fast!”

(My top player in each position) — Quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers – The Super Bowl MVP leads a dominant, pass-happy offense that returns starting running back Ryan Grant and tight end Jermichael Finley.

— Running Backs Adrian Peterson – Some fantasy players are worried that the Vikings’ unimpressive passing attack will cause teams to stack the line against Peterson. Remember, he ran for over 1,700 yards with Gus Frerotte at quarterback in 2007.

He will be fine.

— Wide Receivers Andre Johnson – A five-time Pro Bowler, Johnson is physically the most gifted receiver in the game.

Schaub will keep balls coming his way as long as the Texans keep the subpar Kevin Walter across from him.

— Tight Ends Antonio Gates – He scored 10 touchdowns in just over half of a season’s worth of play last year.

Quick Tips 1. Aim for players who have been consistent top scorers in previous years when drafting in early rounds of your draft. ave the riskreward picks for late round selections.

2. Know the scoring rules for your league. Small details such as the inclusion of points-per-reception can greatly increase or decrease the value of some players. Spread out your selections.

3. Do not overload your team at one position and leave yourself shallow at others. Quality performances at every position win you the title.

4. Do not worry about drafting a backup kicker or defense if you have a standout starting one in that slot already. Instead, find kickers and defenses on waivers during the year to replace your players during their bye week.

Now, he is healthy.

— Defense/Special Teams Packers – If cornerback Tramon Williams continues the level of play he reached in last year’s playoffs, the Packers would boast two shutdown corners. Linebacker Clay Matthews will continue to wreak havoc on quarterbacks as well.

— Kickers Sebastian Janikowski – “Seb” is a mainstay at the top of the position.

He is in range anywhere from 60 yards in, which is usually about as close as the Raider get to the endzone.

“Buyers Beware!”

(Players who may be drafted too high) Cam Newton – His inaccuracy has shown in the preseason and it will cost him at this level. It does not

help that he plays in the very competitive NFC South.

Chris Johnson – Johnson has missed all of the offseason workouts while waiting for a new contract; his early season performance could be ugly.

Sidney Rice – The Seahawk’s offensive-line play has been abysmal so far this preseason, which does not bode well for a receiver who played sparingly last year while fighting off injuries.

Jeremy Shockey – Do not fall victim to the big-name pick. The Panthers’ depth at tight end is deep, and teammate Greg Olsen will likely be the starter.

Vikings – The Viking had the eighth best defense in the league, but were eighteenth in points allowed, a stat that can kill your defensive fantasy points.

Josh Scobee – He started last season

well, but ended in subpar fashion.

Head coach Jack Del Rio is not afraid to bypass field goals on fourth down either.

“Sleeper Picks” (Players whose worth could exceed their draft position) Matthew Stafford – He has all the intangibles to be one of the top scorers in fantasy football. He could easily be in the top ten for quarterbacks if he avoids injuries.

Jahvid Best – After two games into his NFL career last year, Best had scored five touchdowns and analysts everywhere were raving. Turf the dual-threat Cal’ back from to wreak havoc in the Lions’ improving offense.

Mohamed Massaquoi – He could be a great find for fantasy owners in late rounds. Massaquoi has the look of a go-to receiver. Now he needs to live up to that expectation with his ever-improving quarterback Colt McCoy. Brent Celek – Celek struggled in the McNabb-to-Vick transition last year, but he should be more comfortable in his role this year and could be a solid fantasy backup.

Texans – New coordinator Wade Phillips has been busy installing his 3-4 defense this offseason, and his unit has looked solid so far.

Alex Henery – The rookie out of Nebraska needs one stat to describe him. He hit a 57-yarder into the wind in Lincoln. u WOOLFOLK is a sports reporter.

FEATURE

August 30, 2011

B5/Liberty Champion

Liberty Champion

SO MUCH TO DO, SO LITTLE TIME—Spiritual Emphasis Week is just one of the many events coming up in the next few weeks.

