David Crowder Says Goodbye
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Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Libertychampion.com
Volume 29 • Issue 09
The cost of college
Student loans pile up Justin Jones jljones9@liberty.edu
There’s an old saying that goes something like “The cost of livings high.” Then, it is usually followed up with reasons such as “inflation” or “that’s just the way things are.” For college students across America, investing in their education through a college degree gives them a greater chance to manage the cost that life brings. Two-thirds of the 2010 college In recent years, stuseniors gradudents have been faced with a rising cost of ated with loans. They carried education rates across an average of America. The Associ- $25, 250 in debt ated Press reported on according to a Oct. 26 that the aver- recent report by age tuition for a full- The Project on Student Debt, time student is near $8,000. With room and board, in-state cost reaches $17,000 a year. According to the Executive Director of Financial Aid, Dr. Robert Ritz, Liberty’s tuition fares well against other institutions. “While some schools are increasing tuition costs by double digit percentages, Liberty continues to stand by low costs for a private education,” Ritz said. The total cost for a year of undergraduate studies including all fees and housing comes to an approximate cost of $25,834, according Liberty’s website. With scholarships, grants and federal loans, the cost is significantly less for most students. Still, tuition has risen across the country, and graduates will be forced to face
FYI
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
HONORING SERVICE — Sparky poses with military personnel at Saturday’s football game against VMI, at which there was a Halftime Tribute to our nation’s heroes.
Military Emphasis Week kicks off Tabitha Cassidy tcassidy@liberty.edu
They fight for freedom, sacrifice endlessly and somehow find time to fit in a quality education. Liberty University military students and veterans are being honored for an entire week this year in what the Office of Military Affairs calls Military Emphasis Week. This seven day event
kicked off last week, Saturday, Nov. 5, with the military appreciation game against Virginia Military Institute (VMI) put on by Liberty University’s athletic department. The week will round off with a trip to the National D-Day Memorial this upcoming Saturday, Nov. 12. Military Emphasis Week strategically encompasses Veterans Day, which takes place Friday, Nov. 11, this
week year. Emily Foutz, the director of Military Affairs, said that Military Emphasis Week is meant to help raise awareness of all the sacrifices that veterans make in order to serve the country. “So many times we take them (the soldiers) for granted and we don’t know how service affects their lives and their families’ lives,” Foutz said.
The Office of Military Affairs, according to their website, helps those students who are currently in the military or who have had some involvement with the military in the past handle their benefits for service. In the past, this week long event was encapsulated into one day.
See PRICES, A3
See MILITARY, A3
Bus riders pay price for GLTC budget cuts
Company cuts budget and services to save $320 thousand, clientele affected by inconvenience Tola Adamson-Olaotan aoadamsonolaotan@liberty.edu
After the Lynchburg City Council turned down a $100,000 funding request from the Greater Lynchburg Transit Company (GLTC) in September, the bus company was forced to make major cuts that could be inconvenient for Lynchburg bus riders starting next year. According to a letter presented in the Oct. 25 city council meeting, GLTC already set budget and service cuts, totaling to more than $320,000 in savings. The plan has some members of city council, such as Vice Mayor Ceasor Johnson, concerned about the financial
strain this will have on bus riders. Johnson said it is not fair that bus riders would have to be inconvenienced because of the mismanagement of the GLTC budget. “When I think about those people who ride the bus, who are going to have to ride the bus whatever y’all charge, they still don’t have any options,” Johnson said. “And when they can’t afford bus fare, they sure can’t afford taxi fare.” The bus company plans to cut $120,000 in administration and save over $76,000 in service reduction. They also plan to generate over $122,000 in new revenue with fare increases. If approved, the new budget will be implemented Jan.1, 2012, according to the GLTC board.
A recent audit report of GLTC, requested by city council, revealed that GLTC management was not effectively monitoring cash balances, grant applications and reimbursements. According to the audit report, the GLTC board was not receiving adequate information regarding its finances. Upon the fare increase and service reduction GLTC implemented Oct. 1, GLTC also wants to reduce weekday and Saturday service and eliminate Route No. 10. In the letter to city council, GLTC Board President Lisa Dibble assured city council that their decision was not easy. “These reductions in service were se-
lected carefully to cause our riders the least possible inconvenience,” Dibble said. “We feel these steps are absolutely necessary and unavoidable in order to ensure the financial stability of GLTC going forward, particularly in light of the expectation that our line of credit will be maxed-out again at year-end if we fail to act now.” After noticing how much budget cuts had already affected bus riders, city council member Randy Nelson was not in favor of further service reductions.
See GLTC, A8
INSIDE THE CHAMPION
News
Construction
Liberty prepares to put in new commuter parking lot near campus. A2
Sports
Events
Lady Flames volleyball team honors seniors on Friday. B1
Office of Student Conduct makes changes to the dress code. B5
Senior Night
Liberty Way
News Opinion Sports Feature
Deadline: November 16 See A6 for more details. www.samaritanspurse.org
A1 A4 B1 B8
NEWS
A2/Liberty Champion
November 8, 2011
Construction continues on new parking lots Projects will create 200 new commuter and employee spaces and open up view of campus from Route 460
Katherine Lacaze kelacaze@liberty.edu
Liberty University is continuing its building and construction trend as work takes place on several sites on and around campus. Construction of a new parking lot is taking place on the property beside the Extended Stay America on University Boulevard, where dirt is being moved and the ground is being leveled. “The main goal of the project was to create 200 new commuter and employee parking spaces and also to open up the view of the campus by removing the underbrush and the ugly mounds of dirt on the property,” Spence said. According to Spence, Chancellor Jerry Falwell has been looking at cleaning up the lot for several years. “It took a lot of time to get it approved because some of the property was owned by the City of Lynchburg and some of the property was owned by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT),” Spence said. “We were able to purchase much of the property and obtain permission to improve the portions owned by others.” The work done for the project has already begun to result in a clear view from Route 460 and Route 29. “Additionally, the dirt was very useful, and cheaper, in constructing the new parking lot next to the School of Worship, also known as David’s Place,” Spence said. According to Spence, the construction project by Extended Stay America, including the new parking lot, will be com-
Katherine Lacaze | Liberty Champion
OPEN SPACES — The construction along University Boulevard will create more parking spaces and beautify the campus. pleted by graduation. Another one of the sites where crews have been working is along the side of University Boulevard, across the street from the Liberty University practice football field and Williams Stadium. A collection of grey drainage pipes sits ready to be placed in the ground. According to Charles Spence, Liberty’s
director of planning and new construction, they will be used for drainage in that area. The small lot next to the highway will soon become either green space for tailgating and student recreation or a parking lot, according to Falwell. Work trucks were taking up parking spaces in nearby parking lots at desig-
nated times several days throughout the past week. Spence said that the maintenance department is installing some underground wiring for Christmas Lights at another site.
LACAZE is the news editor.
Bubbles potentially damage fountain Jenna Vanden Brook jvandenbrook@liberty.edu
Bubbles erupted from the fountain in front of DeMoss twice in two weeks, and it seems to be an annual event for the pranksters on Liberty University’s campus. For the most recent bout of bubbles, Liberty’s maintenance staff acted quickly to clean it up. It takes two men four hours to completely clean the fountain of bubbles, Scott Starnes, director of building maintenance, said. The duo has to completely flush the pipes, clean the fountain with specialty cleaner and replace the water. The bubbles have not damaged the fountain yet and Starnes attributes the lack of damage, at least in part, to the maintenance staff ’s immediate response to the bubbles. “As soon as we find that (there are bubbles in the fountain) we send a team out immediately to clean it up,” Starnes said. Over time, damage to the fountain is a possibility, Starnes said.
Another prank that the maintenance staff has to focus a lot of time and energy on cleaning is graffiti on campus. The biggest problem with graffiti is that it spoils the image that Liberty tries to portray through its well-maintained campus. Starnes has fond memories of the time when a dinosaur was put on the roof of the Reber-Thomas Dining Hall for a while a few years ago. “Every so often we find a deer by the garbage bins wearing a Liberty hoody, sitting on a lawn chair,” Starnes said. “That’s pretty funny.” Aside from the occasional foaming fountain or prehistoric animal on the roof of the Reber-Thomas Dining Hall, the maintenance staff does not spend a lot of time cleaning up after pranks. “We don’t have too many problems,” Starnes said. “We have a great bunch of students on this campus.” Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
VANDEN BROOK is a news reporter.
DAMAGING — What may seem like a harmless prank can actually wreak havoc and create hours of work for members of the maintenance staff.
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NEWS
November 8, 2011
Liberty Champion/A3
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DOMINATION — Liberty’s NIFA team took first place in all but one event in the Region X tournament. The team will compete at Nationals on May 14 to 19.
NIFA team dominates Regionals
Flight competition team wins seventh consecutive tournament, proceeds to Nationals Omar Adams oadams@liberty.edu
Liberty University’s National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) team claimed their seventh straight regional tournament since the team’s inception 10 years ago. The Region X competition took place at Franklin Municipal Airport in Franklin, Va. from Oct. 27 to 29. Most of Liberty’s current NIFA team members had never competed before this tournament. “The entire team this year did an excellent job,” Liberty senior and flight instructor Jeff Schlaudt said. “Ten of our fifteen competitors were new to our flight team
this year, so to have such a young team and still come out on top speaks volumes about the quality of the team members and about Liberty’s aviation program in general.” Assistant coach Kevin Lang attributed much of the team’s success to the leadership of team veterans. “The older team members really stepped up and helped guide the new members,” Lang said. “The majority of our new members placed at Regionals due to the great leadership of the veterans of the team.” Returner Eric Bell received Liberty’s Outstanding Team Member award for placing first or second in four separate
events. “Eric is a superb pilot and played a key role in our win this year,” Schlaudt said. The win qualifies Liberty to compete in the 2012 national championship May 14 to 19 hosted by Kansas State University at Salina. Liberty placed 15th at the last two national tournaments. According to Schlaudt, the weather last year “threw us a couple of curve balls,” but the team still placed well. “This year’s team has the skill and mindset to place in the top ten,” Lang said. “Nevertheless, there are always factors outside of our control (like the weather at Nationals last year) that can always change things … We will be taking it up
a notch in our practices so that the only reason we would not do well at Nationals would be factors outside of our control.” Overall, NIFA team members recognize the importance of the competition to their careers beyond building skills and résumés. “We realize that the person who is our competition today could end up being our copilot in the cockpit of an airliner a few years from now,” Schlaudt said. “It’s important to establish relationships and begin networking at places like this.”
ADAMS is the web editor.
