Women’s Hoops Wins Against Presby.
Pirates of Penzance B6
B1
LIBERTY CHAMPION Today: Sunny 56/29 Tomorrow: P. Cloudy 55/42
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Libertychampion.com
Volume 29 • Issue 12
Turner Gill to lead the Flames
in remembrance
New head football coach replaces Rocco Andrew Woofolk alwoolfolk@liberty.edu
For most students, Dec. 15, 2011, marked the end of another semester. For Liberty University football and new head coach Turner Gill, it marked the beginning of a new era. Just a week and a half after former head coach Danny Rocco accepted the head coaching position at the University of Richmond, the Flames gill announced the hiring of Gill as the program’s eighth head coach. With him, the 49-year-old coach brings a wealth of experience and even more confidence to boot. “We’re going to be exciting, we’re going to have fun and show a lot of emotion,” Gill said. Gill comes to Liberty with Division I expertise, a characteristic Athletic Director Jeff Barber sought after during his search for a new coach. Gill served as head coach at the University of Buffalo from 2006 to 2009 and the University of Kansas from 2010 to 2011. While at Buffalo, Gill revived the school’s lethargic football program, guiding it to its best season in over 10 years in 2007. Gill garnered more accomplishm-
ents with the program in 2008, as
See GILL, A5
Online ads get googled Melissa Gibby mfgibby@liberty.edu
Liberty University Online has found an innovative new way to reach global audiences using mobile marketing methods through Google searches on smart phones and other mobile devices. This past December, Google released a case study documenting Liberty’s success in mobile marketing in the education industry. According to the Executive Director of Admissions for Liberty University Online, Steve Peterson, Google saw the success Liberty University Online was having with its mobile advertising and approached the university requesting to conduct the study. Liberty’s mobile advertising is specifically formatted and optimized to fit phone screens and tablets in order to bring the best possible experience to potential students. Since early 2004, Liberty University has been using AdWords by
See GOOGLE, A5
Photo provided
Pilot — Tom Coble stands with Trey Falwell and Jerry Falwell Jr. at the Lynchburg Airshow last May. Coble was a long-time supporter of Liberty’s School of Aeronautics with 42 years of flying experience. He flew his L-39 Albatross jet to the airshow.
Liberty trustee dies in plane crash
Tom Coble best remembered for his love of flying and his service to other people Omar Adams oadams@liberty.edu
L
iberty University Board of Trustees member and 1976 graduate Tom Coble died in a plane crash near Gadsden, Ala. on Friday, Jan. 20. Coble, 58, was returning to North Carolina after taking his L-39 Albatross fighter jet for routine maintenance when the plane caught fire and crashed moments after takeoff. With more than 42 years of flying experience, Coble was “happiest when in the cockpit,” according to a statement released by his construction company Coble Trench Safety. “He often joked with friends and family that he stayed in business to support his flying habit,” the release said. Coble was Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr.’s executive pilot for three years following his
graduation. “Tom flew my father and some of Liberty’s earliest student singing groups around the country to spread the word about the new college in a World War II vintage DC-3 airplane,” Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. told Liberty’s News Service. “I learned in 2008 that Tom had become a successful businessman, and I asked him to serve on Liberty’s Board of Trustees. He agreed and provided important leadership to the university in recent years.” A strong supporter of Liberty’s School of Aeronautics, Coble spoke at the school’s graduation ceremony in 2010 and offered the winner of Liberty’s 2010 Pilot of the Year award, John Iazzi, a flight in his L-39 jet. “When I flew with Tom back in May 2010, I was impressed not only with his
skill and professionalism in the cockpit, but also with his attitude toward others,” Iazzi said. “He loved Christ, and it was apparent in his kindness and generosity.” Iazzi, now a flight instructor at Liberty, spoke with Coble on several occasions following their 2010 meeting. “He typically flew his jet in for LU board meetings, and even with his busy schedule, he was always interested to hear how I was doing and what my plans were,” Iazzi said. “Tom was a highly motivated individual, and through his enthusiasm he encouraged others. He will be greatly missed.” Trey Falwell also flew with Coble after the Lynchburg Airshow last May and was able to fly Coble’s jet himself. “It was a ‘once in a lifetime’
See COBLE, A5
Advertisement taken out of context
Ashley Bollinger
akbollinger@liberty.edu Research contributed by Melanie oelrich
Liberty University has made national news with its recent promotional commercial starring former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. However, according to a statement released by Liberty’s General Counsel David Corry, the ad was not intended to support Gingrich as a presidential candidate. “Liberty University and Speaker Newt Gingrich have a long history together that predates his candidacy for the Republican nomination for president,” Corry said. “Speaker Gingrich has collaborated on curriculum and is a visiting professor at Liberty University.” According to the statement, the ad in question was aired not only in Iowa, as many news outlets reported, but also in
Houston, Miami, Orlando and Philadelphia. “The ad is not designed to endorse Newt or anyone else,” Dean of Liberty’s School of Law Mat Staver told the Lynchburg News and Advance. “…We’re not speaking about his positions. We’re not comparing him to another candidate. We’re not promoting his election.” According to Liberty’s Vice President for Executive Projects Johnnie Moore, the statements offered by Staver were completely accurate. “In each election cycle, Liberty has made it clear to our student body that the university cannot endorse candidates,” Moore said. “We have done this in various forums including convocation, on hall meetings, in the Champion and through the offices that have provided voter registration opportunities to the student body.” The advertisement, which featured
Gingrich, is one of many that the university uses to promote the school across the nation. The fact that the ad aired on the eve of the Iowa primary is purely coincidental, according to Corry. “Newt Gingrich is a national figure whose prominence has risen greatly,” Corry said. “The ad is not intended to be Liberty University’s endorsement of Speaker Gingrich but to highlight instead that Newt Gingrich has endorsed Liberty University.” “Furthermore, its Chancellor, Jerry Falwell Jr., though legally free to endorse, has not made any endorsement in this election cycle either,” Corry said. Corry concluded his statement by noting that all decisions made by the university were done as business decisions and not in any way intended to take part in the current political happenings. BOLLINGER is the editor in chief.
INSIDE THE CHAMPION
News
GLTC troubles
Budget woes continue. How will cutbacks affect Liberty? A6
Sports
Events
Legendary coach leaves a mixed legacy. B1
Student Activities’ third annual Lynchburg city scavenger hunt. B4
Farewell Paterno
Hill City Hunt
News Opinion Sports Feature
A1 A4 B1 B6
NEWS
A2/Liberty Champion
January 24, 2012
Liberty honors Martin Luther King Center4ME holds annual Let Freedom Ring event on 50th anniversary of the pastor’s visit to Lynchburg Caroline Crumpler ccrumpler@liberty.edu
Liberty University celebrated the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the annual Let Freedom Ring event hosted by the Center for Multi-Cultural Enrichment (Center4ME) on Jan. 16, 2001. Students, faculty and the Lynchburg community gathered to pray, worship and reflect on the accomplishments and struggles of King and the nation in the quest for civil rights. The day also marked the 50th anniversary of King’s visit to Lynchburg and the integration of the city’s schools. The service began with prayer led by Center4ME student staffer Justin Smith, who thanked God for giving King his vision and asked that others present may be inspired also. After a powerful presentation of King’s, “I have a dream” speech by Treandous Cuthbertsap, the Bridging the Gap Ministries performed an inspirational dance. The atmosphere turned celebratory as the audience sang and shouted with praise as the Ramp Church Choir and Shekijah Preparation Assembly led worship. After the time of praise, keynote speaker Keith Jefferson, the African-American Church Strategist for the International Mission Board, addressed the audience. Jefferson spoke of King’s accomplishments as a young adult and his early passion for equality for all. King, at the age of 14, won a speech contest where he challenged that the nation would never be truly prosperous when there existed
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King — Martin Luther King Jr. gives one of his monumental speeches. systematic theology at Crozer Theological disunity and oppression. Jefferson also stressed King’s passion Seminary and Boston University respecand commitment to education. King fin- tively. However, Jefferson cited statistics that ished high school at age 15 and then graduated Morehouse College four years later. today only 48 percent of African AmeriHe also went on to receive his bachelor can males graduate high school and 58 of divinity and doctorate of philosophy in percent of females graduate college.
Jefferson referred to Liberty’s high percentage of ethnic students and cited it as proof that Liberty students are beating the odds. “My heart is full because as I can see in this crowd tonight that you at Liberty are living the dream,” Jefferson said. Jefferson encouraged students to not grow weary in the face of challenges and related how King faced his biggest crisis at just 25 years old. After graduation, he had to choose where to raise his family. King decided to leave the relative safety of the north and move his family to Montgomery, Ala. Jefferson continued to encourage students to live King’s dream and finish their education and to also continue in their study of God’s word. After closing remarks from Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Mark Hine, students gathered in groups to pray for each other and discuss the service. “It was a wonderful opportunity to come celebrate with my group of friends. This really showed that Liberty cares about us and the unity and development of the school,” junior Amara Costen said. Other students were encouraged to keep living the dream as Jefferson suggested. “His message inspires me to keep on pushing and keep the dream alive, to peacefully do something and change things and to move forward,” sophomore JD Mason said.