UPCOMING EVENTS AUG 31 JAZZ NIGHT Student Activities will be hosting an outdoor jazz night, featuring the Bob Peckman Trio. For more information, call 592-3061.

SEPT 10 GET DOWNTOWN Main Street will once again be shut down as the city hosts its festival, featuring Lynchburg’s best. This event is free. Visit www.downtownlynchburg.com or call 528-3950 for more details.

SEPT 1 HILLCATS GAME College night at City Stadium allows Liberty students and faculty the chance to enjoy local baseball for only $2. For more information, call the box office at 528-1144.

SEPT 5-7 SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEK

Clayton King will be speaking Enjoy a night of moonlight horseat this year’s Spiritual Emphasis back riding and eating s’mores Week. around a warm bonfire at this Student Activities’ event. Contact Student Activities at 592-3061 for more information or to sign up.

SEPT 10 FLAMES FOOTBALL The first home football game of the season will be held in Williams Stadium against Robert Morris.

For more information and the full schedule, go to www.libertyflames.com

SEPT 9 HORSEBACK RIDING

SEPT 29 SOUNDS OF HOPE TOUR

OCT 15 HOMECOMING

Student Activities is bringThis year’s homecoming will ing Leeland and Building 429 include the Liberty Flames facing to TRBC. Tickets are $7 in off against Coastal Carolina, as advance for Liberty students well as plenty of 40 year and $12 at the door. For more anniversary festivities. information, contact Student Activities at studentactivitiesinfo@liberty. edu or 592-3061.

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14942

FEATURE

B6/Liberty Champion

August 30, 2011

HEALTH & FITNESS

Not an average workout: Making excercise fun again Betsy Abraham babraham3@liberty.edu

they climb walls as high as 40 feet.

Drew Jackson, a Rise Up employee, has been climbing for six years and says that Rise Up is definitely beginner friendly.

“There’s tons of beginners and people of all skill levels here,” Jackson said. “We also offer lots of different classes for developing different skills.”

B

ack to school means back to classes, stress and eating way too many foods that require only three minutes in a microwave. While unhealthy living is an all too often chosen lifestyle for many college students, Lynchburg offers a variety of different workout options for people looking to get physically fit.

James River Float Company 122 Rocky Hill Road Madison Heights,Va., 4572 www.jamesriverfloat company.com Located right outside of downtown Lynchburg, the James River Float Company offers those looking for a different workout experience the chance to participate in water sports, such as canoeing and kayaking. Not only is this a great way to spend time with friends, but college students also receive a 15 percent discount.

“It’s a good upper body and core workout so you’re not just enjoying nature and your friends but you’re also getting more of a workout than you realize,” office manager Rebecca Waggoner said.

Continued from B8 thinking ‘how can we get the students reconnected to the local church?’”

Moore explained that an important part of that was taking church back out of Liberty’s Vines Center and holding it in a location that was more inviting to the outside community.

Get Healthy — Going to the gym is just one of are looking for a place to get fit

Bikram Yoga 1314 Jefferson St. 2nd Floor Lynchburg, Va., 24504 (434) 846-2028 www.bikramyoga lynchburg.com Tired of the same old downward facing dog, salutation to the sun yoga routine? Then Bikram Yoga might be something worth trying.

What sets this apart from other types of yoga is not only the poses, which are traditional hatha yoga postures, but the setting. All of the workouts take place in a room 105

“I think that tonight exceeded my expectations with the energy, responsiveness and the diversity,” Moore said. “There were many people there that weren’t college students.”

T R S I X : T H I RT Y ’ s Teaching Pastors Jonathan Falwell, Moore and Ben Gutierrez hope that students and young people

1

3

2

degrees with 40 percent humidity.

Student discounts are available and classes are available seven days a week at varying times.