Gov. McDonnell endorses Garrett for state senate Amy Royall aroyall@liberty.edu
Tom Garrett, 22nd District Republican candidate, visited the Republican Victory Center at 3:30 p.m. Sunday to campaign for a seat in the Virginia State Senate. Gov. Bob McDonnell endorsed Garrett at the rally and encouraged supporters to urge as many people as possible to go to the polls and vote for Garrett in Tuesday’s election. Garrett is running against Democrat Bert Dodson who served on the Lynchburg City Council for 12 years and as Vice Mayor for six years, according to his website dodsonforsenate.com. When asked how Garrett would compensate for Dodson’s heavy involvement in Central Virginia, he responded, “I plan to work hard and pray harder.” About 200 people came to support Garrett at the rally — a much higher turnout than last year’s rally for Congressman Bob Goodlatte, according to Goodlatte who was at the event. Delegate Matt Fariss, Goodlatte and Delegate Scott Garrett all agreed that one
MILITARY continued from A1 Now, according to Foutz, the event includes several events meant to increase awareness of military happenings and the dedicated servicemen around Liberty University students. This year, events include a special convocation with guest speaker Lieutenant General William G. Boykin, a military panel from the pentagon at the Liberty University School of Law and a dessert reception sponsored by the Concerned Women for America for current individuals in the military, as well as veterans. According to Foutz and Kati Edinger, the military coordinator for the Office of Military Affairs and the faculty advisor for student groups supporting the military such as Students Behind Our Soldiers (SBS), Student Veterans Group (SVS) and Silent Ranks with a Vision (SRV), Liberty University’s Office of Military Affairs ranked number two in the Best for Vets survey for online and nontraditional colleges put on by Military Times Edge every year.
of the reasons, if not the main reason, they support Tom Garrett is because of his strong Christian conservatism. “Garrett is the only candidate who will put Virginia back on the right track fundamentally,” Fariss said. “Government will never have your family as first priority when making decisions and policies. Garrett, however, is a strong family man and will consider family as a large factor in every decision he makes as Virginia’s Senator. I want my children to experience the freedoms I had growing up and unless we work to get Christian conservatives like Garrett elected, that will not happen.” “Our opponent and I share the same end goal — we both want to increase the 22nd district’s prosperity,” Garrett said. “The difference is the path that we take to get there. We researched Dodson’s voting record and could not find one time within the past 12 years that he voted against a tax increase.” Garrett said that he wants to work off of a “kitchen table” budget, which basically means borrowing is out of the picture. He also wants to improve public transportation, safety and education.
“I shouted for joy yesterday. I was very excited. We’ll be number one next year,” Edinger, who served in the Navy for 20 years as a paralegal, said. According to Foutz, other departments at Liberty also help run Military Emphasis Week and help get students interested. Other than the athletic department, which put together the VMI military appreciation game, the psychology department, according to both Edinger and Foutz, is having Major General Robert F. Dees grace the halls to provide special training regarding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and how to help those veterans suffering from it. This free event takes place in DeMoss Hall room 1114 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10. For more information regarding the events taking place during Military Emphasis Week, students are encouraged to check out the Office of Military Affairs’ website at www.liberty. edu/militaryaffairs. CASSIDY is a news reporter.
Alyssa Bockman | Liberty Champion
RALLY — Prominent Republican candidates and officials gather on Sunday, Nov. 6. “I will work to make sure taxpayers money is spent intelligently and efficiently,” Garrett said. Congressman Robert Hurt said Garrett should be elected because he will work for limited government. Other prominent attendants of the
PRICES continued from A1 their debt soon after graduation. In an interview with the Associated Press, President of the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education Patrick Callan explained the rise in cost. “The states cut budgets, the price goes up and the (federal) money goes to that,” Callan said. “For 25 years we’ve been putting more and more money into financial aid, and tuition keeps going up. We’re on a national treadmill.” Ritz explained that as a private university, Liberty is not impacted directly like other universities are by budget cuts. “Most of the state budget cuts do not affect Liberty University aside from the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant, because Liberty is a private school,” he said. President Obama has tried to compensate for the growing problem of excessive student debt due to the growing cost of college tuition. Recently, he announced plans in which the maximum repayment amount will be capped at 10 percent of discretionary incomes for federal student loans. The policy was not set to begin until 2014, but the President has said that it will now begin in 2012.
event include: Delegate Kathy Byron, Bedford sheriff Mike Brown, Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Pat Mullins and Delegate Lacey Putney, to name a few. ROYALL is a news reporter.
President Obama also plans to reduce the time in which students are forced to pay off their student loans to 20 years. Currently, the amount of time until a loan will be forgiven is 25 years. To support its students, the financial aid office at Liberty offers students financial aid advisors to personally look over their costs. Ritz noted the ways in which students can receive aid. “Liberty institutional scholarships are notably generous with the Champion (scholarship) increasing annually with enrollment,” he said. “Not only does Liberty offer institutional aid, we also process federal grants, loans, and state grants for students.” In October, staff members from financial aid visited the Reber-Thomas Dining Hall in what was called “Financial Aid 2 Go.” Students had easy access to get questions answered without having to visit the Financial Aid office in Green Hall. Another “Financial Aid 2 Go” is planned for the spring semester. For more information on how to manage your college debt, go to liberty.edu/financeadmin/financialaid. JONES is a news reporter.
OPINION
David S. Holloway
NOVEMBER 8, 2011
Justin Sullivan
Steve Gooch
Michael Dalder
Choosing an American Leader 2012 ELECTORAL CANDIDATES — Candidates from all walks of life and faith fight to lead, fix and bring hope to our country.
Voting strictly on religious beliefs is not always the best way to choose a presidential candidate to support
Gabe Fowler gfowler2@liberty.edu
C
harles Wendell “Chuck” Colson, a Christian leader, Prison Fellowship Ministries founder and former Special Counsel for President Richard Nixon during the Watergate era, recently wrote a column about whether Christians should consider voting for a non-Christian presidential candidate. Colson declares that there is “no religious test for public office,” and to “stop criticizing candidates for their religious convictions.” People get wrapped up in this issue. Not to say that a leader with a strong faith in God should not be voted into office, but it is almost like Christians arguing about the color of the carpet, or the new guitar being used for worship. A Christian leader could be the preferred choice, but Christians should not vote for a president based solely on his/her religious standards. Leadership is much more than what a person says they are. It is more about the actions they take to stand for morality and integrity.
Barricading ourselves against those who may not have the same beliefs could run the risk of not putting someone into office that would benefit our country greatly. Also, common sense tells you that not everyone is honest in their approach to power, so even “Christian” leaders can put on a front to get other votes. Politics is almost like reality television sometimes, creating a persona for the camera, perfecting every line of the prompter and practicing an Oscar speech. We want a president, leader, captain and commander that will “do justice, restrain evil, and preserve order,” Colson said. “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn,” Proverbs 29:2 says. Even a non-Christian, moral and ethical leader has the ability to do this, and choosing them over a faith-based leader who is not competent would be a better choice. America is a country that allows the people to vote for their leader, a privilege that other countries who are chained and shackled by a dictator do not have. Just look at the recent uproar in Libya that led to the brutal murder
of three decade long tyrannical leader Muammar Gadhafi. Christians and non-Christians alike should cherish this privilege of chosen leaders with the utmost importance, taking everything into account, not just religion. “How soon we forget history... Government is not reason. Government is not eloquence. It is force. And, like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master,” President George Washington said. We need to pass along a sophisticated knowledge of government to generations after us so their decisions become focused on the real error in government before we vex our country even more. Government can either build up a nation or burn it down. Christians should value a candidate on their motive for improvement and their ability to lead or even the strongest faith can be shaken. A person of faith may be most qualified in the realm of faith, but not necessarily in the essence of leadership. FOWLER is an opinion editor.
Technology is the devil in disguise
As technology continues to develop, the level of education, knowledge and communication dwindles. Rachel Deas rdeas@liberty.edu
I
n a world where Facebook has 800 million active users, according to its website, it is easy to assume that people’s lives revolve around that media. Most of the millennial generation cannot go longer than five minutes before checking their cell phone, email or Facebook pages. Society, though, rarely stops to think about the consequences of this technological lifestyle. Technology changes how the world operates—how people communicate, learn and behave. “Technology has done more harm than good,” Liberty University Communications Professor Bruce Kirk said. “We can’t resolve issues because of the lack of communication skills.” Kirk said that 90 percent of the cues people receive are non-verbal, meaning that people react more to what they see, such as body language, tone, etc. and only
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10 percent is verbal, referring to what the person actually said. People have to learn a new way to communicate online because nonverbal skills are limited if not extinct. Verbal communication is not the only skill that suffers because of technology— grammar and writing abilities do as well. “Technology has had a negative impact on my generation’s skills,” sophomore and English major Lauren Jackson said. “I can see it in their writing, how much its [technology] affected them. Some of the papers I edit look like second graders wrote it,” she said. Kirk stated that this loss of communication skills may even hurt the millennial generation when it comes time to join the workforce. “I can’t tell you how many times I get professional emails from students, and they use texting acronyms throughout it,” Kirk said. It does not come off well and may damage the employer’s first impression of the applicant
“Be still and know that I am God,” Psalm 46:10. This semester has been crazy. Parking dilemmas, politics, wedding arrangements and post graduation plans have dominated my agenda. And, of course, just when I think life can’t get BOLLINGER any crazier, a 15page paper strategically places itself on top of it all. College is hard. Life is hard — but no one promised that it would be easy. Coming to such a hectic point in the semester, or in life, we could throw ourselves a pity party, but pity does not fix
Kirk said. Te c h n o l o g y does more than change people’s communication. According to It changes how CTIA.org, 2.12 trillion we learn and protext messages were sent between June cess information 2010 and Julne 2011. as well. So much is done through In the same year, technology now. there were 2.25 Teachers use trillion minutes of smart boards, wireless phone use, post grades onas listed on CTIA.org. line and have students interact by using their cell phones in class to answer questions. However, with great power comes great responsibility. The technology blessings that this generation enjoys can be easily turned into a curse if misused. Technology changed how the world
FYI
the situation. It is by understanding that our strength does not come through us. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea,” Psalm 46:1-2. As I sat completely consumed with my “hard” life, God broke through with his purpose and plan. Psalm 46 is all about trusting in God. It is about understanding that apart from him we have no good. When life has taken a rough turn and there seems to be no other way to go God says, “Be still.” His purpose for giving us the Bible was not to condemn us for our imperfection, but to show us that although we are imperfect, his love covers a multi-
runs, in both good and bad ways. It is a double-edged sword, one that society today cannot live without. Technology infused itself with the means of how people communicate, learn and behave. The world continues to walk along a fine line with technology. However, one thing is certain. Civilization started this great balancing act with technology, and it will either walk the tight rope across or fall to the wayside. Omar N. Bradley, a commander during WWII, once said, “If we continue to develop our technology without wisdom or prudence, our servant may prove to be our executioner.” Let this be a word to the wise. DEAS is an opinion writer.
tude of problems, and by his strength we will survive. Sometimes it is through the roughest of situations that we find God calling us to stop and take a moment to dwell on the fact that he is going to carry us through, no matter what happens. When I take a second to think about how small my problems are in comparison to mountains falling into the sea, finally, I realize that God’s grace is not that he handles my “huge” problems. His grace is in that he carries my heart through not only my minor issues, but has promised to hold me through anything. There is comfort in knowing that no matter what we are facing God is there for us. All we have to do is be still and know that he is God.