CRUMPLER is a news reporter.
Liberty’s online M.B.A. ranks among top 25 in nation A high ranking and affordable program sets the School of Business apart from others across the countryside
Omar Adams oadams@liberty.edu
Liberty University Online’s Master of Business Administration ranks among the top 25 in the nation, according to the inaugural Smart Choice ranking. The announcement comes at a time when online degrees — and M.B.A.s in particular — are in demand, according to School of Business Dean Scott Hicks. Increased enrollment in online degrees has made master’s degrees more valuable in turn, he said. “How do you gain value over your competitor to jockey and be viable for the next job?” Hicks said. “If bachelor’s degrees saturate the market, then the next step is definitely the master’s degree.” Earning an M.B.A. is also a major benefit to small business owners. Startup businesses are increasing exponentially as the economy continues to rebuild, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). GEM released its annual report Friday, Jan. 19, reporting that the number
Robert DuVaul | Promotional Publications
higher education — LUOnline’s Master of Business Administration is in high demand as college graduates and entrepreneurs try to stand out from the crowd. of new businesses increased to its highest point since 2005. “When a student comes in very directed
and wants to own their own business, this is kind of their boot camp where they’re going to learn about finance and HR and
all those issues that you’re going to have to deal with in your own business,” Associate Dean Dr. Anita Satterlee said. Affordability is one of the highlights of Liberty’s M.B.A. program. Of the 25 schools on the list, Liberty has the lowest cost at $19,710 for the 45-credit program. Students can specialize in accounting, criminal justice, healthcare management, human resources, international business, leadership, marketing, project management, public administration and public relations. Liberty’s School of Business has several improvements and new programs awaiting administrative approval, but Hicks expects them to further increase the school’s national ranking once they come into effect. “One of the things we’re providing is a good education with superior ethic behind it, and that is certainly valued in business,” he said. ADAMS is the asst. news editor.
Students combat rising costs by renting textbooks Lindsey Birchfield lsbirchfield@liberty.edu
Rising textbook prices forced college bookstores and online providers to be creative in their marketing tactics. Renting textbooks is among the fastest growing means of ordering textbooks recently. With each book price dramatically cut, many college students saw renting as the perfect option. The Liberty University bookstore rental program was responsible for much of their success this semester. Half of the courses offered at Liberty now provide the option to rent the required
text, which enabled students to take full advantage of the rental program. “More students are coming back to the bookstore for their textbooks because of our rental program,” store manager Ellen Mayes said. Liberty University’s bookstore rental program offered 50 percent off the regular purchase price of the textbook. Even with cheap ways to find textbooks online, students preferred the convenience of the campus bookstore. According to Mayes, students still bought at least one of their textbooks from Liberty’s bookstore. “I know I’ll get them on time from the
bookstore, and I don’t have to worry about shipping,” senior Kristin Taylor said. Taylor bought most of her textbooks at the bookstore because of the easy accessibility, she said. Some students, like intercultural studies major Megan Melton, had very limited options when ordering textbooks because of student loans. Melton agrees she would still buy her books at the bookstore because she is keeping most of her books now that she takes classes in her major. College students look for affordability and convenience when buying textbooks. This semester was no different when
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letter to the editor policies & info
students came back with the challenge of finding the least painful way to order textbooks. With more options provided to students, especially through the web, it is now easier to find a textbook at the cheapest price. The campus bookstore still gets the majority of students’ business, though. Liberty’s bookstore is working on making the other options disappear from students’ minds. “We are trying to be more cost-conscious for them,” Mayes said. “We want to be the one stop shop.” BIRCHFIELD is a news reporter.
The Champion encourages community members to submit letters to the editor on any subject. Letters should not exceed 400 words and must be typed and signed. The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Letters and columns that appear are the opinion of the author solely, not the Champion editorial board or Liberty University. All material submitted becomes property of the Champion. The Champion reserves the right to accept, reject or edit any letter received — according to the Champion stylebook, taste and the Liberty University mission statement.
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NEWS
January 24, 2012
While you were away...
Liberty Champion/A3
things you may have missed
Liberty University community mourns loss
Breanna Boyd
Stacia Anderson
Victoria Lind
into the sky in honor of them. A memorial service was also held later that night at Thomas Road Baptist Church. The service was an opportunity for friends and family to gather for a time of mourning and to share memories of the two girls, according to a News & Advance article. LCA superintendent John Patterson, friend of the girls and an LCA teacher, spoke at the service. Preston remembers Anderson and Boyd’s independent nature, especially when both girls would slightly bend the LCA uniform policy. “Stacia and Breanna would always find ways to dress up,� Preston said in an interview with the News & Advance. “Stacia had these orange boots and would wear them a lot.� The concrete pole where the accident occurred evolved into a memorial service. Flowers of different colors and candles surround the crash site along with a pink poster board with goodbye messages. “Your laughs and smiles will be truly missed. Fly high,� wrote one student on the poster board. Preston describes the best friends that died together that Friday night in three words: “They were loved.�
vlind@liberty.edu
Tragedy struck the Lynchburg and Liberty Christian Academy (LCA) community Jan. 6, after LCA seniors Stacia Anderson, 17, and Breanna Boyd, 17, were killed in a single car accident. The four-door Honda Civic, operated by Anderson, swerved to the right side of Mayflower Drive, then swerved to the left and hit a concrete pole at a private business. Excessive speed was to blame, according to a Central Virginia Crimestoppers news release. Both girls were pronounced dead at the scene. Both Anderson and Boyd had close ties with the Lynchburg community. Anderson’s father, Keith, currently serves as the Dean of Students at Liberty University as well as Chief Conduct Officer, according to a biography on the Liberty website. Anderson and Boyd were considered best friends and “were always in the hallways together and outside of school,� LCA campus pastor Louis Preston Jr. said. On Thursday, Jan. 12, LCA seniors gathered in the lobby of the school during their lunch period to write messages on orange and purple balloons, Anderson and Boyd’s favorite colors, to set free
LIND is a news reporter.
Wards Road tunnel open for use
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
Tunnel— Students gain safe passage across Wards Road through tunnel usage.
Tabitha Cassidy tcassidy@liberty.edu
A tunnel allowing students passage between Liberty University residential dorms and Wards Road is now open for travel. Discussions to construct the tunnel began in 2006, but Liberty needed to gain the necessary approvals before the university began its renovations, Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. said. The normal method for building tunnels under railroad tracks, according to Falwell, consists of building temporary tracks to be used until the new structure is complete. Liberty decided to tunnel under the tracks instead. “All of Liberty’s construction staff and engineers‌accomplished a feat of engineering that many thought would be impossible,â€? Falwell said.
The tunnel runs under the railroad tracks separating the school from Wards Road. According to Falwell, the tunnel is gated and only allows those individuals with a Liberty identification card to use it. Commuter students, faculty and staff are able to use the tunnel the same way as students living on campus, but they must first enter through the Liberty side. “This will keep commuters from parking at Panera and walking to campus,� Falwell said. A fence is also currently being built along the length of the railroad tracks to prevent students from crossing at any other location other than the tunnel, Falwell said. The Norfolk Southern Railway was also thanked for their cooperation in this project by Falwell. CASSIDY is the news editor.