LaHaye Student Union (434) 592-3148 Conveniently located at Green Hall, the LaHaye Student Union Rise Up Climbing offers resident students the ability 1225 Church St. to exercise on their choice of treadLynchburg Va., 24502 mills, ellipticals, rowers and numer(434) 845-7625 ous other pieces of equipment. www.riseupclimbing.com Basketball courts, an indoor climbStepping into Rise Up Climb- ing wall and 25yard lane swimming ing is like stepping into a differ- pool, along with numerous exercise ent world. Located in downtown classes including Pilates, cycling Lynchburg, the indoor rock climb- and Zumba make this a great place ing gym offers people the chance to to go for a workout. let out their inner outdoorsman as u Abrams is the asst. feature editor.

around Lynchburg and the surrounding community take hold of this opportunity of ministry and fellowship as a church.

“We aren’t doing this as a fad. This is a church,” Moore said. “We are just facilitators. The people are the church.”

According to Moore, TR SIX:THIRTY is look-

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ing for young adults to act as leaders in this new church movement. Leaders are needed for small groups, to help with parking, greeting and an assortment of other duties.

“The church needs to be owned by the people, not the pastor, and this is not a Liberty thing,” Moore said.

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to be the body of Christ, so hopefully they do it.”

To find out more information on how to get involved, visit tr630.com or call 434-239-9281. u Jennings is the feature editor.

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FEATURE

August 30, 2011

B7/Liberty Champion

Target’s After Hours event hits bullseye Shelanne Jennings snjennings@liberty.edu A line of students wrapped around Lynchburg’s Target department store, August 19, waiting patiently for its large glass doors to finally open.

With empty shopping carts and wish lists in hand, each student was greeted by volunteers dressed in Target’s signature red and white, welcoming them into Target’s Second Annual Exclusive AfterHours Shopping Event.

This late night event, held exclusively for Liberty University students, started at 10:30 p.m. and lasted until 12:30 a.m. With free samples from event sponsors and special discounts throughout the store, students filled their arms with what they needed for the upcoming school year.

“I just moved into my house off campus, and I needed a lot of stuff,” senior Jessica Thomas said. “I’ve found a T.V. stand for $20 and a book shelf for $13. I’m hoping to furnish my house with Target stuff.”

For many students, seeing was believing. Hearing of last year’s event, many students wanted to see if the event lived up to the rumors.

“I heard that the Target event is better than Black Friday,” freshman Rachel Mayberry said.

Less than an hour into her trip, she had already started to fill her cart. “(I’ll) come again next year.”

Although many Target stores hold events for major universities, the response from last year’s event has encouraged greater sponsorship from outside companies.

“Vitamin Water (is) being given out at the door. Skittles, Starbursts and Snickers are all being given out around the store,” store manager Jay Furnas said. “We also have Kraft macaroni and cheese (samples).”

The shopping extravaganza was

Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion

DISCOUNTS AND THEN SOME— Thousands of students filled shopping carts with merchandise, and some even with their friends, at Target’s late night shopping event.

made complete with an appearance

by Target’s mascot, Bullseye the Dog, and a clothing department converted into a dance floor.

As the DJ played, students dropped their goods and joined the fun, line dancing and bouncing to the beat coming from the speakers.

“I think (the Target event) is a great place to hang out with all the music and people,” sophomore John Kwak said. “I’m having a great time.”

Liberty students volunteered their time to help the event run successfully. Many helped by giving out samples and gift bags, even walking around and welcoming

shoppers.

“It was a good way to welcome students back to the college to get them started off on the right foot for the new school year,” senior Noah Edwards said. “It’s been cool to meet all the new students and to welcome them to life at Liberty.”

For Furnas, the back to school shopping event is perfect for fostering a strong relationship with the Liberty community.

“It’s a way for us to connect with the Liberty community,” Furnas said. “We want Liberty students to feel at home at Target.”

In a total of two hours, Target saw an estimated 4000 customers,

many of them walking out with red and white bags filled with goods to furnish their rooms or apartments.

