Liberty Champion February 3, 2015

Men’s basketball misses mark

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Ski slopes around Virginia

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Lynchburg, Virginia

Volume 32 | Issue 14 February 3, 2015

propel inaugurated

Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion

WORSHIP — Christian recording artist Kari Jobe led worship during Friday morning Convocation as a part of the official lauch of the Propel Women movement.

Women encouraged Christine Caine’s campaign launches, promotes female leadership

Rachael Graff rgraf5@liberty.edu

“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Those words, although spoken thousands of years ago to a young Queen Esther by her uncle Mordecai, echoed in 21st century ears around the Liberty

University campus during Propel Week, Jan. 26-30.

Propel Women, a campaign founded by husband and wife duo Nick and Christine Caine, launched from Liberty University Monday, Jan. 26, during Convocation.

According to the campaign’s website, propelwomen.org, the mission and vision of Propel Women is “Help-

ing women internalize a leadership identity and fulfill their purpose, passion and potential. … Propel exists to help create an interconnected life in Christ, who affirms and acknowledge every woman’s gifts, passions and leadership potential for the glory of the kingdom.”

Before Christine Caine took to the stage as Monday’s keynote speaker,

David Nasser, senior vice president of Spiritual Development, said a few words about the campaign.

“The essence is about equipping the saints to do the work of ministry,” Nasser said. “The focus is obviously on empowering women to really grasp their distinctive ways that God has made See WOMEN, A6

Global Focus Week New schedule CGE prepares to welcome worldwide guests Tazhji Lewis tlewis38@liberty.edu

Liberty University’s Center for Global Engagement (CGE) will hosts its semiannual Global Focus Week conference Feb. 8-13 in an effort to promote global awareness.

Global Focus Week allows students to hear influential speakers from around the world, network in interactive cultural sessions and connect with crosscultural workers. Throughout the week, students will have the opportunity to further learn

about different people groups and to speak with representatives serving in all parts of the globe.

“Global focus week is beneficial because it allows students to not only learn but also be a part of the action,” CGE employee Zachary Brooks said.

According to Coordinator of Special Projects Jonathan Williams, the CGE department is unique in the way it equips students to take the skills they have learned in their individual vocations and apply them within any cultural context.

“Liberty is one of the most culturally and globally focused campuses helping students to be richly aware of the opportunities to use their gifts and talents throughout the world,” Williams said.

Global Focus Week will kick off during Monday Convocation, Feb. 9 with Iraqi pastor Ghassan Thomas.

The week will then consist of subsequent events See GLOBAL, A2

Class time revised for Fall 2015 Emily Brown erbrown@liberty.edu Josh Janney jjanney@liberty.edu

Following a number of changes on campus in the 2014-2015 academic year, residential students will see more modifications in the upcoming one as well, including no longer having to face dreaded 7:40 a.m. classes.

According to a new schedule for the 2015-2016 school year released by the Registrar’s Office, classes that take place Monday, Wednesday and Friday will still be 50 minutes long, and Tuesday/Thursday classes will remain

INSIDE THE CHAMPION

News

Forensics program prepares students for criminal investigations.

Opinion A7

Auschwitz anniversary draws parallel to problem of modern-day abortion.

A5

Sports

Feature

Mens wrestling wins NWCA National Duals Championship.

Trip Lee to perform in LaHaye Event Space Feb. 5.

B4

B5

one hour and 15 minutes each.

Additionally, the first class session each day will begin at 8:15 a.m. Furthermore, the time between classes has been reduced from 20 minutes to 15.

“I think the biggest advantage is for having classes later in the day,” Luke Gentala, university registrar, said. “I think just looking statistically, it is much harder for students to make it to a 7:40 class (than) in an 8:15 class. Originally, when we were discussing moving it back to 8, it came up See SCHEDULE, A2

News Opinion

A1 A4

Sports Feature

B1 B5

news

A2 | February 3, 2015 | Liberty Champion

Counseling accredited

SCHEDULE continued from A1 that, ‘Well, if we’re going to move it to 8, why not 8:15?

That’s much more convenient for students.’”

Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes next year will take place at 8:15-9:05 a.m., 9:20-10:10 a.m., 12-12:50 p.m., 1:05-1:55 p.m., 2:10-3 p.m., 3:15-4:05 p.m. and 4:20-5:05 p.m.

Tuesday/Thursday classes will take place at 8:15-9:30 a.m., 9:45-11 a.m., 11:15 a.m.12:30 p.m., 12:45-2 p.m., 2:153:30 p.m. and 3:45-5 p.m.

According to Gentala, evening classes, one-day-a-week classes or other classes that do not fit into the regular, threetimes-a-week or two-timesa-week classes will not be affected by the schedule change.

“Those are outside of our block scheduling,” Gentala said. “We kind of handle those on a case-by-case basis already. … Depending on the needs from semester to semester, those already change based on both student demands and scheduling conflicts.”

The plan for a schedule change is something that had been brought up at multiple levels within the administration, including the registrar, the provost and the presidential level.

“It is … something we have wanted to do to help our students at Liberty,” Gentala said.

Clinical and Mental Health program recognized by CACREP Josh Janney jjanney@liberty.edu

After spending more than a year working to meet the requirements of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Purposes (CACREP), Liberty University’s Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program received a full eight years of professional accreditation.

The program has been a part of the university since the early 1980s when it originated in the seminary, but this marks the first time it has received professional accreditation.

It currently falls under the Center for Counseling and Family Studies.

“Counseling can be done on several levels,” Ron Hawkins, provost and dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences, said.

“For instance, we have campus pastors who do counseling around issues connected to the spiritual lives of our students. They refer, for a different type of counseling, students dealing with issues like anxiety disorders, severe depression, manic-depressive disorders, addictions, and panic attacks, anorexia and bulimia.”

According to Hawkins, the people who go through a Clinical and Mental Health Counseling program are prepared to assess pathology and mental health disorders, though they have to

cooperate with Doctors and Psychiatrists for medication purposes.

“The program has always been accredited by the Southern Association, just as all of the programs at the university are,” Hawkins said. “But sometimes in the world of professions, you do professional accreditation. What happens when you do that is you open yourself up to the evaluation of a group of people who look at graduate programs in the field, and they do nothing but accredit those professional programs.”

Hawkins believes the Kevin Manguiob | Liberty News Service CACREP accreditation LEADERSHIP — (Left to right) Drs. Mark Myers, Mary Deacon, Ron Hawkins and is very important in getSteve Warren serve as faculty for the Center for Counseling and Family Studies. ting professional licenses from the states, because many states have now at, because you’ve had facilities. CACREP gave practices and clinical mendecided that the standard an impartial accrediting Liberty a full eight years tal health settings.” they are using to give li- agency coming in saying of accreditation, meaning Now that the residential censure is whether or not ‘These are universal stan- the school will not have programs are accredited, students have completed dards that we apply to all to apply for accreditation Hawkins said that Liba CACREP-approved graduate programs and again until 2023. erty faculty are preparing program. According to counseling.’”

“A lot of the standards another self-study and Hawkins, the accreditation In order to achieve are fairly complicated,” beginning the process of has opened up job oppor- the accreditation, Lib- Hawkins said. “They don’t seeking accreditation for tunities for many students, erty faculty worked with have to give you the full the online graduate counsince the job market often CACREP consultants eight years of accredita- seling program. Prepararequests that applicants for more than a year to tion, but if you do a good tion of the self-study and have graduated from prepare a self-study illus- job on your self-study and the application process is a a CACREP-approved trating how Liberty’s pro- get a really good report high priority for Liberty’s program. grams satisfied CACREP from the CACREP team counseling faculty. Look“So when you do get standards. Hawkins said that comes to Liberty to ing toward accrediting the accreditation, you’ve got that some of these stan- conduct interviews, then online masters program the same level accredita- dards included having ap- you get the full eight the process is expected tion for your counseling propriate faculty-student years. Our graduates from to take between one and program that Virginia ratios, syllabi being evalu- the MMHC are highly two years.

Tech and other notable ated to make sure classes trained people who have higher-ed institutions are at an appropriate level, gone through practicums have,” Hawkins said. “And course requirements, spe- and internships with suso you’re demonstrating cific course work, intern- pervision. They leave that you are at the same ship and practica super- here with their degree to JANNEY is the asst. level those schools are vision and quality of the work in hospitals, private news editor.

BROWN is the editor-in-chief.

JANNEY is the asst. news editor.

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

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QUIZ BOWL TEAM TAKES BIG SOUTH CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR EIGHTH TIME.

Leah Seavers| Liberty Champion

INTERNATIONAL — Student mingles with representative.

GLOBAL continued from A1 such as the annual Taste of Nations, a music and arts global outreach and a special session entitled “Into the Muslim Mind.”

According to CGE, Global Focus Week works in conjunction with the many academic programs, cross-cultural internships, short-term teams and mentorship opportunities that the department offers to help students broaden their perspectives and gain an overall appreciation of the work God is doing around the globe.

During Global Focus Week,

Liberty’s campus will become home to hundreds of representatives from every major continent on the globe. According to Williams, networking with these representatives is one of the many benefits associated with participating in Global Focus Week.

He encourages every student to make an effort to attend events.

“Global Focus Week creates an environment for students to be prepared to go out into different nations and help where God has called them,” Williams said.

LEWIS is a news reporter.

FYI CGE will send 10 global teams over spring break to: • Arab World • Bosnia • The Balkans • East Africa • Ghana • Philippines • Southeast Asia • Spain • Thailand • West India

news

Liberty Champion | February 3, 2015 | A3

Graduation housing fills up Lynchburg hotel reservations begin to sell out for Commencement weekend Emily Hoosier eahoosier@liberty.edu

There may not be room in the inn at Liberty, but try the Sleep Inn across the street.

The Office of Student Housing (OSH) at Liberty activated phone lines for hundreds of people to make their reservation from the 200 available apartments in East Campus during Commencement weekend, May 8-10. OSH opened registration Jan.19 and sold out by Jan 20.

“It typically sells out in one day,” Lori Baker, assistant registrar for operations, said. “The wait times are pretty intense. We’re talking an hour. That’s actually improved drastically from previous years where we’ve heard people waiting two to three hours to get a room.”

Each apartment is stocked with six to seven beds and will collectively house 1,300 people during Commencement weekend.

“We have folks bring air mattresses and sleeping bags and everything else as well,” Baker said.

Commencement guests staying on East Campus have full use of Liberty’s transit system to avoid navigating and parking issues on the main campus. For those friends and family of graduates who need housing during Commencement weekend, there are still options available, and Liberty can help you find them.

“There are still rooms left in Lynchburg,” Baker said.

Users will find a PDF listing 24 local hotels, their phone numbers and availability on the Commencement page at liberty.edu.

Select “commencement weekend availability” in the “Housing and Dining” section. “(Lynchburg has) three new hotels since last year’s Commencement that are right nearby,” JoAnne Hammerly, Assistant Director of Housing, said. “So we have a lot more options (and) a lot

Kiara Leers | Liberty Champion

BOOKED — Many Lynchburg-area hotels have run out of reservation space, causing many families to turn to Roanoke for alternative housing. more facilities for Liberty to make it more accessible.”

The OSH staff regularly updates the “commencement weekend availability” PDF. If a hotel is not listed on the PDF, that hotel is out of vacant rooms. Some hotels, however, have not begun taking reservations for the weekend.

“Now we will start updating every week or week and a half,” Baker said. “The Sleep Inn, which is right across the street, hasn’t even opened reservations up yet.

They open Feb. 1, so there is an entire hotel that hasn’t been booked yet.”

As of 10 a.m. Feb. 2, there are still availabilities in the Sleep Inn. Baker said that people are likely to find hotels in Roanoke at a cheaper rate than in Lynchburg during Commencement weekend if they are willing to drive the 4550 minutes. Other nearby cities

such as Charlottesville, Richmond and Greensboro also could offer cheaper hotel rates in exchange for a longer drive on graduation morning.

“There’s a ton of rooms left in Roanoke,” Baker said. “You’re doing really well if you’re staying 45 minutes away.”

Baker also advises hotel hunters to call hotels directly, rather than calling a hotel corporate number.

“If you look online at Expedia, or even on the hotel’s website, they’re going to say that they’re booked,” Baker said. “But if you call the local number, a lot of times that’s how you get through.

We have found when you call hotels directly at their local number — not at their 800 number that goes to a call center somewhere — there’s some stuff out there.”

Liberty is anticipating around 34,000 people, including about

6,000 graduating students in the program, during the 2015 Commencement — similar to the 2014 Commencement of about 32,000-34,000 people on campus.

“It’s the biggest event of the school year,” Hammerly said. “It takes a huge team of people to put it all together.”

Campus construction requires some parking adjustments during this year’s Commencement weekend, but Hammerly said the main ceremony would remain the same as usual. Construction and the number of graduates in each school will also affect where each degree ceremony will take place.