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OPINION
JANUARY 24, 2012
Debunking the 2012 ‘Apocalypse’
Andrew Gula
jagula@liberty.edu
Now that 2012 has finally arrived, the world turns its watchful eye to Dec. 21. The end of the Mayan calendar, and the end of the world — or so some believe — is only 11 months away. But in all seriousness, there are some very real aspects to consider about this whole “doomsday” business. First and foremost, the Mayan calendar most certainly does not predict the apocalypse. Originally, the Mayans used something called the “Calendar Round.” It was a 52year cycle arranged to cover the lifespan of the average Mayan. Frustrated with the restrictions of such a short calendar, the Mayans, who were brilliant astronomers and mathematicians, created a calendar based on numbers rather than time. This let them manage dates further into the future. And this “Long Count” was set to last 5,126 years. Cave painting — Predicting the end of But the Mayans — whose empire only begins again on Jan. 1 — another longlasted from about 250-900 A.D. — never count period begins for the Mayan calenhad the opportunity to see the closure of dar,” NASA said on its website. the first Long Count cycle. In response to the questions about For some reason, they set the calendar “Planet X” and a planetary collision, as beginning in 3114 B.C. Add 5,126 NASA was more than clear on the fictiyears to that, and the first Long Count tious nature — and the background story comes to a close in 2012. This is where — of this alleged doomsday prediction. the debates about the end of this calendar According to NASA, the story began begin: no one knows what — if anything with claims that Nibiru — a planet sup— will happen once it concludes. posedly discovered by the Sumerians Here is where the end-of-the-world the- 6,000 years ago — was headed toward ories begin. Many people discuss the pre- Earth. A collision was predicted for May diction that a “Planet X” will crash into 2003, but when no planet appeared, the Earth. On top of this, a deadly solar flare catastrophe was moved to December and a complete shift in the geomagnetics 2012. This was then tied into the end of of Earth’s poles are also scheduled to oc- the Mayan calendar, resulting in an imagcur on Dec. 21, 2012. inary doomsday dated Dec. 21, 2012. Now certainly, if any one of these “Nibiru and other stories about waythings actually occurred it would have cat- ward planets are an internet hoax. There astrophic — or, dare I say, apocalyptic — is no factual basis for these claims. If Niconsequences on life as we know it. The biru or Planet X were real and headed only problem is that there is absolutely for an encounter with the Earth in 2012, zero proof that any of these things is likely astronomers would have been tracking it to occur this year, or any year after 2012. for at least the past decade, and it would Obviously aware of the smorgasbord be visible by now to the naked eye. Obviof theories floating around the internet, ously, it does not exist,” NASA said. NASA made a New Year’s resolution to To wrap up the questions, NASA fodebunk these hoaxes on their website. cused on the biggest query of them all: “Nothing bad will happen to the Earth How do scientists feel about the suggesin 2012... Just as the calendar you have on tion of a pending doomsday? your kitchen wall does not cease to exist “For any claims of disaster or draafter Dec. 31, the Mayan calendar does matic changes in 2012, where is the scinot cease to exist on Dec. 21, 2012. This ence? Where is the evidence? There is date is the end of the Mayan long-count none, and for all the fictional assertions, period but then — just as your calendar whether they are made in books, movies,
Philip Andrews
the world has been a recurring event since the Old Testament days. documentaries or over the Internet, we cannot change that simple fact. There is no credible evidence for any of the assertions made in support of unusual events taking place in Dec. 2012,” NASA posted. Admittedly, the Mayan calendar is coming to a close. The 5,126-year Long Count is coming to an end. However, the Mayans had no ties between this and a doomsday — it was simply a way for them to mark time and events beyond the original 52-year calendar, and all of the end-of-the-world stuff was tacked on later. The doomsday theories, if the experts are to be believed, can be thrown out with the bathwater. And according to Dr. David DeWitt, professor and Chair of Biology and Chemistry at Liberty University, apocalypse theories should not be the least bit disturbing to Christians. “God’s promise to Noah, to never again destroy all living creatures includes in Gen. 8:22 the promise that as long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, summer and winter, day and night will not cease. God has created the earth with protective and compensatory mechanisms so that it will persist and life will persist until Judgment Day, when Christ returns and there is a new heaven and a new earth. That is how the earth will end,” DeWitt said. With this promise in mind, the suggestion that the Mayans could predict what our top-of-the-line planetariums, thou sands of dedicated scientists and the Bible
cannot is preposterous to even consider. “In my opinion, global warming alarmism falls into this category as well. The earth goes through warm and cold periods. Being from Michigan I am well aware of the glaciers that covered parts of the Midwest, carved and melted to form the Great Lakes. This was not caused by SUVs and burning fossil fuels but a natural process that God put in place. Christians are called to be good stewards so we should not pollute or try to destroy the earth, but neither should we fear a natural catastrophe that would destroy the planet,” DeWitt said. From a Christian perspective, the conclusions we should draw from all of this ought to be obvious by this point. Yes, the Mayans were brilliant astronomers. And yes, the end of their Long Count calendar is fast approaching. But most assuredly no, the world is not ending on Dec. 21 because of planets aligning or magnetic poles reversing. Mark 13:32 says, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” And that makes all of the apocalyptic predictions just a load of superstitious nonsense to help the doomsayers get attention and sell their books — just look at Harold Camping’s predictions.
GULA is the opinion editor.
The answer for child obesity is not surgery
Gaetane Maurice
gmmaurice@liberty.edu
The issue of obesity in America is no secret. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every three adults is obese and 17 percent of children and adolescents ages 2 to 19 are overweight. Since 1980, obesity among children and adolescents has nearly tripled. Methods such as diet and exercise are proving to be ineffective in helping the younger generation with the rapidly growing weight problem. Being that obesity rates are continuing to rise, this has also increased the number of weight-loss surgeries to about 220,000 operations a year, according to the New York Times. Pediatricians are now suggesting weight-loss surgery to children to help
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keep obesity rates at bay. The operation of choice is Lap-Band, according to a New York Times article. Lap-Band is a surgically inserted silicone band that constricts the stomach to make the patient feel full quickly. The procedure only takes 25 minutes to complete. “I can’t believe that parents would even consider letting their kids have surgery,” senior Rebekah Mercer said. It seems as if our society today wants everything to be instant and easy. “It [surgery] is a total cop-out,” junior Tyrone Moore said. Instead of implementing better eating habits or stressing the importance of health to children, a 25-minute surgery is offered instead. An article in the New York Times titled “Young, Obese and in Surgery” documents the journey of, then, 17-year-old Shani Gofman, who received the Lap-
your high school sweetheart becomes your wife.” Yes, those are the words of a country song. Kenny Chesney to be exact. No, I am not a country fan, but the words he offered have me thinking. One month. Thirty-one days. Bollinger Seven hundred fortyfour hours. That is how long I was away from the lovely city of Lynchburg. As I wove my way back through the traffic that reminded me I was indeed back at Liberty University, I realized how much had happened since I was gone. The trees have lost their leaves, on-campus students have relocated their cars — and main campus parking spots
Band, and shows the highs and lows this teen faced after undergoing the procedure. The procedure proved to be successful in the beginning until Gofman’s poor eating habits surfaced yet again, causing her to regain most of the weight that was lost as a result of the surgery. And Allergan — the makers of the Lap-Band — is now seeking permission from the Food and Drug Administration to target patients as young as 14 years old. “I think we are already relying too much on surgery to fix our appearance rather than taking steps to live healthier lifestyles,” Professor of Nursing and Department Chair Deanna Britt said. “It seems like this is a trend that will continue to affect future generations.” Despite being able to receive this weight loss surgery, there’s no guarantee that these children will keep off the weight. are sold-out — the tunnel from Wards Road is open and the food court in Vines is closed. As I stood in line — for the third time — attempting to obtain a magic carpool decal, I realized how quickly my time here at Liberty has come and gone, and how much has changed over that timespan. It feels like yesterday I sat in Freshman Seminar — even though I was a transfer student who was cruelly misdirected — and now, here I sit beginning my last semester of my undergraduate degree. Time flies. Before we know it, we are going to be 80 years old and sitting in a nursing home wondering where our lives went. In the blink of an eye everything can change. We spend so much time worrying about the little things. We make little
“These types of surgeries are only useful if the child would be willing to change the habits that made them obese in the first place,” Britt said. “Usually, this surgery isn’t done on adults until they have proven that they can eat correctly and have an active lifestyle for at least a year.” In a time where most of a child’s day consists of sitting in front of a computer or television, exercise is no longer part of a child’s daily agenda. The concept of playing outside is becoming more and more foreign. The cure for this weight gain epidemic is not one that is going to come about overnight. “Eat less — move more,” is Britt’s advice. Of course, this is easier said than done, but if implemented daily, progress will definitely be made. MAURICE is an opinion writer.
issues into life altering dilemmas. This semester, what would happen if we decided to not take our time at Liberty for granted? What would happen if we decided to live our lives without worrying about what is going to happen after graduation? Beginning this semester, that is my goal. “So I’ve been tryin’ ta slow it down. I’ve been tryin’ ta take it in “In this here today, gone tomorrow world we’re livin’ in,” Chesney continues. Our lives are not promised. No one guarantees that we even make it to graduation. “You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away,” James 4:14. Think about it.
