Senior photographer’s life at Liberty Five new inductees welcomed into the B8 Flames Hall of Fame
‘Into the Woods’ entertains at LU Tower Theater
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Tuesday, October 2, 2012
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Volume 30 • Issue 5
Evangelism efforts spike growth online
amazing mile
Samantha Boontjer sbboontjer@liberty.edu
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
In an online effort to reach the world for Christ, Liberty University shared the gospel message with more than 1.3 million people last week. This endeavor was made possible by a donation from an anonymous friend of Liberty University and a partnership with Global Media Outreach (GMO). The three-day evangelism effort shared the gospel to people in countries that are generally more hostile to the gospel message, such as Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The GMO website tracked the number of indicated decisions made to follow Christ, and the total came to more than 178,000. The outreach was part of the Global Focus Week that Liberty presents each semester. During this week, students had a chance to meet with representatives from mission agencies around the world. According to the GMO website, Global Media Outreach is a “non-profit 501 c3 Internet ministry that was formed to present the good news of Jesus Christ online.” The organization began in 2004 and has had more than 50 million people indicate decisions to follow Jesus Christ. GMO intends to provide multiple opportunities to hear the gospel message for everybody with access to the Internet. Johnnie Moore, Vice President for Executive Projects and spokesperson for Liberty University, explained that GMO specializes in “buying online advertising tied to particular key words to target people (who) are searching for things like ‘Jesus.’ If people are at a place in their life where they are stuck spiritually, they are directed towards links to websites that share the gospel.”
ENDURANCE — Local Lynchburg children and their families ran in the 12th Annual Amazing Mile Children’s Run and Family Festival. Athletic Director Jeff Barber, Sparky, members of the Liberty Cheerleading Team and others from the community joined in the festivities to support the uprise of physical fitness. See the story on A9.
See EVANGELISM, A9
Photo Provided
FLYING HIGH — Students on the flight team posed in front of one of the schools’ airplanes. For competitions, the team uses a Cessna 162 SkyCatcher aircraft.
Student aviators from SOA compete nationally Jeremy Angione
jangione@liberty.edu
Training outstanding aviators and exceptional Christians is the goal of Liberty University’s School of Aeronautics (SOA), but they also seek to prove the quality of their training by competing in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA). “As the Dean of the SOA, I take a personal interest in promoting, resourcing and support-
ing the NIFA team. My primary focus is to find ways to provide the resources the team needs in order to compete successfully,” Gen. David Young said. NIFA tests aviators in a wide variety of events, both on the ground and in the air, according to SOA Flight Team Coach Kyle Dillon. NIFA competitions are held at a regional level across the country. The top two teams then proceed to the national competition, which will be held at Ohio
State University this year, according to Dillon. According to Liberty’s NIFA Flight Team page, the SOA competes in Region X, which includes schools such as Averett University, Virginia Tech University and the United States Naval Academy. “The Liberty University SOA has won the regional competitions the last seven years in a row. In the last three national competitions, we have placed 15th in
2010, 15th in 2011 and 16th in 2012,” Dillon said. For flying portions, the SOA NIFA flight team competes in the Cessna 162 SkyCatcher, according to the SOA team page. Dillon assures that flight events are not races or acrobatics, but more precision-based. Some ground events include aircraft recognition, where students must identify key aspects of an aircraft after viewing it for three seconds, and Simulated
INSIDE THE CHAMPION News
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Craig Romney visits the Helms School of Government. A5
Liberty student Natalie Barr carried the Olympic torch at the 2012 Olympic games. B4
Students show their support for Flames football by campB10 ing out at “Gillville.”
News Opinion Sports Feature
Comprehensive Aircraft Navigation, when students are given a mock scenario dealing with legal and navigation issues. Other ground events include Preflight, where an aircraft is tampered with in order for students to assess as many problems as possible in 15 minutes, and Simulator, which tests the students’ ability to navigate a difficult flight on a simulated course, according to Dillon.
See FLIGHT, A9 A1 A6 B1 B10
NEWS
A2/Liberty Champion
October 2, 2012
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
CONSTRUCTION — Contractors from Branch and Associates, Inc. work from sun-up to sun-down on the long-awaited Jerry Falwell Library, scheduled to open fall 2013.
JF Library progress continues Kendra Alleyne
kralleyne@liberty.edu
Construction on the long-anticipated Jerry Falwell Library is well underway, with new and exciting updates constantly being made available. Dean of the Integrated Resource Learning Center Carl Merat oversees the planning team for the library and was eager to give updates on ground-breaking technology such as the inclusion of the Automated Storage Retrieval System (ASRS), or the “robot,” and to share a little bit about how it will work. “The library completed its first round of preparing books for transfer to the robotic system this summer,” Merat said. “The last four digits of each book’s barcode number is being written on the top spine of our books for easy location in
the bins that will hold them in the robotic system. Bins of various heights will (be) loaded into racks in a large vault in the new building where the robots will retrieve them when a request is submitted from the library’s LUCAS catalog.” The new, state-of-the-art, user-friendly technology to be included in the library is sure to add flare and popularity to Liberty’s campus and its students. According to the Information Services website, “the system is easy to use and fascinating to watch. Requests for materials can be made via the online catalog from any computer with an Internet connection. Within minutes of receiving the order, a robotic crane will retrieve the materials and deliver them to the Customer Service Center. The patron can then pick up the desired item from this service point.”
Merat explained that “little-used” books have been temporarily put in storage, but will eventually have a place in the robotic system. The process of moving these books into storage will begin again in January. “The lowest level (will be) primarily for receiving and mechanical services. It will be entirely underground except for the loading dock area,” Merat said. “The next level will be Level 0, and it will be the lowest public level with a quiet retreat-like study area, the Jerry Falwell Museum, the Library’s archives, a large multi-purpose room, and a large, open atrium with stairs leading to the main level.” According to Merat, there will be two entrances on this level, one from the lakeside and one from the north on the ReberThomas side. The decking for Level 1 is being constructed now, and the contrac-
tor plans to pour the floor for that level this week. Merat said that this will be the main entrance from the lawn area behind DeMoss. According to Liberty University’s Information Services, the food court that many have been talking about will be on two floors and will be located at the north end of the main wing. The entrance and exit to the food court will be separate from that of the main library. Vending machines will also be set up in designated spots around the library. The Jerry Falwell Library is set to open in the fall of 2013. For a historic timeline of the library’s development see LibertyChampion.com.
ALLEYNE is a news reporter.
Business mogul Donald Trump visits Liberty Tabitha Cassidy
tcassidy@liberty.edu
Swarms of students, Lynchburg residents and hungry media personnel gathered to listen to business billionaire Donald Trump speak on success and politics at Liberty University Monday, Sept. 24. Trump, who received an honorary doctoral degree in business from Liberty, expressed his fear about where the country was heading under the Obama administration. “Our country is in serious trouble,” Trump said. “The world is laughing at us, and our leaders don’t get it…. We just seem to have lost our edge.” Previously entertaining the idea of running for president, Trump began to support presidential candidate Mitt Romney after he dropped out of the race. “I just want to see a very good man get elected,” Trump said in an interview after convocation. “I think Mitt Romney will make a great president…. I think he is a very, very good man. I think he has a big heart. He’s a man of great compassion.” Students who attended convocation expressed how transparent Trump was with his political views throughout his address. “It was easy to see his political views,” Liberty student Corey
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
REWARDED — Donald Trump received a doctorate degree during his convocation speech Sept. 24. Macklin said. “He had my attention the entire time, though. He made tasteful jokes.” Primarily, Trump believes that the nation needs to reassess its standards before it can move forward. “We have a country going in the wrong direction,” he said during the interview. “If Obama is reelected, it’s going to be, I think, catastrophic for the country.” Lightening the gloomy mood of politics, Trump switched gears half-way through his speech and spoke about how to become a
successful person in life. “You have to have an ability to handle pressure. People (who) can handle pressure can be entrepreneurs, can be successful,” Trump said. No one, he jokingly said, has had to handle more pressure than himself. According to his biography, Trump is a realty developer, co-owns the Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, and has starred in and produced his own reality show, “The Apprentice.” Joining Trump for added support were winners of the Miss
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Universe and Miss USA pageants, who happened to be in town at the time. They believe that Trump is not only one of the most successful people to work for, but also one of the best. “He is a wonderful boss to work for,” Miss USA 2005 Chelsea Cooley said. “His guidance and experience in business makes him the perfect person to head up the Miss Universe pageant.” Students felt that his advice on business and success was well put. “I thought he did a great job. LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES & INFO
He was funnier than I expected, refreshingly blunt, and he managed to both good-naturedly poke fun at Jerry and the university and compliment them at the same time,” Liberty student Julia Cummings said. “I’m glad it wasn’t all about politics, either.” According to Trump, the most important thing one can take into consideration when planning for a career is whether one is passionate for that field of study. “I always say to people, ‘You gotta love what you do,’” Trump said. “You work harder (that way).” After convocation, Trump complimented the university on what it has done in such a short amount of time. “It’s an honor to be here,” Trump said during the interview. “I was very impressed with what (Liberty has) done…. I’ve seen what they did, where they came from and the short time they’ve done it,” Trump said. “You look at Harvard and you look at the Wharton’s School of Finance over a long period of time, and what (Liberty) has done in a short period of time is incredible. It’s truly one of the great universities in this country.”
CASSIDY is the editor in chief.
The Champion encourages community members to submit letters to the editor on any subject. Letters should not exceed 400 words and must be typed and signed. The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Letters and columns that appear are the opinion of the author solely, not the Champion editorial board or Liberty University. All material submitted becomes property of the Champion. The Champion reserves the right to accept, reject or edit any letter received — according to the Champion stylebook, taste and the Liberty University mission statement.
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October 2, 2012
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Ruth bibby | Liberty Champion
WORSHIP AND MUSIC — (LEFT-PHOTO) Worship majors Tyler Daniels (left) and Sonny Kingsbury (right) practice their guitars. (RIGHT-PHOTO) Kristin Quint has been playing the concert grand pedal harp for nine years. Currently, the worship students reside in rooms within the Religion Hall and Performing Arts Hall.
New school merges two programs The Center for Worship joined with the Department of Music and Humanities to form the School of Music Jay Sir
“Our mission is to train and equip the next generation of worship leaders.”
ysir@liberty.edu
Enter the Religion Hall across the DeMoss Hall, and you may hear the faint whisper of a guitar strumming in the background. If you follow the sweet melodies further into the building, you may be interrupted briefly by the sound of a student singing as he writes and rewrites the bridge of his new song. Continuing your journey, you may find that the source of the plucking strings stems from a professor giving a private lesson to a worship student behind a set of glass doors. The Center for Worship has made the Religion Hall its temporary home and has spread to include classrooms in the Performing Arts building and some rooms at the old Thomas Road Baptist Church building. This is due to the fact that the center has grown from a handful of students in 1998 to a residential program of more than 900 students this fall. “The first question that I ask prospective students is, ‘What do you think God has called you to do?’” Vernon Whaley, Dean of the School of Music, said. “And if they can answer that by saying, ‘God is calling me to worship,’ then I say, ‘Great! Then God’s calling me to teach you how
— Vernon Whaley to do it. Let’s go learn how to do this together.’” Building on the vision of late Jerry Falwell Sr. and resident artist Charles Billingsley, the Center for Worship reorganized its structure and residential programs in 2005, according to Whaley. This semester, the Center for Worship has nearly 600 students who study at the undergraduate level, 390 students who study at the graduate level and 18 full-time faculty members. “Our mission is to train and equip the next generation of worship leaders,” Whaley said. “Right now, there are between 2,800 and 3,000 job openings in the area of worship, and our goal is to put Liberty graduates in each one of those jobs.” The curriculum at the center has been regarded highly by many, and the center has won the “best of the best of worship
education” award in 2011 and 2012. The award was given by Worship Leader Magazine, and its readers have also voted the Center for Worship as the “best worship program” for 2012. “I think it’s an amazing program,” Liberty senior Brittany Clark said. “It combines a music major and a religion major to give you all the skills that you need to work in a church, lead, worship and do anything in this field. It also has a bunch of specializations that you can choose from.” Specializations for the undergraduate worship major include: biblical studies, business studies, worship technology, Christian artist development, pastoral leadership and more. “It’s a difficult major, but it’s very fun,” Clark said. “All the people are so loving, and you become a little family that helps each other.” The Center for Worship also prepares students to fill these needs by building a “market-driven curricula” and trains students specifically for places where jobs are available, according to Whaley. “I just finished my internship this summer, and I was so pleased with the preparation that I’ve received from the school,” senior Julianne Osterhouis said.