“This year we do have the parking garage, which is going to be a huge improvement to traffic on campus on that day,” Baker said.

“Last year, the tunnel had opened the week prior, so no one really knew about it. (It) wasn’t used

a ton last year because it was so new, but I anticipate this year, it will be moving along.”

Graduating seniors must apply to graduate and RSVP to Commencement weekend by March 23. They must apply for graduation regardless of whether or not they attend Commencement.

“It’s exciting,” Baker said. “The whole weekend is exciting. We’re constantly trying to improve it to make the experience better.

Not only is this the culmination of four years of being on campus for residential students, it’s many times the first and only time that online students will be on campus.”

HOOSIER is a news reporter.

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New Pop-Up Restaurant

4 delicious hand-crafted cheesecake options With the full fresh market buffet Only A Bonus Meal + $2.99 February 17th, Tilley Student Center, 5-7 pm

Sodexo Spotlight: Todd Reynolds

Position/Years with Sodexo: Retail Manager at Tinney Cafe/Concessions, 4 yrs Favorite Meal on Campus: Any meal at the Tinney Cafe, of course!

Loves: Time spent outdoors with family. Especially hunting and fishing.

Can be found: Riding the golf cart from the library to concessions.

OPINION

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February 3, 2015

The Bible book state

Mississippi legislature votes to make the Protestant primer their official text Matt Ozburn mozburn@liberty.edu

Legislators in Mississippi are in the process of passing ordinances that will make the Bible the official state book. The lawmakers are still trying to get the ordinances passed even though it is believed they may violate the First Amendment.

This is not a law respecting the establishment of religion. Symbolically making the Bible Mississippi’s state book is not forcing anyone to read it.

According to the Christian Post, Reps.

Tom Miles, Michael Evans and William Arnold are the main characters backing the bills in the Mississippi State Legislature. Mississippi currently does not have an official state book.

This does not violate the separation of church and state. This is completely symbolic. Our country was founded upon these principles. It would be a totally different story if they were going into the school system and forcing children to read it.

Government mandated religion is why America was colonized. The pilgrims escaped the totalitarian state of England and came to America to worship freely, instead of being bound by government-mandated religion.

Some will argue that “In God We Trust” is violating the separation of church and state. It is not. The government is not forcing you to believe something just by making it the nation’s motto.

There is no reason for this to gain national attention while we have ISIS and Iran to worry about. This is a state issue and should stay that way. The moment the federal government gets involved is the moment it tries to begin to take Mississippi’s individual state rights away.

The separation of church and state is immensely complicated and tricky. The government should not be able to force someone to read his or her Bible. The government also should not be able to prevent someone from reading his or her Bible.

Religion should be voluntary.

Miles was right when he told the Associated Press he is not trying to force religion on anyone and that it is purely a symbolic gesture.

The opposing arguments against having the Bible as the state book are extremely weak. For one, this does not violate the Constitution in any way. This does not abridge free speech nor does it force religion or reading on people.

Some opposition says the state should consider adopting native literature as its state book.

“It’s impossible to conceive of a state abandoning its literary heritage…” Larry Wells, whose deceased wife was William Faulkner’s niece, according to the Huffington Post, said.

“What would Faulkner and Eudora Welty and Shelby Foote and Richard Wright think?” Wells said. “I think they would collectively link arms and say,

Google Images

BIBLE BELT — State legislature pushed to make Christian text their official book.

‘Go back to kindergarten, Legislature.’”

Miles told the Associated Press that the “Bible provides a good role model on how to treat people … and they could read in there about love and compassion.”

Establishing the Bible as Mississippi’s state book does not infringe upon any citizen’s rights nor does it take them away. It is time for our nation’s legislators to try

to come together to pass laws of more importance instead of worrying about state symbols.

The shape that the union is in at the present is very concerning, and a mere state symbol is not what is going to solve the nation’s problems.

OZBURN is an opinion writer.

Closing Gitmo is a no-go Shutting the doors to the Guantanamo Bay terrorist prison is not feasible Lee Sutherland lsutherland6@liberty.edu

Last month, President Barack Obama made the trip across town to deliver his State of the Union address. The audience for this speech was very different from the one a year ago — the president now looked at a Congress dominated by Republicans.

Yet, his address seemed to be out of touch with the newest developments in the country, both domestically and internationally. Probably the most alarming statement the president made came early in the night: “America, for all that we’ve endured, for all the grit and hard work required to come back, for all the tasks that lie ahead, know this: the shadow of crisis has passed, and the State of the Union is strong.”

Never mind the recent terrorist attacks in France, the continued expansion of ISIS, Iran’s plans for developing nuclear weapons or the race issues that have consumed the news over the last few months. We can all feel

reassured that “crisis has passed.”

As George Will commented after the speech had ended, “ignoring reality is part of the job description of being a progressive.”

This purposeful rejection of what is truly happening in the world extends to the president’s plans for emptying the prison at Guantanamo Bay. This is nothing new to those who have followed his tenure as president.

In his first term, Obama signed an executive order in an attempt to empty the prison. After being stymied by Congress, he renewed his efforts after his re-election. In the State of the Union address, he defended this plan with two very unconvincing arguments.

First, Obama declared that terrorists use Gitmo as a recruiting technique for their organization. National Review Editor Rich Lowry, in his article titled “Obama’s Foolish Gitmo Fixation,” writes “They (Al Qaeda) were attacking us well before anyone had thought of Gitmo, and they will be attacking us once it is shuttered.”

by Emily Brown Two more men have died — brutally beheaded — at the hands of Islamic State militants in recent days. Two more families will never see their loved ones come home.

And now, after the beheadings of Japanese hostages Kenji Goto and Haruna Yukawa, the U.S. has two more reasons pushing us to do something.

Yet, President Barack Obama, his administration and many in the media do not seem concerned with much other than political correctness in these situations.

How many times do we need to hear Obama, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest and State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki skirt around the issue? How many more ways can they

Second, Obama articulated a moral reason for shutting down the prison — namely it is against the civil liberties our country defends. According to this argument, we cannot rightly keep prisoners we do not intend to try in court.

“We have a profound commitment to justice, so it makes no sense to spend $3 million dollars per prisoner to keep open a prison that the world condemns and terrorists use to recruit,” Obama said.

Yet, the study the president commissioned early in his first term concluded that there were close to 50 prisoners who were “too dangerous to transfer but not feasible for prosecution.”

It is important to remember that the director of national intelligence reported that of the prisoners released earlier in the process — those who were presumably the least dangerous — between 15 and 20 percent returned to the battlefield. It is frightening to think about how many of these most hardened terrorists will

avoid using the words “terrorists” or “Islamic extremists?” How many more times can our government officials offer condolences, but never address the central issue, before we have had enough?

In recent weeks and months, attacks on innocent civilians have stretched beyond the violent beheadings implicated in the videos released by Islamic State militants. The terrors have taken place across the world — from Paris to Australia — and the incidents have produced a ripple effect that has extended far beyond the borders of those places.

But our government is more concerned with toning down our responses in order to avoid offending those of the Islamic faith rather than taking action to stop the Islamic militants who have gone to extreme measures in the name of that faith.

The problem is that many in our society refuse to acknowledge that this is not just a war for territory or dominance. This is a war with innate religious implications, and the ramifications wield a deadly attack on religious freedom.

Following the Paris attacks, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls addressed

Google Images

DETENTION — U.S. president renewed mission to shutter Gitmo. begin plotting terrorist attacks when Obama releases them.

In a Politico editorial, Lowry wrote about the story of Cato the Elder, the famous Roman politician who was obsessed with the destruction of Carthage.

He was so focused that at the end of every speech he gave, no matter what the topic, he would cry, “Carthage must be destroyed!” In the same way, the president has been

the incidents, saying the world is “waging a war against Islamic extremists.” In the same way, British Prime Minister David Cameron said Europe and the United States must confront a “very serious Islamist extremist terrorist threat,” according to Fox News.

Instead of making our own strong statements on the matter as the French and British leaders did, our government keeps denying the fact that the people carrying out these attacks are, in fact, proponents of Islam, and they are committing terrorist attacks.

Critics of Obama and his administration, which include a number of members of Congress from both sides of the aisle, have explained that the U.S. must not be afraid to clearly define the people behind all these horrible acts of terror.

“Unless you understand who your enemy is, unless you clearly identify your enemy, then you cannot come up with a very effective strategy to defeat that enemy,” Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a democrat from Hawaii, said.

Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire echoed the thoughts

proclaiming for six years, “Gitmo must be destroyed.”

This plan may serve Obama’s political commitments, but it may also be one that the American people will rue in years to come.

SUTHERLAND is an opinion writer.

of Gabbard with her statement about how Obama and his administration have handled these matters.

“The administration should spend less time on political correctness and more time on a strategy,” Ayotte said.

Included in the criticism is Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, chair of the Democratic National Committee, who believes it is “Islamic fundamentalists” who are responsible for the terrorist attacks around the world, including the massacre at the Charlie Hebdo headquarters in January.

“We have work to do,” Wasserman Schultz said of the media’s bias against Israel. “We have work to do to educate and to make sure that people understand there’s a very simple solution to this. It’s called recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state.”

How long will it be before the Obama administration finally realizes that strategy, rather than semantics, should be at the top of our priority list? How long will it be before religious liberty trumps political pandering?

opinion

Liberty Champion | February 3, 2015 | A5

Humanity in question

Horrors of Auschwitz and legal abortion put a price on the value of life Ash Brownd ebrownd@liberty.edu

One week ago today was the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. Seventy years since the Soviet army marched into the Nazi camp and liberated the remaining prisoners.

According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, there were approximately 7,000 prisoners left in the camp. But while the Soviets managed to liberate all those prisoners, they were too late to save the nearly 1.5 million people who had already died in the camp.

My parents have served as missionaries in Poland for the past six years, and in that time, I have made two trips to the grounds of Auschwitz, which was turned into a museum some years ago. Of all the images and exhibits now filling the restored barracks, there is one in particular that continues to haunt me.

One of the exhibits consists entirely of items the Nazis confiscated from the prisoners arriving at the camp. There are massive glass cases filled with dishes, glasses and prosthetic limbs, just to name a few.

There is also a long hallway lined by large glass windows. Behind the windows are mountains of shoes. They seem to stretch into infinity. The sheer number of them is mind-boggling.

Amidst the sea of aged and faded footwear, one lone shoe caught my gaze and refused to let go. It was smaller than the others, probably the shoe of a child. And it was white. Dusted with dirt, yes, but the blackened shoes surrounding it made it seem as white as snow.

Most sources place the total death toll of the Holocaust at around 12 million. However, a study at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., indicates it could actually be as high as 20 million. Regardless of which number is the most accurate, they had always been exactly that to me — numbers.

But as I stood in the museum that day staring at a tiny white shoe, it suddenly struck me for the first time that the victims of the Holocaust were more than just numbers. The owner of that tiny white shoe was not just a number. He or she was a real person. Every pair of shoes in that exhibit represented a real person. People with families and lives and dreams. People whose lives were snuffed out like candles because one man believed, and convinced others to believe, that their lives were worthless.

The week before the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz marked another anniversary of great importance — the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.

According to CNN, the lengthy court case ended Jan. 22, 1973 with the Supreme Court affirming the right of women to get abortions. This case is considered key in opening the door for what is often referred to as a woman’s right to choose.

At this point you may be wondering what in the world the Roe v. Wade court case has to do with a Nazi concentration camp. Well, I have heard many people in

Ash Brownd | Liberty Champion

HOLOCAUST — This year marked the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a camp responsible for over 1 million deaths. today’s world refer to abortion as a modern-day Holocaust, saying that the two are deeply paralleled in their slaughter of the innocent. Personally, I am not entirely sure I agree with that comparison. However, I do believe that both abortions and the Holocaust stem from the same key issue — the definition of humanity.

Throughout history, people have attempted to place limits on who is and is not a human being. European settlers enslaved the natives of both the Americas and Africa because they believed skin color was the determining factor. Adolf Hitler tried to wipe out the Jews because of their religion.

In 1994, 800,000 Rwandans were slaughtered because of their ethnicity, according to the BBC. Whenever a group of people tries to determine who does and does not qualify as a full-fledged human being, atrocity follows.

Those who debate abortion today include a wide variety of arguments. Does the fetus count as part of the woman’s body?

Is abortion acceptable at some stages of the pregnancy, such as before viability and not after? Should it be allowed based on the situation, such as whether the mother was raped or whether the pregnancy poses a serious threat to the mother’s health? The list goes on and on. However, I believe abortion comes down to a far simpler issue. The question is not, “Does the fetus qualify as human?” but rather, “Do we have the right to decide that?”

Do we have the right to decide who does and does not qualify as a human being?

Do we have the right to look at someone’s physicality, religion, ethnicity, stage of development, genetic defects or any other aspect of their person and tell them that they do not qualify for the basic right of life?