NEWS
January 24, 2012
Liberty Champion/A5
New parking plan takes effect Sara Nicole Radke
FYI
snradke@liberty.edu
With continued parking problems plaguing the Liberty University campus, officials have required commuter students and some Campus East and Hill residents to re-register their cars. New decals have been made available to these students, Chief of Police Col. Richard D. Hinkley said. Hinkley said the reason is because the lots and the numbers of allowed vehicles per lot are different this semester due to parking issues and construction. Red and purple permits must be replaced with Zone 1 or Zone 2 permits. According to the Vice President of Financial Research and Analysis Richard Martin, the biggest issue is how to deal with the loss of about 600 parking places because of the construction of the library and baseball field projects. Unfortunately, there are a lot of components and there is not an easy answer. One major change was moving some residential students to the Wingate parking lot in order for commuters to have more parking places on campus. “Monday the parking was fine. Tuesday was awful. I got to campus 40 minutes early and could not find a spot anywhere. Even the pit on South Campus was almost full,” junior Will Green said. However, according to Martin, the big-
GILL continued from B1 Buffalo won the Mid-American Conference title and clinched its first bowl game appearance in program history. For his efforts, Sporting News awarded Gill the MAC Coach of the Year award. Gill was also an assistant at his alma mater, the University of Nebraska, for 13 years, aiding in the development of standout players such as Heisman-winning quarterback Eric Crouch. In three starting seasons at the University of Nebraska, Gill led the ‘Huskers to three consecutive Big 8 titles. Gill was 28-2 all-time as a starting quarterback and engineered one of the most prolific offenses in college history, averaging 52 points and 401 yards rushed per game, earning him a Heisman candidacy in 1983. As for his game plan, Gill favors a physical and explosive offense built around the run, while also giving the quarterback the freedom to move around the pocket and throw the occasional bomb. On defense, Gill said he expects his players to be fundamentally sound. “I want people to be speaking about our defense as ‘those guys will hit you.’ We want to have that mentality. That’s going to get the fans excited.” The Fort Worth, Texas native also plans on returning to his state, a football factory of high school talent, in the next few years
Park and Ride Schedule
Another option is to carpool. Commuters can search or offer a carpool on the transit website. DeMoss Hall is reserved for carpool, handicap and visitors. gest problem Tuesday was not a lack of parking places, but almost 400 commuter students had parked in the Zone 1 with expired decals. These commuters had not gotten the new decals, which would have required the vehicles to be parked in Zone 2, where 900 places were available. The situation began to improve on Wednesday when towing was enforced for expired decals. Zone 1 allows vehicles to park in Speakman, Reber-Thomas and Reber-Thomas Drive. Zone 2 parking allows vehicles to park by Green Hall, Bailey, Doc’s Diner and East Intramural Field. Pavilion parking at Green Hall is now available with 200 spots. Martin also had several recommendations that could help with guaranteeing students a place. The first is to park-and-ride. Even if a student does not live at Cornerstone, he or she can still park and get a ride to Libfor recruiting trips. “Everybody is recognizing Liberty. It is a school where people have heard that great things are going on there. With the addition of the staff that we have hired, people have really wanted to come see it. We’ve been well taken. Our fans are going to be excited about the people we’re going to be bringing in,” Gill said. For those who remain apprehensive about the program’s direction, Gill has set the bar high for a team that has won four conference championships in six years. “Our number one goal is to win our conference. That then gives you the chance to win a national championship, so first comes a conference championship and then a national championship,” Gill said. “We have high expectations. I always had high exceptions no matter where I’ve been. If you don’t have high expectations, you’re in the wrong situation.” Regardless of where the program goes, Gill’s focus is set, his determination steadfast. “Bottom line, we’re going to develop young men for Christ, build champions for Christ, that’s one of our mission statements. We’ve got to do things within this university’s standards and, most importantly, God’s standards, but also, bottom line, we’re here to win championships.” WOOLFOLK is a sports reporter.
Walmart on Old Forest Road and Food Lion on Boonsboro Drive Park and Ride Options: Pick up times: 6:35 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 8:20 a.m. and 9:20 a.m. Benjamin Lesley| Liberty Champion
Parking — New permits are required. erty. Cornerstone and Walden Pond bus routes have increased. Another option is to carpool. Commuters can search or offer a carpool on the transit website. DeMoss Hall is reserved for carpool, handicap and visitors. Zone 2 parking also has the possibility for parking at the East Intramural Field if a student does not have a problem with driving on gravel. Hinkley said that it is too early to tell how the changes are holding up, but he expects to see commuters have an easier time trying to find parking and that there should be a higher use of carpools and buses.
Tilley return service: 4:20 p.m. and 5:20 p.m. DeMoss Hall return service: 4:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.
Other Park and Ride Options: Liberty University Residential Annex via route 73: every 15 minutes. The Plaza via route 80x every half hour. Macy’s at River Ridge Mall via route 4F every hour. Cornerstone Community via route 85 every hour.
RADKE is a news reporter.
GOOGLE continued from B1 Google to advertise to users who type keywords into relevant searches. Once Google introduced a platform to reach target audiences, Liberty University decided to utilize online advertising as a tool to reach prospective students. Since the expansion of mobile Internet usage, creating webpages that are easy to navigate and display properly on mobile devices rather than desktops has been essential. Peterson counts the case study as an extremely positive reflection on the university. “Any time Google calls you based on what you are doing, it’s a compliment,” Peterson said. He said Google was interested in how Liberty University Online was leveraging the tools they provided to create a successful campaign. Peterson also said advertising through Google is still only one part to a multipronged approach to marketing the university, and that Liberty continues to use many traditional methods such as print, radio and television. However, as society has begun to embrace new technology and more people are making the switch to smart phones, Liberty University Online recognizes the importance of exploring new advertising
Liberty Champion
advertising — Liberty ads can be seen on various mobile devices. methods to reach greater audiences. Interestingly, the increase in mobile advertising has also proved to be cost effective for the university. Since Google only allows advertisements to display on a search that is relevant, this keeps the cost for mobile advertising low for Liberty University Online. As more people search for education options through portable devices, mobile advertising has become an increasingly important part of Liberty’s overall marketing strategy, Peterson said. “Liberty University has always been an innovator, so we want to participate where people are looking.” Peterson said.
GIBBY is a news reporter.
sundae~GRILL This weeks question:
What is the biggest news story coming from South Carolina this week? *Please send your answer to: libertychampionadvertising@gmail.com by 12 / 11 for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Sundae Grill.
Ben Lesley | Liberty Champion
Airshow — Coble’s L-39 Albatross sits on the tarmac during the airshow last May. felt by so many people.” COBLE continued from A1 Coble combined his love for flying with his love of serving other people experience that Trey will never forget,” through his involvement with Veterans Falwell told Liberty’s News Service. Airlift Command — a group of volCoble was also heavily involved in unteer aircraft owners and pilots who politics as the cofounder and treasurer provide medical and other transportaof the Coalition of Concerned Christion for wounded warriors, veterans and tians Political Action Committee and their families. Foundation (CCC) located in Burling“I have heard numerous stories about ton, N.C. Established in 1980, the CCC how Tom helped individuals and minishas researched and evaluated political tries in need. He was a family man who candidates in an attempt to recommend kept a low profile but he quietly helped candidates “committed to the preservation of liberty and morality in this coun- others whenever he could,” Falwell said try,” according to the coalition’s website. to Liberty’s News Service. “Tom will be greatly missed by Liberty University and “Tom had such a huge love for Jesus by the Falwell family. Thousands of us and kingdom work,” Liberty alumna and former CCC employee Sarah Abare here are praying for the Coble family.” said. “He wanted to influence the world for God in any way he could. He was so generous and kind and his loss will be ADAMS is the asst. news editor.
A6/Liberty Champion
NEWS
January 24, 2012
Liberty considers GLTC billing
A miscalculation in billing from the GLTC caused Liberty to take a closer look at transit costs from company
Tabitha Cassidy tcassidy@liberty.edu
H
igh transit costs and fees by the Greater Lynchburg Transit Company (GLTC) may be costing the busing company the business of Liberty University. In a report released by the GLTC board, Liberty’s payment for the 2012 fiscal year was miscalculated. The GLTC had been inconsistently using a “Paratransit” adjustment to calculate costs applied to the college and, as their formula dictates, using figures from two years previous, the report said. The GLTC board was asked to revise the current billing formula it uses to charge Liberty for its services each year. Richard Martin, the vice president of financial research and analysis at Liberty, said that the university has expressed concerns regarding the high costs that the GLTC has been charging. “We have asked GLTC to reconsider the rates. There does seem to be some confusion about exactly how many hours GLTC will be asked to operate the next year, and we are working to clear up any confusion,” Martin said. Annually, the actual operating expenses for Liberty averages $1.4 million, accord-
ing to the report released by the GLTC. For the current fiscal year, Liberty is expected to be invoiced a bill for around $1 million, Martin said. For the 2007 fiscal year, Liberty’s actual operating expense was $389,056. For the 2012 fiscal year, the university’s operating expense was just over $1.7 million, which is a 345 percent increase. Kimball Payne, city manager and GLTC board member, said that the GLTC works to provide service to the entire community, which Liberty is a part of, but that the university has a different need because of its focused demand. “The goal is to keep everyone’s costs Archives | Liberty Champion down as much as possible,” Payne said. transit — Students utilize buses by riding from one side of campus to the other. Due to the high rates and the complications with the formula, Martin growth. to keep the campus easily accessible to said that Liberty is currently shopping “We also believe that Liberty has been pedestrians. around for a possible private operating a significant part of GLTC’s recent suc“We want to develop a campus where service that can provide transportation cess and would like to see that continue students and employees are not depenfor students, faculty and staff should the as well. However, Liberty must be assured dent on having a personal vehicle in orGLTC decide to continue using the curthat transit costs are sustainable before it der to be an active part of the campus,” rent rates. can commit to further growth using the Martin said. “We will be visiting a number of camcurrent transit system,” Martin said. The GLTC board will meet again puses that utilize these operators during Based upon the 2013 fiscal year budFeb. 1 to discuss the numbers they put the spring semester,” Martin said. get, Liberty is expected to account for 35 to possible solutions to the bill revision The partnership between Liberty and percent of service hours provided by the proposed by Liberty, Payne said. GLTC began in 2007, and since then, ac- GLTC annually. According to Martin, cording to Martin, the busing system has with this much ridership and the continubeen a significant part of the campus’ ing growth of the campus, Liberty wants CASSIDY is the news editor.