“I felt musically prepared, I felt spiritually prepared, and there was even a difficult situation at the church that we had talked about in classes that made me aware (of how to react to the situation).” The Center for Worship has trained over 200 graduates since its first graduating class in 2009, and notable alumni include Meredith Andrews, members of the Christian band Anthem Lights and many others. Graduates of the program depart with the “great commission to worship” that describes worship as formational, transformational, relational, missional, commissional and reproducible. Worship students have currently taken up residence in the Religion Hall, but the Center for Worship will probably not be in the Religion Hall in five years. Liberty University has announced plans to build a new school of music, and the Center for Worship will relocate their resources there. As for the program itself, the Center for Worship and the Department of Music and Humanities has already merged under the new Liberty University School of Music program and has been renamed the Center for Music and Worship. SIR is a sports reporter.
The School of Music launches with plans to expand in the near future, including a new facility Jay Sir ysir@liberty.edu
Liberty University has added a 13th school to its academic program as the Center for Worship merged with the Department of Music and Humanities on Sept. 1 to form the Liberty University School of Music. “In an effort to better manage our resources, our faculties and our facilities, the Liberty administration found it wise to combine the two departments,” Dean of the School of Music Vernon Whaley said. According to liberty.edu, the school
will be staffed by 32 full-time and 24 adjunct faculty members and will join more than 700 undergraduate students and 400 graduate students in the new program. The new school of music will offer a music major and a worship major with a wide range of specializations for each program at the undergraduate level. They will also be offering a new master’s program for music as well as the three worship master’s programs that are currently offered at the Center for Music and Worship, according to Whaley. “Our goal in the future is to develop
the program to become the most prestigious, largest, most influential school in the nation,” Whaley said. “We believe that God is going to allow use to do this.” Liberty will also be building new facilities to accommodate the needs of the new school. According to Whaley, a new concert hall with the capacity to hold 1,200 to 1,300 people will be built for use by students and the Lynchburg area. Classrooms will also be built inside and around the concert hall. In addition to providing students access to more facilities and a new building to call home, Whaley believes that
the new school will open up jobs for graduates in a more significant way. “I think as we grow and our prestige is established in the community, it would greatly increase our public relations as a school,” Whaley said. “I think we could have enormous impact on the commercial scene.” “I would love to see Liberty graduates taking a lead role in the band of the Tonight Show and the David Letterman Show,” Whaley said.
SIR is a sports reporter.
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October 2, 2012
Poll results spike concern Melanie Oelrich moelrich@liberty.edu
The presidential election is quickly approaching, and a significant amount of votes rely on students in colleges and universities all over the country. A poll was recently given on the Liberty Champion website concerning which campaign issues are the most troublesome to college students. Topics such as economics, debt, health care and abortion were among the highest-rated issues. Out of 81 voters, 40 percent voted for economic issues. Liberty senior history major and Army ROTC cadet Taylor Redmond agreed that the impending economy is his primary concern. “The economy is what drives everything else,” Redmond said. “We are in a position that is worse than ever, and history doesn’t really smile on situations like this. Poor economy drives up crime rates and divides classes.” Junior communications major Jillian Springer also voiced her concerns with how the current economic state will affect her career post-graduation. “I’ll be graduating next year, and if the economy continues the way it’s going, it will be tough to find a job as a college graduate,” Springer said. “Foreign affairs is a close second, as my brother just graduated from Liberty’s ROTC program and is currently in the army. With the volatility throughout the world, it makes me a little uneasy.” According to the White House website, the president believes that investing in the creativity and imagination of the American people will create the jobs and industries of the future and restore middleclass security. By doing so, we will out-innovate, out-educate and out-build the rest of the world to ensure that our nation achieves rapid, sustained and broad-based economic growth. However, Obama’s biggest weakness still seems to be the economy. A Fox News poll currently shows Obama’s ticket leading over Mitt Romney’s 48-43. Nearly one in five Independent voters are still undecided, according to poll results. The poll also shows likely voters fairly evenly split between Obama and Romney when it comes to picking which one would do a better job “improving the economy and creating jobs,” with 47 percent for Obama and 46 for Romney. “Forty-seven percent of the country is dependent on the government and unable to take personal responsibility,” Romney said at a private fundraiser in May. “Our economy needs to be reinvigorated, and the president has laid out his plan,” Romney continued. “It’s a continuation of the old plan. We can’t afford four more years of the last four years.” According to students, another concern for this election is debt. Roughly 15 percent of the poll voters claimed that this issue will be an important factor in their voting decision. “Over the last four years, the deficit has gone up,” Obama said. “Ninety percent of that is as a consequence of two wars that weren’t paid for, as a consequence of tax cuts that weren’t paid for, a prescription drug plan that was not paid for, and then the worst economic crisis since the Great
Professors push voter registration Joy Huertas jjhuertaslandero@liberty.edu
Kevin McAlpin | Liberty Champion
POLL RESULTS — These are the results of the poll taken on the Liberty Champion website.
About 300 more students registered to vote on campus last week after information sessions were held the last 10 minutes of class Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 18 and 19. Keith Anderson, the Dean of Students, talked about how important these in-class sessions were for students who needed guidance on how to register in a more personalized way. He mentioned that when there are a lot of students registered locally, the impact in local counsel is even greater. “I think we did a good job, and we registered some more than other initiatives. It also gave students the opportunity to do it in a more control environment than when they’re sitting in the Vines center,” Anderson said. “It may be hard or may not be the time for people to decide if they want to vote locally or maintain their voting privileges back home. By doing Check it in a closed setyour state ting, such as a classroom, they registrar’s can get more office for information on how to fill it any funding out.” regulations. The high number of students registered to vote has changed things in the past and Liberty hopes to keep doing so. “When we engage young people earlier, politicians and legislators pay more attention,” Anderson said. “For example, the voter ID has been acceptable identification when previously it was the state identification. Collectively, having a strong voting voice gives us an opportunity to be heard by city leadership.” The student body had positive reactions about the sessions. “Liberty is doing a good job at letting the student body know how important an election can be and that it is our duty to care about the future of our nation,” Adam Dubbe, international business major, said. Anderson had a town hall meeting at the Tower Theater at 4 p.m. yesterday. “Certainly, it’s going to be an opportunity for students to express they’re experience,” Anderson said. “I’ve heard some positive feedback, and I believe there are about 300 students who registered.” The deadline for registration on campus is Oct. 10 at 1 p.m. Students who still want to register may visit the registration tables at Green Hall, the Tilley Center and DeMoss Hall. The procedure consists of completing an application. The people at those tables will ensure that everything is filled out correctly and will turn it in to the registrar. Students will receive confirmation of their registration via email. “My responsibility is to help them develop as a student and as a Christian citizen here in America. One of those privileges is being able to vote, and explaining to them how to do so and be part of that process is part of my job,” Anderson said. “That’s the benefit of having a republic society, that we get to choose our leaders, and to be part of that process, you first have to be registered to vote in order to select a good leader.”
FYI
YouTube
YouTube
FYI
The presidential debates will take place from 9-10:30 p.m. (EST) on all major networks on the following dates: Oct.3 - Domestic Policy; Oct. 11 - Vice Presidential: Foreign and Domestic Policy; Oct. 16 - Town Meeting Format on Foreign and Domestic Policy; Oct. 22 - Foreign Policy. Depression.” Romney, however, wants to cap federal spending at about 20 percent of the output of the economy by the end of his first term. “When Obama came into office, there was just over $10 trillion in debt. Now, there is over $16 trillion in debt,” Romney said. “If he were reelected, I can assure you it will be almost $20 trillion in debt. And by the way, those debts get passed on to our kids. It’s not just bad for the economy or for our job creation, but it’s immoral for us to pass on obligations like that to the next generation.” Welfare has also been a hot topic on the heels of the election. The Romney campaign recently released a television advertisement claiming that Obama’s alterations to the welfare program “gut” the program’s work requirements. According to the ad, “since 1996, welfare recipients were required to work. On July 12, President Obama quietly ended the work requirement gutting welfare reform.” The ad ends by saying that Mitt Romney’s plan for a stronger middle class will put work back in welfare. According to an article by CBS News, the Romney campaign launched two offensive attacks on the president’s executive order allowing states waivers for welfare in September, saying that the president is rolling back the federal work requirement. Subsequently, the Department of Health and
Human Services announced a change to those waivers in July, saying that they “don’t skirt work rules, but allow states to test alternative and innovative strategies” to meet work requirements. Senior criminal justice major and Army ROTC cadet Brian Sammis voted welfare as the most concerning topic of the upcoming election. “(Welfare) needs to be reformed,” Sammis said. “Rather than giving it to people for the rest of their lives, put a limit on it. For example, if the welfare cap is two years, it gives people the chance to find a job or go back to school and get a degree for a job. Otherwise, people become dependent upon it, and there is virtually no way to motivate them to get off of it.” In an interview with NBC News, conservatives criticized Romney for supporting the health reform law he recently signed, saying that it was frighteningly similar to the health reform law signed by Obama. Romney claimed that his law was constitutional and appropriate in Massachusetts, but was not meant to be implemented nationally. “I think throughout this campaign as well, we talked about my record in Massachusetts. Don’t forget, I got everybody in my state insured,” Romney
told NBC News. “I don’t think there’s anything that shows more empathy and care about the people of this country than that kind of record.” Obama’s current health care plan, however, claims to make Medicare stronger by adding new benefits, fighting fraud, and improving care for patients. He said the life of the Medicare Trust Fund will be extended to at least 2024 as a result of reducing waste, fraud, abuse, and slowing cost growth in Medicare. This law includes consumer rights and protections, more affordable coverage, and better access to care. “Heath care is my biggest concern for this election,” Liberty junior graphic design major Chelsey Johnson said. “I have a feeling it will really affect where our money and taxes will go.” Other issues voted on in the Champion poll included abortion, traditional marriage (rights), foreign affairs, college tuition and social security. To view what each presidential candidate has to say about those topics, visit their campaign pages at barackobama. com and mittromney.com.
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OELRICH is the asst. news editor.
HUERTAS is a news reporter.
NEWS
October 2, 2012
Liberty Champion/A5
Craig Romney addresses government students said. Mitt’s team combed the streets, distributed fliers and set up a hot line for phone tips on her whereabouts. Eventually, the girl was found through a phone trace on a call from a boy she was last seen with. When she was recovered, she was suffering from a severe drug overdose. The girl’s father said that without Mitt, his daughter may not have survived that trip to New York.
Kyle Harvey kharvey@liberty.edu
In a shift away from the policy-centered discussion of the national media, students were given insight into the private life of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney from a man who perhaps knows him better than anyone else. Craig Romney, the youngest son of Obama’s challenger, made a stop at Liberty Sept. 21 on his way to Florida, appearing before a crowd of government students to take questions about the presidential race and speak to the character of his father. The Family Meeting When a man runs for president, he does not run alone — the whole family runs. Craig described what it was like for the Romney family during the initial stages of his bid for the presidency. And yes, there was a family meeting that started it all. “The first time was in 2006, when he was thinking about running in 2008. He sat us all down and asked us what we thought, kind of made a list of pros and cons,” Craig said. “We had no idea what we were in for. We were very really enthusiastically supporting him making that decision.” But Romney’s bid for the Republican nomination fell short as John McCain secured the top spot on the Republican ticket that year. “We had a similar meeting again as a family in 2010 when he was thinking about doing it this time,” Craig said. “(We had) more restraint that time. We’d been through it once and learned from those experiences.” The focus of that family meeting was very different in 2010. The political climate had changed, and so had the Romney family.