How we choose to answer these questions has massive implications.

If we have the right to determine who

is and is not human, then the enslavement of the African and Native American peoples was perfectly justified. If we have that right, then the slaughter of 800,000 Rwandans was perfectly justified. If we have that right, then every single one of the 12 to 20 million deaths incurred by the Holocaust was perfectly justified. If we have that right, then the murder of a young child in a pair of little white shoes was perfectly justified. If we have that right, then none of these deaths should bother us because the victims were not even human anyway.

And yet they do bother us. I have seen visitors to Auschwitz moved to tears because they cannot fathom how humankind could be capable of such atrocity. They look at the pictures of those who died in the gas chambers and instead of seeing lumps of tissue, they see people. People who look like them. People who, in a different time, could have been them. People who deserved, at the very least, the right to live. People whose deaths bother us because something in our gut knows that it was wrong.

The Nazis found all sorts of ways to justify the millions of deaths they caused.

They claimed scientific research that supposedly proved the Jews to be subhuman.

European settlers did the same with the people they enslaved, claiming themselves to be far superior. We, as human beings, can justify practically any crime we want to. The question is not can we find a basis for it. The question is do we have the right to even try? If we take away someone else’s basic humanity, is it not possible that someone more advanced could come along and do the same to us? If we begin determining levels of humanity, who is to say we will come out on top? Who is to say we even deserve to? It seems to me that when we begin setting limits on someone else’s humanity, we willingly sacrifice our own.

At the end of the day, I believe that abortion does not come down to issues of viability or whether or not the fetus is part of the mother’s body. What it really comes down to is the issue of humanity. Does a life form with human DNA deserve to be treated like a human being? Or do we who bear the same DNA have the right to degrade it to nothing more than a lump of tissue?

Interestingly enough, Norma McCorvey, who took on the pseudonym Jane Roe for the purposes of the Roe v. Wade case, eventually changed her position when she became a Christian and joined the pro-life movement, according to CNN. She now says she devotes her life to reversing the Roe v. Wade decision. In her mind, the fetus is a human child and deserves to be protected as such.

It is an issue that each of us must settle for ourselves. Are the fetuses aborted in this nation every year, fetuses who bear our same DNA, really just lumps of tissue?

Are they just numbers to us, much like the victims of the Holocaust once were to me?

Or are they rows upon rows of little white shoes silently begging someone to defend their right to live?

There is a plaque at Birkenau, the extermination camp associated with Auschwitz, which reads in multiple languages, “For ever let this place be a cry of despair and a warning to humanity, where the Nazis murdered about one and a half million men, women, and children, mainly Jews from various countries of Europe.” Will we choose to heed that warning and learn from our mistakes? Or will we allow history to repeat itself and line yet another corridor with mountains of empty shoes?

BROWND is a copy editor.

CONVO CONNECTION “Life is short. I’ve learned this through the death of my brother, Hunter, and my dad’s cancer battle. I have no idea when I will take my last breath.

Neither do you. I want to live an all-in life. I want to give until I can- KELLY not anymore. To make a difference and honor God in this generation. So today, I choose to stand with

Propel Women. I choose the things of God over this world.”

I wrote those words on my Instagram feed Monday in preparation for all that I had believed this week of Convocation would hold. And God completely blew me away, revealing to me so much more than I had expected.

“I hope I did everything you put me on this planet to do.”

With these powerful words, Christine Caine launched Propel Women at Liberty this week, a ministry to empower

and motivate women (and the men they love) to live wholeheartedly for the cause of Christ and making his last command our first priority. She spoke in Convocation on Monday, followed by Pastor Terry Crist and several seminars throughout the week. The launch week finale took place during Convocation Friday, as Beth Moore delivered the morning message.

I attended every gathering from Convocation to the nightly seminars. To say I was completely overwhelmed and humbled by God this week would be an understatement.

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

I was overwhelmed because of all that he revealed to me and humbled that he chooses to use us to advance the gospel in this fallen world. God is looking for people who are available. Those who are willing to say, “Here I am, God. Send me!” This has become the cry of my heart — “Send me, Lord!” God is looking for a generation that is obsessed with one thing: making much of Jesus. A generation that will rise up unashamedly to take the gospel to a broken and desperate world. I am all in. Are you?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICIES & INFO Emily Brown editor-in-chief

Tré Goins-Phillips

Ash Brownd

Meighan Thompson

opinion editor

copy editor

graphic designer

Gabriella Fuller

Alex Tichenor sports editor

PHOTOGRAPHY

Josh Gordon

graduate assistant

Tom Foote graduate assistant

Nate Haywood asst. sports editor

CONTENT

Amber Tiller

Dave Van Dyk news editor

Josh Janney asst. news editor

feature editor

Olivia Brown copy editor

Courtney Russo photography editor

Leah Seavers asst. photography editor DESIGN Breann Black graphic designer

social media manager

Jomer Bunque web manager

ADMINISTRATION Deborah Huff faculty advisor

Omar Adams advertising director

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.

Send letters to: Liberty Champion Liberty University, Box 2000, Lynchburg, VA 24515 or drop off in DeMoss Hall 1035.

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. © Copyright 2014 Liberty University, Inc. All Rights Reserved

news

A6 | February 3, 2015 | Liberty Champion

SCCA holds banquet Ann Wharton Lecture series begins Feb. 5 Cassandra Steptoe cbsteptoe@liberty.edu

Kari Moye | Liberty Champion

LEADERSHIP — The Innovations meeting revealed the demand for new members who can take charge.

PRSSA kicks off

Innovations holds its first meeting this semester Quinn Foley qfoley@liberty.edu

Liberty University offers a plethora of ways for students to get real world experience through a variety of clubs and student-run organizations.

Innovations, a studentrun public relations firm, started off its semester by having an informational spring kickoff meeting on Jan. 26 in the Jerry Falwell Library Terrace Conference Room.

The informational meeting hosted both existing members and prospective members of the firm and offered snacks and a raffle for a gift card from Cold Stone.

Liz Skeele, the firm director, started the meeting by introducing Innovations and explaining what the group does. Mostly made up of public relations and advertising majors, the group represents

clients in the area as well as clients within Liberty University.

“We have a variety of services,” Skeele explained. “We do brand management. We do audience segmentation, development, things like that. This is a really great opportunity for you to get involved at a professional level in a college atmosphere.”

Skeele said the firm members take what they do seriously, and getting involved is a great opportunity for students to launch their professional career and develop skills in their field. Skeele also explained the membership requirements.

“Innovations is part of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA),” Skeele said.

“You have to be a member of PRSSA to join Innovations. PRSSA is a really great network of

public relations student societies all across the nation, and it gives you a lot of opportunities to network and learn about the field where we are all going. Innovations is a part of that, and by being a part of that, we can be connected to a wider world of public relations in the field we are all going into.”

Brittany Jones, vice president of Innovations, explained the benefits of being a part of the firm.

“We have real clients and do real work for them, which gets out to the public,” Jones said.

“That is something that is huge. It is a great way to build your résumé and build your portfolio. I would say that it is one of the biggest things you can get out of Innovations.”

The four clients that Innovations represents this year are His Vision, College Republicans,

Liberty Club Sports and the Center for Global Engagement.

Jones explained that in the past the members have had the opportunity to attend conferences and meet members of other student-run firms. Jones also said that by being a part of Innovations, students could be eligible to win awards from PRSSA. Since most of the members are graduating after this semester, the firm is in search of more members.

“Putting yourself out there is going to get you into those leadership roles,” Jones said. “We know there are so many bright minds in this room that are going to help us bring this firm to the next level.”

FOLEY is a news reporter.

The Ann Wharton Lecture series will celebrate its 11th annual event with guest Dr. Colin Harbinson speaking on the topic “ Living Art, Living Stones” Feb. 5-6.

According to Dean of the School of Communication & Creative Arts (SCCA) Dr. Norman Mintle, Harbinson will give lect u r e s all day Feb. 5 and then speak at HARBINSON the Ann Wharton banquet that evening. Harbinson will speak at a School of Music and SCCA faculty Convocation Feb. 6 before meeting with individual students to provide career and spiritual counseling. The event will be cosponsored

by Liberty’s Center for Apologetics and Cultural Engagement.

The Ann Wharton Lecture series began in honor of retired Liberty University professor Ann Wharton, according to SCCA Director of the Graduate Program Dr. Cecil Kramer. Wharton founded the Liberty Champion and was a beloved journalism teacher, Kramer said. “(We) bring in guest speakers in (Wharton’s) honor revolving around communication studies of some sort,” Kramer said. “We bring in a very special speaker so that people can get connected with people that are already professionals in the field.”

According to Mintle, he selects guest speakers from a list of lecturers recommended by faculty members. Harbinson is experienced in the creative arts, mission work and theater, according to his website. Additionally, the website states that Harbinson worked as dean of the Col-

WOMEN continued from A1 them, to be able to co-labor in the fields that are ripe for harvest. And this is really in line with our vision as a school since 1971, where we’ve been raising not (just) men to be champions for Christ, but men and women.”

Following Nasser’s prayer and introduction, Christine Caine stepped onto the stage, eliciting cheers and applause from Convocation attendees.

“I am so grateful to be here,” Christine Caine said. “There’s nowhere I would rather be launching Propel.”

Christine Caine, who is the author of five books, co-founder of the A21 antitrafficking campaign with her husband and a regular speaker at the Passion conference, encouraged students to remember their mission, their purpose — which is more than just getting a degree.

“What Propel is all about is helping to make Jesus’ last command our first priority,” Christine Caine said. “He still hasn’t come back yet, because we still haven’t done the thing that he’s called us to do. And so Propel is just a part of that.”

Caine also shared some of her own story and how, as a young woman, she was discouraged from pursuing higher education, from departing from the status quo and from being a leader. She decided to do all of these things anyway.

“I also knew there was a call on the inside of me, and I don’t think anyone would deny that, now that I’m almost 49,” Christine Caine said. “Now that dozens of traffickers are in jail, hundreds of girls are rescued, millions of people have come to Christ. I think a lot of people would say, ‘Gee, I’m glad that way back, when she was 18, 19, 20, that she had the courage to step into what

Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion

COLLABORATION — Beth Moore and Christine Caine promote godly women.

God had called her to do.’”

Like a modern-day Queen Esther, Christine Caine urged both women and men to pursue the passions and callings that God has placed on their lives. To do what God has placed them on Earth to do.

“We need to be a generation, in a world that is sick and a world that is dying, in a world that is desperate, we need to be a generation of young people that say, ‘We are obsessed with one thing: the cause of Christ,’” Christine Caine said.

For thousands of years, women did not have the opportunity to enter the marketplace, the public forum, as they do now.

Sadly, according to Christine Caine, the church has often failed in its capacity to

propel women into leadership roles in society, leaving secular feminists to empower women to be the leaders God created them to be.

With the Propel campaign, Christine Caine has decided to change all of that.

“Because of equal opportunity, affirmative action, like it or love it, there is a world that is full of men and women, and we need the church to stop running away from that world,” Christine Caine said. “To stop condemning that world, to stop judging that world, to begin to love that world and to go into that world and bring the light and the life and the hope and the mercy and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ into that world.”

lege of the Arts at the University of Nations, directed a theater school and worked with Youth on Mission.

“Dr. Harbinson is a worldrenowned apologist for the mission and purpose of art as worship and ministry,” Mintle said.

According to Kramer, the series is intended to encourage faculty and students to persevere in their academic and professional pursuits.

Mintle echoed Kramer’s thoughts, saying he hopes the lecture series will help students pursue the truth in the influential sphere of communication.

“Media (and) the arts and messages portrayed are undoubtedly the greatest influencers in our global culture today,” Mintle said. “Here in (SCCA) we take very seriously our mandate to create world-class programs to prepare our graduates to enter the world of media arts through the industries of film or acting, of TV, radio and news (and) through the studio and digital arts, all in an effort to tell stories of truth that resonate with our audiences and provokes them to consider Truth with a capital T — that’s Jesus.”

Though organized by the SCCA, the banquet is open to anyone who wishes to attend.

Tickets to the banquet can be purchased at the Vines ticket center for $10, and Mintle encouraged those “interested in the intersection of arts and culture” to come.

“I think it’s just a wonderful opportunity for students to hear from somebody who has given his life to the art and the discipline and to glean and learn from the contributions that they’ve made,” Kramer said. “(Harbinson) just wants to dedicate his life to helping (students) be a success.”

STEPTOE is a news reporter.

Such change, Christine Caine affirmed, is not easily won.

“We are not on a Disney cruise ship, people,” Christine Caine said. “We’re on a battleship. …We are at war. The devil has loved to keep all this hidden, so that we can keep resource and talent and gift and ability out of furthering the kingdom. It’s never about us. It’s about the purpose of God and seeing the evangelization of the planet happening.”