OPINION
November 8, 2011
Liberty Champion/A5
PETA sues SeaWorld on ‘slavery’ charges Resident orcas are not able to utilize their rights to free speech, bearing arms or voting Jasmine Martin jmartin14@liberty.edu
Throughout years of history classes, teachers have taught students about the liberation of people in America and the gaining of their Constitutional rights. Animal rights activists group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) feels that animals should also overcome oppression and “slavery” and gain their constitutional rights. This is a ridiculous notion because animals would not know the difference between living with Constitutional rights or not, because there is no constitution for animals in the first place. PETA activists feel that SeaWorld is holding orcas against their will, therefore infringing on their 13th Amendment right. The five plaintiff orcas, Tilikum, Katina, Kasatka, Corky and Ulises are all residents at Orlando and San Diego SeaWorld locations. They were “captured” by SeaWorld and have been enslaved by the large corporation. “Slavery is slavery, and it does not depend on the species of the slave any more than it depends on gender, race, or religion,” general counsel to PETA, Jeffrey Kerr, said in the news release “PETA Sues SeaWorld for Violating Orcas’ Constitutional Rights” on PETA.org. The activists are fighting to free the orcas back into
SeaWorld.com
SAVE THE WHALES — Animal rights groups aim erroneous accusations against animal-saving organization. the wild, where they will gain all of their Constitutional rights such as free speech, bearing arms and even the right to vote. Being animals, however, they would not be able to recognize or execute these rights. The most they would be able to understand is the unfortunate truth that they would find themselves in a new home where they’d have to adapt to new surroundings.
Even as PETA files a lawsuit against SeaWorld, the corporation and its employees patiently continue to help the animals that have been saved by their staff. “SeaWorld employees are currently treating more than 50 rescued wild animals and preparing them to return to their natural habitats… We’re left to wonder how many animals in need could’ve been helped with the thousands of dollars spent on PETA’s latest exercise in theatrics,” SeaWorld’s vice president of communications, Fred Jacobs, said regarding PETA’s expensive protests in the article “SeaWorld Responds To PETA Protest” on Orlando news website, WESH.com. PETA is just trying to raise a fuss and show how much they have done for the animal community. Realistically, the radical PETA members are notorious for throwing red paint on beautiful fur coats or making people feel guilty for eating delicious food. Now they threaten to shut down a wonderful theme park that helps animals and provides education and entertainment. If PETA were to succeed in this case, what is next? Shutting down national zoos and all other wildlife resorts?
MARTIN is an opinion writer.
European Union seeks way to solve euro-crisis As other countries follow in the footsteps of Greece’s economic collapse, world leaders seek a resolution
Clint Hayes rhayes4@liberty.edu
The European Union is caught in a seemingly inescapable economic quagmire, and at the root of it is the country of Greece. After much debate and international economic scrutiny, European leaders agreed on another bailout of debt-ridden Greece. The first bailout, which occurred in May 2010, was predicated on an agreement which included austerity measures for the Greek government, according to a BBC article. However, austerity ended up killing economic growth in Greece. Social unrest followed suit, causing protests and government infighting. Most of the responsibility for buying up Greece’s debt falls upon Germany, Europe’s strongest economy. Germany has more government debt exposure to Greece than any other country in the Eurozone. German lawmakers voted by a large majority to authorize Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, to negotiate an increase in the emergency bailout fund to $1.4 trillion, more than double the current $610 billion, according to a New York Times article, “Europe Agrees to Basics of Plan to Resolve Euro Crisis.” However, in a move that shocked international economic leaders, the Greek Cabinet unanimously supported Prime
Minister George Papandreou’s plan to call a referendum on the country’s financial crisis. The decision was widely criticized, even within Greece’s own government. A referendum will push the decision back until at least early December, and many According to BBC’s fear the instaarticle entitled “Eurobility within zone approves massive Greece bail-out,” the Greece can2010 bail-out plan for not be susGreece was a 110 tained for that billion-euro three-year long, possibly financial package. causing the country to European banks were willing to take a 50 perabandon the cent loss on their loans euro. Greece’s to Greece in an effort referendum to relieve the struggling appeal comes country’s financial at a rather burdens, according to inopportune a New York Times page time, as the dedicated to news about Greece’s G-20 summit economic situation. is scheduled to be held on Nov. 3 and the world’s economic leaders are eager to hear a definitive plan on how Europe intends to handle its financial woes.
FYI
sundae~GRILL Congratulations Andrew Anderson! Please come by the Champion Office to pick up your $25 gift card to the Sundae Grill. This weeks question: What sport does the Liberty club team called “The Huxtables” play? *Please submit your answer at the Champion Office (DeMoss 1035) by 1:00pm Thursday, Nov. 10 for your chance to win!
To muddle matters further, at the Nov. 3 meeting Papandreou made a complete about-turn and announced that he had no plan to go through with the referendum. The result of this, according to a DailyMail.co.uk article by James Chapman and Graham Smith, is the fact that the unusual move simply pushed Papandreou’s opposition to hurriedly move to support the euro bailout. As if matters could not get worse, Greece is not the only European country in trouble. Spain, Portugal and Italy – Europe’s third strongest economy – are also feared to be on the verge of economic meltdown, according to an article in the Toronto Sun. With all of this uncertainty magnified by Greece’s impending referendum, many are looking outside of Europe for a solution to the crisis. Many look to China. It seems like a reasonable option. China’s economy has grown by nine percent each year and currently holds a war chest of $3.2 trillion in foreign exchange reserves, according to BBC Beijing correspondent Damian Grammaticas in a BBC.co.uk article. Despite some talk in Beijing concerning stepping in to help Portugal, Italy and Greece, China has done little in the way of action. The risks seem to outweigh the potential benefits. China invested less than one billion euro last year, which amounts to about one percent of Europe’s foreign
investments, while Europe invests five times as much in China. Germany is the only European country involved in serious trade with China, according to the Grammaticas article, and Germany’s economy is already strong. China is wary, to say the least, to invest in Europe in the middle of an economic crisis. “China can neither take up the role as savior to the Europeans, nor provide a ‘cure’ for the European malaise,” The state-run Xinhua news agency said. The fact that China is truly being considered, even propositioned, to buy out Europe’s debt indicates that it may be time for Europe’s leaders to step back and evaluate the current state of the European Union. If Europe’s southern periphery drops their use of the euro, banks across the world could take a major hit. Greece went on a virtual spending spree when it adopted the euro and the bailout it accepted only tightened the chains on its spending to the point where the fiscal blood supply of its people was cut off. Any solution to this crisis must be agreed upon by 17 different European governments and ratified by 17 parliaments, an incredibly sluggish process. Perhaps the economy must weather the storm, rather than defer to a repressive communist giant. HAYES is an opinion writer.
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LIBERTY CHAMPION Tuesday, October 18, 2011
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Volume 29 • Issue 07
Homecoming weekend
Chancellor announces new library New state-of-the-art facility to honor late Dr. Jerry Falwell Katherine Lacaze kelacaze@liberty.edu
Ruth BiBBy| LiBeRty Champion
FOOTBALL FUN — Cheerleaders run out onto the field of William’s Stadium on Sat., Oct. 15, before the Flames football team wins its Homecoming game against Coastal Carolina 63-27 in front of a record-breaking crowd. See B1 for full story.
Chancellor of Liberty University Jerry Falwell Jr. announced Friday, Oct. 14, that Liberty University will soon begin construction on the Jerry Falwell Library. The library is part of Liberty’s campus makeover and “will make a statement about our commitment to academic excellence,” Falwell said. “(The) new freestanding library will be the academic hub of Liberty’s campus,” the Liberty Journal states. “It will overlook a new lake behind the Vines Center.” The Board of Trustees met Tuesday, Oct. 11, to finalize details about the library. According to Falwell, because of the capital investment being made for the library, as well as the fact that it will become a focal point of the campus and the center of student life and academic programs, he suggested it be called the Jerry Falwell Library to commemorate his father and Liberty’s founder. “They (the Board of Trustees), for years, have been looking for the right structure, the right opportunity to honor his memory,” Falwell said. “They all decided it should be named in his honor, because of the sacrifices he made to make Liberty a reality.” See LIBRARY, A8
Candidates for Virginia House of Delegates, District 59 Democrat Connie Brennan Jenna Vanden Brook jvandenbrook@liberty.edu
BRENNAN Connie Brennan is using her community involvement and healthcare background as the basis for her campaign for the 59th District Virginia House of Delegates seat. Brennan is campaigning against Republican Matt Fariss and Independent Linda Wall. The candidates seek to replace retiree Watkins Abbitt Jr., who has held the 59th seat in office for 25 years. Brennan involved
herself in committees ranging from a poverty agency to the Jefferson Area Board of Aging, where she is currently active. She also worked on the Nelson County Child Care Center Board, the Sexual Assault Resource Agency and the Planning District 10 Workforce Council. She served on the Dental Advisory Board and volunteered in her community criminal justice system, Brennan’s campaign website said. Brennan is in her 10th year as a member of the Nelson County Board of Supervisors. “I’m the kind of person that if I don’t know something then I have to volunteer to be on some committee that is related to that because it’s how I learn,” Brennan said. See BRENNAN, A6
Independent Linda Wall
WALL Businesswoman Linda Wall seeks to reform the nation by reintroducing biblical truths and action into government beginning with running for the 59th District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. Wall is an Independent whose opposition is Republican Matt Fariss and Democrat Connie Brennan. Although Wall does see a challenge in running as an independent as opposed to being attached to a party, she has prepared
to run for political office since the mid-1990s. She worked for the House of Delegates, lobbied and fought for laws and amendments and testified in committee hearings. The Virginia native believes that the focus of the United States government and citizens should be to turn their focus back to God. “It’ll be 50 years in 2010 since prayer was taken out of schools,” Wall said. Ultimately, Wall believes the solution to the nation’s problems, particularly those of the economic crisis, starts with obedience to God and prayer. Wall referenced recent history and stories from the Bible explaining that, often, the result of
See WALL, A6
Republican Matt Fariss
FARISS Matt Fariss’ business experience and conservative values define his campaign for the Virginia House of Delegates. Fariss is the Republican candidate in the race for the 59th District delegate and is a self-proclaimed “common sense conservative.” Fariss is running against Connie Brennan, Democrat, and Linda Wall, Independent. Some of the most significant focuses of Fariss’
campaign are lessening government regulations, lowering taxes and fighting against excessive government spending. Fariss approaches the economy with a pro-business mindset believing that incentives for entrepreneurs, investors and farmers will stimulate business growth which will, in turn, increase job availability, he said. “We can foster a probusiness environment right here in Virginia by keeping effective tax rates low and fighting back against the big government regulations breaking the backs of small businessmen and women,” Fariss said. Fariss’s stances on the economy and job creation stem from his business experience. The Campbell County native was involved in various See FARISS, A6
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NEWS
A6/Liberty Champion
November 8, 2011
Super Bowl champion addresses students Former defensive lineman Don Davis gives life success tips to crowd at Williams Stadium Jennifer Palmer jrpalmer3@liberty.edu
Former Patriots defensive back and two-time Super Bowl champion Don Davis spoke at Liberty University’s Williams Stadium tower Tuesday, Nov. 1. The pro-football star mixed jokes and stories about his life to share his advice to students on how to overcome life fears and be successful for God. He elaborated on topics such as how to find self-identity, the effects of substance abuse and maintaining Christian principals in a nonChristian environment. “Never put passions ahead of principals,” Davis said. Davis’ speech mainly focused on what he calls the four C’s to achieving greatness — commitment, confidence, character and consistency. Davis said American’s are growing up in a culture of fantasy, where commitment is rare. He also explained how students can gain confidence through recognizing who they are and who they are not and being okay with both of those. Davis said consistency is a “long obedience in the same direction” and that being consistent will help students achieve their goals. “Overnight success is a myth,” Davis said. For his last C-word, Davis gave students three ways they can improve their character. “You need to speak better, get a better group of friends and read some books,” Davis said. He gave examples of the identity crisis he experienced from growing up in two
Bekah Lohr | Liberty Champion
UP CLOSE — Pro football player Don Davis gives out autographs and takes pictures with students at an event hosted in Williams Stadium tower on Nov. 1. different areas. “I grew up in the city with folks that looked like me, then moved to the ‘burbs with folks that didn’t look like me,” Davis said. The event was organized and put on by Liberty University’s Department of Psychology and Health Sciences Department. Psychology Department Chair Dr. Dan Logan met Davis five years earlier at an event in South Florida and was impressed with Davis’ decision to keep living a Christian life among non-believing
Champion Corrections At the Liberty Champion we strive to glorify God with all that we do. Each issue of the paper represents an opportunity for us to do our best in providing accurate and excellent information to our readers. There were a few mistakes that were made in past issues that I would like to correct. In the Nov. 1 issue of the Champion, the “tunnel vi-
friends and NFL team members. “Davis is very easily approachable and always willing to do events like this one,” Logan said. Davis’ two role models are Super Bowl winner Kurt Warner and legendary Indianapolis ex-head coach Tony Dungy, he said. According to Davis, Dungy mentored him and is a sincere believer and follower of Christ. Davis said he is continuing to always mentor younger athletes as best as he can,
sion” picture credited to Les Schofer was actually taken by Kevin Manguiob. Also, the picture of Demoss Hall that is featured on the front of the homecoming section in the Oct. 11 issue was taken by Alyssa Bockman. In the same issue, there was a picture on B6 that accompanied the article “Liberty culture continues to grow in diversity” and it was taken by Candace Gladfelter.