Kyle Harvey | Liberty Champion
POLITICS — Craig Romney addressed election topics in the School of Government. “Again we were unanimous in our support in saying that not only should you do this, you have to do this. Our country needs you. We need your leadership, we need your experience in the White House,” Craig said. Speaking as his son, Craig highlighted many of Romney’s lesserknown character attributes that he said qualifies his father for perhaps the world’s highest office. “Some of his greatest successes are the things that people know the least about,” Craig said. “It’s saving a young girl (who) was lost, in dan-
ger of dying from a drug overdose. It’s raising my brothers and myself to love this country, to love God and to love our neighbor. Those I consider to be his greatest achievements.”
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Romney to the Rescue The incident with the lost young girl occurred during Mitt’s time in Boston running Bain capital. One of his partners had a daughter who did not return from a trip to New York, and her father could not make contact with her. Mitt shut down his office and took all of his employees to New York City to search for the missing girl, Craig
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REGISTRATION EVENTS Sept. 11 - Oct. 10
Oct. 6
Oct. 15
Voter Registration Table
VR forms distributed at SGA
Voter registration deadline
Sept. 22
Oct. 10
Voter Registration forms distributed
Dean of Students Voter Registration form collection deadline
George Allen visits the ‘burg Former Va. governor came to Lynchburg to address political issues Kyle Harvey kharvey@liberty.edu
Former Virginia Gov. and U.S. Sen. George Allen made a brief stop at Carol’s Place in Forest Tuesday, Sept. 25, where he spoke before a large crowd including students from Liberty’s Helms School of Government. Allen, ALLEN who is running to reclaim the Senate seat he lost to Jim Webb in 2006, said that college students are the primary reason he decided to re-enter politics. “The reason that I got into this election, is looking at the future through the eyes of our children,” Allen said. “Our oldest daughter graduated from college, and she eventually found work, but we saw her and others in her age group moving back home.” For Allen, the erosion of the American Dream is unfair to the generation entering the work force. “I read someone in the Washington Post who had a comment that young people’s expectations are too high, and I thought, ‘My goodness, this is America.’ In America, you should only be limited by your ingenuity,
your imagination and your hard work,” Allen said. Allen was championed by numerous other legislators, including long-time delegates Lacey Putney, Kathy Byron, T. Scott Garrett, 6th Dist. GOP Committee Chairman Wendell Walker as well as U.S. Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA). Allen spoke at length about tax reform, deregulation of energy production, and his desire to repeal the president’s signature domestic accomplishment — the hotly-debated Affordable Care Act. The importance of the upcoming election cannot be understated, Allen said. Among those most affected are “anybody who uses electricity, drives a car and thinks that doctors and patients should make health care decisions.” “For you people graduating from college, this is the worst job market since World War II,” Allen said. “One third of young people graduating from college move back home. Fifty percent are either unemployed or underemployed.” According to Allen, the solution to the problem that college graduates face lies in a shift in the American attitude — one that rewards success and encourages growth. “It’s absolutely essential that we reinvigorate the entrepreneurial spirit of our country with
pro-job growth tax and regulatory and energy policies,” Allen said. “Our ideas are ones that work. They worked when I was governor — with lower taxes and prompt permitting and freezing college tuition, increasing the tuition assistance grants for private colleges.” The college population, Allen said, should be the one that is the most enthusiastic for the Republican ticket. “More taxes and more regulations ... is not the solution. The solution is positive, constructive ideas so that young people, when they graduate from college, can enter their field of work, start their careers,” Allen said. “That’s why I think young people, more than anyone else, would be a demographic that should be on our side.” Allen’s political career has spanned more than two decades. He has served Virginia in the House of Delegates, in the U.S. House of Representatives, as governor of Virginia and most recently as a U.S. Senator from 2001-2007. He is the son of the late Hall of Fame National Football League coach George Allen. Allen and his wife, Susan Brown, have three children — Forrest, Tyler and Brooke.
HARVEY is the sports editor.
Group Lesson on Toilet-Papering On a lighter note, Craig spoke about one time as a teenager that he and a friend decided to toilet paper their neighbors’ house. But his surprise attack did not go quite as he planned. “We found all the toilet paper in the house and we spent 20-30 minutes TPing their yard and their trees and everything. And then the next morning, I woke up and it was all gone, all of it,” Craig said. “I was surprised because it’s kind of a pain to clean that stuff up. I didn’t know who had done it. I was kind of confused.” A little investigative work revealed the culprit, or rather the person who cleaned up the mess. “I went and looked in the garage and all the toilet paper was in our garbage can. It was my dad who had cleaned it all up,” Craig said. “I think he had gotten up early and seen what I had done. The crazy thing is, he never said a word.” Romney’s parenting seems to have been effective — Craig abandoned his humorous pranks. “By doing that, (he) taught me a much greater lesson,” Craig said. “I just felt so guilty knowing that he had worked to clean up my mess.” HARVEY is the sports editor.
Virginia voter registration deadline approaches Tyler Eacho tpeacho@liberty.edu
For voters in Virginia, the Oct. 15 deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 6 presidential election is quickly approaching. Recognizing the importance of getting students involved in the election, Liberty University launched a campus-wide campaign on Sept. 22 to register students to vote. According to the university website, the campaign has netted more than 3,200 new voter registration forms as of Sept. 26. University officials want students to understand that voting in Lynchburg could have a big impact on the amount of tuition that they have to pay. Because of this, the university has provided opportunities for students to register with easy access to forms on tables in DeMoss and Green Hall through Oct. 10. While the university likes students to vote in Virginia, some choose to vote in their home states by way of absentee ballot. According to longdistancevoter.com, absentee voting is conducted by mail-in ballot before the day of the election. All 50 states will mail a ballot to voters who meet certain conditions. The voters may return the ballot in person or by mail. Some states will let voters apply for an absentee ballot in person before the election and then vote that same day. There are 21 states that require voters to provide an excuse for voting by absentee ballot, according to longdistancevoter.com. The District of Columbia, along with 27 other states, offers no-excuse absentee voting. Students living temporarily at college have an excuse for voting by absentee ballot. It is simply a matter of making the decision to vote from their home state or the state where they
attend school. Liberty argues that it is important for students to vote in Virginia because this is where they spend the majority of their time and money. Either way, students looking to have their voices heard can make their votes count on Nov. 6. Deadlines are quickly approaching for those who want to register. EACHO is the asst. news editor.
FYI
Voting in Virginia allows students the opportunity to vote on two proposed amendments to the Constitution of Virginia. The first is a proposed amendment to the law regarding the taking of private property in Section 11 of Article 1 of the Bill of Rights. The amendment seeks to make private property a “fundamental” right. According to the amendment, the taking or damaging of private property must be for “public use,” and no more property must be taken or damaged than is necessary for the stated or public use. The second proposed amendment seeks to change Section 6 of Article IV of the Constitution of Virginia. In the proposed amendment, the General Assembly will be allowed to delay the start of a veto session for up to one week and will be able to avoid the possible scheduling of a veto session on a religious holiday. Virginia is not the only state with proposed amendments to its constitution on the ballot. Students wishing to vote in their home states by way of absentee ballot will have the opportunity to vote on proposed amendments to their state’s constitution.
OPINION
OCTOBER 2, 2012
‘Awkward’ couples are not amused Shelanne Jennings
snjennings@liberty.edu
Liberty couples, beware. Yes, you with the your hand resting on your boyfriend’s shoulder, and you, comfortably lounging on the couch of the LaHaye Student Center after a long day of classes, beware. Your peers are poised, watching and waiting for an “awkward” moment to catch on camera. “Why?” you may ask. Well, your candid camera moment could end up on the latest Facebook page “Awkward Couples of Liberty” — a page designed to mock couples around Liberty’s campus that are deemed awkward. Even though the page is still in its infancy — created less than a month ago — it has taken Liberty’s campus by storm. The page has already been liked by over 6,000 people, accounting for almost half of Liberty’s residential population, and has become a topic of online discussion for over 2,000 of its fans. Although the site’s founders, Liberty students Jordy Vickrey and Neil Lloyd, have said in the website’s “About” page that they hope the site will “decrease Liberty’s awkward couple population,” the site may have much more dangerous effects on those tagged in photos. Cyber bullying, invasion of privacy and defamation of an individual or even Liberty University’s reputation are only a few of the issues that have been questioned about the site. As it continues to receive what seems to be unfiltered comments and postings, these effects can only escalate. “(The website) is controversial,” Vickrey said. “I think it does come down to where people draw the line on how sensitive they want to be, and what they find funny.” The page’s profile picture is one of the most memorable photos, and has been commented on more than 30 times. The photo, which depicts a male standing on a sidewalk with his girlfriend leaned up
against his leg, has received a flood of remarks. These comments range from friendly to downright rude, including its first comment, which insinuates that the girl in the picture is her boyfriend’s dog. Dean of Students Keith Anderson has commented on this as well as other pictures, listing both the Liberty Way that could be enforced for inappropriate conduct and Scripture that encourages students to alter their thinking on the page to “provoke them onto righteousness.” “I was offended in my spirit for the individuals who would end up on that page,” Anderson said. “Cyber bullying has a documented impact. Psychologically, it hurts people. It does not make them better. For you to laugh at or be entertained by another’s psychological and emotional composition is just not in good taste.” Although the aforementioned couple did not request for their picture to be removed from the site, others who have had their pictures posted have become more vocal about their disapproval of being added to the page. “I love Liberty University, and I do respect the policy,” Barbara Chown commented on her “awkward photo” after many had criticized her for not following the Liberty Way. “I would also appreciate it if someone can remove this picture, please. If you were in my position, you would want the same thing to happen. This is really quite embarrassing to see all the comments on here.” In the page’s “About” information, Vickrey and Lloyd also stated that “all seen rude content will be deleted.” Chown’s comment was posted Sept. 14, and as of yet, her picture has not been removed. Anderson said that he has met with Vickrey and Lloyd and has attempted to establish a filtration system for the pictures and comments. Vickrey and Lloyd stated that they started filtering content prior to their meeting with Anderson but have now included others to help police the site. “My thing is we don’t post the photos,
Facebook Screenshot
GOING TOO FAR — The site may be good for a laugh, but is it really appropriate? and we take down anything that they have a problem with. They just have to message us,” Vickrey said. “We’ve probably taken down about 10 to 12 photos.” Vickrey said that they have taken down certain photos that they view as too mean or too sensual in nature to remain on the site. However, when asked about Chown’s comment, the two founders said they could not remember seeing her post. Photos that violate the privacy of its victims and the overly critical, inappropriate and sensual comments still remain on the site. “I wanted to cut out some of the shenanigans and lighthearted comments that have taken place,” Anderson said. “Everyone has freedom of speech. That freedom of speech doesn’t just give you the liberty to say whatever you want, but also to say the godly things as much as you want.” The page may have been created with lighthearted intentions, but we as Chris-
tians need to discover a better way of handling these “awkward” situations. Matthew 18:15 says, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother” (ESV). Calling out our brothers and sisters in Christ by posting their pictures on the World Wide Web is not the way to address “awkward” or inappropriate couple interaction. If we choose to bear the name of Christ, we need to heed his direction and confront each other in a way that honors him. Public mockery creates division between brothers, while private confrontation creates brotherhood. JENNINGS is a graduate assistant.