As she closed her message, Christine Caine encouraged believers to lay aside their prejudices and sins — to be in the world, but not of it. To be leaders defined by the spirit of God, pursuing godly ambition.

“What we need is a generation of men and women who will bear witness to the truth of the gospel in the marketplace, by our love one for another, by our mutual respect one for another, our honor one for another, our understanding and our submission one to another … in terms of fulfilling, ultimately, the great commission,” Christine Caine said.

The “propel woman,” like Queen Esther, is one who is willing to risk, to lay it all on the line, to stand up and step out for her one true king.

“She is untamable as she goes to conquer the kingdom of darkness with the life and the light and the message and the justice and the truth and the grace and the salvation of our almighty God,” Christine Caine said. “The Propel woman is every woman, and every man that loves every woman. We are gonna do this in our generation for the glory of God. We shall see the evangelization of planet Earth before the second coming of Jesus Christ.”

GRAF is a feature reporter.

news

Liberty Champion | February 3, 2015 | A7

Forensics hosts first class New science program prepares students for investigating crime scenes Emily Hoosier eahoosier@liberty.edu

Do not be alarmed if on the way to class you see a group of students examining a body — that is just the forensic science students doing their homework.

Liberty hosted its first round of forensic science students during the fall 2014 semester.

This new undergraduate degree was designed not only for biology students, but also for criminal justice students. The major offers two specializations: biology and chemistry.

“The first class that was offered in the fall of 2014 had 12 students,” Dr. J. Thomas McClintock, director of Forensic Sciences, said. “It worked out well.

We had enough students, and this semester I have 20 students in lecture and in the lab. So the numbers are increasing.”

McClintock said that a forensic science major specializing in chemistry could lead to a career as a forensic toxicologist, who analyzes drugs, toxins and other components found in a body from a crime scene. Specializing in biology could jump start a career in forensic entomology or DNA analysis.

“The forensic entomologist is using insects to help the criminal investigations,” McClintock said.

“I taught that last semester, and we had a death scene set up. The students went out and collected insects off of a cadaver. Based on the insects and their identification, they had to give me the time of death. Some hit it on the head.

Some were a few days off. They really enjoyed it.”

McClintock started teaching residentially at Liberty in July 2013.

He was teaching online for more than four years. In the month

RJ Goodwin | Liberty Champion

ANALYSIS — Students examine human bodily fluid samples as part of their forensics training under the new Forensic Science major. before he started teaching biology in the fall semester, he began putting together a proposal for a forensic science degree. While the criminal justice department had already been incorporating mock crime scene investigations for practical student experience, McClintock said there was a need for forensic science to complete that education experience.

“They wanted to take a case all the way to trial, but the middle part was missing,” McClintock said. “You get evidence, and what do you do with it? How do you analyze it? That’s where we come in.”

McClintock started to see an interest in forensic science from students when he used forensic examples in his biology classes.

“I throw in lots of forensic examples, and they get all excited about it, saying, ‘I really like this.

I didn’t know we had this major.

What would it take to change?’”

McClintock said.

A criminal justice major wanting to switch to forensic science would need to take about four additional forensic classes, according to McClintock.

The forensic science degree is designed so that a biology major or a criminal justice

major can switch to forensic science, as seamlessly as possible.

Upperclassmen in those majors can also switch to forensic science, because the required science classes have either biology or criminology prerequisites.

“I don’t need to use 50 syllable words to express a concept,” McClintock said. “I’ll walk you through the science. As long as you pay attention, I’ll get you through if you’re a criminal justice major.

That’s the beauty of … trying to mesh these two programs together. You can come in without having much science background and excel in the class.”

McClintock sees the addition of the forensics degree as a major step forward in Liberty’s education as well as Christian universities in general.

“I don’t know of a university similar to this where you can focus on forensic biology or forensic chemistry, plus you get the criminal justice cognate,” McClintock said. “At a Christian university, that’s a first.”

HOOSIER is a news reporter.

GET READY

LEASING BEGINS IN MARCH! FOR FALL SEMESTER

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news

A8 | February 3, 2015 | Liberty Champion

Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion

ACTIVE — The Live Healthy Liberty wellness initiative encouraged students to utilize the new gym facilities to aid in maintaining their overall health.

Live Healthy launches Campus Recreation introduces new wellness program for faculty and staff Lauren Glossner lbglossner@liberty.edu

Launched by Campus Recreation, Live Healthy Liberty is the wellness initiative striving to aid the Liberty community in becoming healthier in a holistic way.

According to Jamie Swyers, associate director for fitness at LaHaye Student Union, being a healthy person expands past just physicality. She noted seven dimensions of wellness that make up health: spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, social, occupational and environmental.

“I think that everyone automatically associates health with physical health, but health is more all-encompassing than that, and I think the spiritual component is the foundation on which you build the other components,” Swyers said.

According to Swyers, health and wellness are important in many different ways. For example, healthier workers take less sick

days, are more efficient, focus more and and wellness in a variety of different ways,” retain information better.

Swyers said. “We all work together and The Live Healthy Liberty Launch Party are able to promote programs and events occurred Thursday, Jan. 29 from 1 to 6 p.m. under a brand of wellness.” in the LaHaye Student Union Lobby. Those Swyers noted that some events have who attended received information about taken place before and some are new. The upcoming events and Wellness Series has the new initiative plus been done previousfree food and prizes, ly, but it is expandsuch as personal training and reaching a ing packs, T-shirts and larger audience. The backpacks. new sessions at the The Launch Party library during lunch— JAMIE SWYERS time reach a different promoted all the departments and events population than the in various areas of events at LaHaye. wellness. According to Swyers, the point Additionally, new group exercise studios was to bring awareness so students can all opened this semester. There are multiple know what is accessible to them. group workshops scheduled to teach the “One of the areas I’ve seen the most fundamentals of new classes — including growth in is the development of partner- TRX suspension training, foam rolling and ships between people and departments kettle ball classes. who are passionate about promoting health Live Healthy Liberty is not just for

“

...the spiritual component is the foundation...

students. According to Swyers, one area she really wanted to focus on was developing more events catered to faculty and staff.

They are able to participate in many of the same events as students and have some early, faculty and staff exclusive group exercise classes and meetings.

Live Healthy Liberty has been going on for the past nine months and will continue to expand as students catch on and the program receives more brand recognition. Swyers noted that they want to identify gaps and continue to improve. Plans for next year are already underway.

For more information on Live Healthy Liberty and the fitness programs available, visit liberty.edu/campusrec.

GLOSSNER is a feature reporter.

New transportation schedule Buses 90 and 91 are given new routes in order to appease traffic concerns Quinn Foley qfoley@liberty.edu

This semester, Liberty University Transit has made a few changes to two of the bus routes. Route 90, which is the Cornerstone bus route, and Route 91, which is the apartments bus route, have both been changed.

Greg Mimbs, a senior at Liberty who lives at Cornerstone, explained the differences.

“Basically they are doing a reverse route,” Mimbs said. “They are making three stops instead of two stops. They used to stop at Green Hall and DeMoss. Now they are stopping at different stops. It starts at the Keyhole, and then it goes to the Liberty Bell, and after that, it goes to Green Hall and then back to Cornerstone.”

Ted Sweet, transportation and transit manager of Greater Lynchburg Transit Company (GLTC), confirmed the different bus patterns. Sweet explained that now, the two bus routes enter the new tunnel from Wards Road and come the back way on Regents Boulevard.

“The reason we did (the route change) is because DeMoss is where most of the students are getting off for classes,” Sweet said. “We are getting them to the Liberty Bell five minutes earlier than last year, and at the same time, it is helping out all the traffic that all the students were complaining about at the Liberty Bell

Lauren Smith | Liberty Champion

TRANSIT — Additional stops have been added along several campus routes in order to aid traffic flow. going to Green Hall.”

Sweet said that since the traffic coming into campus (southbound) would always get backed up, all buses, except 71, only travel northbound.

“It was more of a decision that transit made for a whole campus environment rather than focusing on one (spot),” Sweet said.

Mimbs explained his opinion that the route could either be

shorter or longer depending on the traffic that buses experience on Wards Road and the construction they have to drive through when they enter campus through the new tunnel.

“It can sometimes take 15 minutes or sometimes 25 minutes to get to campus,” Mimbs said. “I usually left earlier, but now this is definitely a solid point where I have to leave earlier to always get

to where I need to go to.”

Sweet refuted the claim that it will take students longer to get to class, claiming that the bus schedule this semester has buses leaving five minutes earlier than they did last semester.

Mimbs explained that a down side to these new routes is that students will get on the 90 and 91 bus routes at DeMoss and take that bus to Green Hall instead of

taking a 71 bus.

“I feel as if that is a major problem,” Mimbs said. “When we get to Green Hall from DeMoss right before we head back to Cornerstone, half of the bus is getting off because those people just wanted to get to Green Hall. So usually if the bus is full, we have to wait for another bus, which comes every 15 minutes. (In one of my experiences) the bus was basically full — as full as can be after we left DeMoss — but when we left Green Hall to go back to Cornerstone, the bus was only about 25 percent full.”

Robert Smith, assistant transit manager for GLTC, explained that one of the reasons the 90 and 91 are stopping at the Liberty Bell is to help ease congestion resulting from Convocation release and class changes. Smith suggested that commuter students could take any bus to Green Hall and then take the 90 or 91 route from there.

“We are very proactive on keeping the buses on time,” Smith said. “We believe we are here to serve the students.”

Students can get the bus schedule on the Liberty Transit website. Sweet also said that every bus sign has a QR code that students can scan to track the buses.

FOLEY is a news reporter.

SPORTS

February 3, 2015

M. Tennis

M. Basketball

B1

W. Tennis

W. Basketball

W. Tennis

Liberty

Bluefield

Liberty

HPU

Liberty

UNC-A

Liberty

Charlotte

Liberty

Villanova

6

1

53

72

62

58

4

3

6

1

New ace

Rutgers 3, Liberty 2

Maria Khval’s journey from Belarus Paul Vandenbosch prvandenbosch@liberty.edu

Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion

CHEER — Almost 3,000 fans attended the inaugural 12 a.m. men’s club volleyball game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

Midnight match Men’s volleyball hosts first late-night game in Vines Center Sarah Rodriguez srodriguez70@liberty.edu

In front of a crowd of nearly 3,000 people Friday night, the Liberty men’s volleyball team took to the court inside the Vines Center in their inaugural “Blackout” midnight match against the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers University.

Becoming the first club sports team in Liberty history to play a match in the Vines Center, the Liberty Flames (1-1, 16-3-2 including fall play) were defeated (25-20, 2325, 26-24, 25-27, 12-15) in a matchup with the defending Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) Division I East Coast Regional Tournament champions.

Junior libero Josiah Williams, who has seen the team progress over his multiple years, soaked in the chance to take part in the inaugural midnight match.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us,” Williams said. “Especially for some of us who have seen the program from three years ago, it has grown exponentially. The energy the students brought was insane.”

With the Vines Center filled with fans hopeful to cheer the Flames to victory, the Flames opened the match with an early firstset victory, 25-20.

But, the Scarlet Knights responded quickly, taking the second set, 25-23. “(The first-set victory) was huge,” Williams, the anchor of the defense, said. “It

got the crowd into it. It built our confidence up. Unfortunately, we got lackadaisical in the second game (and) let our foot off the pedal a little bit.”

Down 23-21, in the third set, the Flames responded with a block from opposite hitter Kevin Snyder and kills from sophomore setter Nick Williamson and freshman middle blocker Luke Werth to come back and take the third set 26-24.

Yet again, the Scarlet Knights responded in the fourth set with a 27-25 victory.

After trading points in the fifth set, the Flames found themselves down early, 9-5.

The Flames were never able to take the lead

See MATCH, B3

Maria Khval had a choice to make ­— continue with her education or commit to tennis.

When she came to North America, though, she was able to do both, and do them well.

Khval was born and raised in Minsk, Belarus, an eastern European country that lies between Poland and Russia. She began playing tennis when she was 7 years old and fell in love with it right away. She wanted to continue playing past high school, but no such opportunity existed in her home country.

“We don’t have the same kinds of universities that America has,” Khval said. “So basically we don’t have college sports. So if you go to school, you just go study and you don’t play any type of sport there, and it’s the same for universities.”

Not wanting to give up tennis, Khval decided to go to school in America. Many tennis players from Belarus often come to American universities to play, and Khval knew that was what she wanted to do.

“I had decided to go to a university in America when I was a junior in high school,” Khval said. “A lot of tennis players from Belarus used to go and play tennis for different (American) schools, so this is how I heard about it, and I decided to try it.”

Then Khval found a school called Liberty University.