For Human Resources manager Ruth Ash, hosting an event specifically for Liberty students was a source of joy.

“It’s fun having Liberty students here,” Ash said. “We’re looking forward to having this event for as many years as we can.” u Jennings is the feature editor.

Student Activities saddles up for horseback riding trip Two sessions set for September Emily Brown ejadams@liberty.edu

Doors fly open and slam shut. Squeaky shoes protect rushing feet. Students laugh and yell across the room in order to greet friends they have not seen in quite a while. Construction, drink machines and the jingle of car keys add their own personal sounds to the chaotic chorus. Welcome to the new academic year.

While the familiar bustle and lack of parking places may start out as nothing more than something to complain to friends about, the routine soon becomes tiresome. Smiles quickly turn as sour as three week old milk and all that is asked and prayed for during this time is a moment of peace to keep us sane.

Liberty University, together with Reba Farm Inn and Saddle Soar Equitainment, has provided a way for students to experience such a peace.

sxc.hu

READY FOR A RIDE — Liberty’s Student Activities provides a fun break to students with a horseback riding trip to Reba Farms.

A horseback riding trip is set to take place at the picturesque farm and will be offered specifically to Liberty students. Mike Ellsworth, an event staff member for Student Activities at Liberty, as well as a wrangler at Reba Farm Inn, gave good reason for stressed out college students to spend an afternoon riding through the countryside.

“Horseback riding is one of the most peaceful things

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to do outdoors. I think it’s because you are just completely surrounded by natural beauty, and there are no cars or man-made noises around,” Ellsworth said.

Horseback riding ventures have been offered through Reba Farm Inn for several years, according to Ellsworth.

“Students who go on the trip are always impressed with the experience,” Ellsworth said.

The trip is not only for those ready to ride in the rodeo. Reba Farm Inn makes sure to take good care of less experienced riders.

“The wranglers accompany each trail ride and help to teach beginners, as well as to monitor the safety of all riders,” Ellsworth said.

Reba Farm Inn not only makes the trip possible for students at every skill level, but they also understand that not all students are able or willing to show up at 8 a.m.

According to Stephanie Ward, promotions manager of Student Activities at Liberty, there are 44 total spots available for the trip.

One trip, Sept. 3, will have two sessions. One will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the other from noon to 6 p.m., so all students can participate, whether looking for a refreshing morning venture, or a unique day trip experience.

Should the Sept. 3 trip fill up fast, those still wishing for a moment of tranquility need not worry.

On Sept. 9, an evening

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horseback riding trip will be offered, where Ellsworth said that “guests can enjoy a magnificent moonlight view of the Peaks of Otter.”

“We know it’s impossible that every student will want to attend every event, so we strive to provide a wide range of events hoping that students find something they enjoy. Events such as horseback riding are provided to students low at cost to give [them] the opportunity to create a unity amongst the student body,” Ward said.

For $15 and a quick stop by the Student Activities office, students have the opportunity to attend an event that, according to Ellsworth, “immerses you in God’s creation.”

For more information, contact the Student Activities office by calling 592-3061 or email studentactivitiesinfo@ liberty.edu. u Brown is a feature writer.

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FEATURE

August 30, 2011

block party 2011

Ruth Bibby

HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT — Wet and windy weather did not keep Liberty students Mike Soccocio (left) and Eric Beam (right) from enjoying one of the many blow-up games (top right photo) held both outside and in the Lahaye Student Union’s gymnasium. Dave Barnes (top right) entertained the crowd during the night’s concert series.

Weather not an issue for annual Block Party Betsy Abraham babraham3@liberty.edu Hurricane, schmurricane. An overcast sky, intermittent rain and the looming threat of Hurricane Irene could not keep students away from the LaHaye parking lot for the annual Block Party this past weekend.

Saturday’s block party was like none other. It was missing good weather, a lead singer from a headlining band and all the usual elements necessary for such a highly anticipated back to school event.