Celebration of cultures limited to minorities? Karin Thompson
kthompson21@liberty.edu
Volunteers flooded the steps of DeMoss Hall, enthusiastically offering free chips and salsa accompanied by rousing Mariachi music Monday, Sept. 17. Students flocked to the free food, discovering the kickoff event of Liberty University’s Hispanic Heritage Month. Although the event highlighted Hispanic Heritage Month, it also revealed an underlying issue: which heritages should be nationally celebrated, and which can be overlooked? America is a multicultural blend of colors, languages and cultures. National heritage months are designed to spotlight heritages within this melting pot, but they ultimately create division rather than celebration. Observing Hispanic Heritage Month reveals two inconsistencies: picking-and-choosing which heritages deserve celebration and allowing other heritages to be lost in the past. American authorities began
From the
Desk Tabitha Cassidy tcassidy@liberty.edu
You can try to ignore it as much as possible, but the truth is, you cannot escape politics the year of a presidential election. Campaigning starts roughly a year before the election, quickly followed by conferences to elect the Republican and Democratic candidates. At this point, one candidate will
singling out cultural contributions in the 1970s, using language such as “overlooked” or “neglected” in their selection of minorities with culture worth celebrating. Black History Month began in 1976 when President Gerald Ford encouraged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments” of African Americans. Similarly, the Law Library of Congress traces Women’s History Month to 1981 as President Ronald Reagan moved to “celebrate the struggles and achievements of American women.” President Reagan continued the trend of honoring minorities by expanding Hispanic Heritage Week to a month running from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 in 1988. President Obama said that Hispanic Heritage Month 2012 should be seen as a way to “widen the circle of opportunity” for Hispanic Americans. American Indian Heritage Month and Asian Pacific Heritage Month were recognized in 1990 and 1992. While each heritage men-
undoubtedly say something he or she regrets, and the other candidate will run with it for the rest of the election process. Next on the docket, the media will bombard you with images of the two presidential nominees hashing it out on live television, also known as the presidential debates, to which we are quickly drawing closer. As the Oct. 3 debate approaches, I find myself with one question. At this point in the game, do these public confrontations even make a difference? Certainly, it will be entertaining to watch two grown men argue about domestic policy, but
Max Kingensmith | Creative Commons
APPROPRIATE — Do cultural celebrations do more harm than good? tioned has added uniquely to the history of American achievement, the celebrations are rooted in overturning years of neglect. But historic wrongs cannot be blotted out by a month of recognition. Moreover, there are not enough months in the year to celebrate every minority heritage
how many people actually watching the debates have yet to make up their minds about who they are voting for? I supp o s e s o m e catastrophic derogat o r y s t a t e - CASSIDY m e n t could slip from President Barack Obama’s lips to cause people to completely change their minds about him. Or, Mitt Romney could accidentally trip up the stage and land in the bosom of the first lady, offending millions. But when it comes down
that makes up America. Multiple heritage groups claim the same month, such as Italian Heritage Month and Filipino American Heritage Month in October. May covers three heritages: Jewish, Haitian and South Asian. Each group requests congressional and presidential recognition, but few receive that honor.
to the nitty gritty, so very little is actually accomplished by debating at this point. I do appreciate the promises that both men will make to the public. Obama has guaranteed change, hope and a stronger middle class for the past four years, and Romney has affirmed that a better economy will result in his leadership. Currently in his campaign advertisements, Obama says that change takes time. Romney’s ads are no different, telling us that he will do all that he can in four years to get America back on the right track. Gentlemen, thank you for your words, but let us
Equally important, celebrating only neglected minorities deemphasizes the efforts of majority heritages. It seems that European heritage is largely denied recognition by the higher powers because it is more politically correct to saddle Caucasian Americans with blame rather than praise. Mere days celebrate the men who led our infant nation, forged trails to the West and fought bloody wars to maintain freedom. Every heritage deserves celebration for its backbreaking efforts to grow and preserve our nation. The intention of heritage months may be positive, but the outcome is divisive. While Hispanic Heritage Month at Liberty University may come complete with chips, salsa and Hispanic culture events, do not let it distract you from celebrating other heritages worthy of our involvement.
THOMPSON is an opinion writer.
see some action. I would much rather watch a riveting documentary about how both candidates made a difference in various communities and how their current policies serve as a catalyst for change than I would like to watch Obama and Romney argue over what they plan on doing. Do not get me wrong, as a journalist I love it when the presidential candidates speak. I am given the opportunity to quote from them directly, passing along the knowledge of their success, slipups and silly, embarrassing gestures to the general public. But as the average American voter, I have al-
ready made up my mind on whose name I will put my check mark next to on Nov. 6. Unless these debates reveal that one of the candidates is suddenly the anti-Christ, I do not think my mind will change. Maybe I have a very basic understanding about politics. But then again, am I not the common person? So sit back, grab some popcorn and enjoy the bloodbath that is about to ensue over the presidential debates. CASSIDY is the editor in chief.
OPINION
October 2, 2012
Liberty Champion/A7
Politicians must answer call to arms Jacob Tellers jtellers@liberty.edu
tion comes down to the several crucial “purple states” that seem to leapfrog back and forth between parties from time to time. This year, for example, supposedly the entire election comes down to Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin and Colorado. Count your blessings if you live in one of these privileged states. Like it or not, a huge majority of the campaign budgets will be spent on you. Most of the candidate’s visits will be in your neighborhoods. Disregard the issues that the nation cares about. From now until November, it is all about what you care about Ohio. In a system where the winner of the national popular vote decides the next president, this would not be. Conservatives on the coasts would boldly cast their vote knowing that it would actually matter. Liberals in the mid-west would also cast the first meaningful votes of their lives. And the presidency, heaven forbid, would be won by the man who convinced the entire nation that he was the best person to lead the United States and not simply the man who convinced the “purple states.”
The economy has been the focus of both President Obama and Mitt Romney’s campaigns, but the continued unrest in the middle east makes it clear that their positions on national defense and the military are also vital to consider. Though many Republicans have tried to portray Obama as anti-military, he has more of a mixed record concerning his support of the military. Military spending has remained high under Obama. He inherited a defense budget of roughly $700 billion. As the chart from the Center for American Progress shows, his first three budgets have spent $717, $700 and $676 billion. When inflation is factored into past military spending, Obama’s most recent budget is higher than every other president except George W. Bush. The U.S. is currently spending more than it did with Reagan during the height of the Cold War. According to the Heritage Foundation, Obama’s defense spending would drop to $600 billion by 2016 if he was elected to a second term. Obama has also overseen a dramatic increase in drone strikes toward militants in Pakistan. Russia has “In the first 11-and-aaround half months of 2010, U.S. President Barack Obama’s 5,500 administration authorized nuclear more than twice as many warheads, drone strikes, 113, in northwest Pakistan as it did in 2009 according — itself a year in which there to the Arms were more drone strikes than Control during George W. Bush’s entire time in office,” Perter Association. Bergen and Katherin Tiedemann of the New America Foundation said. Obama’s support of the Libyan rebels in 2011, which lead to the overthrow of the dictator Muammar Gaddafi, and his ordering of the strike on Bin Laden are other examples of his willingness to use military force when necessary. Although Romney obviously does not have a military record, he has clearly supported a strong U.S. military throughout his campaign. According to Romney’s campaign website, some of his plans include reforming military spending to make it more efficient, modernizing “aging inventories,” committing to “a robust, multi-layered national ballistic-missile defense system,” and increasing the size of the navy. Guy Taylor of the Washington Times reports that Romney’s budget for the military in 2016 would come to $800 billion, signifying a significant increase in spending. Looking at Obama’s record and Romney’s campaign statements, it seems clear that neither candidate will shy away from the thought of using military force. However, there remain a few significant differences between Obama and Romney concerning nuclear weapons and Iran. Obama’s campaign websites calls for “progress toward a world without nuclear weapons.” Some of the steps that Obama has taken toward this goal include a 2010 agreement with Russia that will lower each nation’s level of strategic nuclear missiles to below 1,500, according to foxnews. com. The article estimates that before the treaty, the U.S. had 2,150 strategic nuclear weapons. In an article Romney wrote for the Washington Post, he directly opposed Obama’s nuclear missile reductions deal with Russia. On his campaign website, Romney argues that the U.S. must be clear to Iran that military force is not an option. Romney believes that one of the ways to do this is to “restore the regular presence of aircraft carrier task forces in both the Eastern Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf region.” Obama, however, has shown reluctance to use force against Iran. According to the Economist, Obama has strongly warned Israel’s prime minister against making any strike on Iran. The question now is what path we as a nation are going to take. Romney supports keeping our nuclear arsonal, while Obama would rather work toward a world where there are no nuclear weapons. Only one of these candidates can win, and only one of these diverging strategies can be taken. Let us hope that we, as a country, do not come to regret it.
HARVEY is the sports editor.
TELLERS is an opinion writer.
Screenshot | YouTube.com
CONTROVERSY — Calls by replacement referees left fans confused and irate.
Good call: NFL brings the refs back
Andrew Woolfolk
alwoolfolk@liberty.edu
They are back. After a financial standoff that had football fans slightly perturbed in the preseason and full-on outraged by week three of the regular season, the NFL and its Referee Association agreed on a new deal that ended their tumultuous lockout. It took the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell 48 mistake-filled, confusion-ridden games to finally back down, and thank goodness they did. Diehard fans let out a collective sigh of relief, and a downpour of appreciation was given to the returning crew of officials. Hundreds of fans and players swarmed social media sites to offer their gratitude to the men who serve in an often-abused position. Cleveland Browns wide receiver Joshua Cribbs tweeted that he “never thought he would be excited for the refs to come back, but it’s about time!” “Welcome back refs, glad you all were able to get a deal done,” Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller also tweeted. Even Goodell took the time to apologize to fans for the performance of the replacement officials — a group that included referees from high school and Division III schools — and acknowledge the fumbling procedure. “We’re sorry to have to put fans through that,” Goodell said. “This has gotten a lot of attention, and it has not been positive.”
The debacle, which was a result of a NFL lockout of officials due to disagreements over suggested salary increases and the handling of employee pensions, left a bad taste in the mouth of fans. The taste only got nastier after the insanity reached its zenith on Sept. 24 during a Monday Night Football matchup with Green Bay and Seattle. Seattle was awarded a win on the game’s controversial final play, and many believe that the ruling was the tipping point for Goodell. “The negative backlash from the Green Bay Packers loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football pressured the NFL into getting this deal done,” John Clayton, ESPN’s senior football analyst, said. “It may have pushed the parties along,” a reluctant-to-admit-guilt Goodell hinted. Throughout this fiasco, one lesson can be learned: “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.” Before this year, Monday meetings around the metaphorical water cooler to discuss the “blown” calls of the week were the norm. The regular officials, the group we are now so appreciative to see return, did as equally a good job at ignoring the criticism we heaped at them on a weekly basis as they did arbitrating the games. Recently, one of the most recognizable referees in the game, Ed Hochuli, sat down with Sports Illustrated to break down his career. Including film study and physical preparations taken for the game, Hochuli dedicates 50
hours a week to his job with the NFL. On every play of the game — an average of 160 plays — Hochuli focuses on the most minute of details as he regulates some of the best athletes in the world moving at incredible speed. Before the play, Hochuli makes sure he is in the right position for any outcome that could develop. He counts the amount of players in the huddle in case they have an illegal amount. He checks the spot of the ball and where it is placed on the field should an incompletion happen. He mentally marks where the tackles are to get a feel for where the pocket is in case of an intentional grounding penalty. He studies film after games to learn the formations that teams run so he knows what to prepare for next time. Every play is like clockwork to the monitors of the field. Hochuli and his fellow referees are for the most part flawless, seeing holding penalties, calling pass interference and judging if a player is in bounds. It is not an easy job, and the replacement referees have unwillingly showed us that. Thankfully, with a newly-signed eight-year deal in place, we will not have to go through this again anytime soon. Maybe Roger Goodell could learn a thing or two from these new officials. Hopefully, he makes a better call next time. WOOLFOLK is the opinion editor.