“I started searching for schools, and when I found Liberty, I was interested in it right away,” Khval said. “ I went to the

See ACE, B3

Season heads south

Losses to Charleston Southern and High Point increase losing streak to 10 games Nate Haywood nahaywood@liberty.edu Ryley Rush rarush@liberty.edu

After losses to the High Point University (HPU) Panthers and Charleston Southern University (CSU) Buccaneers Thursday and Saturday, Jan. 29 and 31, Liberty’s conference losing streak extended to 10 games. The Flames are now 0-10 in the Big South and have an overall record of 6-17.

Liberty 53, High Point 53 After Panthers guard Jorge Perez-Laham made one of two free throws 30 seconds into the game against HPU Thursday, senior forward Drew Smith hit a baseline jumpshot to give the Flames

WE’LL SEE YOU AT THE GAME

the 2-1 lead. Seconds later, Panthers guard Devante Wallace — a 37 percent three-point shooter per espn.com — nailed a three to get the lead right back, and High Point maintained that lead all the way to the final buzzer.

Wallace’s three ignited an early run for the Panthers as they added five unanswered to go on an 8-0 run. Meanwhile, the Flames could not crack the code of HPU’s defense. After Smith’s basket in the first two minutes, the Flames did not notch another point until the 14-minute mark, nearly four minutes later.

Forward Theo Johnson was ultimately responsible for ending the Flames scoring drought as he drove through Panther defenders for a layup. James Johnson, the versatile forward who transferred

from College of Charleston, has given the Flames a much-needed spark on offense in the absence of senior forward Tomasz Gielo.

This season, he currently averages just less than eight points a game. But in the 12 games he has started, he averages 11 points per game, which is highest among active players who have started 10 or more games.

“Theo (Johnson) is consistently getting better,” Flames Head Coach Dale Layer said. “We’re seeing the real Theo. He … (is) becoming one of our most consistent and dependable guys.”

After Theo Johnson got on the board, center James Johnson followed suit with a post hook, cutting the lead to three. However, HPU responded with another three-pointer, this time from ju-

nior guard Adam Weary. During Liberty’s next possession, freshman point guard Jordan Dembley turned the ball over, which led to an easy layup for the Panthers.

HPU added six more points in two minutes, going on another 8-0 run and increasing the lead 20-6. At this point, Layer instantly called a timeout and verbally expressed his disapproval of how the team was performing.

“I was unhappy with a little bit of the effort and a little bit of the execution,” Layer said.

“We weren’t clicking the way we should be. We were settling for jump shots and not mixing our game up. We were giving up offensive rebounds and not finishing plays. If you’re

Leah Seavers | Liberty Champion

See SOUTH, B2 RISE — David Aandoh elevates.

M. Lacrosse vs. VT

M. Basketball vs. Campbell

DI Hockey vs. Oakland

W. Basketball vs. Coastal

Feb. 6 @ 4 p.m.

Feb. 10 @ 8 p.m.

Feb. 6 @ 7 p.m.

Feb. 7 @ 7 p.m.

M. Basketball @ Winthrop Feb. 4 @

7:00 p.m.

Follow @LUChampSports for Flames athletics coverage

sports

B2 | February 3, 2015 | Liberty Champion

Program celebrates one year

Daily LFSN show ‘Game On’ continues after 261 episodes on faith and sports Joel Schmieg jaschmieg@liberty.edu

A long-anticipated vision became reality last year on Feb. 3, as the Liberty Flames Sports Network (LFSN) launched the first ever daily sports and faith show called “Game On.” It started as a vision and an empty Sears building with only three staff members, but in six months, the building was turned into a state-of-the-art studio complete with offices and a team of anchors and reporters.

“It’s one big, 30-minute-a-day miracle,” Andy Freeman, “Game On” senior producer, said. “It’s truly a God thing, everything coming together.”

Dean of the School of Communication & Creative Arts Dr. Norman Mintle and Liberty Athletic Director Jeff Barber wanted to “communicate about sports and faith in a daily format” through the show, according to Freeman.

“In Christian and family TV, there are not a whole lot of sports,” Freeman said. “We wanted to put something up that had a national quality to it that felt, looked and competed with Fox Sports and ESPN. But the difference is, we wanted to be able to talk freely about our faith.”

In order to have a show, a production team is required, and Freeman is quite fond of how his team was put together. Freeman brought aboard three different anchors to host the show.

The first anchor, Matt Warner,

came from an ABC affiliate in Springfield, Missouri, after seeing a job posting for a sports anchor at Liberty and thinking, “What the heck is that?”

Next came Clement Townsend from Mobile, Alabama, after receiving a Facebook message from Freeman that spawned from mutual “likes,” specifically gospel music.

“When you get a job inquiry by Facebook, you kind of hesitate but (Freeman and I) continued to talk,” Townsend said. “Matt and I both worked on local news, and faith is not talked about. It was an opportunity I just had to jump on.”

The final anchor, Lyndsay Keith, went to graduate school at Liberty University, but was working on the political scene when she was first contacted about “Game On.” Keith said that around the end of October, there was still no job, but they eventually made one available and she ended up joining the team.

“We got within a week or two of not having (Keith) with us, but God had other plans,” Freeman said.

The team aired its 261st episode Monday, Feb. 2, marking the one-year anniversary of the show, a feat that the production celebrated.

“It’ll be business as usual in some regards,” Freeman said before the episode released. “While we will celebrate and look at it, we’ll have little winks and smiles, but it won’t be the entire show celebrating ourselves.”

“Game On” has grown exponentially in its first year and hopes to continue to grow in the second.

“We don’t want to be ESPN, but we want to be at that level where Christian athletes know who we are and they can’t wait to do an interview with us,” Keith said. “We want to be the brand for Christian athletes to share their story.”

The plan for “Game On” is to grow to be more of a story-based show much like ESPN’s “Outside the Lines,” a show about sports that focuses on the faith aspect.

“Athletes tell us they never get to talk about their faith,” Keith said. “There is nobody out there doing what ‘Game On’ is doing at this level. When people do find out about us, they’re just like, ‘Whoa.’”

The team of anchors and everyone involved in production for “Game on,” all share one common goal.

“We want to be the show as it pertains to sports and Jesus,” Townsend said. “If people watch ‘Game On,’ we want them to hear about Jesus and have their faith strengthened.”

Because “Game On” is on the Liberty Flames Sports Network, it offers opportunities for Liberty communication students to learn from on-the-job training.

“The vision of (the show) is to create opportunities where students are not only learning in the classroom but learning by doing,” Russ Martin, Executive Producer of Broadcast Communications at Liberty, said. “About 40 percent

Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion

REPORTING— LFSN is the leading sports network for the Flames. of the actual jobs that are done on a day-to-day basis are done by students.”

“Game On” can be watched locally on WTLU and nationwide on NRB, CTN and many other networks.

“We are inspiring culture through a unique integration of

SOUTH continued from B1 playing against the best team in the league, … you can’t get in a hole like that.”

Out of the timeout, Theo Johnson and James Johnson were responsible for a Flames run.

Down 14, Theo Johnson hit a mid-range jumper and was subsequently fouled. After making the extra free throw, Theo Johnson and James Johnson combined for an 11-0 run of their own, cutting the lead to three.

However, the Panthers bounced back.

Nursing a 22-19 lead, Weary and the Panthers increased the lead to eight. But with two minutes left in the first half, Moller hit a three, bringing the Flames within five.

Weary earned his 10th and 11th points from the foul line. With 30 seconds on the clock, Panthers guard Devante Wallace scored two of his eight first-half points with a layup, increasing the lead to nine.

As Moller brought the ball up the court, Layer indicated that he wanted the Flames to take the last shot in the half. As the clock wound down, Moller attacked the defense and rose for a layup. The shot rimmed in and out when Smith elevated and tipped the ball in as the buzzer sounded.

Despite the rough start, the Flames were only down seven at halftime.

“We had to correct some things,” Layer said. “And I think we did. We started attacking the rim and we started mixing our game up. We got some stops and some rebounds. (They played) like I wanted them to play.”

The second half completely belonged to HPU. The Flames cut the lead to six, and that was as close as it got. Around six minutes in, the lead increased to 13. Around 10 minutes in, the lead jumped to 16. Around

Leah Seavers | Liberty Champion

REACH — Theo Johnson (14) elveates over defenders for an offensive rebound.

15 minutes in, the lead skyrocketed to 25 points. This deficit reached its peak with four minutes left. Panthers guard Lorenzo Cugini hit two free throws, giving the Panthers an insurmountable 29-point cushion.

The Flames ended the game on a 14-3 run, but that only cut into HPU’s lead by 10 points and Liberty fell, 53-72.

Liberty 74, Charleston Southern 62 Liberty’s season continued to go south Saturday as Liberty battled CSU. Despite out-rebounding the Buccaneers 30-28 and hitting more than twice their shots from beyond the arc, the Flames handed their opponents 21 points off 17 turnovers and were unable to overcome the deficit before the final buzzer.

“We have to tip our hat to them,” Layer

said. “I thought our guys fought extremely hard. We out-shot them, we out-rebounded them. … (We) just didn’t have quite enough good possessions to beat a good team.”

CSU standout guards Saah Nimley and Arlon Harper were known threats coming into the matchup. While the pair was held to eight points each in the flow of the game, they turned the Flames defensive focus into opportunities for other less-tightly guarded teammates and drove the lane to draw fouls, resulting in 16 combined free throw points.

“Nimley imposed his will on the game,” Layer said. “He didn’t have a great shooting night, but he got to the free-throw line and made the right decisions with the ball.

He and Harper are really good players. I thought they were probably the difference

sports and faith,” Martin said. “‘Game On’ puts Liberty on a national level. We can use sports to talk about faith with people you normally couldn’t.”

SCHMIEG is a sports reporter.

(in the game) — their poise and maturity were just enough to keep them in the lead and us at bay.”

While the postgame mood was heavy, the night had a silver lining. Hoping to spark and create some energy for his team, Layer tried a new combination of players at the start, including freshman point guard Jordan Dembley’s first in his college career. “(Dembley) played great for a guy who hasn’t played much all year,” Layer said.

“He’s steadily improving and he’s being rewarded for that. He had a nice game, made some good decisions, made some nice passes and defended pretty well. (I’m) very pleased with his effort.”

Additionally, Smith and junior forward David Andoh each had big games for the Flames. Smith led the team with 14 points, five rebounds and two assists on the night.

Andoh, playing what Layer called his best basketball game of the season throughout the second half, finished the night with 12 points (including six straight in the final minutes), six rebounds and a blocked shot.

“I think our energy gave us a chance to (win) down the stretch,” Smith said.

“I think we are getting better every day. … You’ve just got to keep fighting. You can’t give in one day. We’ve just got to come back one day at a time and put good days together.”

The Flames next chance to end the streak comes Wednesday, Feb. 4 at seventh-ranked Winthrop University.

HAYWOOD is the asst. sports editor.

RUSH is a sports reporter.

sports

Liberty Champion | February 3, 2015 | B3

Pats deflate Seahawks Last-minute miracles define a close, Sunday-night matchup Nate Haywood nahaywood@liberty.edu

In a game full of its share of controversy, hype and plenty of big plays, The New England Patriots came out victorious over the reigning Super Bowl Champions Seattle Seahawks in what turned out to be an instant classic, Super Bowl XLIX, 28-24.

The matchup between the Patriots highoctane offense and Seattle’s historic defense was one that was heavily anticipated.

Despite a slow offensive start for both teams, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady used a series of short and quick passes on the team’s first drive of the second quarter, eventually resulting in a touchdown to wide receiver Brandon LaFell to take a 7-0 lead.

Seattle responded midway through the second quarter as Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson launched a 44-yard strike to wide receiver Chris Matthews, his first career reception. Deep in New England territory, running back Marshawn Lynch pounded away at the Patriots defense. From three yards out, Lynch put the Seahawks on the board, tying the game at seven.

The game, however, was not tied for long.

On the Patriots second scoring drive, Brady found tight end Rob Gronkowski a for a 22yard touchdown.

Down, 14-7 with less than a minute in the first half, Wilson drove the Seahawks down

MATCH continued from B1 in the set, eventually losing 12-15 and securing the victory for the Scarlet Knights.

According to Head Coach Bryan Rigg, the Flames chose to host such a big event after looking to kick off their season in a memorable way and after seeing the previous midnight games held by the Liberty men’s lacrosse team.

Rigg said in order to get the word out about the event, posters and a promotional video were created. Players also greeted students

the field inside the Patriots 10-yard line with a mere six seconds left in the half Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll elected to keep the offense out on the field instead of kicking the 28-yard field goal. The gamble paid off after Wilson hit Matthews for the game-tying touchdown to end the half.

The second half began and Wilson’s offense took the field again. After a 15-yard carry by Lynch, Wilson connected with Matthews again, this time for 45 yards over the middle. However, the drive only resulted in a field goal.