New developments in the psychology department Jessica Rowell jrowell@liberty.edu
Liberty University’s Psychology Club is gearing up to make some major changes in the wake of the spring semester with a new name and program set for the future. The PsyComm, which stands for “The Psychology Community,” will replace Liberty’s current and smaller scale Psychology Club to become an all-encompassing organization that promotes the inclusion and unity of the entire Psychology Department. Faculty advisor to the Psychology Club Dr. Larry
Anderson hopes the new changes will increase involvement from students and staff in the field. “PsyComm will be the new umbrella organization for the Psych Department,” Anderson explained. “We want everyone to be a part of the PsyComm, including psych students, faculty and even our online students.” As one of the current faculty advisors for the club, Anderson helped facilitate and plan the new agenda for the club with the assistance of another advisor, Dr. Daniel Logan, and several club members. The psychology honors program, Psi
FYI
The psychology department has bachelor degrees in counseling, human development, clinical, research and human services. Chi, along with the Daniels’ Program for outstanding psychology students, is included under this new “umbrella” program, encouraging interaction between all psychology divisions. Part of the new changes under PsyComm include doing away with offi-
cial memberships and instead promoting the more welcoming title of “contributors.” Contributors will pay a $10 annual fee to participate in various club benefits including psychology activities, seminars with speakers and tailgates. While promotions and major changes will not appear for a month or so, Anderson is optimistic about PsyComm’s potential. “Overall, we are trying to make and create an atmosphere of unity, connection, involvement and caring. We want all to feel a part,” Anderson said. ROWELL is a news reporter.
FOR TICKETING INFORMATION CALL 582.SEAT OR PURCHASE ONLINE AT WWW.LIBERTY.EDU/SA FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL STUDENTACTIVITIESINFO@LIBERTY.EDU OR CALL 434.592.3061
SPORTS
JANUARY 24, 2012
Wrestling team ranked No. 2 in coaches poll
Jesse Castro has already made his stamp in his inaugural season in the National Collegiate Wrestling Association Paul Frazier pfrazier2@liberty.edu
A small building behind the south end zone of Williams Stadium houses one of the most successful athletic programs at Liberty University — the wrestling team, currently ranked second nationally in the latest NCWA Coaches Poll. Liberty’s defeat of No.1 (overall) Apprentice School helped vault the Flames into their current coaches poll ranking.
“This is a great opportunity to promote our sport and educate the university that we still have a program after being moved from NCAA Division I to NCWA,” head coach Jesse Castro said. Castro made it clear that he is completely satisfied with the support of the administration. “We still have a budget. We still have a travel schedule,” Castro said. “Right now, our Dual Meet record is 13-1. We are competing against NCAA Division I schools, Division II, Division
III and NAIA schools. We have had kids place high in very prestigious tournaments such as the Virginia Tech Open and the NC State Open,” Castro said. Liberty only retained “about 30 to 40 percent” of the roster from graduation, as well as suffering transfers when the program lost its Division I status. Castro has a simple mantra this year. “Love of the sport, opportunity and loyalty to our program,” Castro said. “Our guys have received much support from alumni to carry on the tradition of our
program, and that’s what it’s about.” Present success has not clouded the vision of what the future requires for a successful team. “We have to continue recruiting guys who are brought in, not only into our program, but also the mission of Liberty University,” Castro said. “We’re excited about our program and where it is headed.” FRAZIER is a sports reporter.
Lady Flames lean on defense for win
Avery Warley had three blocks and the Lady Flames held Presbyterian to 24 percent shooting Derrick Battle dbattle2@liberty.edu
W
ith 6:56 left in the second half, Reagan Miller feeds a pass to an open Tolu Omotola off the inbound who lays it in. Execution and decision-making was key in defeating Presbyterian. The Lady Flames continued to roll through the conference, winning its fourth straight game against the Presbyterian Blue Hose 59-39. With only nine players, the Lady Flames controlled the game from the onset. “We continue to have injury problems,” head coach Carey Green said. “We have red-shirted a couple of girls as well. We are not totally healthy yet, but we have some good ball players that can easily come in and fill the roles needed.” Both teams started off slowly combining for only one field goal in four minutes. However, the Lady Flames stayed aggressive, getting to the line 11 times in the first half. At tipoff, It was a physical the Lady game throughout. The Flames Blue Hose were held averaged to a season low 24 percent from the field 79.9 points and racked up a total per game of 22 fouls. Three players, including the Blue Hose leading scorer Mariah Pietrowski, had four fouls and sat most of the second half. The Lady Flames exploited the undersize Blue Hose and outscored them 30-10 in the paint and gathered 17-second chance points. Turnovers plagued the Lady Flames mid-way through the second half. After committing only seven in the first half, they made 13 more turnovers in the second half, which helped setup a small spark for the Blue Hose. But key Presby players racking up on fouls made the comeback infeasible. Avery Warley led the way with a game high, 16 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Warley now moves into third alltime in blocks with 134 in school history. Although the shots were not falling for her, Devon Brown stayed aggressive and attacked the rim. Brown finished with 13 points and nine rebounds. Miller chipped in with seven points and four assists and Danika Dale had eight points and eight rebounds.
FYI
Ruth Bibby| Liberty Champion
Painting a Picture — Hard work by players such as Jasmine Gardner (24) contributed to 30 Liberty paint-points.
See BBALL on B2
A farewell to Joseph Vincent Paterno: Goodbye, dear JoePa Andrew Woolfolk alwoolfolk@liberty.edu
Joe Paterno is gone. After winning 409 football games, after coaching at the highest level of football for over 60 years, after winning two national championships, after winning Sports Illustrated Man of the Year in 1986, after becoming the face of not only his team, but of his institution, “JoePa” is gone. And many people will say one thing. He could have done more. The fateful, reflective phrase “I wish
I had done more,” uttered by Paterno on Nov. 9 when asked about his lackluster effort in the confrontation of Jerry Sandusky will no doubt serve as his epitaph to the pubWoolfolk lic. Rarely has the condemnation of a coaches career been so brief but so adhesive. When a coaching assistant presented Sandusky’s heinous crimes to him,
Paterno reported the crime to his athletic director and a school director with connections to the university’s police force. Still, Paterno knew, he could have done more. Yet in the world we live in today, the harsh public is still quick to forgive and forget the transgressions of the athlete who comes back and produces wins and highlight reel material. But for coaches, regardless of the success, the road is much tougher. And for Joe, it may be impossible. The public sees his life story in one way.
He could have done more. But one can’t deny that Paterno was to college football what John Wooden was to college basketball. He was the stoic grandfatherly figure. On one hand, tough and demanding, yet loyal and tender on the other. He was the stalwart general with oversized spectacles and a distinct hobbling pace. And before the Sandusky episode, he seemed to be the last bastion of integrity in a collegiate world filled with scandal and suspensions.
See PATERNO on B2
SPORTS
B2/Liberty Champion
January 24, 2012
Over Break
Sanders, Warley hit career milestones Jessica Grigg jgrigg@liberty.edu
Sanders “I’m coming to the end of my career here and am realizing more and more that I need to see each and every workout, practice and game as a gift. So I want to invest in as many teammates as possible and work as hard as I can each and every day,” senior Liberty guard Jesse Sanders said. Sanders reached several milestones over break, setting the all-time Vines Center single-game assist record, with 16 against Montreat, and scored a season high 22 points against the Hampton Pirates. Sanders became the 22nd player entered into the hallowed 1,000-point club against Richmond. Sanders had 14 points on the night. Sanders also became the first player in Division I history to post a triple-double in each of his four seasons. He accomplished this mark in a win against High Point, where he finished with 14 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds. Coming off a seven-game losing streak, the Flames defeated Virginia Intermont 7860, the Hampton Pirates 74-65 and Montreat 91-73. Warley The Lady Flames basketball team defeated Glenville State, 116-65. Senior center Avery Warley grabbed 18 rebounds. Later in the break against High Point University, Warley became Liberty’s all-time leading women’s hoops rebounder. The Lady Flames went 6-2 over break, knocking off Big South foes Campbell, Coastal, Charleston Southern and Radford. “I believe the highlight over winter break and overall for me is to see us come together, and learning how to win together. Just realizing who we are along with our weakness and trying to get better and better everyday,” Warley said. GRIGG is a sports reporter.