Electoral college receives failing grade Kyle Harvey kharvey@liberty.edu
Does it seem to anyone else that a large majority of the American electorate is completely written off before the vote ever takes place? As it stands, millions of the nation’s votes do not count for a thing. Are you a Democrat in Oklahoma? Are you a Republican in California? Chances are, the candidate you voted for has not had the slightest chance of winning for 20 years. The way the Electoral College works, in conjunction with how individual states have chosen to award their allotted presidential votes, a large minority (up to 49 percent) can be entirely uncounted toward the race. For example, in California, Obama won all 55 of the electoral votes toward the presidential election after winning 61 percent of the popular vote. Meanwhile, 4.6 million votes were cast for McCain in California, but you would never know it based on how the electoral votes were distributed. The number of Republican votes in California was more than the number of Republican votes in Texas (4.6 million to 4.47 million). However, the 4.47 million votes in Texas earned 34 electoral votes for McCain, while
California’s 4.6 million votes earned 0 electoral votes for McCain. This same situation occurs in other places as well, with large number of Democratic votes that are a gold mine in some states proving worthless in a more right-leaning state. In Texas, 3.5 million votes were cast for Obama that did not win him a single electoral vote. However, in a state like Michigan, 2.87 million votes for Obama were worth 17 electoral votes. The electoral college system has several negative effects. First, the current system has allowed for parties to claim early run-off victories in several known “red states” or “blue states.” Electoral votes can practically be cast before the popular vote even happens. With the perceived value of a Democratic vote in Texas or a Republican vote in California being so low, why should those belonging to the political minority even bother to vote? Furthermore, why should minority candidates spend any effort campaigning for votes in states where they are not reasonably expected to win? There answer is plain — there is no reason, so the candidates simply do not. The result of this red and blue state nonsense is that the entire elec-
FYI
SEE THESE STORIES ONLINE TODAY 1. STUDENTS GATHER TO PRAY FOR SEE YOU AT THE POLE. 2. LIBERTY STUDENTS TAKE PART IN THE ANNUAL GENWORTH VIRGINIA 10-MILER. 3. LIBERTY’S RACQUETBALL TEAM FIRES AHEAD AS THEY HOST 2012 FALL COLLEGIATE TOURNAMENT.
Joel Coleman
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Liberty Website
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VISIT THE CHAMPION’S WEBSITE AT LIBERTYCHAMPION.COM OR CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK. joel coleman
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OPINION
A8/Liberty Champion
October 2, 2012
Homecoming special: University reflections
This Friday, Liberty University will celebrate what has become one of its most enjoyed and revered traditions, homecoming weekend. The yearly gathering of Liberty alumni is filled with stories of reunions, reflections and memories, an abundance of cookouts and of course, a Liberty football game. As Liberty celebrates its 41st year, it is important for both past and current students to take a moment to think about what makes this place so special in our hearts. Ask any student walking around campus or any alumnus decked out in Liberty gear, and they will give you a list of reasons. I think we all can agree on one thing: the atmosphere at this university is unlike anything we have ever experienced, and the moments we spend will surely not fade in our minds. So join in the fun as we ask each other, “What makes Liberty University so special to you?” The responses range far and wide, just like our personalities, but the message remains the same. We, as a collective whole, are blessed.
VICTORIA LIND
“The faculty shows an immense interest in the wellbeing of the students. Most classes start with prayer requests and prayer by the professor. The spiritual needs are genuinely met as professors take a personal interest in their students.”
LEANNA BRANNER
“Campus leadership sends emails to those who may be going through tough times and also offer the prayer chapel for students to pray at.” DERRICK BATTLE
RAHAB MUGWANJA
DEBORAH HUFF
“Liberty is also a school that thousands of international students attend. Different cultures come together in this school, where they learn the American culture and more about God. You always start your day knowing that someone is praying for you.”
JOSHUA BRANDENSTEIN
“Life at Liberty may be overwhelming at times, but the host of caring staff and students make the experience much easier. Every year, students graduate from Liberty with a vision for the lost world.”
“Seeing where God leads graduates is the best part about being a professor. It encourages me when I hear from a former student who has just won a prestigious award or received a promotion. I knew they had the skill. God had to give them the opportunity.” “It is hard not to be interested in the unique culture that surrounds Liberty. While its ideals may run counter to the norms of other colleges, Liberty finds a way to remain in the game while building a safer, more spiritually meaningful environment for its students.”
“Only at Liberty can 80 percent of the students proudly recite the Veggie Tales theme song verbatim. Ninety-nine percent may recite the books of the Bible song.” KYLE HARVEY
COURTNEY SHARP
“Liberty’s commitment to growing the whole person is what makes it such an attractive place for young people faced with the challenge of finding their place in the world. Even in the dorms and around campus, resident assistants, spiritual life directors, prayer leaders and prayer warriors do a lot of good.” “Where else in the world can you go skiing in 70-degree weather, be serenaded by an acoustic guitar, climb countless sets of stairs and hear Donald Trump speak — all in the same day?”
AMY CLEMENSON Promotional Publications | Les Schofer
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NEWS
October 2, 2012
Liberty Champion/A9
Ruth bibby | Liberty Champion
AMAZING MILE — Passing Liberty University cheerleaders, one young runner eagerly pushes toward the finish line.
Amazing Mile excites downtown Lynchburg The community comes together to run and enjoy festivities to promote physical fitness among youth Ashley Thomas athomas21@liberty.edu
Excitement filled the streets of downtown Lynchburg Friday, Sept. 28. when 750 children took their marks for the 12th Annual Amazing Mile Children’s Run and Family Festival. “I’m so excited to run the race with my mommy,” four-year-old Emma Grove said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.” Liberty University Athletic Director Jeff Barber and others from the athletic department support the fitness event. “I’m really happy to be here at the Amazing Mile Children’s Run and Family Festival because it is a great family festival that is fun for everybody,” Athletic Director Jeff Barber said. “Promot-
ing fitness is something the city of Lynchburg is doing, and we at Liberty always try to be apart of the community.” Preparations began in March, when organizers reached out to the community for sponsors. “This year, we spent a little more time working on receiving a grant from the VA Department of Health under the ACHIEVE Grant,” Amazement Square Director of Marketing Ashleigh Karol said. “With the help of this grant, we were able to provide 133 area youth with scholarships to participate in the Amazing Mile.” The Amazing Mile Children’s Run works in conjunction with the 39th annual Virginia 10-Miler, but is strictly for children. “Getting kids to have fun but
EVANGELISM continued from A1 “So, you’re a Muslim and you’re in Saudi Arabia and it’s not culturally appropriate to ask questions about Jesus Christ. You go to Google one night and there you find this website,” Moore said. “What’s interesting about this is that it is a best practice in the business world.” As a business, it is important to decide which words to buy for an online advertisement. “They’ve taken this best corporate practice and applied it to evangelism,” Moore said. “This is what makes online ministry so powerful. We can get inside the homes of people living in restricted access countries,” Moore said. The unnamed friend who partnered with Liberty and GMO for this online ministry wanted to house this outreach here because, according to Moore, “the students would know how to appreciate it and … could participate as online missionaries.” These individual websites are also “sophisticated.” People can click a button and indicate that they have accepted Christ as
FLIGHT continued from A1 Senior aviator Joshua Moerman competes in a wide range of ground events, including aircraft recognition, preflight check and E6B calculation, where students are given a written test and have to use different functions of the calculator. According to Moerman, he also competes in message drop, which has one student flying 200 feet above ground while another drops containers aimed at ground targets. “Leading up, there is a lot of pressure on us as a team because we are defending our seven-year winning streak,” Moerman said. “The entire student body of SOA is looking at us to go prove to the region that Liberty University is the best and will only get better.” According to Dillon, some flight events include power-on landings, when competitors must perform two landings and land the aircraft’s main wheels as close to a chalk line as possible and navigation, where students fly to and identify checkpoints using provided coordinates while calculating fuel burn and time en route.
at the same time being active is the goal of the race,” Karol said. Last year’s race recorded 550 runners and 3,500 attendants at the family festival. This year’s race maxed out the 750 capacity of runners, and more than 4,000 attended the festival. The races were split in onefourth, one-half and one-mile races. Races began at 6:15 p.m., but families were welcomed at 4:30 p.m. for the Family Festival. The festival included face painting, balloon art, four training stations where children warmed up with local collegiate coaches and athletes, and live music from a local band, the Ruckus. Liberty cheerleaders were accompanied by Sparky and joined by the Lynchburg Legends, WildCat women’s basketball
their savior or get connected to an online missionary. “There’s a lot of ways to get connected,” Moore said. The GMO website addresses the question of what happens after someone has indicated their decision. “To nurture disciples, GMO utilizes online missionaries to respond to the emails of seekers in order to engage them in a dialogue about God and to connect on a personal level.” These missionaries work under “Community Team Leaders,” who have more experience and are capable of overseeing other missionaries. “It’s like a highway between us and them. The church just hasn’t put the car on it like we could.” Moore mentioned that his new book coming out in January, “Dirty God,” makes the argument that “we are the first generation that can effectively complete the Great Commission. We as a generation are able to do things that no other previous generation was able to do, we reached 1.3 million people in under 72 hours.” BOONTJER is a news reporter. Senior aviator Bryan Ingram competes in SCAN and power-off landings. These contestants have the same objective as a power-on landing but must do so gliding from a specified point in the air. “Overall, competing in NIFA is an invigorating experience because the competition is there, but so is the support from my teammates,” Ingram said. In order to qualify, competitors must have a Private Pilot certificate and a current medical certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration, according to the NIFA contestant eligibility rules. Additionally, Dillon states that SOA aviators must qualify in annual try-outs and attend three practices per week, all team meetings and all fundraisers to maintain eligibility. “The sense of belonging to a team, and knowing that I am representing the SOA, Liberty and Christ, is not only a reward, but a responsibility,” Moerman said. According to Young and the NIFA website, NIFA dates back to the 1930s.
ANGIONE is a news reporter.
team from Randolph College, and retired NFL center and Virginia Tech alumnus, Jake Grove, who participated with his daughter, Emma. “It’s great for Liberty cheerleaders to be out here giving spirit to all the runners,” Liberty head cheerleader Brittany Durnil said. “It’s a great experience for us to come out, and they can see what Liberty is about and the positive atmosphere we bring to the community.” “I think it’s a great family event that gets your kids out and active,” Grove said. “Exercise, which I think today’s kids cannot get enough of, and also just bringing everyone together, is great. I hope to be a part of it for years to come.” All children participating in
C
g n i om
the event were winners. Prior to the event, each runner received an Amazing Mile T-shirt and goodie bag. After the race, they all received a medal and an additional goodie bag. “Having local community athletes come to support the children is a great motivator,” Karol said. “Giving these kids local community heroes to look up to and have as role models in the community where they live is a great way for children to see physical activity as a positive experience.”
THOMAS is a sports reporter.
! n o So
National Collection Week: November 12-19 www.samaritanspurse.org.