even though it “gets overwhelming sometimes.” Davis said he is very impressed with Liberty and though he doesn’t normally follow Liberty football, he will now. “Liberty exceeded my expectations,” Davis said. “Everyone is very warm and kind hearted here.” Logan co-hosted the event with Davis, keeping the question-and-answer time flowing smoothly by handing off the microphone from student to student. While answering a student’s question about Tom Brady’s faith, Davis said Brady feels as if there is something missing in his life. After the speech and question-and-answer time, students received prizes given out by the Health Sciences Department. Davis was also given a Liberty University sweatshirt as a gift donated by the Liberty Bookstore. All students were able to meet Davis and get his autograph and pictures taken with him. He even brought a Super Bowl ring and allowed guests to see it up close. Josh Matherlee, a sophomore biblical studies major at Liberty, said he really enjoyed getting to hear Davis speak. “I loved what he said about the four C’s,” Matherlee said. “I even got to have him wear my Redskins hat, which was funny because in my town all the Redskins fans hate the Patriots and all the Patriots fans hate the Redskins.” Matherlee said he hopes to see more of Davis and will keep up with him on Facebook.
PALMER is a news reporter.
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NEWS
Liberty Champion/A7
Sgt. Larry Provost: Third combat deployment
Liberty University’s Director of Commuter Affairs serving in Afghanistan Omar Adams oadams@liberty.edu
Liberty University employs many military veterans. One of them, Director of Commuter Affairs Sgt. Larry Provost, is currently serving his third overseas deployment in Afghanistan. Provost wanted to join the Army since he was in the third grade. He credits his upbringing, and a family history of military service dating back to the Civil War, with instilling his sense of patriotism and service. He said one of the first quotes he learned remains in the forefront of his mind — President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address in which he famously said, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Growing up, Provost said he was taught the role the U.S. Army played in ending slavery, liberating concentration camps and protecting the U.S. and other nations. He learned that “in America, we have been given so much and service to our nation is not just a job but a calling.” Provost said that while no one wants war less than the soldier, and he or she will never forget the horrors of it, it is sometimes necessary because of “the fallen nature of the world we live in.” “Evil exists and the worst thing to do is for good men to stand by while innocent people are being killed,” he said. His three combat deployments — Afghanistan from 2002 to 2003, Iraq from 2004 to 2005 and now Afghanistan again — have all been very different, but each had their lighter moments. “In 2002 we were teaching baseball to the kids in the village we lived in,” Provost said. “It was the highlight of the week for them and for us.” Hundreds of people would come out to watch the games, and American
Photo provided
REBUILDING — Provost works with the Afghan government to rebuild their nation. He is on his second deployment to Afghanistan and hopes to return home in March. soldiers used their body armor for umpiring gear, Provost said. “We showed the kids many movies including ‘Cat in the Hat,’ as well as the 2000 World Series,” he said. “The kids came by the hundreds, and they would chant your name as you went through the town. That really made you feel a part of something special.”
Provost said he is honored to be serving his country. His unit, the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, is basically “in charge of one of the Provinces.” His duties mainly involve working with members of the Afghan government. Provost said his unit is “an amazing group of people, most of whom are from the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
One difference Provost noticed between his first and second deployments to Afghanistan was the shift in Americans’ view toward the conflict. “I will say this, I really appreciated that America remembered the events of Sept. 11 in the first year or so after the attack,” he said. “That was the time I first deployed to Afghanistan. I do worry that we are getting apathetic as a people and are forgetting why we are fighting this great conflict.” Provost hopes to be off active duty in March so he can return home and resume work at Liberty. His father, Larry Provost Sr., is a Liberty grounds employee and Vietnam War veteran, and his wife, Lori, is a Liberty alumna who is an adjunct professor in the Theatre Arts Department, currently on educational sabbatical studying dance education at New York University and American Ballet Theatre. “We are absolutely impressed and humbled to work with the greatest students in the world,” Provost said. He asked people at home to pray for him and the rest of the 116th and, “as Christ said, pray for those who persecute us.” “Pray that we would absolutely be successful in this fight and that our enemies would lay down their arms, go home in peace and turn from their ways,” he said. “Also, it is absolutely vital that people back home not only support the troops but support the mission. There are few things worse than fighting for a nation you love dearly but does not understand or support your mission.” Views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the U.S. Government or Military. ADAMS is the web editor.
A8/Liberty Champion
NEWS
November 8, 2011
Meet the candidates: Kathy Byron
Byron runs unopposed for Virginia House of Delegates, 22nd district Tola Adamson-Olaotan aoadamsonolaotan@liberty.edu
As several political candidates fix their eyes on the news and hope for victory in their race, one Republican delegate can sit back and relax as she is running unopposed this election cycle. Kathy Byron has been a Republican member in the House of Delegates since 1997. She represents the 22nd district, which includes Lynchburg, Campbell County and part of Bedford County. This is the second time she has run unopposed, and Byron is enjoying not having to deal with the stress that comes with running a campaign. “The best way to run is unopposed,” Byron said. “It has been a great opportunity to focus on other things. I have been currently engaged in some of the other races, but it still doesn’t have the mental fatigue from stress you get from running your own campaign.” Although Byron has spent 14 years in the House of Delegates, she never had an interest in being a politician and actually declined when a former delegate first asked her to run. “I always liked working behind the scenes, and my husband thought it was my destiny and he kept on encouraging me and we prayed about it,” Byron said. “There’s been a couple things in my life that I’ve known I really felt like it was something God wanted me to do in my life, and you can’t shake it when that happens, and this was one of those times.” Along with her conviction from God, Byron felt that she had the administrative skills and the right values the district was looking for, so she decided to take the position.
“I’m pretty bold. I’m not afraid to stand up for things that I think that are right,” Byron said. “I was a lot more fearful in the beginning of things, but now I’m a little bit bolder. I think if I don’t stand up, I’m just as guilty.” During her 14 years as a delegate, Byron has had plenty of issues to stand up for. According to Byron, some of her greatest accomplishments have helped fight against identity theft and protect children. “I had the first law that made identity theft a crime. That was very big for me,” Byron said. “I also had the first law that made it illegal to use the internet as a means for child pornography. We also took social security numbers off of driver’s licenses and school I.D.’s.” Despite her accomplishments, Byron’s passion is business. She and her husband owned a call-and-mail center, which gave her first hand experience to know what business owners want. “As a business owner, I used my business experience to vote for policies that would promote business rather than kill business,” Byron said. “It’s a very big thing when you look 14 years down the road. That’s all we talk about, jobs and the economy.” As part of her job, Byron serves as a member of the Tobacco Commission. The commission gave $12 million to Liberty University for the upcoming school of health sciences. “I was very excited over the possibility of the people of the Southside to have such a world- class facility so close by,” Byron said. “It’s such a tremendous opportunity, and I think it’s going to be one of our signature investments that we and the Tobacco Commission will make.”
Photo Provided
BYRON — Republican incumbent Kathy Byron keeps the seat she’s held for 14 years. As Byron gears up for the next session, she said she looks forward to continuing to work on workforce training. Although her job as delegate brings along a busy schedule, she has no plans to retire soon. “It’s been a wonderful opportunity and a journey for me to meet so many won-
derful people and for me to experience some things that I would have never experienced before.” ADAMSON-OLAOTAN is a news reporter.
Republican Tom Garrett addresses accusations Brittany Laird
bhlaird@liberty.edu
As the time for State Senate elections approaches, the stress level of the politicians who are running for office continues to increase. Over the past few months, several Republican politicians have unexpectedly begun to change places of residence as they run for State Senate in the upcoming election. The politicians’ increased need for realtors is a result of the decennial redistricting that took place near the beginning of the summer. “Every 10 years we have to redistrict based on the census,” Republican Tom Garrett said. The changes in the district lines are made by the political party which controls the State Senate. This year the decision belonged to the Democratic Party. These changes are preceded by well thought through plans and strategy. “They try to district out the opposing party,” Political Director for Steve Newman and Liberty Senior Zach Martin said. These changes in residency have caused a great stir among some of the politicians’ opponents, specifically in Garrett’s case. In May, Garrett and his wife worked through marital problems and reconciled. He returned to live with her and their two daughters. Opponents have claimed that he moved back in order to be allowed to run for the 22nd District. It is not unusual for political candidates to move from one district to another to avoid losing as a result of gerrymandering, as it has been done in the past. According to the Roanoke Times, this
Photo Provided
MAKING THE MOVE — State Senate candidate Tom Garrett answers accusations by political opponents and states that his reconciliation with his wife came before redistricting and running for office. was Republican candidate Ralph Smith’s response to the redistricting. “Smith moved into the 19th District after his Botetourt County home was drawn into the same district as Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg,” the Roanoke Times states. However, Garrett’s response to accusa-
tions that his move was made solely to run for office is simple. He had begun to pursue reconciliation with his family months before the districts were drawn. A picture was taken of he and his family back in Dec. 2010, according to Garrett. “The district didn’t even exist in
December,” Garrett said. Garrett said that he will continue to work hard, regardless of what is being said about him. “The primary issues in the race are jobs,” Garrett said. LAIRD is a news reporter.
GLTC continued from A1 “That 33 percent increase is a huge burden on persons who can least afford it and I don’t think this council has approved any increases of this nature for something that is probably a necessity,” Nelson said. “Our businesses need it, our employees need to get to work, our families need to shop and eat, they need medical attention and some of them need to get to church on Sunday. Until GLTC can get their house in order I would like to look at some short term funding so GLTC can lower the fare to what it was before Oct. 1.” GLTC will hold public hearings in November and take final action in their December board meeting. ADAMSOM-OLAOTAN is a news reporter.
Bekah Lohr | Liberty Champion
BUDGET CUTS — GLTC, the provider of bus transportation on Liberty’s campus, has cut its budget and increased fares, affecting those who rely on the bus to get from place to place.