Women Bball contiuned from B1 With this win, Liberty remains undefeated against Presbyterian posting an 8-0 record and remains second in the Big South. “PC is well coached and it takes time to establish a program and have a legacy,” Green said. “They haven’t been Division I very long. They do a very good job but they just need more pieces to fit the puzzle. They have young talent but it is going to take time for them to develop. It’s important to not sleep on their development and how well they are going to be in the future.” BATTLE is the assistant sports editor.
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
grabbing air — The snowboarding and skiing team uses more than Snowflex to prepare for the spring campaign.
Freestyling into the season Brent Washburn bwashburn2@liberty.edu
Alhough it is still January and substantial snow has yet to fall here at Liberty University, the Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding Team has been working hard training for its spring competitive season. Much of the team’s training is possible thanks to the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre that has athletes to practice year round without the threat of summer or low snowfall yields much like this winter. However, few know that the Freestyle Team trains much like any other sport at Liberty. The Freestyle Team trains not only at Snowflex and at other mountain resorts, but they also hit the gym to tune their turns in a different manner. The team’s strength trainer, Anaisabel Middleton, has the team up before 7 a.m. three Paterno, contiuned from B1 While Paterno regularly recruited teenagers with rough pasts, his players graduated from college, 78 percent of them to be exact, second only to Texas Tech in powerhouse football programs and well above the 67 percent average among Division I programs. In his years coaching, 36 players were named Academic All-Americans, fourth most ever. He turned jocks into productive citizens. He
times a week to strengthen their core and lower body. “We train the core, because that is where your body’s power comes from, and we train each leg individually so the athletes can react quickly,” Middleton said. Workouts have been vigorous preparing for the spring season. “Well, for starters, I hate waking up at 6:30 a.m. but after the shock of waking up I believe the workouts are improving our team and even making us more cohesive and team-like,” sophomore Zach Bukolt said. This spring marks the Freestyle Team’s third season, but workouts were not implemented until November 2011. This was a decision made by the team coaches, Will Scheren and Kevin Manguiob, who noted that all of the professionals in this sport workout just like any other professional athlete.
helped raise millions of dollars to build his university’s library, which was then fittingly named after him. Students loved him, piling at his door and starting nothing short of a destructive mob party when he was let go from the university. He displayed loyalty, spurning numerous offers from NFL teams to move up to their ranks. He displayed toughness, most notably in 2007 and 2009, where he broke his leg and had hip replacement surgery, respectively. Both times, whether
Still, there is a lot of talent and skill in the ever-progressing world of freestyle skiing and snowboarding, and physical training can only aide in this sport. In order to fine-tune the skills the teammates have, they must practice to learn new tricks and perfect existing ones. Each athlete has one private session with the coaches a week, but the athletes are encouraged to practice as much as they can throughout the rest of the week and most practice everyday. For the first time ever, the team has been issued Wintergreen Mountain Resort season passes to further enhance their training. Unfortunately, the unusually warm winter and low snow yields have made it impossible for Wintergreen to open their terrain park at this point, but they are hopeful to have it open in the coming weeks. WASHBURN is a sports reporter.
by wheelchair or in the press box, he was there for his team, coaching the next game. He displayed hard work simply by doing what he loved every single day. Yet, he knew, he could have done more. Paterno felt for the victims, expressing his sadness over the situation many times. In an interview with CBS, he called it “one of the greatest sorrows of my life.” He described himself as “absolutely devastated” for the children and their families. He was a good man who
handled a situation poorly, something we are all guilty of. He committed no crimes, he blamed no one for his handling of the situation, and expressed no bitterness to the university who ousted him after so many years of service. Yes, he could have done more, but so could we. Now we can forgive, and we can remember.
WOOLFOLK is a sports reporter.
Want more? Check out these stories and more online: 1) Baseball season is coming up. Meet new captain Michael Robertson 2) Liberty’s golf team is at the halfway point in their season. Greg leasure has the story. 3) 90.9 The light’s david massie weighs in on the quarterbackdriven NFL
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SPORTS
January 24, 2012
Liberty Champion/B3
Forward progress for Vander Pol Joel Vander Pol knows the work he’s put into this season. Now, he’s ready to see that hard work pay off Tyler Eacho tpeacho@liberty.edu
Listed at 6’10,” 230 lbs., redshirt sophomore Joel Vander Pol brings to the table a lofty perspective for what is widely considered an undersized Liberty Flames men’s basketball team. Vander Pol graduated from Evangelical Christian, Fort Myers, Fla. where he averaged 23 points and 14 rebounds per game, in 2009. At Evangelical, he earned all-state, all-star and all-area honors, while being nominated for Florida’s Mr. Basketball award. In 2010, a thinner, unpolished Vander Pol arrived at Liberty University with high hopes but no idea what to expect. One thing that he was sure of was that his coach would be the man who recruited him, Dale Layer, rather than Ritchie McKay, who left the university prior to the season, chasing an assistant coaching job at the University of Virginia. When given a choice by the Flames’ new head coach, Layer, Vander Pol decided to redshirt his freshman year in order to take the time to adjust to the transition between high school and college basketball. “The main difference for me transition-
ing was the speed of the game and the fact that everyone is just a lot stronger,” Vander Pol said. “On my official visit here, we played pickup and that’s when I realized the difference in the speed of the game.” As a redshirt freshman in 2011, Vander Pol, with an additional 15 pounds of muscle, appeared in 31 games, starting in 16 of them. The young player averaged 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, finishing third on the team in blocks with 21. “What Coach Layer does is coach to players’ strengths,” Vander Pol said. “He’ll see what a player can do well, and he will try to coach them to make that a strength.” Coming into his third season, Vander Pol knew that his role would most likely Nate Brown | Liberty Champion expand with the loss of John Brown and Sommy Ogukwe, two players who spent Stretch — Joel Vander Pol’s near-seven-foot wingspan forces defenders elswhere. much of their respective games on the bounds per game. pointing season. boards. “I don’t know if there’s another team “I really like the way the team is playing “With the loss of Sommy and John Brown, we lost a lot of confident rebound- in the league that works as hard as we do. heading down the stretch when it really ing,” Vander Pol said. “(Brown) covered Our conference record in no way reflects matters,” he said. “If we can tune things up a lot of mistakes that our team made, our work ethic or our dedication to win- up as we continue conference play, I think we can be a dangerous team heading into and we didn’t realize how much he did ning,” Vander Pol said. With 11 games to go before the team the tournament.” until we lost him.” Vander Pol has appeared in 17 games heads into the Big South tournament, the so far, averaging 4.9 points and 3.5 re- Flames will look to improve on a disap- EACHO is a sports reporter.
Alumnus lifts Legends to close win Former Liberty baller Damien Hubbard’s lay-up and steal proved clutch
Liberty Connection
just a few ticks left on the clock. “(Damien) was coached very well at Liberty,” Smith said. “Any way we need him, we know we can count on him. Whether it’s rebounding or playmaking or scoring or defensivly, I know I can count on him. He’s a great captain. He often helps get our team in order.” Frisco Sandige, formerly of Delaware State University, had a stellar night for the Legends leading his team in scoring with 27 points while shooting 9-17 from the field and 9-18 from the free throw line. “(Sandige) drew a lot of fouls tonight. He didn’t make all the free throws that he wanted but in general he was aggressive which was what we were looking for,” Smith said. It was the fouls that Sandige drew on offense that separated the two teams. Oddly enough, both teams shot exactly the same number of points from the field in the second half, but the Legends scored on 19 of 24 free throws compared to just six points off foul shots for the Cheetahs. The Legends next home game is Feb. 4 at the Lynchburg City Armory. Cost of admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children. Liberty students can attend for $5 with their Flames Pass.
Team CEO Derek Polley is a recent Liberty University graduate who took his love for the game of basketball and his education in business and produced a new professional basketball team. “God was telling me to mix my passion for basketball and business. I started investigating in 2009 what it would take to get it started,” Polley said. Polley graduated in May 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in business management and hit the ground running with his basketball plans in the fall less than six months removed from life as a student. Polley did the recruiting himself, choosing to hold open tryouts. He picked his team then followed up by hiring his coaching staff. He appears to have a keen eye for talent, as the expansion club has already risen from obscurity to a No. 11 ranking in the national ABA polls and is poised to enter postseason play in its first season. “ABA is an exciting brand of basketball. We have a lot of athletes. We entertain, that’s our big thing. We’re professional basketball in Lynchburg. We’re entertaining. We’re good and we win,” Polley said.