A10/Liberty Champion
NEWS
October 2, 2012
Quiz Bowl team schools competition Cameron to speak Kendra Alleyne
kralleyne@liberty.edu
Liberty University’s Quiz Bowl team defeated the University of Virginia for the first time ever and Virginia Tech for the second time in last Saturday’s Collegiate Novice 3 Tournament. The tournament, which took place at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., was geared toward freshman and sophomore students who had not competed in a Quiz Bowl tournament before college. Dr. Jim Nutter, coach of the Quiz Bowl team, said that he is extremely proud of the team’s accomplishments. “I told the team at the beginning of the season that we had never beaten UVA but that I thought this novice team had the potential to do so. After our 365-205 win over UVA, I was pretty much speechless. All I could do was shake my captain’s hand,” Nutter said. Nutter said that although there were some moments of doubt, he was always confident in his team. “We did lose a few close games, including losing to UVA on the final question in the playoff game…but the most impressive half we had was the second half against Virginia Tech, who we out scored 25025. We actually held Tech scoreless in the second half until the final tossup question, which they answered correctly,” Nutter said. Greta Hanks is a current member of the Quiz Bowl team who took part in Saturday’s win. She feels closer to her teammates and more prepared for the next match. “I was really happy with our results Saturday,” Hanks said. “I think everybody did well. Being that it was our first tournament, I now know what to expect and what to work on for next time. Traveling with the team really built our camaraderie.” According to Quiz Bowl team member Jon Conway, team spirit was evident from the onset of the tournament trip. “Travelling was a blast,” Conway said. “We all rode in a 15-passenger van. We passed the time by preparing for the tournament, sleeping and singing along to
Tyler Eacho
tpeacho@liberty.edu
Photo Provided
POLOS — Quiz Bowl Novice A team members Jon Bateman, Doug Stephens, Abbie Brubaker and Greta Hanks posed after a tournament. Disney music.” The Quiz Bowl team began in 2005 and won their first Big South Conference tournament in 2006. The success continued as they won in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012. “A lot of hard work and preparation goes into competitions, with countless hours spent on recruitment, practice and scrimmages,” Nutter said. “Every student who applies to the Honors Program who has high school Quiz Bowl experience gets a letter from me, and then I write every National Merit Finalist a recruitment letter as well. We have been practicing twice a week since August, playing three scrimmages every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-6:30 p.m.” Nutter said that the team has come a long way from the time it began, and he is always eager to add new members. “When we began in 2005, we only had five players. Right now, we have 18 players
practicing with us — a varsity team, a JV team and two novice teams.” The Quiz Bowl team has a busy upcoming schedule, where they will face even tougher competition against Atlantic Coastal Conference (ACC), Southeastern Conference (SEC) and even Ivy League schools. Nutter, however, has a positive outlook for the future and hopes to continue to succeed in competitions. “Right now, we may not win every game, but we are competitive academically with most any Quiz Bowl team in the country,” Nutter said. The team will compete at the University of Maryland over fall break, at UVA on Nov. 3, and has hopes to play in the national tournament this spring.
ALLEYNE is a news reporter.
Homecoming weekend will kick off Friday, Oct. 5, when Kirk Cameron speaks at Liberty’s convocation. Cameron, a popular evangelist, documentary filmmaker and former child actor, will share his story of faith, struggle and success. Cameron first entered America’s radar when he was cast as Mike Seaver in the ‘80s sitcom, “Growing P a i n s . ” According to his website, he was a self-proclaimed atheist CAMERON at the age of 14. The realization that he did not know his eternal fate led him to seek the will of God. Cameron’s career direction changed following his salvation. According to his website, he took the leading role of Cameron “Buck” Williams in the movie trilogy based on the “Left Behind” book series by Tim LaHaye, and he starred in the inspirational Christian film “Fireproof,” which stunned the media when it reached the status of the highest grossing independent film of 2008. EACHO is an asst. news editor.
SPORTS
OCTOBER 2, 2012
blades of glory
Inside this issue
B2 - Men’s Soccer took on Wofford University in a non-league matchup Saturday, Sept. 29.
B3 - Former Liberty running back Rashad Jennings updates us with his current ventures with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
Hockey remains perfect
DOMINANCE — The Flames outscored the Colonials 23-3 in their two-game series this weekend.
Liberty’s D1 hockey team countinues its winning streak Friday Sept. 28 Olivia Witherite ogwitherite@liberty.edu
B4 - Olympic torch runner Natalie Barr continues
to fulfill her late sister’s goal of bringing education and field hockey to Uganda.
B5
- Liberty honors its fourth class of inductees into Liberty Athletic Hall of Fame. The five former athletes shared their experience of being Liberty pioneers in their sport.
Hannah Kearney hlkearney@liberty.edu
Liberty University’s D1 hockey team continued a seventh-game homestand with a triumphant win of 12-1 against Robert Morris University this past Friday, Sept. 28. “Overall, we are very happy with the way our team played,” Head Coach Kirk Handy said. “Our goal since day one has been to get better every night and continue to build and do things that are going to make us a successful team at the end of the year. We felt like we had a good start tonight and got the lines rolling, and it was good to see.” The team’s season has been off to a fantastic start, with the Flames winning seven games in a row and facing no defeats. “It was a 12-1 win,” junior starter
Lindsey Leblanc said. “We definitely weren’t expecting that, but we played hard for 60 minutes and came through with a win.” The first goal of the night was scored by freshman Tyson Street only 56 seconds into the game, leading the Flames into an extremely successful game. Luke Baumgarten and Rick Turner were the next to score, giving the Flames a lead of 3-0. Leblanc made his sixth goal of the season, and Turner followed with his second goal of the night after receiving a pass from sophomore Steven Bellew. Ryley Egan was the next to score. Bellew, Bram Erickson and Turner all scored the ending goals of the period, making it 9-0. Halfway into the second period, Leblanc scored again. Junior Clayton Brown scored the next one after making his eighth successful save of the game. Kyle Garcia made the last
goal for the Flames in the third period before Robert Morris University scored its only goal, making it 12-1. Turner had three goals and four assists during the game, and has so far scored a goal every game of the 2012 season. The success of the Liberty men’s hockey team has made them very confident for the future. “The boys played really well tonight,” senior starter Scott Morongell said. “Keep up the good work, and we’re looking forward to being 8-0 after tomorrow.” “The season seems to be going really well,” Leblanc said. “It’s 7-0, and we’re ranked ninth in the country right now. Our goal this year is to win nationals. It’s just step by step, and we have a long season ahead.”
See HOCKEY, B2
Conference play top of Coach Gill’s agenda Derrick Battle dbattle2@liberty.edu
Entering a bye week with a 0-4 record is never how first year Head Coach Turner Gill wanted to begin his tenure at Liberty. With conference play on the horizon, Gill knows that every game is crucial. The Flames open Big South play against Gardner-Webb homecoming weekend. “The first quarter of the season is our preseason, our first four games of the year,” Gill said. “The second quarter starts this week with our open week and two conference games against Gardner-Webb and Presbyterian. Then our third quarter is broken down against Concord. Our fourth quarter of the season is four more conference games and the first game of the four is most important (Coastal Carolina).” All the pieces The Flames have the tools to win, with the smash-anddash attack of running backs
Aldreakis Allen and Sirchauncey Holloway and through the air with receiver Pat Kelly. Both Allen and Holloway have averaged over four yards a carry, and Kelly leads the team with 34 receptions. After quarterback Brian Hudson suffered an injury against Norfolk State three weeks ago, Josh Woodrum has seen the double-edged sword of success and failure. In his first start as a quarterback for the Flames, he threw over 300 yards. Against Lehigh, Woodrum had another consistent game, but a late interception drenched the Flames hopes for victory. “We are going to go with Josh (Woodrum) against GardnerWebb,” Gill said. “He has played well the last two ball games, and we need to settle in (who) that person is as quarterback. I think he has earned it. He has completed 70 percent of his passes. He’s thrown the ball accurately.” Effective play when it counts In the first four games, three
BIG SOUTH Elliot Mosher | Liberty Champion
GAUNTLET — The Flames will have to win the Big South to gain playoff contention. have been decided by a total of 12 points. In each of those games, the Flames have held a lead in the second half, only to let the game slip away in the end. “We need to have continuity in our offense, which may help
us eliminate some of the unfortunate plays that we have had, such as turnovers and illegal procedures penalties,” Gill said. Simple fixes on every facet of the ball could leave this team with a comfortable 3-1 record heading into the most important
part of the season. “In our bye week, we want to get a few things corrected,” Gill said. “Defensively we want to get better in the red zone, we want to hold them to a field goal if
See BIG SOUTH, B2
SPORTS
B2/Liberty Champion
October 2, 2012
Field Hockey
Women’s Soccer
Men’s XC
Women’s XC
Volleyball
Triathlon
Liberty 4 Missouri State 1
Liberty 2 Charleston Southern 3
David Ricksecker 24:37 Ngetich Kipchirchir 24:41
Jen Klugh 17:33 Khristina Kanagy 17:44
Liberty 2 UNC Asheville 3
Joseph Anderson 01:04:34 Katie Mullaly 01:23:05
Flames drop third straight match Jay Sir
ysir@liberty.edu
Two inches made the difference in the men’s soccer game Saturday, Sept. 29 when Liberty University played Wofford College. Wofford player Connor Davis, who is 6’1”, scored two goals just over the heads of Liberty defenders Greg White and Tim Harbison, who are both 5’11”, to give his team an edge over Flames, winning 3-0. “They were opportunistic today. They took their chances, and we didn’t,” Liberty Head Coach Jeff Alder said. Five minutes into the game, Davis headed in the first goal off of a corner kick, and the second goal came a minute later when Davis scored on a header — this time on a ball received on a long throw-in. “Surprisingly, the goals motivated us,” Liberty forward Kyle Breitmeyer said. “I think we played our best soccer after they got their second goal, and we were really taking it to them in the second half.” The Flames outshot the Terriers 16-9 and had five total corner kicks compared to Wofford’s two. Wofford also saved six shots on goal, while Liberty saved four. “Unfortunately, they did what we couldn’t do, and that was score goals,” Liberty midfielder Johnny Torres said. “Soccer is not about playing pretty. It’s about getting results, and they were able to do that.” The third goal came in the 62nd minute, when Wofford’s Alex Hutchins scored off a penalty kick. The penalty was called when Harbison brought down Hutchinson with an illegal shoulder tackle inside the penalty box. “I didn’t think it was a foul.
Lauren Adriance | Liberty Champion
HOT PURSUIT — Liberty forward Blessing Tahuona competed for a ball in a home game Saturday, Sept. 29 against Wofford. But I asked the ref about it, and he felt that our guy was a little bit behind (Hutchinson),” Alder said. “I told my guys that the referee had no outcome on the game, and that we had to finish our chances.” The game also saw 21 total fouls called, with Liberty on the guilty end of seven of them. Yellow cards were also given out to both teams — two for each team — resulting from unsportsmanlike conduct.
BIG SOUTH continued from B1 they do get inside the 20 instead of giving up touchdowns. We want to also create more turnovers. Offensively, we need to improve with ball security and unforced errors, and special teams we need to improve on punt coverage. We have given up big plays in this area.” Both the Liberty Flames and the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs enter this week with a 0-4 record. The Bulldogs have lost each game by an average of 32 points. They are also prone to turn the ball over, which coach Gill has stressed to his defense throughout the week. Key Games in Conference play After the game against the Bulldogs, the Flames key games against rival Coastal Carolina Chanticleers and Stony Brook Seawolves may once again decide who will come of victorious in the Big South. The Chanticleers will look to avenge a 63-27 drumming at the hands
“It was definitely a heated game, and it got a little scrappy at times, but that’s soccer,” Torres said. “It’s really rare to see a soccer game where there’s no fouls, kicks or knocks.” After the third goal, there were several shots taken on both sides of the field, but Andrew Drennen blocked all remainder goals for Wofford and Scott Sutarik for Liberty. “I’m proud of our guys because they stayed till the end,
of the Flames last season, as the Flames want to put the season finale in the past, when a loss to Stony Brook dashed their playoff hopes. For now, the Flames focus on this week’s game against the Bulldogs. “Our guys have played hard,” Gill said. “They played with great emotion and passion. Unfortunately, we have made to many mistakes, but I do think that those four games will help us going into conference play.” The Flames should come out on top, defeating the Bulldogs 35-10, Oct. 6 at 3:30 at Williams Stadium, which would mark the first win in the Turner Gill era and the start to the mission to win the Big South Conference. BATTLE is the asst. sports editor.