SPORTS
NOVEMBER 8, 2011
Changing of the Guard—four seniors bid farewell Kyle Harvey Kharvey@liberty.edu
Liberty volleyball bid a fond farewell to four seniors Saturday as Rebecca Warren, Courtney Boggs, Kelly Haseman and Courtney Cooper played their last regular season games in the Vines Center. Together the four players have been crucial in what has been one of the best four year periods of Flames volleyball in Liberty history. Liberty posted an 84-43 record over the last four years, including an impressive 49-9 record in the Big South. Under their
leadership, the program has posted three straight 20 win seasons. Each player was given a bouquet of flowers and framed photo in a pre-game presentation. On the court, the Flames executed a nearly flawless match, winning in three straight sets (2518, 25-22, 25-21) to send their senior class out with their 35th career home victory. The Lady Flames’ offensive output far exceeded the season average in every calculable category as five different players recorded at least eight kills. The team’s .279 hitting average nearly doubled the previ-
ous season average of .181. Despite it being a night to honor seniors, the underclassmen made a point of showcasing the young up and coming talent that will be replacing the graduating players. Of the five players with at least eight kills, four of them were underclassmen. Freshman Melissa Racz paced the group putting down 12 kills with a .500 average. Racz has recorded double digit kills in four of her last five games, including the last three. On the defensive side of the ball, junior Loren Thomas con-
tinued her record setting season, adding ten total blocks over the weekend to bring her season total to 131, which sets a new school record for the rally scoring era. With the win, Liberty moves to 11-1 in conference and solidifies their position atop the Big South. The Lady Flames will close out its regular season on the road against Gardner-Webb and UNC Asheville next weekend. The Big South Championship Tournament will begin Nov. 17 in Charleston, S.C. See Related Story, B4
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
RIDING HIGH — Lady Flames stay toward regular seasons end.
red, white and blue
sports Honor Due TALK
Nate Brown nbrown4@liberty.edu
This article is dedicated to the 173rd Airborne Rangers who died on Nov. 8, 1965 in Bien Hoa, South Vietnam. Four hundred American and Austrailian Rang- BROWN ers fought in bloody hand-to-hand combat with over 1,200 Viet Cong rebels for over 30 hours. Fortyeight Americans were killed. Hundreds more wounded. Severely wounded Lawerence Joel received the Congressional Medal of Honor for saving multiple lives that day. This article is dedicated to the remembrance of not only the 173rd, but to the thousands of Americans who have fallen in combat in answer of their country’s call. Liberty’s engagement with Virginia Military Institute celebrated the men and women who have served, whom are serving and those who have died wearing an American flag on their shoulder. It became clear at the halftime festivities that the score was irrelevant. The end result — Liberty outlasting VMI 3731 in a blow-for-blow thriller — was simply a backdrop, a vehicle to honor those who
have served in the Armed Forces. A contingent of Liberty’s Eagle Batallion Army ROTC, National Guard Liberty students, Air Force and Marine ROTC students formed a camoflauge block amidst a swath of bright red T-shirts. No one stood out more. A company of blue and white clad VMI cadets filled a section opposite the Liberty student section. The Batallion waved an American flag and dropped onto the railing to knock out some pushups when Liberty scored. What’s a military function without a little motivational PT, right? As the lonesome, haunting notes of Taps came floating over a silent 17,266-person crowd and an honor guard gun-salute rang out, I could not feel more proud of my father, my grandfather, his father and grandfather, my brother and the thousands of others who have worn the uniform. It made the game of football seem meaningless in comparison to their sacrifice. To the men and women of our Armed Forces, this reporter and this publication salute you and your sacrifice. Thank you. Brown is the sports editor.
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
A CLOSING NOTE — Mike Brown (10) and the rest of the Flames defeated the VMI Keycadets 38-31. For the seniors, it was their final regular season home game.
Conference Perfection
5-0 in conference, Flames look to face Stony Brook Andrew Woolfolk alwollfolk@liberty.edu
T
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
SUPER HOOAH — Students from Liberty’s ROTC and SMP programs came out in their digicam uniforms to cheer the Flames.
he Flames had a job to do, and quite simply, they got it done. There were challenges, sure, but in Saturday’s 37-31 win over visiting Virginia Military Institute (VMI) for every leak, the Flames had a patch.
“Every single Saturday (the team has) dealt with some adversity,” head coach Danny Rocco said. Exhibit A, first quarter. Just inside the 10-minute mark,VMI’s quarterback Eric Kordenbrock launched a 55-yard touchdown to receiver Tracy Hairston, silencing the crowd of 17,226. The Flames executed a nine-
play, 74-yard touchdown drive in response. Exhibit B, second quarter. Liberty faced a third-and-thirteen on their own 35-yard line, down 17-9. Senior slinger Mike Brown hit Chris Summers for a 14-yard reception, reviving a scoring drive. See FOOTBALL, B4
Liberty lacrosse host four team tournament
Liberty men’s lacrosse goes 2-1 against the the competition of this past weekend Jessica Grigg Jgrigg@liberty.edu
Liberty hosted a men’s lacrosse tournament against Virginia Military Institute (VMI), George Washington (GW) and Southern Virginia University (SVU) on Nov. 5. Liberty kicked things off with an 8-3 win over VMI and finished the day with a 12-8 win against SVU, losing only to GW with an 11-3 loss. “We’ve spent the past few weeks working on a lot of different offensive and defensive sets and trying to get the team together over the fall,” senior Michael
Zumpano said. Junior Mike Strappelli emphasized the fact that fall is used as a time for working on fitness and preparation for the spring season. “Staying healthy and in shape is of most importance to me personally because lacrosse asks a lot of you,” Strappelli said. “We’ve got a very diverse team and everyone is putting forth a lot of work.” “Our biggest challenge is having unity because we have a lot of talented athletes,” head lacrosse Coach Kyle McQuillan said. “Practice only tells a coach so much about a team. You have
to put them in game situations to know how they’ll perform.” In its second game of the tournament, Liberty went up against George Washington. The Colonials pushed out to a quick 4-0 lead. However, the Flames answered back with a goal by sophomore Andrew Walters, bringing the lead to 4-1 in the first period. With momentum shifting the Flames made an effort to keep up with the Colonials. But a much bigger and faster Colonials squad pulled away outscoring the Flames 7-2 in the final three periods. The game against SVU got
off to a quick start. Junior Derek Haywood put the first points on the board for Liberty. SVU answered quickly to put them on the board. After a one minute penalty against Liberty, sophomore Jimmy Spearman began what was a scoring streak for Liberty. Freshman Will Perkins added to the scoreboard followed by sophomore Skyler Sipe, putting the score at 4-1 after the first period. Just as the second period began, Perkins put another point on the board for Liberty, followed quickly by a point scored for SVU.
Sipe returned the favor for Liberty as he added to the scoreboard. The third period began with an assist from Walters to Perkins who scored yet again, but SVU answered by scoring two consecutive goals. A final goal by Spearman ended any threat of a comeback by SVU. GRIGG is a sports reporter.
SPORTS
B2/Liberty Champion
November 8, 2011
Lady Flames open season against Spartans JaQuayla Cameron Jccameron@liberty.edu
After weeks of preparation, the Lady Flames will officially kick off their 2011-12 season on Nov. 11 against the UNCGreensboro Spartans. Their last meeting was in 2009 where the Lady Flames defeated the Spartans, 60-42. According to Libertyflames. com, the Lady Flames have made an appearance in CollegeInsider.com Women’s MidMajor Top 25 preseason poll for their second consecutive season. They will start their season against UNC-Greensboro with the ranking of No. 20. The Lady Flames’ will have four of their starters return from the 2010-11 season. Among the four includes the Big South Preseason Player of the Year, redshirt senior center Avery Warley.
Although the Lady Flames are returning four of their starters from last season, they will have to open this year without sophomore point guard Emily Frazier. “We’ve had some injuries and things that continue to throw us off as far as preparing,” Lady Flames head coach Carey Green said. “So it’s always some challenges that we have in front of us but we’ll be prepared for the game. You have to be prepared to face the challenges that the game may bring up from an unknown opponent. We’ll be prepared in every aspect and in all aspects of the game to be successful.” Although Frazier is not expecting to play in the game against UNC-Greensboro, Coach Green has prepared back up freshman Reagan Miller and senior Danika Dale, both Texas natives, to transition in the point guard po-
sition for the Lady Flames. “I’ll be sharing the point guard time with Reagan until Emily gets back,” Dale said. “Hopefully I will be focused to be that leader. I’m more aggressive than before. I’ve been pushed to the extent of doing more than what I was asked to do.” Miller, a graduate from Sanger High School, will be among the five freshmen to play in their first collegiate game against UNCGreensboro. “I’m very excited, but nervous at the same time,” Miller said. After facing UNC-Greensboro, the Lady Flames will return to face Virginia Commonwealth University on Nov. 15 as the first of their 14 home games.
LIBERTY PPG: Returns: Blocks: SPG: 3PPG: Win MARGIN:
60.6 43.8 3.1 .413 3.2 .286 +6.8
UNC (G) 61 32.8 2.7 .375 16 .288 +1
CAMERON is a sports reporter.
Volleyball Seniors leave behind a legacy of accomplishments #2 Rebecca Warren
Virginia Beach, Va. Elementary Education Career Highlights:
Recorded 14 kills against Virginia Commonwealth University Nov. 28, 2009 14 career aces Warren on Liberty : “In high school, I thought that I wanted to go to a secular school. I’d been in a Christian school all my life, but I came to one of (Liberty’s) games and I sent out my recruit packet and I ended up coming to play for a summer at a camp and just fell in love with the girls ... I’ll never forget the moment in (Pinder’s) office freshman year when he challenged me. I could just hear that for once in my life, someone other than my parents truly cared about my life.” Pinder on Warren: “It’s been amazing to see her grow as a young woman. When WARREN you talk about all these seniors, I can say without a doubt as they walk out of here that they are going to be champions for Christ somewhere. This young lady has a passion for people, has a passion for the ministry. Don’t be surprised to see her doing some pretty amazing things out there for God. My favorite memory of Becca has been her humor on the
bus. She’s headed up the fight song cheer for the last year. Once we saw the stadium we’d hear her, whether it was two in the morning or whatever time it was, telling everyone to get up the second they see the stadium and
#4 Courtney Boggs Marysville, Ohio Government/Pre-Law Career highlights: Recorded a team high 686 assists in sophomore 2009 season Has registered seven career double-doubles Three 60 assist matches
Reflections on her decision to attend Liberty: “Ever since I heard about Liberty, that it was a division one Christian school, I knew I wanted to come here. Coming here for the first time (on a recruiting visit) I met (Pinder) and the girls on that team and I just knew something was different about this place. Not only are the people different, but what you play for is different. I’m so glad I came here, I BOGGS couldn’t have made a better choice.” Pinder on Boggs: “There’s not a better picture of a young woman that day in and day out did things with high integrity, high morals and high character. It’ll be something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. She’s probably taught me more than what I’ve taught her over the years. I’ll miss the little swag she has. She’s probably one of the premiere
trash talkers in the nation right now and she’s got one of the best stare downs.”
then we’d start hearing, ‘fan the flames, fan the flames’ headed up by her. I’m a pretty serious guy but she had a way of just bringing the right type of humor.”