During New England’s very next drive, Seattle forced another turnover after picking off Brady for the second time. The Seahawks capitalized on Brady’s interception with Wilson leading his team down the field and connecting with wide receiver Doug Baldwin for another touchdown, giving the Seahawks the 24-14 lead.

Down 10, with only one quarter left, momentum had completely shifted and the Seahawks were in the driver’s seat. However, a nine-play touchdown drive led by Brady cut the lead to three.

Knowing that time was not on their side, the Patriots needed a defensive stand, and that is exactly what they got. New England forced a punt, giving Brady a chance to reclaim the lead.

Starting at their own 48-yard line, Brady mustered up another lengthy drive that result-

before Convocation Friday to invite them to the match.

Even though the inaugural midnight match ended in disappointment for the Flames, Rigg said his team will gain a lot from such a tight contest.

“As a young team, with a bunch of freshmen and transfers, we’ve never been in big situations like this, so … we can learn from some of the disappointments,” Rigg said. “… To feel what it’s like to go back and forth and be so close makes us better for next time.”

After the match, Werth recognized the effort his team put into

By the Numbers

0

Career receptions before Super Bowl XLIX for Seahawks receiver Chris Matthews, who had four catches for 109.

6

Super Bowl quarterback records broken or tied

by Tom Brady.

328

Total passing yards allowed by the Seahawks, whose opponents average 185.6 passing yards per game.

HAYWOOD is the asst. sports editor.

playing their best.

“As long as we feel like we left the best (play) on the court, we should be satisfied with that.,” Werth said. “Rutgers is a great team, and I’m happy to see them hopefully again in the East Coast Tournament.”

According to Williams, the Flames need to refine their game more and be more consistent They will have the opportunity as they host the EIVA Tournament Feb. 14 in the LaHaye Multipurpose Center.

RODRIGUEZ is a sports reporter.

ACE continued from B1 a website and read about it, and I really loved it.”

The feeling was mutual for Liberty.

Liberty women’s tennis Head Coach Jeff Maren heard about this female tennis player from Belarus and contacted her.

“You know, tennis is actually a small community, and if you’re in it long enough, you get to know a lot of people all over the world,” Maren said. “We were looking at several players, Maria being one of them, and we got in touch, … and over time, we realized this was a good fit for the both of us.”

Khval left her home in Belarus and came to Liberty in the fall of 2013. She is now a sophomore majoring in sport management and is coming off a solid freshman season on the tennis court. After posting a 13-7 record in singles play last spring, Khval feels she is more acclimated to the tennis program at Liberty and that she has matured since her freshman year.

“I think freshman year really helped me to get a lot of experience since I played a lot of matches,” Khval said. “Every match contributed and gave me some knowledge about what I need to do to improve.”

All this has not gone unnoticed by her coach, either. Maren has seen firsthand the progress Khval has made over the last year and can already see improvement. He also places a high value on her style of play, as well as her work ethic and what it brings to the team.

ed in a three-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Julian Edelman, giving the Patriots the 28-24 lead with two minutes left.

Seattle had one last chance. The Seahawks made their way to midfield when Wilson and wide receiver Jermaine Kearse connected for a play that gives the “Immaculate Reception” a run for its money. Kearse and Patriots undrafted rookie cornerback Malcom Butler both contended for a pass thrown by Wilson.

It was deflected and appeared to be incomplete, but bounced off of Kearse’s leg and arm before he was eventually able to catch it.

Flashbacks of Super Bowl XLII with David Tyree pinning the football to his helmet surely flew through the minds of Patriot players and fans alike. Once again the Patriots would be doomed by a miraculous play.

Seattle had the ball on the 1-yard line with under a minute left and the game was all but wrapped up for the Seahawks second title in as many years. All they had to do was hand the ball off to their All-Pro running back, Lynch.

Instead, Carroll defied all odds and called a passing play on second down. Unfortunately for Carroll, Wilson and the rest of the Seahawks, Butler saw the play coming, picking off Wilson and sealing the Patriots’ fourth Super Bowl title with Brady and Bill Belichick at the helm in New England.

Patriots vs.Seahawks

“(Maria) has a big game, and in tennis, that basically means that she’s a power player,” Maren said. “So she has an opposing type of game on the court, and that’s not only good for her. … It also motivates the players around her to be more aggressive and to be more offensive. Also, because of her focus, she works hard on the court, and that motivates those around her as well to work hard and to compete.”

According to Kvhal, there is a powerful driving force behind her focused nature.

“I just always wanted to succeed,” Khval said. “I just want to give my best. If you are able to achieve a goal, then you should always do it.”

Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion

SPIKE — A close game ended in disappointment for the Flames.

MONDAY IS ZAXBY’S COLLEGE DAY ®

VANDENBOSCH is a sports reporter.

FYI Khval and the Lady Flames will go on the road to take on the New Jersey Institute of Technology Saturday, Feb. 7.

Liberty University students and faculty receive 20% OFF any meal on Mondays, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Must present valid ID. Offer valid at this location only: 1038 Wards Ferry Rd. • Lynchburg 434.237.2651 Leah Seavers| Liberty Champion

ROLE PLAYER — Maria Kvhal found oppotunity as a Lady Flame.

Limited-time offer. Valid on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. only. Must present valid ID. Each restaurant independently owned and operated.

Offer not valid at any other locations. © 2014 Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. “Zaxby’s” is a registered trademark of Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc.

sports

B4 | February 3, 2015 | Liberty Champion

Tich’s Take Alex Tichenor atichenor@liberty.edu

Super Bowl XLIX ended up being one of the best, most dramatic Super Bowls ever, once again proving one thing — Hollywood has nothing on sports.

The Super Bowl does everything big — extravagant commercials, mechanical lionenhanced halftime shows and the actual game. But lately, when the lights are shining on the biggest stage in pro football, it has been the anonymous players who grab TICHENOR the spotlight.

Sure, everyone is going to be talking about whether Tom Brady is the best quarterback ever after winning his fourth Super Bowl ring. Bill Belichick will receive a similar treatment. The same kind of stuff that always gets talked about.

Legacies and whatnot. Blah, blah, blah.

Yet without an undrafted rookie corner making a break on a Russell Wilson pass with 20 seconds left, the Patriots would most likely have been locked in their Glendale hotel rooms Sunday night, depression-eating a tub of rocky road instead of celebrating hoisting the Lombardi trophy.

Trailing 28-24 with the ball at the oneyard line and time nearly exhausted, the Seahawks neglected to hand the ball off to their powerhouse back Marshawn Lynch, opting to let Wilson drop back and throw for the win instead. Big mistake. Patriots corner Malcolm Butler read the play perfectly, leaping in front of Seahawks receiver Ricardo Lockette, snatching the ball away for an interception. Ball game.

Things like this are why sports matter.

Things like this make us care. Things like this make us cry.

How many people knew who Butler was before Sunday night’s game? His family, his teammates and some devoted Patriots fans, probably. I sure did not.

Who would have thought that Butler could even have a chance to make a play like that? A native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Butler had almost seen football taken away from him multiple times growing up.

According to Sporting News, Butler did not play his sophomore and junior seasons of high school ball because of academic troubles. And then he was kicked off the team at Hinds Community College, one of his few post-preps playing opportunities.

Butler ended up at West Alabama for his final two years of college, where he starred for the Tigers, enough for some NFL teams to notice. But still not noticed enough to get drafted.

The Patriots ended up signing Butler, playing him in 11 regular season games.

Not exactly a key component in the Pats 12-4 campaign.

Still, Butler remained ready, seeing extra playing time in the Super Bowl after teammate Kyle Arrington got torched

by Seahawks receiver Chris Matthews, who had four catches for 109 yards and a touchdown, during the game’s first three quarters.

His first NFL interception ended up being the Super Bowl-winning pick.

How can you not love that? If you have a soul, that makes you smile.

As I mentioned, the Super Bowl is not new to breeding the unlikeliest of heroes.

Last year’s Super Bowl MVP was Malcolm Smith, not exactly the headliner of Seattle’s full-of-big-names defense. But it was Smith who returned a Peyton Manning interception 69 yards for a touchdown, forever etching his name into football lore.

The name David Tyree might ring a bell for Patriots fans. In Super Bowl XLII, with the Giants trailing the Patriots late in the game, Eli Manning tossed up a prayer in Tyree’s direction. Somehow, Tyree outwrestled Rodney Harrison for the football, pinning it against his helmet. A few players later, the Giants scored, ruining the Patriots’ perfect season.

Two seasons later, Tyree was out of the league. But he will always have that catch.

And will always be a hero in New York.

A few years ago, Butler was playing football at a community college in Mississippi and now he is the toast of the entire city and on his way to Disneyland.

Sports beats Hollywood every time.

TICHENOR is the sports editor.

Photo provided

CHAMPIONS — The 2014-15 men’s wrestling team was victorious in this season’s NCWA Duals Championship.

Flames on top

Men’s wrestling wins NCWA National Duals Championship Joel Schmieg jaschmieg@liberty.edu

The Liberty men’s wrestling team recently won its second NCWA National Duals Championship in the last four years Jan. 23-24. However, the journey is not yet over for the Flames.

The Liberty Flames went to Dalton, Georgia, and left as champions. In all of their duals, only Central Florida came close to beating them, and they would have if Liberty senior Josh Pelletier had not managed to get back up after his knee buckled in the final match of the dual.

“I have a lot of confidence in my heavyweight, Josh,” Liberty Head Coach Jesse Castro said. “I was a little nervous because he had an injury. He went out there initially and was going to take the guy down and then his knee buckled. I didn’t know if he would get back up and finish the match. To see him beat the kid was amazing.”

Liberty ended up winning that match on a decision and won the dual by eight points. That win put the Flames in the final against The Apprentice School, where they only lost two of the 11 matches in the dual and won by 28 points.

“Wrestling is all about matchups and we have more of a dominant team than (our opponents) do,” Castro said. “We got in their head when we beat them two

weeks before (in the Virginia Duals).”

When it was all said and done, Liberty outscored its competition 484-68 during the two-day National Duals.

“Who doesn’t like winning? It was an exciting weekend for us,” Castro said.

“We were the No. 1 seed going in, but with different situations there was always that question whether we could put it together when we weren’t really loaded yet.”

Ryan Diehl, the reigning NCWA wrestler of the year, is the de facto leader of the team, according to Castro. But he does not take any of the credit for the team’s success.

“I couldn’t be there without my teammates,” Diehl said. “They are the ones that are pushing me. It’s not me doing everything by myself. Our team is really crazy if we have everyone healthy.

It’s dangerous.”

Castro said the team will be working hard to prepare for the Grand National Championship in March by doing tough but short workouts in order to keep the team fit. Castro and his coaching staff plan to ready the team the best way they possibly can by operating on the fine line of getting ready not just physically, but mentally as well.

“It’s too late to feel bad,” Castro said.

“Obviously we want to nurture them (to be) healthy, but when push comes to

shove, there is no choice. You’re going to compete with one arm if you have to.”

Castro said he is proud of the guys on his team for investing in each other, especially the young guys.

“It’s one thing to have a successful team because teams come and go, but a program has longevity to it,” Castro said. “You can have the best athletes in the world, but in order to sustain that after those athletes are gone, you have to develop a tradition and a mindset that carries over year to year.”

Castro and Diehl spoke for the entire team when they said what a privilege it was for them to be honored in front of the university at Convocation this past week. Diehl said it felt “like (we) did something really special,” and that they are ready to bring the “big old trophy” home from Texas.

“We are one of the schools best-kept secrets,” Castro said. “It has been neat that the school has recognized us the way they have. We want to make (the students) aware that they do have a wrestling team that’s competing for them.

There are a lot of people that don’t even know about us, … but we want to make them aware.”

SCHMIEG is a sports reporter.

Change of plans Mercedes Cox joins LAX after four years of field hockey Cierra Carter cmcarter18@liberty.edu

Many young people dream of being able to play college sports, but only for a select few does that dream become a reality. In the case of Mercedes Cox, that dream has been realized not once, but twice.

The Manassas, Virginia, native was a member of Liberty’s field hockey team for the last four years, helping to lead the young program to consecutive Northern Pacific Conference (NorPac) titles. As a graduating member of the first class of Liberty field hockey, Cox emotionally looked back on her final, and very successful, season.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better way to go out. It’s definitely bittersweet,” Cox said. “My class started the program, so we (started out) second to last (in the coaches poll). … To be so established now, I couldn’t have asked for a better thing and it was really cool to see what God can do.”

When one door closes, another one opens. Cox found this out for herself while hanging out around the lacrosse clubhouse one day. After noticing the lacrosse team’s ad for a goalkeeper on the Liberty splash page, she briefly entertained the idea.

What was initially a casual thought became a reality following the prompting of many members of the women’s lacrosse team. Practicing with only one goalie, the team was excited at the prospect of having an experienced NCAA athlete join the squad.