Kyle Harvey kharvey@liberty.edu
The No. 11 Lynchburg Legends were outshot from inside the key, outshot from the three-point line and outshot at the free throw line. They were also out-blocked and out-rebounded by the visiting No. 14 Greensboro Cheetahs. The Legends, however, were only interested in one stat at the end of the game Saturday — the final score. The Legends pulled out a thrilling 126-123 victory in the closing seconds of the game before hundreds of exuberant fans. Needing to overcome a 19-point deficit at the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Legends steadily chipped away at the Cheetahs’ lead, slowly closing the gap to within two points with 7:42 to go in the game. “Coach (Aaron Smith) just told us that this shouldn’t be happening on our home court. The crowd wasn’t into it so it was almost like we were playing an away game. So we had to get back and bring up the energy to get the crowd back into it,” Ryan King said. King, who formerly played for Virginia Union University in Richmond, recorded 18 points and five rebounds in 29 minutes of play against the Cheetahs. The energy returned to the arena when Jeremi Booth capitalized off of his own steal with a layup to tie the game while
Lynchburg Legends| Goggle Images
picking up a foul that he would turn into the go-ahead shot. Booth recorded 12 points and four steals in 27 minutes on the court. “We’ve been down that much before and in the ABA (American Basketball Association) the games are so long with the media timeouts and the 12 minute quarters. We know that 20 points is nothing in a quarter. We can come back and we have the firepower to do that,” Smith said. The Legends were able to hold the edge until, with 27 seconds to go, they surrendered the lead to go down 123-122. Needing a score and a takeaway to finish their near-miraculous comeback, Liberty graduate Damien Hubbard scored on a lay-up to regain the lead. He then immediately recorded a defensive steal that drew a roar from the crowd and helped seal the deal for the hometown team with
HARVEY is a sports reporter.
The Spring House
Restaurant & Reception Hall
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FEATURE
January 24, 2012
Exploring the Hill City David Feliciano dfeliciano@liberty.edu
Ashley Addington anaddington@liberty.edu
Despite less then desirable weather, Student Activities held its third annual Hill City Scavenger Hunt this past Saturday afternoon. The rain did not stop nearly 400 students from participating in the contest. Students that took part in the race registered into groups of four and made the trek to many different spots around campus and town. Clues were given out to teams in a booklet with information about each stop listed. According to scavenger hunt supervisor Jordan Harvey, “It would be impossible to go to every stop in the booklet within the hour and half allowed, so each group will have to decide which places they will go to. Each stop was given a certain amount of points pertaining to the difficulty of the clue or challenge so it is up to the team to decide how many points they get.” The booklet of clues offered 10 different locations but via updates from Facebook and Twitter, bonus locations were announced. The booklet was divided into two different sections called check ins and quests. The check in clues were given out in either mad gab or pictograph type clues in which the teams had to figure out what location they needed to go to. The quests gave away a location to the teams. After a team arrived at a location, they had a challenge to do to figure something out about that respective spot. “The hardest part about the Scavenger Hunt was cracking the mad gabs, picture clues and word scrambles,” participant Will Croushorn said. Other students had different troubles of their own including finding locations for the riddles. “My GPS got me lost a few times through the trip. We ended up in the wrong location several times which was a downer,” Andrew Hirst said. Once students found their way to the designated stop, they checked in with a worker from Student Activities and were
Photo Provided | Liberty Champion Alyssa Bockman | Liberty Champion
pursuing the prize — First place winners of the scavenger hunt won Kindle Fires. able to proceed to the next stop. Being that this was the third year in a row that the scavenger hunt was offered, Student Activities had the event completely under control. “The first two years were more hectic due to a lot more teams participating but this year we put the cap at 100,” Harvey said. Teams checking in with a student activities representative also helped keep the event organized. The first place team was composed of a group of girls who met on their hall last year. It was their second time doing the event. Taylor Milton, Christie Drinkard, Ashley Malone and Victoria Boorum were all ecstatic when their team was called on stage. “Winning was such an amazing experience. We did this event last year and placed third so we were really excited to take first this year,” Milton said. “The hardest part for us as a team was to know how to plan to get around the city in the fastest time possible,” Boorum said. The first place team received brand new Kindle Fires. Second place was rewarded with four eight-gig iPod nano touch screens. The third place team received $50 Wal-Mart gift cards plus four tickets to Visualite Cinemas for any movie of their choice. FELICIANO and ADDINGTON are feature reporters.
Worshipping together — Students from the Liberty’s Center for Worship became the chorus for an upcoming network presentation.
Students get studio experience Justin Berry jlberry@liberty.edu
Eight students from Liberty University’s Center for Worship visited the recording studio Jan. 16 to record background vocals for an upcoming Trinity Broadcasting Network TV special. The program, which will be aired nationally in February, will feature Dove and Grammy award winning recording artists Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patty. The students lifted their voices last Monday to become the background choir in an updated arrangement of Bill Gaither’s “Then Came the Morning,” which was originally released in 1986. The song was arranged and produced by Associate Professor in the Center for Worship Don Marsh. The students also worked on a second piece, recording parts for “Let There Be Light.” The song was co-written, arranged and orchestrated by Carson Wagner, a Thomas Road Baptist Church (TRBC) music staff member and current student at the Center for Worship. Wagner’s song could was performed by Charles Billingsley in TRBC’s annual Virginia Christmas Spectacular this past year. Marsh also produced and conducted this track. “Some of these faces you will recognize. We have students who perform in the Sounds of Liberty,” Marsh said. “We have one student, Tim (Williamson), who performed in the production of Oklahoma! as the leading male role, Curly.”
The students form a brand new class in the Center for Worship, WRSP 335, Artist and Worship Ministry Presentation. Recording experience is one of the learning outcomes for this class. “Having Mr. Marsh direct it was just really fun, because I’ve never seen him in that setting before. He has just always been my professor teaching me about a recording,” Stephanie Sanchez, a member of the group, said.“It was really great to work with him.” “The overall thing that is really neat about being at Liberty is the fact that the teachers are really involved in what they are teaching us,” Bronwyn Baker said. “I think anywhere else we wouldn’t have really gotten that opportunity to record something for someone so well known.” Baker, along with many of the other students who participated in the recording, are involved with different musical groups such as Sounds of Liberty and plays put on by the theater department. “When I saw the list of students I knew they were from a lot of different backgrounds in performance and would be a great selection for the recording,” Marsh said. Harris and Patty will complete the recording for the television special later this month in Nashville. Look for the airing of this TBN broadcast in February.
BERRY is a feature reporter.
Semester highlights Jan. 25 Elephant Room 2 Simulcast at Thomas Road Baptist Church
Feb. 17-March 4 Ragtime Feb. 18 Casting Crowns “Come to the Well” Tour
March 30 Coffeehouse
April 9 Easter Holiday April 13-29 Peter Pan April 23 NeedToBreathe “The Reckoning” Tour
March 12-16 Spring Break
May 1 Last day of classes
March 23-27 Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps
May 5 Senior Picnic at Falwell Farm
March 25 Newsboys “God’s Not Dead” Tour
May 12 Commencement
FEATURE
January 24, 2012
Liberty Champion/B5
LaHaye hosts losing competition
Students attempt to sweat off unhealthy lifestyles for Lahaye LUser weightloss competition Emily Bass embass@liberty.edu
With the spring semester of classes at Liberty University finally underway, along with luggage and open minds, students have brought their New Year’s resolutions to campus. For students with weight loss goals in mind, LaHaye LUser may be the perfect outlet. The LaHaye LUser competition was started in 2006 and is now overseen by LaHaye’s Associate Director of Fitness Ben Cook. For the past five years, LaHaye LUser has been radically changing the lives of its participants one pound at a time. “Our goal is to motivate the Liberty community for weight loss,” Cook said in reference to the 2012 campaign. LaHaye LUser is modeled after the popular reality television series “The Biggest Loser,” which places participants in an environment for optimal weight loss success. The program, made specifically to cater to the needs of Liberty students, is an eight-week fitness regimen that will include access to some of LaHaye’s certified personal trainers. The contestants are required to compete on their own without the assistance of the staff three weeks before their final weigh-in. “Our desire is to make a bigger impact than just weight loss endeavors,” Cook said. Cook seems to truly be reaching his goal with the impact LaHaye LUser continues to make in the lives of former
Barney Davis|Promotional Publications
seeing results— LaHaye LUser will encourage competing students not only to lose weight, but to make lifestyle changes that will impact every area of their lives. participants. Courtney Warren, a sophomore at Liberty, participated in LaHaye LUser 2011. Warren walked away from the experience not only with a lower number
Head for the hills
Student Activities prepares for upcoming Arctic 5k Daniel Garcia dtgarcia@liberty.edu
If your idea of an enjoyable Saturday morning includes freezing temperatures, steep hills and an increased heart rate, then look no further than Student Activities’ Arctic 5k Trail Race, scheduled for Jan. 28, 2012, at the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre. The tagline for the race is “Ice, Sweat & Tears,” and according to Josh Yeoman, sxc.hu associate director of Student Activities, the Arctic 5k will match that title. De- bundle up — Students will get a spite the race’s short length, he said that high-intensity race experience during the runners will find that the course provides Arctic 5k which takes place Jan. 28. a considerable level of difficulty, namely within the elevation changes. land called “very motivational.” Holland “It’s straight up, straight down, with said that the most enjoyable aspect of big hill climbs,” Yeoman said. the races for him is “everyone there, supYeoman, who is in charge of design- porting their friends.” ing Student Activities’ races, stated that Yeoman furthered Holland’s point. a rise in the popularity of high-intensity “It’s so fun to see people who have races among runners was influenced never run a race come into it a little worwhile mapping out the Arctic 5k. The ried, and come out of it feeling accomrace is the most recent addition to the plished,” he said. Liberty Mountain Trail Series, he said. Runners interested in registering for Student employee Emilee Forner, who the race, both students and the general worked at several of last year’s races, public, can find registration forms at echoed Yeoman’s comments on the dif- www.liberty.edu/sa. According to the ficulty of the course. website, advance registration for students “This is going to be one that (the run- is $10, or $15 on race day, and runners ners) should expect a challenge from,” who register prior to Jan. 20 will receive she said. an Arctic 5k race T-shirt. The Arctic 5k will be the first of three “We feel like putting on a good event is trail races for the semester, said Yeoman, an excellent thing in and of itself,” Yeowith an additional three scheduled for man said. the fall. Runners that compete in all six If you enjoy braving the elements inraces this year will receive a T-shirt for stead of the alarm clock, then the Arctic their participation, he said. 5k could be a very good event for you. As with previous races, the Arctic 5k is expected to attract the same crowd – a crowd that student employee Jake Hol- GARCIA is a feature reporter.