#10 Kelly Haseman
#15 Courtney Cooper
Three Rivers, Mich. Kinesiology
Forest, Va. Business Management
Career Highlights: Liberty’s all time leader in career digs, currently 5th in Big South history
Career highlights: Recorded 111 digs in each of her first two seasons
First ever Liberty player with back-to-back 500 dig seasons 2008 Big South All-Freshman Team, 2009 Big South All-Tournament Team, 2010 Big South All-Tournament Second Team Haseman on memories and motivation: “I’ll definitely remember being able to win the Big South. That was such a huge celebration, being able to watch the TV and see who we were going to play and then being at Nebraska was just a great experience. I’ll always remember that. My motivation has been the girls. I don’t HASEMAN end a play so when they terminate a ball or hit somebody in the face, that just gets me fired up and keeps me going wanting to make more plays for them.” Pinder on Haseman: “She’s a fierce competitor. She keeps grinding and gets it done. There’s no greater testament to that than being the all time career leader in digs at Liberty. ... One of my fondest memories to date ... is her match against Nebraska. I go back to that tape quite often just to see her
against All-Americans on a team that went to the final four and in moments when balls were just ripped and there’s Haseman and the ball’s coming up. I’ll never forget that memory of that moment together.”
Registered 21 digs against Radford, Sept. 23, 2011 Named to Big South Presidential Honor Roll three times Cooper on Liberty career: “I wanted to come to Liberty regardless of volleyball. Volleyball has been such a blessing and opportunity, but ultimately I just wanted to be a part of Dr. Falwell’s school training champions for Christ. A favorite memory would be as a freshman, coming onto this team and being a part of it and winning Big South. (That) was awesome. Just being able to be with COOPER such a great team over the years has been the neatest experience.” Pinder on Cooper: Here’s another senior with unbelievable character. To see her consistently grow in her role and never back down, it’s kept growing and it gave her the opportunity to play and contribute to this program – her determination, true grit and hard work every day is something that this senior has taught me and really challenged me in. We’ll miss that. HARVEY is a sports reporter.
Taking on any competitors willing to play Liberty’s club ultimate team participated in a six team co-ed tournament Derrick Battle Dbattle@liberty.edu
Even during the off-season, teams still compete. The Liberty University’s club Ultimate Frisbee team hosted a co-ed tournament Nov. 5-6 and will also host a men’s tournament Nov. 12-13. “We wanted to have a tournament for the girls this weekend, but several things didn’t work out,” head coach Jason Jarrett said. By doing a mix we were allowed to get the girls some playing time. We already had the fields and I definitely wanted the girls to play a lot.” Coach Jarrett created and also played in the six-team tournament that included the Big Lake Ultimate Disk a team from Roanoke, Huckstables, Llamas, both are from Lynchburg and High Point University. With High Point accepting an invitation to play in this year’s tournament Jarrett hopes to gain even more interest to teams outside the state.
“I sent out a ton of e-mails to try and get interest and they (High Point) responded because one of their tournaments didn’t work out and thy wanted to see if we had openings and we did so they accepted the invitation,” Jarrett said. Liberty featured two teams, one of which went to the second round. But the Big Lake Ultimate Disks went 8-0 and won the tournament. The Huckstables from Liberty took second. Jarrett also used this tournament as an opportunity to recruit future players to join the Liberty’s club team. “Because of College for a Weekend we actually had some CFAW come out and join next years team,” Jarrett said. With the response from local teams the Ultimate Frisbee teams looks to keep competing until their season begins in the spring.
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
FRISBEE ANYONE?— Liberty club ultimate team hosted its second annual co-ed tournament. An all male tournament will be held at Liberty Nov. 12-13. BATTLE is the asst. sports editor.
SPORTS
November 8, 2011
Liberty Champion/B3
Flames earn sweep of Seawolves Kyle TerMarsch
No.1 seeded Radford knocked off the Lady Flames, 4-1
Ktermarsch@liberty.edu
Coming off back-to-back weekends of hard fought games against Davenport University and Adrian College, a stretch in which the Flames went 1-3, Liberty swept Big South rival Stony Brook, winning 8-5 on Friday and 5-3 on Saturday. Junior forward Andrew McCombe was invaluable to the success of the team this weekend, scoring four goals, including a hat trick on Saturday, and dishing out two assists. Handy attributes McCombe’s breakout weekend with a slight tweak in practice this past week. “‘Comber’ has had to battle this year with some health issues and stuff like that. One thing we did with (McCombe) this weekend was move him,” Handy said. “He has been playing center and we moved him to the wing, and that really helped him out and freed him up. The move ended up being key for us too.” Junior forward Brent Boschman netted two goals and assisted on four goals, while sophomore forward Rick Turner continued his home rampage scoring two goals and dishing out an assist. Goaltending was crucial, especially on Saturday night. According to Handy, the goaltending is getting better because the team as a whole is getting better.
Julie Gonzalez jngonzalez@liberty.edu
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
TWICE AS NICE — Liberty earned two victories against Stony Brook. “Goaltending is a team effort,” Handy said. “It’s the defensive men, who for the most part this year, have played pretty strong and our forwards, who have played better two-way hockey this year.” Freshman goalie Clayton Brown allowed only three goals Saturday night in 60 minutes of action. “The goalie is obviously back there stopping them and (Brown) made some big saves. On the penalty kill — the first one, when we were on it for five minutes — he made some big saves and stopped a break away. He was definitely solid for us,” Handy said. Handy also touched on his team’s ability to kill power plays and keep the puck out of their net. “Here’s the deal on the penalty kill, we have some guys willing to block shots. We have guys who are willing to make big plays that help
out big time for us,” Handy said. “It is not always the guys that put the puck in the net, it’s other guys who are strong role players for us who get their body in front of the puck and limit shots that could get through.” The Flames focus on another top ACHA team that will enter The Cube this weekend in the University of Delaware. “They are a strong team, I believe No. 5. We have to come out and play good hockey,” Handy said. “We need to have the same effort we had here this weekend and increase that a little bit.” Liberty will take on the University of Delaware this Friday and Saturday night inside LaHaye at 7:30 p.m. TERMARSCH is a sports reporter.
Pro basketball in the Burg The NBA is still locked out. The ABA is only growing. Derrick Battle dbattle2@liberty.edu
Their mission is to provide superior entertainment, while practicing what they preach in partnership through community outreach. They are here to entertain. This is the message that forward Fayid Williams stressed about the professional local basketball team formed in Lynchburg. It took two years, but a professional basketball team will be unveiled Nov. 12 at the Lynchburg Armory. For team President and CEO Derek Polly, that day couldn’t come fast enough. “Two years ago, I came across this opportunity at a semi-pro league in Maryland and the owner of that team let me know that there was not a professional team in Virginia,” Polly said. “At that time, I stayed in contact with the CEO of the ABA to see what it took to start a franchise. It took me a year and a half before I was able to start the Lynchburg Legends.”
Women’s soccer falls to RU in semifinal round
The Lynchburg Legends are a team comprised of athletes that are dedicated to promoting a high-octane run-and-gun style of play. Polly, a recent graduate of Liberty University, noticed in 2009 that Virginia didn’t have a professional basketball team. That is when the process of placing a team in Lynchburg became a priority. Over the summer, the Legends held tryouts for those in the City of Lynchburg and the surrounding areas. Head Coach Aaron Smith picked the 16 best players to mold into a team. Of the 16 was a mixture of those who played in college, overseas and street basketball tournaments. “In Lynchburg you would not think you would be able to find a lot of talent in a small area. This town has a lot of great players,” guard Lloyd DeLoatch said. “We have players from a different walks of life, we have some that played in different countries, some played in college, some people did neither,” Williams said.
Under Coach Smith the Legends are looking forward to making an impact not only on the court but off the court. In the America Basketball Association (ABA) the Legends will be playing teams out Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina for the 2011-12 season. “Our goal is to be competitive and to win our division. We want to finish the season with no injuries and we really want to get the community involved,” Coach Smith said. A strong commitment of the Legends is to have a strong bond with not only themselves as a team, but also with the Lynchburg community. “We believe in each other. We preach a commitment to excellence, not just in basketball but in life. We don’t focus just on the basketball court, but in the community as well,” Polly said. BATTLE is the asst. sports editor.
With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, and regular season play over, all eyes of the Lady Flames women’s soccer team were on one thing — the playoffs. “The best way to prepare for post-season play is to begin preparing for it immediately after the season ends the year before,” head coach Jessica Hain said. For the Lady Flames, the playoffs meant redemption. An early exit from the tournament last season left the women hungry for a second chance at the Big South Championship. “We (prepared) for the Big South Tournament by reviewing where we (had) been this season and in past seasons, training with focus and creating ‘pressure situations’ that (prepared) us to experience the pressure of the tournament before we (began) tournament play,” Hain said. The Lady Flames knew that the playoffs were their chance to shine and they were motivated to train harder than ever. “For example, during practice we (trained) with situations like being a goal up or one goal down with
10 minutes to play — but we have been training like this all year,” Hain said. All of the preparation throughout the season paid off as the Lady Flames bested No. 4 High Point University in a 2-1 overtime win Thursday night. With the win, Liberty advanced to play No. 1 Radford University.
FYI
The Lady Flames finish the regular season with a 9-8-3 overall record and 5-4-1 in the Big South.
“Our Liberty team will need to play its best game of the season,” Hain said before the match. I believe the girls are ready to embrace the pressure and rise up.” However, after 90 minutes of play, the Radford University Highlanders came away with the 4-1 victory to advance to the finals. With the season over, the Lady Flames will look to improve in the offseason and attempt another run at the Big South Championship next year.
GONZALEZ is a sports reporter.
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FORWARD — Sophomore midfielder Megan Warner pushes the ball past a defender. The Radford Lady Highlanders finished the tournament winning the Big South Championship over the Campbell Camels. Radford will be the first Big South representative in the NCAA tournament since 1997.
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SPORTS
B4/Liberty Champion
November 8, 2011
Quarter Reporter Breaking down the Game
1
2
3
4
Liberty 9 VMI 7
Liberty 16 VMI 17
Liberty 30 VMI 24
Liberty 37 VMI 31
Key play:
Key play:
Key play:
Key play:
When Nick Sigmon stepped in front of Eric Kordenbrock’s pass over the middle, it set Liberty up with favorable field position to take a 9-7 lead over a surging Keydet offense.
On 3-13, Mike Brown found Chris Summers for 14 yards, extending a drive that would later put Liberty within one point of VMI.
Key player:
Key player:
Senior Kevin Fogg made up for fumbling the opening kickoff of the game by showing off his 4.3 speed, returning a kick 90 yards for a touchdown — a touchdown put Liberty on top for good.
Eric Kordenbrock went 7-10 in the first quarter, throwing for 141 yards, including a 55-yard bomb to Tracy Hairston.
Mike Brown engineered a 12-play scoring drive to pull the Flames back into the game. Brown went 6-7, passing the ball for 64 yards to five different receivers. Brown found Brandon Apon in the back of the endzone to cap the drive. Brown also rushed for 18 yards and created five first downs.
Key stat: Before Saturday, the Flames had never been trailing to a Big South opponent in the first half in 2011.
Key stat: By halftime, quarterbacks combined for 29 passing attempts, 288 passing yards and two passing touchdowns.