“I thought about it and was like, ‘Why not, you only have four years of eligibility and when it’s up, it’s up,’” Cox said. “I was like, ‘I might not be good, but you can shoot at me.’”

“

(Cox) knows what it means to be a part of a team.

—KELLY NANGLE

Though Cox played lacrosse in high school, she admittedly has no experience at the goalkeeper position, an obstacle that is sure to make for an interesting season. Head Coach Kelly Nangle noted that while her role will be different, her presence is a welcomed addition.

“To be able to get (Cox) on board is great because she’s a Division I athlete,” Nangle said. “She knows what it means to be a part of a team. … We don’t have to teach her those things. … She kind of just jumped right in.”

Nangle is excited about Cox’s potential. Already familiar with the defender position and loaded with athleticism, she is coming along and growing in her understanding of her new position.

“As far as leadership goes and experience, (Cox) brings that to the table because she’s played for four seasons,” Nangle said. “She’s a competitor, so when she’s back there she’s always talking, keeping the girls in check, which is good.”

Even though she is entering into a new team and an entirely new position, Cox hopes she can still bring a sense of leadership to her new squad given her past four years of experience.

“I can be more of, like, a nurturing senior, where I’m just going around and really getting to know people and bringing some of the things

that worked for us in field hockey to lacrosse,” Cox said.

Cox comes into a new situation where she will have to assume a whole new role among her new teammates, who Cox says have done a great job of welcoming her during the seamless transition.

“Everyone is so sweet,” Cox said. “Any time I get a save or something, everyone is just super encouraging about it … and freak out like I’ve saved the National Championship-winning goal. (I’m) getting there.”

According to Cox, her former field hockey teammates could not believe her new venture when she broke the news, but she explained that they have been supportive the whole way. “(My teammates are) really excited for me, and they’ve been really supportive,” Cox said. “They’ve all been really sweet.”

A sporadic decision seems to be paying off well for the new goalkeeper, who anticipates being a part of something new and special this spring.

“I’m looking forward to getting to be a part of a different dynamic,” Cox said. “I think we’re going to have such a successful year. … Watching (the team) in practice, … there’s so much depth. I’m excited to be a part of this pioneering team.”

The Lady Flames lacrosse team will face Virginia Tech as they kick off their season Feb. 6 at the Liberty Lacrosse Field. The game is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

CARTER is a sports reporter.

feature Photo Expo

Liberty Champion | February 3, 2015 | B5

Students compete for prizes Tobi Walsh twalsh12@liberty.edu

They say that a picture is worth 1,000 words, and students at Liberty University get the chance to express 1,000 words at the Student Activities (SA) Photo Expo Feb. 21, where they can show off their photography skills or enjoy a night of student work.

“It is a new concept for our department,” Event Coordinator Haley Hicks said. “This is a different type of event from what is normally associated with Student Activities.”

The event will take place from 8 to 10 p.m. This will be the second year SA has held the event.

“We host an Art Expo in the fall and a Photo Expo in the spring,” Hicks said. “It is a great chance to encourage students to display their creative abilities in a way that draws people together.”

Looking back, Hicks said that some of the more memorable pieces from last year’s expo were projects in which students decided to think outside of the box.

“The more creative, the better,” Hicks said. “Most people can distinguish between a good photograph and a great photograph, and it is usually based on content. If a photograph has meaning or can evoke certain emotions, it will definitely be more memorable and more likely to draw attention.”

There are no categories for entries, and the judging is based on student votes. Students who place in the top three will win a gift card to B&H Photo, a photo and video equipment store in New York.

Hicks said students can still enjoy the show even if they are not entering any pieces.

“Students can expect to see pieces that are moving and full of meaning,” Hicks said. “Photographs that tell a story or have a message should be expected, and a wide variety of styles will be represented. There will be something for everyone to appreciate and love.”

Hicks shared some advice for students who were interested in entering the expo.

“I would encourage students to explore different options with photography,” Hicks said.

“There are so many ways to be creative in this medium. Practice with lighting, layout, cropping, editing, subject matter or all of the above. Whether the student is a beginner with their first real camera or an experienced photographer, there is a chance for everyone to express their thoughts and their creativity through the lens.”

Students can enter up to two pieces by dropping them off at the SA office in Green Hall before Feb. 18. Submissions must be framed or matted and include a hanging mechanism on the back.

WALSH is a feature reporter.

Lauren Adriance | Liberty Champion

Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion

PERFORMANCE — Trip Lee has previously performed at Liberty with rapper Tedashi and is now touring for his “Rise” album with KB.

Trip Lee in concert Rapper and author will visit Liberty University Thursday, Feb. 5 Dominique Howerton dhowerton5@liberty.edu

Acclaimed rapper, author, pastor and Brag Ministry founder, William Lee Barefield III, known by his stage name Trip Lee, will be performing at Liberty University Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. in the LaHaye Event Space.

This will be his fourth stop on the Rise Tour to promote his latest album and book.

Liberty students might recall Trip Lee from his previous performances with fellow rapper Tedashi, and this tour will be alongside Kevin Elijah Burgess, also recognized by his stage name, KB. Trip Lee’s latest tour, album and book are all entitled “Rise,” which is explained in his

biography on reachrecords.com.

“Rise has a lot of different meanings,” Trip Lee’s biography states. “It’s a call to action to rise from the dead and actually live. We’re born spiritually dead, and I’m calling for everyone to become spiritually alive.

Secondly, don’t wait until later to live the way you were created. God created you to honor him, find joy and serve others. Don’t sleep on that. Lastly, rise above the low expectations people have.”

Through a platform of rap music, rappers such as Trip Lee have been able to spread the word of God throughout the nation according, to Reach Records. Even though Trip Lee travels across the country, he wants to stay humble and

keep his life focused on God according to his biography.

“So many rappers talk about how amazing they are,” Trip Lee’s biography states. “What if when I brag, I’m not talking about me, but I use everything in my life to point to God and honor him? That was the idea. I point to how great he is.”

In the past 10 years, Trip Lee has released four albums, enabling him to reach more than 250,000 people, according to his biography. His 2012 album, “The Good Life,” received two Dove Award nominations. In 2013, after years of interning, Trip Lee became a pastor, according to reachrecords.com.

“I didn’t want to be a big celebrity pastor guy, but I wanted to serve others by proclaiming

God’s word,” Trip Lee’s biography states, “I’m finding the right balance between music and pastoring. Being a pastor is more than preaching the sermons on Sundays, it’s living with the people, loving them and caring for them.”

For more information about the concert, visit liberty.edu/sa For more information on Trip Lee and his recent tour, visit reachrecords. com/artists/show/trip-lee.

HOWERTON is a feature reporter.

Local superhero Spider-Man can be seen saving the day around campus

Amber Tiller atiller2@liberty.edu

Known for swinging around between the buildings of New York City, Spider-Man, also known as Peter Parker, now resides in Lynchburg for the school year..

Spider-Man, a new resident of Liberty’s campus since last semster, has been standing guard against super villains that may be seen venturing down University Boulevard. He has also been seen around campus at events such as football games and once at The Amazing Spider Man 2 and Divergent movie night held by Student Activities last semester.

Also, Parker said he is satisfied by the smiles and greeting he encounters from fans are rewarding, but since being SpiderMan does not pay monetarily he has also been known to book birthday parties.

While Spider-Man has a life outside of the suit, he has devoted many days to super hero duties. Parker spent more than 100 hours decorating his spandex-like costume with thousands of tiny red and blue hexagons hand-painted with 3-D puffy paint.

Although Parker said he is dedicated to his life outside of his costume, being Spider-Man is now largely a part of his life, and while being a superhero can also lead to an ego issue, Parker tries to keep himself humble.

“I try to make (God) the reason that I do everything, in-

cluding (being Spider-Man),” Parker said. “It started out as a hobby and I tried to figure out a lot of ways that I could use it to his glory.”

Parker said he wants to treat this as a ministry opportunity by showing people love, making them smile and ultimately being able to share the gospel with them while still maintaining the personality of Spider-Man. “One of the coolest things is that Spider-Man never lets something get in his way no matter how big or creepy the villain because people’s lives matter to him,” Parker said. “And people’s lives definitely matter to me. I care about where people go, and I don’t mean where they go to school, or where they go to (get a) job. I mean eternity.

And I know that’s such a cliché Christian thing to say, but it’s true, and I try to live that in and out of costume.”

Other ways Parker ministers to people are in his hometown with his church. When Parker went home for Christmas break, he was able to go to a church outing and specifically share the love of Jesus with kids, especially by playing on the inflatables and serving them food.

Spider-Man may be just a hobby close to Parker’s heart, but he said he wants people to understand that being SpiderMan is not for the benefit of his own ego.

“Ultimately (being SpiderMan) is not about me because that’s one of the great things about keeping my secret

Amber Tiller | Liberty Champion

GUARD — Spider-Man aspires to help the citizens of Lynchburg. identity,” Parker said. “It could be anybody in a costume, so why can’t it be somebody who loves Jesus and that’s all you gotta know.”

For more information about Spider-Man, visit his page at facebook.com/luspidey.

Editor’s Note: The Liberty SpiderMan wished to stay anonymous, so for this article, he was cited as Peter Parker.

TILLER is the feature editor.

feature

B6 | February 3, 2015 | Liberty Champion

Jazzing up gospel music School of Music kicks off Christian Artist Series with guitarist Kevin Turner Brianna Young bdyoung4@liberty.edu

Inspired by gospel music and the work of popular jazz artists, Kevin Turner took the stage at Liberty University’s School of Music Christian Artist Series in Towns Auditorium Jan. 27.

Nominated for a Stellar Award, a gospel music award, Turner is also known for his jazz music all over the country and has been awarded the Ensound Music Award for best jazz performance, according to kevinturnermusic.com. He also won the Urban Gospel Award for jazz album of the year in 2006.

The event began at 7 p.m. with Turner’s jazz rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

With a sense of humor and a passion for the music he plays, Turner took the opportunity between songs to tell the audience stories of his childhood.

Turner said that old church hymns inspire him and have influenced his own album. By taking well-known hymns and giving them a new style, Turner has been able to create a new genre for Christian music.

“I try to use all the jazz tools to interpret some of these hymns,” Turner said.

The night continued with a set from Turner’s album “Him,” which was released in 2005.

Most songs played by Turner and his band did not contain any lyrics. Turner jokingly said to the audience members that they would not want to hear his singing voice. However, the final song, “Holy is the Lamb,” did contain lyrics.

During the last song, student Jemell Smith was invited to the stage.

Smith said that Turner mentioned the idea of having someone sing,

so Smith walked toward the stage about halfway through the song.

Once Turner realized he had a volunteer singer, Turner invited Smith on stage and handed him a microphone.

Singing the simple lyrics to the song, Smith gave audience members the opportunity to hear the song in its entirety.

The concert is one of many events planned by the School of Music each semester. Event Coordinator Mindy Damon, associate professor of commercial music, said there are many hours of planning that go into the concerts.

According to Damon, nominating a possible performer is one step in deciding whom Liberty will host in the coming months. The faculty members at the School of Music research the best possible talent to showcase to music majors and other students with a passion for music, and Damon said the Christian Artist Series is an ideal way for students to experience different types of music.

“One of the characteristics of the Liberty University School of Music is that we enthusiastically promote stylistic diversity,” Damon said. “The artists and genres in the Christian Artist Series clearly reflect this in that we offer vocal and instrumental concerts. … Last year, we featured dance and contemporary music as well.”

Although the Christian Artist Series schedule is not completed yet, Liberty’s School of Music will have the events publicized soon. For any questions or suggestions, email Mindy Damon at bmparrish@liberty.edu.

YOUNG is a feature reporter.

Amber Tiller| Liberty Champion

STRUM — Kevin Turner performed for students and concertgoers Jan. 27.

Work hard, plan harder Before students travel on mission trips, they must raise the necessary funds Emma Jane Maurer emaurer@liberty.edu

Matthew 28:18-20, the Bible passage also known as the Great Commission, has impacted many lives by inspiring people to go out into the mission field and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with people around the country and the world.

Mission trips, which have a shorter time frame than long-term mission trips, may offer opportunities for students to serve others and learn more about themselves, but the cost of the trips may be a deterring factor for some.

To fund these short-term trips to places such as Africa and the Middle East, students, especially around Liberty’s campus, have to think creatively to raise money.

“Think of something you love doing or a talent God has gifted you with and see if there’s a way to make money by it,” Liberty senior Lisa Gum said.

Gum raised money for her trip to Germany in 2012 by making and selling jewelry and accessories.

“I always loved making things,” Gum said. “Through (the fundraising), God showed me I had a passion for making things, and I realized I wanted to keep using this gift to further his kingdom.

Gum’s fundraising efforts influenced her to start her own company, The Artful Sojourn, and eventually led to her decision to major in business administration.

Gum continues to make and sell handmade jewelry and accessories through the Artful Sojourn with a social mission in mind.