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and it was cool because Wofford gave us a chance to share the gospel with them after the game,” Alder said. “I told the guys that regardless of how good or bad things go in life, we still have to stay true to our mission and be willing to say, ‘Okay, we took one on the chin today, but let us tell you about our God.’ And thankfully, Wofford gave us a chance to share with them after the game.” Liberty’s season record is
HOCKEY continued from B1 Saturday Night Riding the momentum from a huge win Friday, the Flames steam rolled the Colonials again, earning an 11-2 win en route to a perfect 8-0 record. With eight individual players finding the back of the net, Handy noted the improvement of his roster’s productivity. “We are starting to get balanced scoring in our lineup…plus the consistency of our effort each game,” Handy said. One full month of its schedule, the Flames are starting to mesh better as a unit, according to Associate Head Coach Jeff Boettger. “The team in action now, compared to the initial games, has definitely taken strides forward,” Boettger said. “Our defensemen are playing well, really striving to get up in the play and keep the gaps tight with opposing forwards. We have also seen an improvement simply by having more time for linemates to gel as they play more togeth! er. Our passes are finding each other more often, and plays on the boards and around the opposing team’s net are producing greater offense.” The Flames dominated on the ice, getting off to an early lead with freshman Kyle Garcia’s goal in the third minute of the first period. “Kyle Garcia had another strong game for us,” Handy said. “He is becoming a strong player for us. His work ethic and determination allow him to be very effective.” Garcia started an offensive explosion for the Flames. Following his first goal, Ryan Kerr netted his second goal of the year. Garcia followed with another, and senior Rick Turner recorded his 14th of the young season after a Rob-
now 2-6, but their conference record is 1-1. They will play their next two games at home against Campbell University and American University. The game against Campbell University will be a conference game, while the game against American University will be Liberty’s last non-conference game. SIR is a sports reporter.
ert Morris goal snuck by goalie Blair Bennett. Bennett finished with 11 saves on 13 shots. Throughout the night, the Flames showed their ability to score quickly, including Luke Baumgarten’s goal that came 33 seconds into the second period. The Colonials would answer with a goal, and Turner countered with his second goal of the night. Headed into the third period, Liberty’s Christian Garland’s scored from the faceoff. The onslaught continued as freshman Danny Logan recorded his first goal for Liberty, following Turner’s third goal. Turner posted his fourth hat trick of the season. “Rick (Turner) has also demonstrated more this year than ever that he can play in all three zones of the ice and that big games require him to give on the defensive side of the puck as well,” Boettger said. “This is important to his overall effectiveness and growth as a leader on the team.” Turner currently leads the Flames with 16 regulation goals, and also posted a goal in a shootout. Freshman Bram Erickson closed out the game with his first goal of the night with just 21 seconds left on the clock. The Flames won 11-2. Starting the season at No. 9 in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) rankings, the Flames jumped to No. 8 on Sept. 28. Liberty’s next stop is Springfield, Ill., for the 10th Annual Men’s D1 Showcase. The Flames will look to stay perfect, facing the University of Oklahoma, Minot State University and Robert Morris on Oct. 5-7. WITHERITE is a sports reporter. KEARNEY is a sports reporter.
SPORTS
October 2, 2012
Liberty Champion/B3
NFL alumnus update: Rashad Jennings Kyle Harvey kharvey@liberty.edu
With homecoming just around the corner, the Champion contacted Liberty’s most recent success in the NFL, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Rashad Jennings. In a telephone interview, Jennings talked life, Liberty and the NFL. Run Rashad, Run With one year of high school ball remaining at Liberty Christian Academy, the running back weighed 268 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.67 seconds. If Jennings had any hope of continuing to play football, something had to change. “I knew that if I wanted to be successful in the field that I chose, playing football and playing running back, that I had to make a change,” Jennings said. “I just started running. I woke up one day and said, ‘enough is enough.’ I walked out of my door, living at home with my ma and dad. The YMCA is 3.7 miles from my house. I ran straight there, I worked out all day, and I ran back home. I changed the way I ate and I would run everywhere … instead of walking, I always found a reason to run.” His new lifestyle of running and strict self-imposed dieting did not go without results. Jennings dropped 35 pounds and shaved more than two-tenths from his forty-yard dash time. And it was not a moment too soon. Do what Doc says Between 2002 and 2006, Jennings attended two high schools and two universities. Following his 2005 season at University of Pittsburgh, Jennings was drawn home when his father fell ill. At the same time, Liberty was beginning to think about the long-term future of its football team. Winning only one game in 2005, and none against Big South opponents, Jerry Falwell, Sr. knew that the program needed a spark. In Jennings, Doc saw a familiar face that was just what Liberty football needed. “He looked at me dead in my face and said, ‘Rashad, I know, no question, no doubt that you are going to be the person to help turn this program around and lead us to the point where we are playing Notre Dame,’” Jennings said. For Jennings, Doc’s challenge became his new mission. “He loved God first, he loved football, and he loved people,” Jennings said of Falwell. “I remember looking at him and saying, ‘I accept.’” Led by the slimmed down and ultra-fast transfer running back from Pittsburgh, the Liberty football team turned their fortunes around in 2006, finishing 6-5 and 2-2 in the Big South. Jennings became one of the most highly-decorated football players in program history en route to being selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
A Week in Rashad’s shoes A week as a member of the Jaguars begins Monday morning at 9 a.m. The day consists of film, workouts, more film, ice tub treatment and a massage. Players officially have Tuesdays ‘off.’ But in reality, there is no off day. For Jennings, Tuesday is set aside for community outreach. Whether it is visiting high schools, libraries or volunteering his time for a charity event, Tuesday is a day for “furthering the kingdom any way I can,” Jennings said. He also chooses to use Tuesday to get a jump on preparing for his opponent, which typically means coming in for a light workout and a heavy dose of film. Wednesday and Thursday he described as “work days,” dedicated almost entirely to studying the opponent. The routine on both days is film, special teams meeting, film, practice and then more film. Friday is a day for medical treatment. Jennings spends time in an ice tub and getting a massage before a work out and final practice. Saturday is a travel day and the opportunity for one last game walkthrough. Sunday is, of course, game day. NFL pedigree Jennings has two older brothers who also played in the NFL. Butch and Bryan Jennings, both considerably older than Rashad, played approximately ten years ago for the Giants and the Chargers, PaLes Schofer | promotional publications triots and Titans respectively. Their advice RUNNING HARD — Rashad Jennings amassed 3,633 yards and 43 touchdowns to their little brother: take care of business during his career at Liberty. and enjoy yourself. “Stay focused and have fun,” Jennings appreciate that, you know? It’s a business. “As a unit, we should be more attentive said about the advice he received. “They We’re professionals, and that’s how we’re to (concussions) because there is a loninstilled so much in me before the NFL. It’s supposed to conduct ourselves.” gevity after ball,” Jennings said. “When just practicing what they’ve been preachyou have guys in their 40s and 50s with ing the whole time. Lead by example and NFL’s Black-eye all kinds of crazy diseases coming on, it’s understand that it’s a privilege to play.” The professional image of the NFL was kind of scary. That’s why I take care of While the advice Butch and Bryan gave tarnished this past offseason with the rev- my body. And I’m very cautious about it.” is timeless, Jennings was quick to agree elation of secrets involving a bounty prothat the NFL that he plays in is not the gram. Allegedly, some players paid into a Once a Flame, always a Flame same NFL of the past. pool that awarded those who managed to The changes to the landscape of Lib“I talked to them about it. Guys keep take a key opponent out of the game. For erty football, namely the rumblings of getting bigger. Guys keep getting faster.” Jennings, the thought of seeking extra pay Liberty joining an FBS conference, have The growth of the media has also con- for inflicting injuries is simply shameful. Jennings very proud of his alma mater. tributed greatly to the modern sports “With what we do for a living, you don’t “I’m completely excited. I’m from sphere. While greater coverage has ob- need an incentive to do what we do. I Lynchburg. That’s home for me,” Jennings viously been good for the growth of the mean, it’s a physical game … you don’t said. “I’m always going to be a part of it, sport, the media microscope has led to need an extra incentive to hit somebody,” and I have a lot of ideas about how I’m a greater accountability — something Jennings said. “If you play the guitar for a going to help out with Liberty and ways healthy, but difficult for many athletes. living and I purposely cut your finger off, for me to give back because that’s my city, “Some of the older guys of the league then I’m taking food out of your family’s that’s my home town stomping ground.” that played 30, 40 years that I have run mouth. If we’re playing football for a livAs for the slow start to this year, Jenacross and talked to say they that they ing and I purposefully do something to in- nings is not worried. couldn’t have played in the league today jure you and take you out, then it should “It’s a hard schedule. When there’s a because of how strict it is,” Jennings said. be frowned upon.” new coach and you have new recruits, new “We get called out for everything. You philosophy, new scheme, you kind of have just saw somebody got a DUI yesterday. The Human Cost of the NFL a few scratches you have to scratch off.” With Facebook and social media and evPerhaps even greater than the bounty erything that goes on, we slip up for one scandal was the tragic news of the suicide HARVEY is the sports editor. second, and it’s all over. It’s all over ESPN, of long-time San Diego Chargers lineit’s in the newspapers, it’s everywhere.” backer Junior Seau. The long-term effects But Jennings said that the changes have of concussions became a popular talking been for the good of the game. point this off-season as a result of the in“It’s become more clean, strict — and I cident.
Lady Flames visit VT for Hokie Fall Invite Jonothan Pearson jwpearson@liberty.edu
The Lady Flames tennis team traveled to Blacksburg this past weekend to take part in the Hokie Fall Invite at Virginia Tech’s Burrows-Burleson Tennis Center. The tournament featured 11 teams in total and three days of competition. The other schools in attendance were William & Mary, UNC Wilmington, Armstrong Atlantic State, Wofford, Radford, East Tennessee State, UMBC, Winthrop and Middle Tennessee State. Play started Friday Sept. 28 for Liberty as they competed in
singles and doubles. By the end of the day Saturday, none of the Flames from Flight A singles had advanced to the finals, but Alexandra Sheeran had made it to the quarterfinals. However, she ultimately lost to Llinca Stoica from VT 6-0, 6-3. Sheeran won her consolation round and will compete for fifth place of her flight. Also competing for the Flames is Cameron Richard, who lost all three rounds and will play for 13th place. In Flight B singles, Liberty’s Brittany Yang made it to the semi-finals, where she lost to Marlen Hacke of Armstrong Atlantic State 6-1, 6-2. Rebekah
Jenkins lost her first round match, but won the first round in the consolation bracket. She lost in consolation semi-finals to Salma Dahbi from ETSU 6-3, 6-2. Yang will compete again for third place of her flight, and Jenkins will be playing for 11th. Valerie Thong came away with 11th for the Flames in Flight C after losing in the first round and the semi-finals of the consolation round. Liberty’s Annisha Domenech lost her first two rounds, but won in her second consolation round. She will be competing for 13th. In Flight D, Nicola Wellman won her first round, but lost to UNCW’s Hamilton Lovett 6-3,
4-6, 6-4. Wellman won the next round in part two of the Consolation rounds and will play for fifth. The Flames’ Jessie Boda lost her first round, but won the next two rounds in part one of the consolation rounds. She will play for ninth place in the finals. In Flight A of doubles play, Thong and Jenkins lost both their first and second round, but won their third round in part two of consolation play, so they will compete for 13th place. Sheeran and Wellman also played for 15th place after losing all three rounds they. Yang and Boda won all three rounds in Flight B, advancing all the way to the finals,
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where they will face UNCW’s FYI C h r i s t i n e The women’s K h a r k e v i t c h tennis team and Alyssa will return to Ritchie. Liber- Blacksburg ty’s Domenech for the and Richard Atlantic only won their Regionals second round Oct. 19. match in part of one of consolation play and will vie for 11th. PEARSON is a sports reporter.