FOOTBALL continued from B1 Another answer, and another reception for Summers, who now has 178 for his career — a school record. “It feels real surreal….It’s a great accomplishment for me to have all these records when I leave. I just want to give thanks to God and all my teammates, who knew that I had what it takes and my coaches who help me every week and get me ready to play,” Summers said. “It’s been fun to watch him grow and mature,” Rocco said. Exhibit C, third quarter. After allowing a long VMI touchdown drive, which included a 24-yard run on fourth-and-one, senior corner Kevin Fogg did what he does best, returning the ensuing kickoff for a 90-yard touchdown. That’s the third of his career and of this season — a Big South record. “That was definitely a turning point,” Brown said. “After Fogg’s kick return, we were able to get breathing room.” Thirty minutes later, the case was closed, the game was over and the Flames record stood at 7-3 and their conference record remained unblemished at 5-0. The hard way But, Liberty didn’t make this win easy on themselves from the start. Fogg fumbled the opening kickoff, giving the Keydets the ball in Flames territory. Linebacker Chase Griffiths misjudged
Coaches:
A
The right plays were called at the right times to give the Flames a chance. Ultimately, the win secured this grade.
Defense:
C
The defense allowed over 400 yards and 30 points. VMI’s Kordenbrock was not sacked.
a short, blooper kickoff, allowing it to bounce right off his numbers. A few minutes later, the Flames found themselves in a 17-9 hole and desperately in need of momentum before halftime. Mike Brown orchestrated a 78-yard drive, going 6-7 for 44 passing yards and a touchdown, while adding another 18 yards on the ground during the drive. Still, Liberty went into halftime trailing a 1-7 VMI team. Liberty’s offense came out to play in the second half, boosted by the performances of receiver Pat Kelly and running back Aldreakis Allen. While Summers kept the defense’s attention on his side of the field, Kelly made three critical catches for 77 yards on the Flames first drive of the third quarter. All were on third down plays and put the Flames in position for Brandon Apon’s back-of-the-endzone catch. “We have a great group of receivers across the board who can step up and make plays,” Summers said. “We’ve shown that throughout the season, any one of us can step up and I love that feeling.” Allen was key in the Flames success in the second half. After halftime, he carried 12 times for 73 yards and provided a key block out of the shotgun to give Brown a fraction of a second more time to find Summers wide open in the end zone. “We got Aldreakis going in the second
Key player: Pat Kelley caught three crucial thirddown conversions for 77 yards in Liberty’s first drive of the third quarter.
Key stat: Fogg’s kickoff return-for-score was his third of the season and of his career, a Big South record. Fogg is also the only player in the NCAA to return three kickoffs this year.
Mike Brown’s pass to Chris Summers on a 22-yard streak with 6:43 left in the game gave Liberty the distance they needed to slip past a swinging VMI squad. Kevin Fogg’s forced fumble on the ensuing VMI drive took enough time off the clock to make the win happen.
Key player:
Kevin Fogg’s forced fumble, fumble recovery, two solo and two assisted tackles in the fourth were huge in securing the Flames fifth Big South victory.
Key stat:
After Saturday, the Flames have won 15 consecutive Big South games in Williams Stadium. This makes Liberty one of only seven FCS teams to remain undefeated in their respective conferences out of 124 FCS programs. Stony Brook, Liberty’s next opponent, is one of those programs.
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
IN YOUR FACE — Aldreakis Allen finished the day with 100 all-purpose yards, his fourth consecutive 100-yard all-purpose game. half, that shows great resolve by our kids,” Rocco said. The outlook Summers and Brown said they will spend their time during the break getting back to full strength. “The bye week will help a lot of people, including myself, get healthy,” Summers said. The Flames will control their own des-
tiny in their matchup with Stony Brook on Nov. 19, with the winner being crowned conference champions. “That’s the best way to have it,” Brown said. “We wouldn’t have it any other way. We go up there 5-0 against 5-0 (Stony Brook). That’s a championship game right there.” WOOLFOLK is a sports reporter.
Grawng Flames Football Offense:
A
Overall:
Converting crucial third and fourth downs, perfect redzone numbers and 420 total offense yards earns a solid grade.
Spec. Teams:
A
Championship teams find ways to win. If the defense isn’t clicking, the offense must. The Flames found a way to win, earning this grade.
B-
Once again, there were fantastic plays and costly goofs. Two special team turnovers were offset by a blocked field goal and Fogg’s
Have a story you want to share? Want to know more about the stories in this issue? Check out: www. libertychampion.com
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FEATURE
November 8, 2011
Liberty Champion/B5
Liberty Way says okay to nose rings A change in the dress code now allows small studs to be worn in the nose
Abigail Koppenhaver akoppenhaver@liberty.edu
The latest change in school policy which has Liberty University students talking is that nose piercings are now acceptable for students to wear. The Liberty Way, which once stated that only piercings of the ears were allowed, now has been changed to state that “small studs may be worn in the nose.� The allowance of nose piercings has been met with both positive and negative reactions by the students. “I think it’s good that they are loosening up some on the dress code,� junior Randi Garrett said. Freshman Katie Tomson agrees that the new change is positive for students. “I think it’s a good way for people to express their style, and I think it gives us the liberty to be a little more rebellious, in a good way,� Tomson said. While some students were surprised by the change in policy, Tomson was more confused about why it was changed. “I didn’t think they would change it because of the culture. I thought they would just change it because everyone already had one,� said Tomson. “It is a little bit weird, though, that you are allowed to have your nose pierced but no other facial piercing.� “I think that if they are going to allow one type of facial piercing they need to allow all types, and maybe just have a limit on how many you can have,� senior Josh Farnham said. “I mean, I don’t see any moral difference between a nose piercing or a lip piercing or an eyebrow piercing,� Garret said. “It’s not necessarily unfair, but people who want a facial piercing other than one on their nose are probably upset about it. It’s just sort of weird that the new rule is so specific.�
“I think it’s a good way for people to express their style, and I think it gives us the liberty to be a little more rebellious, in a good way.� - Tomson But with every positive reaction comes a negative, or snarky, reaction. “I do not believe that Liberty should have lifted the restriction. I believe that it may lead to a slippery slope and that other Liberty policies and/or dress code policies may be lifted as well in order to please the students,� senior Brittany Truax said. Truax also said that she doesn’t think any facial piercings should be allowed and that because nose piercings are allowed, eventually Liberty will probably conform to allowing others. Truax did mention that she thought it might be a good idea if a rule was created prohibiting certain majors from wearing nose rings, although she does recognize that it would be very difficult to enforce. “Certain majors, such as business or education, will not be able to go into an interview with a nose ring due to the lack of professionalism. However, I think that would be the situation for most majors,� Truax said. “College is to prepare us to get real jobs and the reality is, most employers will not be fond of nose and/or facial piercings.� Victoria Pearce | Liberty Champion
KOPPENHAVER is a feature reporter.
POSITIVELY PIERCED — Before the change in dress code, female students were not allowed to wear nose rings at any time or place on or off campus. But as a result of the recent change, many female students have been sporting small studs.
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FEATURE
B6/Liberty Champion
Poppies for Remembrance
Canadians distribute pins to honor veterans Shelanne Jennings
snjennings@liberty.edu
“My heart swells when I see other Canadians in Lynchburg wearing a poppy,” senior Ashley Liddell said. “I think it brings us together in remembrance of what a great country we come from.” Liddell, a Liberty Student hailing from Red Lake, Ontario, is one of many Canadians who attempts to unite Canadians on Nov. 11 by having boxes of poppies shipped from home to distribute to her friends and fellow countrymen. While the United States will be honoring the American troops for Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, many Canadians will be pinning their lapels with red, fabric poppies to further their country’s sentiment. “The poppy is a pretty vivid symbol,” Liddell said. The poppy made its mark on Canadian culture with the publishing of John McCrae’s In “Flander’s Fields” in 1915. “We all grew up learning ‘In Flanders Fields’ by John McCrae,” Liddell said. “That poem always struck me as being so tragic, because I thought of the young men and women whose lives were cut short.” McCrae was a Canadian physician and poet who enlisted in WWI. He was then ranked Major and appointed brigade-surgeon to the First Brigade of the Canadian Forces Artillery, according to his biography on flandersfieldsmusic.com. During the second battle of Ypres, while still on the battlefront, McCrae formed the lines of his famous poem, urging whoever who reads it to “take up the quarrel with the foe.” That poem was then published in Punch magazine the same year. Since then, the poem has become one of the most popular poems of remembrance in Canada and Europe.
November 8, 2011
UPCOMING EVENTS Nov. 11- 13 Little Shop of Horrors Performances will end this weekend for the Theater Department’s second show of the semester. This comedic musical tells the story of a florist who discovers a bloodthirsty plant and the downward spiral he faces after trying to appease its morbid appetite. Tickets can be purchased at the Vines Center Box Office or online at www. ticketreturn.com. Call 582-7328 for more information.
Alyssa Bockman| Liberty Champion
SHOWING SUPPORT — Canadian students at Liberty bring down boxes of poppies to distribute on Nov. 11. These fabric poppies are pinned to lapels to honor war veterans. “Almost every person in Canada grows up hearing the poem ‘In Flanders Fields,’” sophomore Rebecca Noble said. “The grounds of many grave yards during WWI and WWII had poppies. The poppies soon became a symbol of those soldiers who had died.” These poppies that bloom in that once-bloody field of Flanders in Ypres, Belgium, are now adorned by Canadians every Remembrance Day, Nov. 11. “I think of that poem every time I wear the poppy and realize that it’s up to us to carry on the legacy of the men and women who fought for us to be able to live in the freedom we enjoy today,” Liddell said. For Noble, who serves in the Canadian Military, seeing others wear a poppy brings a sense of pride. “Having served with various parts of the Canadian military, when I see a Canadian wearing a poppy, I smile and know that it is their way
of saying thank you,” Noble said. “The poppy is Canada’s symbol of Remembrance, our visual pledge to never forget all those Canadians, and allies who have fallen in war and military operations.” Even in a country other than their own, Both Liddell and Noble find it important to pin their poppies as a sign of remembrance. “Even though Canadians live and go to school in other countries they should still wear a poppy because it physically shows people that they take the time to remember,” Noble said. “Even though most Americans don’t know what it means to wear a poppy, it gives Canadians a moment to encourage those who ask about it to do the same for their troops.”
JENNINGS is the feature editor.
The bells will ring once more
Nov. 12 Valley View 5 Mile Trail Race The second race in the Liberty Mountain Trail Series starts at Snowflex at 9 a.m. For more information and to register, contact studentactivitiesinfo@liberty.edu.
Nov. 18-20 Winter Market The Liberty Godparent Foundation will be hosting a shopping expo in the Schilling Center with dozens of vendors selling everything from clothing, to jewelry, to gift items and more. Admission is $5 and $3 for students. All proceeds benefit the Liberty Godparent Ministries. For more information, call 592- 4407.