However, the event was far from lacking. As music blasted from the speakers above the stage, hundreds of students mulled around the parking lot enjoying Dominos pizza, free kettle corn and drinks.

Like usual, the mechanical bull was one of the most popular attractions. Set up under a white tent to shield the crowd of spectators from the rain, the mechanical bull threw the brave students who dared ride it into the air all night.

Students were also entertained by the Peacemakers, who performed throughout the night, and the Ferris wheel. Fusion the Salon had a table set up where students could get feathers and braids put in their hair, and block party attendees could also speak to representatives from the Flames Club, 90.9 the Light, the Comic Book Club and other various organizations.

Others stayed inside the LaHaye center, where inflatable carnival games, such as wrecking ball and a basketball toss, had been set up across the basketball courts.

Lynchburg resident Brooke Van Name came to the rainy event to meet up with some friends and hear the bands perform.

“I’ve heard so much about Dave Barnes, but I’ve never actually heard any of his songs,” Van Name said. “I’m having a great time despite the rain and the wind.”

Fedora-clad, Andy Davis took the stage first, followed by Dave Barnes, who crooned romantic songs such as “God Gave Me You”

and the more worshipful “What I Need.”

Most bands would never dream of performing without their lead singer. However, as a result of their lead singer losing his voice, the remaining members of MuteMath decided to do an instrumental set.

As soon as they began, the large crowd gathered around the stage quickly forgot about the need for a lead singer. The musicians’ high energy captivated the audience, which clapped along and filled in the missing lyrics to songs such as “Typical” and “The Nerve.”

Junior Callie Cagwin said that while she was initially disappointed to hear that MuteMath would be performing without its lead vocalist, she left extremely pleased.

“It was still really entertaining.

They’re really good performers and it was cool that they got the audience to sing along,” Cagwin said.

The evening ended with fireworks against a slowly clearing sky as students parted ways, another

Aly Russell | Liberty Champion

MEAN IRENE — Liberty students made light of the hurricane in playful T-shirts.

Block Party behind them and school year ahead. u Abraham is the asst. feature editor.

Campus Church revamped: TR SIX:THIRTY welcomes community Shelanne Jennings snjennings@liberty.edu To the undiscerning eye, the service looked like any other. The Campus Praise Band was accompanied by a choir in leading the crowd in worship. As the lights went up, finding a single seat vacant in Thomas Road Baptist Church’s large sanctuary was difficult. But to look on the faces of the people in those seats, fixed on Liberty University Campus Pastor Johnnie Moore’s teaching, it was evident that this was not another service.

Thomas Road Baptist Church’s new evening service, TR SIX:THIRTY, held for the first time, Aug. 28, marked the start of a new church era for Liberty and in the Lynchburg community.

“I think that tonight’s service was a great introduction to what they want it to be,” sophomore Jason Nichols said. “They want us to be part of it, not just a church meeting but a community event every day.”

Although some have thought of TR SIX:THIRTY as a relocated and renamed version of

SIX:THIRTY is to get college students, 20-somethings, 30-somethings in this region back to the church and for the church to be what it is meant to be for the body of Christ,” Moore said. “When we made the decision last fall to move and essentially close down Photo Provided and significantly rebrand CHURCH REINVENTED — Campus Church, it was all TRBC’s new evening service is about getting people back hoping to reach young adults. to being connected to the local church.”

In addition to the 6:30 Campus Church, Moore sees this new church meet- p.m. service that will take ing as something much place each Sunday in Thomas Road’s sanctuary, greater.

“The vision of TR young adults will lead and

take part in small group Bible studies, Sunday school classes and service projects throughout the community.

“Campus Church has been great. It’s helped thousands of people deepen their faith. It’s served its purpose. But the downside of Campus Church is that we weren’t in a church, we were in a basketball arena,” Moore said. “We didn’t have Sunday school classes or small groups. We didn’t have many service opportunities and so it was just a service. We started Continued on B6