According to the website theartfulsojourn.com, the company gives 20 percent of its profits to World Vision, an organization working worldwide to end poverty and bring justice according to worldvision.org.

Liberty freshman Leah Wright shares the same view as Gum.

Photo Provided

TASK — While mission trips offer challenges of their own, students have to first raise the money to go.

“Everybody has at least something (they like to do),” Wright said. “Look at your talents and see what kinds of services you could offer people. People paint canvases, create things they like, bake — the list is endless. Find something you like and work off of that.”

Wright will be traveling to Cameroon this summer with the Center for Global Engagement (CGE). To raise funds for her trip, she has provided hair-cutting services on campus.

According to Wright, a family friend who is also a cosmetologist encouraged her to obtain her cosmetology license while still in high school. She was able to earn her license because her high school had an adjoining technical school on campus.

“I knew I wanted to go to college, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study,” Wright said. “I knew getting my license while still in high school would be a good idea to fall back on as a job.”

When she came to Liberty, Wright began cutting hair as a way to sustain additional funds in order to pay for schooling.

“Before I even thought about going on a mission trip, I knew that I would be able to cut hair to have extra money in my pocket,” Wright said.

When she felt the Lord calling her to Cameroon, Wright turned to her hair-cutting services as a way to fundraise.

She raised $600 from her services last semester, mainly giving haircuts, but she offered highlights, coloring and nail services as well. To advertise her services, she placed fliers on her hall, and friends and classmates offered to do the same in their dorms.

She also utilized social media, posting on the “Only Girls LU” page, among other Liberty pages.

Word of mouth also helped. She said that this semester, she has had some repeat customers from last semester.

When it comes to fundraising as a group for ministry teams, brainstorming is a good way to collaborate on ideas for the group.

“What my group did was we had a think tank to just sit and throw around ideas,” Zack Koons, a Center for Ministry Training team leader, said.

Koons is leading a ministry exposure trip to San Francisco over spring break and a trip to Portland, Oregon, during the summer.

Depending on the season in which the fundraising takes place, the team must work together to find a sponsor willing to support their specific trip.

“It’s all about the timing,” Koons said. “You have to think about the people you want to reach and what it is they want.

(We have to think), ‘Who are we trying to reach and what do they want most? How can we best serve them? How can we give them what they want in exchange for their support? For

example, we plan on selling roses for Valentine’s Day for students who may not have the money to buy a big bouquet.”

Selling T-shirts is anther popular idea. Liberty junior Kathryn Ayers sold tie-dye T-shirts to raise money for a trip to El Salvador during her senior year of high school.

“I’ve loved tie dye ever since high school,” Ayers said. “My best friends and I used to tie dye every year before we went to camp, so it seemed like a good idea to raise funds for a mission trip.”

Ayers sold approximately 30 shirts and made around 50 shirts for a family reunion, for which her grandmother provided a generous donation. After paying for supplies and shipping costs, Ayers estimates she made a profit of a little more than $400.

While some people find creative ways to fundraise, others prefer simpler methods.

With various ways to fundraise, some people still prefer the traditional support letter.

“I encourage students to make support raising personal,” Koons said. “There are three ways a student should raise support. First is by letters and emails. Make it personal to the person you’re writing to. You’re not just soliciting them for money, but they’re also partners in the gospel as well. (Next is) phone calls, both as follow-ups to the people supporting you and to call people directly who may not check their emails or read letters as much. (Lastly), conversation. Face-to-face conversation is specifically asking and challenging people to support your cause.”

Through putting forth a little effort and using creativity, people like those listed have optimized their resources and raised the money required of the mission trip successfully.

MAURER is a feature reporter.

feature

Liberty Champion | February 3, 2015 | B7

Kiara Leers | Liberty Champion

PERFORMERS — Rappers Jessy and Czar Josh, two on-campus students, participate with BTGUM concerts, outings and service projects around the Lynchburg area.

Residential rappers

Bridging the Gap Urban Ministries shares the gospel via rap and step-dance Tobi Walsh twalsh12@liberty.edu

Jennifer Person of Bridging the Gap Urban Ministries (BTGUM) defines ministry as a way to advertise Jesus Christ to a dying and lost world.

“To me, ministry is basically serving,” Person said. “It’s to share the love of Christ (with the) world in a day (and) age where Christianity isn’t seen as popular.”

That is what BTGUM is — a ministry that reaches people in an unusual way through mediums such as rap, step and hip-hop.

BTGUM’s most recent performance on Liberty University’s campus was Jan. 17 in the LaHaye Event Space where BTGUM rappers CJ King, Illijam, Sinclair Hall, Czar Josh and Jessy performed alongside

What is 11 Eleven?

professional rap artist Swoope.

BTGUM participates in concerts and shows and also serves through community service around Lynchburg, according to Person.

“It’s both an outreach and a performance,” Person said. “We use things like step as an avenue to attract people and share the gospel with them.”

The ministry was started in 1998 by a student named Shameca Shae, who wanted to use step-dancing as a way to minister to people, according to BTGUM’s Facebook page.

The ministry aspect was what interested Person, who first got involved with BTGUM back in 2010 when the group was handing out fliers at the Student Activities Block Party.

“I was just looking for something

to do,” Person stated. “I used to do step at church, so I figured why not? It seemed interesting.”

Person has been involved with BTGUM ever since.

“It’s amazing to see all the changes that have happened over the last five years,” Person said. “Last summer, we got together and basically reconstructed everything.

We wanted to get out of the habit of getting wrapped up in the performances since we’re a ministry first. That’s our goal.”

Person mentioned one of her favorite moments was when the group took a weekend trip to Philadelphia to work with a church called Urban Hope.

“We had the whole team up there,” Person said. “It was the first time we really got to mesh as a group and began acting more like a family rather than individual teams

like performance or step.”

Person said what really impacted her was the way Urban Hope members interacted with the community around them.

The church was located in the middle of the people they were trying to reach. To Person, the trip put into perspective what urban ministry means.

“I think urban ministry has this misconception,” Person said. “It’s not a race, it’s a culture. It’s the ability to walk up to a person who may be walking down the street smoking crack and being able to expose them to Jesus. And that was what this church was doing.”

To learn more about BTGUM, visit facebook.com/BTGUM. WALSH is a feature reporter.

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Denver, Colorado. There, Leangkim Sua began her stay at the Swedish Medical Center.

Because the tumor was vascular, blood vessels had to be killed individually before the tumor could be removed. Dr. Wayne Yakes and Dr. Christopher Morin teamed up to do the surgeries. Yakes specializes in vascular malformations, and Morin has been trained specifically for vascular surgery, according to swedishhospital.com.

The main surgery has since been completed, but Leangkim Sua remains in the hospital.

“The hospital was able to do the surgery in October, but there have been major complications,” Marianne Truex said. “She’s been in the hospital since (then).”

Leangkim Sua and her father hoped to go home in February, but they will stay in Denver because of the complications.

They hope to return home to Cambodia in four to six months when all medical issues are resolved.

“Even though all the medical expenses are covered, which is amazing and a blessing from the Lord, there are still a lot of other expenses to be covered,” Marianne Truex said. “We have to provide funds for food, visa and travel.”

Due to extended time in America, Leangkim Sua and her father both need to extend their visas, which will cost a few thousand dollars. Because of the costs, Marianne Truex decided to help by selling pants.

“It’s really hard to be this far away from my parents, but being able to sell these pants

makes me feel like I’m still … a part of the work that they’re doing,” Marianne Truex said.

“Getting to be a part of Leangkim’s story is such an honor and a privilege.”

Marianne Truex said she continues to be amazed by Leangkim Sua’s perseverance.

“It’s a miracle,” Marianne Truex said. “We had to pay lots and lots of money to get her a visa and an appointment to come to America. You can just see God’s hand at work throughout the whole process.”

Pants are available from Marianne Truex for $25 a pair. One hundred percent of the funds go directly to Leangkim Sua’s expenses.

To contact Truex, email mtruex@liberty.edu.

FRASER is a feature reporter.

Haley Jones | Liberty Champion

SELL — Marianne Truex models harem pants from Cambodia.

FEATURE

B8

February 3, 2015

t h e r e ’s s n o w p l a c e l i k e h o m e

Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion

GRIND — For snowboarders, skiers and spectators, Snowflex offers convenience, but other resorts in Virginia ito visit are Bryce, Massanutten and Wintergreen.

Shredding the slopes Family-friendly ski resorts offer opportunities to relax and compete Dominique Howerton dhowerton5@liberty.edu

While Virginia may not offer snow all winter long, the state still offers options for students to ski, snowboard and enjoy winter weather on the slopes through ski resorts close to Lynchburg.

Bryce Resort in Jackson, Massanutten Resort in Rockingham County, and Wintergreen Resort in Wintergreen are all located in Virginia and offer skiing, snowboarding, and tubing options throughout the regular ski season going from late fall into late March and sometimes early April.

“The location’s natural beauty has been preserved, and guests enjoy exceptional skiing and riding conditions in a family-friendly environment that is a great experience for everyone,”

Vice President of Resort Operations for Wintergreen Resort Jay Roberts wrote on wintergreenresort.com.

From spectating to participating, skiers and snowboarders have the opportunity to hit the slopes while family and friends can stay and watch competitions or amateurs trying to sail down the snow-covered hills.

For weekends and holidays during ski season, Wintergreen Resort offers four-hour and eight-hour session lift tickets starting at $65 and Bryce Resort offers four-hour and eight-hour session lift tickets starting at $55. Massanutten Resort’s rate is $68 for eighthour sessions on the weekends.

“Wintergreen caters to families looking for a relaxing getaway and also to the hardcore snowsports enthusiast,” Roberts wrote.

“We attract families from all income brackets and have a good mix (of)

couples, singles and students.”

For devoted boarders and skiers, each resort offers a number of Nation Standard Race (NASTAR) competitions this season. These competitions are designed for recreational skiers of all ages, genders, and ranges of ability to test their skills against the national NASTAR pacesetter, according to nastar.com. More than 95,000 NASTAR participants compete throughout the season to win platinum, gold, silver, and bronze medals in their age and gender groups.

Massanutten Resort, Wintergreen Resort and Bryce Resort are home to United States Ski Association and Southern Alpine Ski Association ski teams that compete each season.

Massanutten Resort will be hosting a Red Bull Rivals competition Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Massanutten Terrain Park. James Madison

University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia snowboarding clubs will compete.

Another event to check out is The 2015 Winterfest end-of-the-year celebration, which will take place Saturday, March 14 at Bryce Resort. the event is a day-long party with refreshments, music, contests and skiing as the season comes to an end.

Additionally, Student Activities is hosting a trip to Wintergreen ski trip Feb. 5. Information regarding the trip can be found at liberty.edu/sa.

For more information regarding lodging and skiing packages, competitive skiing and other snow-related events, visit massresort.com, wintergreenresort.com or bryceresort.com.

HOWERTON is a feature reporter.

Profiting from pants Marianne Truex is selling exotic-printed trousers to help a 12-year-old girl Ellie Fraser efraser2@liberty.edu

Selling exotic printed pants from Cambodia may seem like a random hobby to many people, but for junior Marianne Truex it holds a significant meaning and purpose.

In 2003, Marianne Truex and her family moved to Cambodia, where her family still performs humanitarian work.

After discovering the traumatic medical situation of a Cambodian 12-year-old girl named Leangkim Sua who came to her father seeking help, Marianne Truex decided that she needed to help by selling Cambodian-made pants in America and sending the money to Leangkim Sua’s family to support her medical costs.

Marianne Truex’s father (who will be referred to as “Truex’s father” or “her father” for security purposes) is a veterinarian who also helps with human medicine because the medical care is greatly lacking in Cambodia.

While visiting a village last year, word reached Truex’s father about a young girl who desperately needed medical attention.

Truex’s father met the young girl, Leangkim Sua, and immediately

started seeking medical attention for her after discovering her condition. Leangkim Sua had a vascular tumor the size of a football bulging from her back.

Cambodia was quickly ruled out as a place to treat Leangkim Sua because of poor medical conditions, and the search for a hospital that would take on her case began.

“We sent her MRIs to South Korea, Vietnam and China,” Marianne Truex said. “My dad took her to Vietnam.

We sent lab reports to children’s hospitals all across America.”

With no luck, the Truex family continued to search for a hospital that would treat Leangkim Sua. “One day, we got a phone call saying there was a doctor in Cambodia going back to Denver who might be able to help,” Marianne Truex said.

“My mom ran out to the airport and took Leangkim’s MRI. … The doctor looked at the MRI and decided the hospital in Denver could treat her.”

This was the first positive response the Truex family received. In September, Leangkim Sua, her father Chentah Sua, and Truex’s father flew to Photo Provided

See PANTS, B7 CARE — The Truexes commit to providing Cambodian native Leangkim Sua with medical care.