Kassandra Roedding Kroedding@liberty.edu
The familiar ring of the Salvation Army bells is back to kick off the Christmas season. The Red Kettle Bell Ringing Campaign for the Salvation Army began in San Francisco in 1891 and, today, is a seasonal tradition. According to The Salvation Army’s website, last year’s campaign raised $142 million to provide aid for those in need. Liberty has helped sponsor the campaign over the years and will once again staff the food entrance of the Wards Road Walmart from Nov. 11 to Dec. 24. “I feel this is an important cause for several reasons,” Liberty’s Salvation Army committee representative Darren Wu said. “Collectively, it demonstrates to the community that Liberty cares about them and is an active part of the community. Individually, participants get an opportunity to be reminded that there are real needs out there that can be met by sacrificing just a little time.” Last year, over $220,000 was raised locally with all kettle locations combined. At Liberty’s location, $11,700, about 18 percent of the total amount, was raised. All kettle donations go directly to the local Salvation Army to provide holiday help for families in need and support for their annual budget in housing, food and health care. Not only do the red kettles support a great cause, but they also unite the Liberty community. This year, 17 different departments have volunteered for kettle duty. This is in addition to the athletic departments that are involved. By the close of the campaign, about 300 different Liberty participants will have endured the cold weather to give back to the community, according to Wu. “Standing in the cold for a few hours, ringing a bell, is a good trade to give someone a warm meal and a festive holiday,” Resident Assistant and Liberty senior Lisa Youngerman said. For Academic Associate Dean of the College of General Studies Dr. Bruce Bell giving back to the com-
Nov. 28 Christmas in Lights In keeping with one of the newest Liberty traditions, a giant Christmas tree will once again be lit in the front of DeMoss to bring in the holiday season. The festivities will begin at 7 p.m.
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A HOLIDAY TRADITION— The familiar Salvation Army kettles will take their place outside of shops such as Walmart starting Nov. 11. munity is very important. He was involved last Christmas and will help again this year. “The satisfaction that comes from being part of the Red Kettle Campaign is the best part of giving an hour of my time, and it was encouraging to see the generosity of people in the community who reached deep into their pockets to contribute,” Bell said. Administrative Assistant to Dean Akers of the Helms School of Government Shirley Jena Henderson remembers a particular family bundled up for winter. One of the children asked Henderson if she could ring the bell. When an elderly lady came to drop money into the kettle, the little girl responded, ‘Wow daddy, that grandma just put some dollars in my bell.’” “(These parents) were teaching their children at an early age how important it is to contribute to others,” Bell said. Although students help, the campaign at Walmart tapers off during
Thanksgiving and Christmas break when Liberty stuHelp is still needdents disperse. ed Nov. 23, Dec. 20-24. Contact For this reaDarren Wu at son, many staff 434-592-2416 or and faculty are dcwu@liberty. needed. edu to volunteer. “Volunteers show up with the love of Christ, their smiles and the willingness to serve,” Wu said. Help is still needed Nov. 23, Dec. 16-17 and Dec. 20-24. If interested in volunteering, contact Wu at 5922416 or dcwu@liberty.edu. To learn more about the Red Kettle Campaign or the Salvation Army, visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or visit the local Salvation Army on 2215 Park Avenue.
FYI
ROEDDING is a feature reporter.
Dec. 7-12 Virginia Chrismas Spectacular This year’s production of Thomas Road Baptist Church’s annual Christmas play will be titled “Let There Be Light.” Tickets cost $8-$12. Call 888-244-2178 for more information.
FEATURE
November 8, 2011
Liberty Champion/B7
Olympic hopeful trains at Snowflex
Pro-skier Jay Panther discovers the artificial ski slope Emily Davis Eldavis3@liberty.edu
“Passionate, loyal, determined, focused and loving.” These are the words that future 2014 Winter Olympic hopeful Jay Panther used to describe himself. Panther is a 2 7 - ye a r - o l d c o m p e t i t i ve freestyle moPANTHER gul who last year, joined the United States Ski Team. In February 2014, he hopes to represent the U.S. in the Winter Olympics, which will take place in Sochi, Russia. Growing up in Lake Tahoe, Panther fell in love with the free styling motion that moguls bring to a ski course, he said. Moguls are a sequence of bumps made up of snow on the ski course, Panther said. “I was nine years old skiing with my dad, and they had just started a free style mogul team on our home mountain,” Panther said. “ I saw the course and was like ‘that looks awesome’ so I skied the run and hit the jumps and instantly fell in love with it and I have loved it ever since.” Panther left Lake Tahoe at the age of 12 when his family moved to Louisville, Ky. He attended middle school and high school there until he was accepted into Vanderbilt University where he was awarded a full scholarship for baseball. After his freshman year, Panther moved back to Lake Tahoe
“As an athlete, there is serious amounts of training to be done here and a lot to be gained from this facility” - Jay Panther to return to his one true love— skiing. Nearly 10 years later, Panther is now a member of the U.S. Ski Team and has competed in the World Cup and the U.S. National Championship. Panther has been training at Liberty University’s, Snowflex, for the past three weeks and has been offering free lessons to those who were interested. “I am here to train. Snowflex is an amazing facility,” Panther said. “As an athlete there are serious amounts of training to be done here and a lot to be gained from this facility.” According to Panther, he had never heard of Liberty University or Snowflex until this summer, when his pastor mentioned the school. Intrigued, Panther, his mother and his little brother drove from Louisville, Ky. to spend a few hours on the slopes. “Instantly I showed up and realized the value of this place. I didn’t know exactly what it was that I was going to be able to accomplish here,” Panther said. “I knew that it had endless possibili-
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
GETTING SOME AIR— Mogul skier Jay Panter does a jump off of a ramp at Liberty’s Snowflex. Panther is currently trying to qualify for this year’s U.S Ski Team and to compete for the 2014 Winter Olympics. ties because of how it all just fell into place. God had his hand in it and wanted me here, so I was just trying to be faithful to him.” Panther’s time at Liberty has quickly drawn to a close. On Nov. 8, he will be leaving for Park City, Utah, to train at Olympic Park. “Having Jay here is definitely a blessing for us. Having
someone at that level train here confirms what we’ve been marketing the past two and a half years,” Snowflex general manager Drew Sherwood said. “This is a top notch training facility and even somebody who is trying to qualify for the Olympics can train here.” For more information on Panther and his journey to Sochi
in the 2014 Winter Olympics, visit www.teamjaypanther.com, or Facebook at www.facebook. com/jay.panther. Or check out his web series on YouTube.
DAVIS is a feature reporter.
FEATURE
NOVEMBER 8, 2011
david crowder band
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
LUCKY 7 —The David Crowder Band, along with Chris August, John McMillan and Gungor, led a sold out crowd in a night of worship.
7 Tour brings DCB career to completion
The David Crowder Band says goodbye in a farewell tour featuring Gungor, Chris August and John Mark McMillan Shelanne Jennings snjennings@liberty.edu
Hours before the doors opened to the 7 Tour’s Lynchburg concert, students, College for a Weekend (CFAW) visitors and Virginia residents gathered together to brace the cold, eagerly awaiting their favorite bands and artists. “We came to see the David Crowder Band (DCB) and Chris August,” visitor Kelly Robey, who waited in line for more than an hour after driving from Charlottesville to see the show with friends, said. “I want to hear 7x70 by Chris August. It’s my favorite.” The 7 Tour, which started Sept. 28 in Austin, Texas, has continued to play for sold out crowds across the U.S., stopping at Liberty University’s Vines Center Nov. 4 to play for another full house. The tour features artists Chris August, John Mark McMillan and Gungor, but the main act that has caught the attention of audience members and fans is DCB, who has chosen to make this their last tour. “It’s sad that they are breaking up because they are a really great band,” Robey said. Crowder and his band have been making music together since they became a band 11 years ago at University Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. In a recent interview with Kyle TerMarsch on Liberty’s on-campus radio station, 90.9 The Light, Crowder said that they never thought they would make the impact that they have on the Christian community. “We tried to keep it really simple and make music for the people that were in front of us and use our music to articulate what God was doing among us,” Crowder
said. The fans who came to see DCB looked forward to seeing and worshipping together with him. “I like David Crowder’s originality. He’s okay with just being David. He doesn’t try to go crazy with it,” 17-yearold fan Cameron Lilly said. “What I really like about David Crowder, though, is that he really has a heart for worship that is evident.” As Chris August opened the concert, the lights flashed, music boomed and hands slowly lifted around the auditorium. “The most amazing part is how many people are in the same room when they are singing,” CFAW visitor Eva Shell said. “It’s exciting to see everybody singing and worshipping together.” After August, McMillan and Gungor wowed the crowd with their hits and new singles. DCB then took to the stage to play songs from all of their albums, using the lyrics projected on the screen to lead the crowd in worship. “Most of everything we write comes from some aspect of church history or some passage of scripture or some sermon series, but I guess most of it roots there,” Crowder said. “As far as inspiration goes, usually I find, it’s really having scripture take on a personality, suddenly scripture takes on flesh and blood. Those moments that are relational are the ones I relate to the most. Life is what brings some spark to your music.” The bands ended the night with a collaborative performance of the song “How He Loves,” first written by John Mark McMillan but popularized by DCB. Although he had changed the words “sloppy wet kiss” to “unforeseen kiss” in his rendition for the album, Church Music, the bands performed it as
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
A FINE FAREWELL— After 11 years of creating music as a band, DCB has decided to retire, looking forward to what lies ahead. McMillan originally wrote it. Although many fans are disappointed that DCB will soon end their career as a band, Crowder said the group is excited to see where God leads them in the future. “As life twists and turns and kids arrive and priorities shift and change, this is a tough thing to be doing for 11 years (that’s how long we’ve been at it.),” Crowder said. “It felt like all of us were ready
for something different and that we are supposed to be doing something different, so that’s a beautiful thing.” For information on the 7 Tour’s next show dates and locations, visit davidcrowderband.com/schedule/.
JENNINGS is the feature editor.
Sodexo and Liberty hold food drive to help food banks Brittany Laird bhlaird@liberty.edu
Liberty is constantly looking for different ways to reach out and help the community in the surrounding areas. This year, Sodexo and Liberty have decided to partner together. Liberty and Sodexo kicked off their contribution to the Blue Ridge and South Side Virginia Food Drive on Oct. 17. Sodexo is accepting any early donations at the ReberThomas Dining Hall during their normal operation hours and students can also bring non-perishable food items to convocation Nov. 16, the final day of the food drive.
“Every year Sodexo does a food drive, typically in October,” Sodexo Marketing Manager Julia Pfeifer said. The Christian Service (CSER) Office was also planning on holding a food drive during the fall semester. After the two organizations discovered that they were holding the same event, they agreed to work together. Both were interested in specifically targeting the south area of the community. “We’re really excited to partner with the school,” Pfeifer said. “I feel we’ll get even more participation by partnering.” The timing of this food drive gives students the
chance to reflect on how much they have been blessed with in their lives. “It’s been a tough year across the nation,” Christian Community Service Coordinator Darren Wu said. “As we approach this Thanksgiving season, we have a lot to be thankful for.” Approximately 12 students have brought in early donations so far. Some of these students have come bearing boxes of non-perishable foods, Pfeifer said. Every donation that is made, no matter what the size, is accepted and greatly appreciated, she said. “Some kids are bringing in one or two packages of
Ramen,” Pfeifer said. “That one package of Ramen can feed somebody.” Pfeifer and Wu are looking forward to seeing how many participate in this particular effort. Both hope to see many donations from staff, faculty, residential students and commuters over the next few weeks and during the collection at convocation.
Soonwook Lee | Liberty Champion
LAIRD is a feature reporter.
GIVING A HAND — Sodexo and the Blue Ridge and Southside Virginia Food Bank have joined together to support “Helping Hands Across America” in the fight against hunger.