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on the scale, but healthy habits which have radically changed her lifestyle even after the competition. Although Warren did not place in the competition, she has lost 60 pounds to date. Warren is
even planning on participating in a half marathon in April 2012 and describes her new, lighter self as a “health-nut.” “These people were a huge encouragement to me. My life has changed drastically,” Warren said. Another former participant, sophomore Cassie Vitale, said the Lahaye LUser competition improved her life. “LaHaye LUser not only changed my life, but saved it as well. I was on track for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and congestive heart failure, all of which run in my family. By learning how to live a healthier lifestyle and lose weight I’ve been able to become a better person,” Vitale said. Cook explains that in past years many students apply for the competition in hopes of achieving their weight loss goals and of those students, 12 participants are chosen to compete. While weight loss is the objective goal of competing in the LaHaye LUser, the experience is also meant to show the participants how to recognize unhealthy habits and replace them with healthier options. For winners of LaHaye LUser, there are up to $1000 in prizes. The competition is open to all Liberty students and the deadline to turn in applications is Friday, Jan. 27. The cost to apply is $5. The competition begins Feb. 11 and will end April 28. For more information, contact the LaHaye Student Union at 592-3148. BASS is a feature reporter.
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FEATURE
JANUARY 24, 2012
Ruth Bibby| Liberty Champion
Swashbucklers take stage We are the pirates — The classic tale of a group of gentle-hearted pirates opened the spring semester at Liberty’s Tower Theater with the Pirates of Penzance.
Kayla Gurley
kgurley@liberty.edu
L
iberty University’s Opera Workshop presented Gilbert & Sullivan’s comedy, The Pirates of Penzance, to over 150 guests on opening night, Jan. 20, at the Tower Theater. A crew of 29 cast members brought to life the classic tale of a soft-hearted pirate group, more timid than terrifying, who try to make a living off of pillaging and plundering and have their eyes set on winning the hearts of the Major General’s, played by senior Joshua Head, nine daughters. The evening was filled with robust rounds of laughter from the audience every time the Pirate King, played by Andrew Potter, stepped on stage, and countless musical numbers filled the air. “This is the third time I have directed
The Pirates of Penzance,” Director Dr. Wayne Kompelien said. “The reason I picked this again is because it is my favorite Gilbert & Sullivan show, and a parody that keeps people laughing long after they’ve left the theater.” Kompelien started Opera Workshop in 1988 and has been directing ever since. “I started the workshop because when I came to Liberty University, I saw these fine singers who weren’t getting the experience of melding music and drama and I wanted to give them that outlet,” Kompelien said. Junior Andrew Potter said this particular show had challenges that were quite unique and different from what he is normally used to dealing with. “Probably the hardest thing about pulling this off was learning to not just sing opera, but sing it like a pirate. It
took a lot of vocal practice, but it was really fun and I learned a lot,” Potter said. Senior Andrew Struhar played Frederick, the pirate who is torn between loyalty to his crew and love for the Major General’s daughter, Mabel, played by Jessica Moutoux. The stage is no stranger to Struhar as he has been in over 40 productions since his middle school years. “I can definitely relate to my character because he is seeking true love in life, like I think most of us are,” Struhar said. “He has an over-the-top type of integrity, and I can identify with his more noble characteristics.” Head, on the other hand, said he did not identify much with his zany, whacky character, the Major General, yet he enjoyed being able to gain experience portraying a character with such a crazy personality.
“One of the best things about this production has been the rehearsals and how much the cast has laughed,” Head said. “This certainly is one of the most fun casts to be around — even the lighting crew has fun with us.” Kompelien agrees that there is no “drama” in the drama. “The best thing about all this has been the kids. They are such a great group and all get along so well and are humble. They work together and are clearly in it for the right reasons,” Kompelien said. Tickets are on sale now for the remaining shows which will run Jan. 21, 26, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m., and Jan. 22 at 2:30 p.m. For more information about the show or to purchase tickets, call the ticket office at 434-582-7358. GURLEY is a feature reporter.
Alluvion creates flood of opportunity Liberty’s Department of Theatre Arts turns blessing into promise with the creation of a new stage company
Shelanne Jennings snjennings@liberty.edu
The outpouring of talent from Liberty University’s Department of Theatre Arts has flooded into a new business venture. Alluvion Stage Company, a professional branch of Liberty’s theatre department, will be producing shows which incorporate sets of higher quality with select theatre students and actors with the experience of the professional stage. “The shows have become a family event. The resources are now available to us because of our new facilities and professionals have been contacting us to ask how they could be involved because of our national exposure,” Department Chair Linda Nell Cooper said. “We saw this and started thinking how can we take advantage of this opportunity and supply the needs of our audience, as well as the needs of our upcoming seniors, who are very much ready for professional work?” According to Cooper, the vision of starting Liberty’s own Stage Company had been five years in the making, and has been actively created within the last six months. Alluvion, which means “overflow,” will provide student actors the opportunity to perform, side by side, with working professionals, learning and building connections that will benefit them once they graduate. The idea of the company’s creation became a reality after the overwhelming response to the department’s performance of Phantom of the Opera at the Tower stage in April 2011. “As a department, we cannot afford to do six shows at the caliber of Phantom and yet we have a public that now requests productions like Phantom. We don’t want to compromise what we do in the academic world where we experiment
with something like 39 Steps, which is a small cast, small show. It’s not commercial at all but it’s really good for our students academically. We aren’t depending on selling out the house in order for it to happen,” Cooper said. “This way we can balance between our shows by adding a professional arm. The professional arm’s focus is entertainment, pleasing an audience and giving them something to look forward to as a family.” The business will also allow Liberty to have exclusive rights to their shows and offer premieres. The first show produced under Alluvion will be Peter Pan, set to take stage April 13 to 29, a long-time dream for the theater department. “Peter Pan was one of the shows that when we were at Lloyd Theater, we always said that if we ever get the right theater, Peter Pan is a show we should do because there was no way we could ever do it there. Other shows we adapted to there but Peter Pan we couldn’t,” Cooper said. “When we were thinking of Peter Pan, we thought, why not go professional with that one? Why not spend just a little more as a professional theater to bring in the right special effects and do it the way no one has ever done it in Lynchburg, that no one has ever done it in Central Virginia?” The show will star upperclassmen Caleb Hughes as Peter Pan, who will be acting alongside Liberty professor Chris Nelson who will take the role of Captain Hook. “A lot of these students that are going to be graduating this year were in my first class, because this is my fourth year being here. The ones leaving are the ones that came in when I came in so that’s kind of a neat opportunity,” Nelson said. “I’ll be acting with people that have been here as long as I have as a professor and I’ve had
Barney Davis | Liberty Champion
Taking Stage — Students will now be able to work alongside working artists and performers in theater shows produced under the Alluvion branch. them in classes. It’s a fun opportunity to get up there and put into practice what I teach. It is going to be a ton of fun, being able to create characters and have fun moments with some of these students who are leaving.” The Department of Theatre Arts will continue to produce shows such as Alfred Hitchcock’s 39 Steps, as Alluvion continues to grow with each year. “Our plan is to start with Peter Pan and then grow from that,” Cooper said. “We would like to do two shows next year, and then three shows until we have a complete season of professional shows and a com-
plete season of academic shows.” Alluvion’s ticket prices will range from $5 to $20, depending on the seating tier. Ticket discounts will still be provided for students, children less than 12 years of age, senior citizens and those who serve in the military. For more information about the Tower Theater, the Department of Theatre Arts and Liberty’s spring theater shows, visit liberty.edu/theatre.
JENNINGS is the feature editor.
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