SPORTS
B4/Liberty Champion
October 2, 2012
Natalie Barr: Olympic torchbearer LU field hockey player and member of Irish national team serves on Ugandan missions
Jay Sir ysir@liberty.edu
Of all the athletes qualified to carry the Olympic torch, the physical symbol of the competitive spirit and sportsmanship of the Olympic games, Liberty field hockey player Natalie Barr was selected as one of the torchbearers on June 3 in Ballygally, Ireland as it made its way toward London. “I remember the torch was heavier than I anticipated,” Barr said. “It was such an experience, and it was such an honor, and I think of it as a once-in-alifetime opportunity.” She was nominated for the position due to her background in playing field hockey for the Irish national team and because of her interest and involvement with charity work in Uganda with her family. Ireland National Barr first started playing field hockey during fifth grade, when her physical education teacher, Audrey McCollum, asked her to come to the school’s hockey practices. “It’s funny because I really didn’t like it at the start,” Barr said. “But if it wasn’t for her pushing me into it, I wouldn’t be here today.” Under the tutelage of her teacher, Barr was selected to the Ireland national hockey team at the U16 level at the age of 13. “I was just going for the
experience,” Barr said. “I was really surprised that I actually got on the team.” Barr showed promise playing for the national team and was named captain for the U16 and U18 levels. She had success with the national team in European tournaments and has won a bronze medal at the U16 level as well as a gold medal at the U21 level. “Representing your country is something else,” she said. “I’m really blessed and just thankful for that opportunity.” Although her career speaks volumes about her athletic abilities, the thing that stands out the most about Barr is her heart for Uganda. Charlene’s Project Barr’s interest in Uganda first sparked when her family took a trip to Uganda in the Christmas of 2008. She and her family witnessed children walking miles to get to school and saw that education was in desperate need. After seeing the conditions of children in Uganda, she realized that she wanted to become an elementary school teacher. “I always had an interest in (becoming a teacher), but it was in Uganda that I saw the absolute need for education for the children there,” Barr said. “I saw the important roles of the teachers that can play on not only the children but to the whole community.” Barr is now an elementary education major at
Liberty University and has made many trips to Uganda during her spare time. “In the long run, I want to work in Uganda,” Barr said. “I feel that God has laid that on my heart, and I constantly pray and think about that.” Her trips to Uganda are mostly to the school called “Hidden Treasure” that her late sister built through her charity. According to Barr, her older sister Charlene was also deeply impacted when she saw the underprivileged conditions that some Ugandan children had to live with. “Charlene was born with cystic fibrosis,” Barr said. “It really impacted her because she saw that children born with this disease in Uganda would not have lived to the age that she (did).” This realization would become more apparent for Charlene when she returned home from her family trip from Uganda in 2008 “Within a few months, we saw her health deteriorate dramatically, and she had to drop out of school,” Barr said. “During that time, she decided that instead of trying to go to school with the short amount of time she had, she would try to raise money to build a school in Uganda.” Soon after, Charlene started a charity organization named “Charlene’s Project,” and the charity raised over $190,000 be-
Photos Provided
SHINING A LIGHT — Natalie Barr puts her experience on the Irish national field hockey team to use in the mission field. fore she died in October 2010. According to charlenesproject.org, the charity has built a school that can house 250 children, constructed a well for the community surrounding the school, and is building a second school in partnership with Build-Africa. “This would be exactly what she’d want us to do,
try to bring hockey and education to Uganda,” Barr said. Barr will continue to carry on her sister’s will by visiting her sister’s school in Uganda this summer with the Liberty women’s hockey team. “When I carried the Olympic torch on the third of June, the next day I was
leaving for Uganda,” Barr said. “Our family thought that (the torch) symbolized us as a family that it’s a part of Charlene’s project, trying to carry on her project to people in Uganda and in Northern Ireland.” SIR is a sports reporter.
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SPORTS
October 2, 2012
Liberty Champion/B5
Liberty pays homage to former Flames Kyle Harvey
kharvey@liberty.edu
The fourth class of athletes was inducted into the Liberty Athletics Hall of Fame in a private ceremony Friday, Sept. 21. A nine-person committee chaired by Director of Athletics Marketing Kevin Keys was tasked with selecting each new class of hall of famers. The 2012 class of athletes includes Jesse Castro, Mark Chafin, John Sanders, Sharon (Snodgrass) May and Ryan Werner. The Hall of Fame began in 2009 under the direction of Athletic Director
Jeff Barber. It was initiated for the purpose of honoring those coaches, athletes and other key figures in Liberty athletics that have and are continuing to use an athletic platform to fulfill Liberty’s mission of reaching the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. What separates this class from the rest is that all of this year’s athletes were pioneers in their sport. They played in days before guaranteed scholarships, competitive facilities and many of the other amenities that Liberty athletes enjoy today. HARVEY is the sports editor.
- Competed in the 142-pound weight class.
Jesse Castro: Wrestling (1977-1981) Castro on award: “To be mentioned among some of Liberty’s greats is very meaningful to me ‌ To see where we are now and where we came from, I think it’s a fulfillment of Dr. Falwell’s vision, and to be part of that is just very humbling.â€?
just bulldozed everything that was here when I started out and erected a whole new campus. I’m just overwhelmed with the facilities and how nice the campus is.� On his induction: “When I first stepped on campus here, that was the farthest thing from my mind that I would be honored in such a way here at Liberty,� Sanders said. -Only player in program history to go over the century mark in tackles in each of his four seasons on the field. John Sanders: Football (1979-1982) Sanders on being back at Liberty: “It looks like they took a bulldozer and
- One of only eight athletes in Liberty history to gain entrance to the Eagle Medal Gold Club for wrestlers earning at least 100 victories.
this kind of presentation.� Chafin on Liberty: “Liberty is where he found “the Lord of my life, the love of my life (wife), and learned how to parent the joys of my life (kids).�
- His career win ratio of 83 percent is the best in school history among those with at least 100 matches.
- Left Liberty as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 1951 points.
- Returned to Liberty as a coach in 2005 and led the Flames to five consecutive NCAA East Region titles, earning NCAA East Region Coach of the Year four times.
- Three-time National Christian College Athletic Association all-district team honoree.
Mark Chafin: Basketball (1975-1978) Chafin on award: “In terms of athletics, it’s just the greatest honor of my life. I never dreamed of this kind of honor,
able to be a student here at Liberty, and the honor is just wonderful.�
- First female athlete to be awarded the Rock Royer/Mac Rivera Award given to an outstanding graduating senior that displays excellence on the field and in the classroom. - Played in a time when Liberty had no home court. There were no scholarships, and women’s basketball and volleyball shared one set of uniforms.
- Among the most accurate shooters in Liberty history, with a 46 percent field goal shooting percentage and a 73.6 percent percentage from the free-throw line. - Continues to be involved in basketball as a NCAA Division I referee. of fame. All I wanted to do was run and train in my decathlon events. I just went for it with all I had and had pretty good success. I feel outclassed among the other people here, but I’m really honored and humbled to be here.�
- One of only three players in the history of the program to record over 1,000 career points and rebounds. She averaged a double-double every game.
Sharon (Snodgrass) May: Basketball (1979-1982) May on being back at Liberty: “I’m just so amazed and so proud of how this campus has grown. I’m proud that I was
-Finished career with 550 career tackles — a total that 30 years later remains 123 ahead of the next closest defender on the list.
- Liberty’s first-ever three time All-America decathlete 1994-1996. - 1996 Rock Royer/Mac Rivera award winner.
Ryan Werner: Track & Field (19921996) On his induction: “I just like to run, you know? I never thought about hall
- Left Liberty as the record holder in decathlon points with 7662. The mark stood for 13 years. - Liberty’s first ever athlete to be selected to the Big South Conference Hall of Fame in 2007.
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B6/Liberty Champion
FEATURE
October 2, 2012
Frocks for Freedom fights sex trafficking Freedom 4/24 coordinates third-annual event supported by donations of various gently-used clothing items Shelanne Jennings snjennings@liberty.edu
Racks of tweed, cotton and silk ensembles decorated Tresca on 8th, Thursday, Sept. 27, for Freedom 4/24’s third annual Frocks 4 Freedom fashion sale. The two-day event, which gives women the chance to buy donated clothes to help support Christian organization Freedom 4/24’s fight against worldwide human sex trafficking, has gained the attention of Liberty students and residents across Central Virginia. “I really like (Frocks 4 Freedom). I didn’t know it was like this, but I’m really happy to be here,” Liberty senior Becca Hellman said. “It’s a fun atmosphere.” Many shoppers came in groups, looking for deals at a fun and charitable night out. “I’m really enjoying it. I’ve been enjoying looking at all of the clothes, but I also like knowing that the money is going to a good cause,” sophomore Carley Lagerquist said. “It’s just been such a cool thing to watch evolve over the last three years and see what God’s done with it,” event organizer Johanna Calfee said. “Every year it’s bigger. Every year, more people come. Every year, we have better things to sell. So we are really grateful for an opportunity to do something that is much bigger than clothes, that can impact something that is close to the heart of God.” According to Calfee, this event is the result of the selfless contributions of donors and friends, along with the inspiration she felt after returning from her first mission trip to Thailand three years ago. “I got back and I felt helpless to do anything here on our own turf,” Calfee said. “I was standing in my closet one day, and I literally felt like I was given inspiration to do this. I remember looking through the racks and thinking, ‘I have so many clothes that I am not wearing. They are in great condition, and I bet a lot of my friends do too. If I asked them to clean out their closets, what would happen?’” The donations, which included J.Crew, Ralph Lauren and other name brand
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
GIVING BACK— Contributors donated clothing items to be sold at the event to support the fight against sex trafficking. items, were among the many clothing pieces sold during both the exclusive VIP night on Sept. 26 and the public event on Sept. 27. “People were so generous. We had new things with tags on them (donated),” Calfee said. “We have exceeded our expectations as far as people coming out. Last night was our VIP night. About 30 people showed up, and we raised about $2,000 just in that first night. What a great way to start.” The VIP night was a $24 admissionrequired event that gave customers first access to the donations. “Those people last night got some really great deals,” Calfee said. “We had about five or six coach bags, and one woman swooped them up, which is great because she paid for the opportunity to do that. So we were just really pleased by the results
from last night.” According to Calfee, about 300 shoppers came to shop during the sale, raising about $7,500 to help free women from the sex industry. “The big thing is as women, we love clothes, and I think we wake up every day, and we get to put on our face based on what we wear,” Calfee said. “When I think about what I saw and experienced in Thailand, those women don’t have anything. They don’t have the opportunity. They are stripped of humanity.” This event, which Freedom 4/24 hopes to continue for many years to come, is a way to raise money to give women in Thailand, Uganda and other areas of the world a chance to break out of the sex trade for at least 24 hours and hear the gospel for the first time. “It’s just another way that we can bring
women together for a common cause of helping other women (who) are exploited have freedom,” Leah Zealand, wife of Freedom 4/24 president Mike Zealand, said. In addition to Frocks 4 Freedom, Freedom 4/24 raises money through other events across the United States. One of their most notable events is Run 4 Their Lives, which will take place Oct. 20 at Heritage High School. Registration is open for that event, and participants can sign up at r4tl.com. “If you could do something to help women half-way across the world, why wouldn’t you?” Calfee said. For more information about Freedom 4/24 and Frocks 4 Freedom, visit freedom424.org. JENNINGS is a graduate assistant.
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FEATURE
October 2, 2012
Liberty Champion/B7
Jars of Clay performs at CFAW
Shane & Shane provides the opening act of Jars of Clay’s second performance at Liberty University Greg Leasure gleasure@liberty.edu
Jars of Clay and Shane & Shane put on a show for Liberty University students and College for a Weekend (CFAW) participants Friday, Sept. 21. The event, which was held in the auditorium of Thomas Road Baptist Church (TRBC), was the first of two concerts that Student Activities will host during the fall semester. “I listened to (Jars of Clay) quite a bit,” Alexander Gearhart, a CFAW participant from Pennsylvania, said. “I like a lot of the older tracks.” Shane & Shane got the crowd warmed up and on their feet with a few upbeat acoustic worship songs before Jars of Clay took the stage. The band has made appearances at Liberty before. As they did in their most recent Liberty performance, Jars of Clay played in TRBC instead of the Vines Center. According to Gearhart, the smaller setting in TRBC provided for a different concert atmosphere than he was used to. “I feel like for the number of people and the setting, it was good,” Gearhart said. “I actually thought it was going to be a bigger concert, but I liked the smaller setting. It was kind of close to home.” Jars of Clay took the stage and found their groove, playing some of their classic songs and a few new ones from their most recent album, “The Shelter.” It did not take long for the audience to start singing along, and the band showed their appreciation with a three-song encore at the end of the night. Liberty creative arts director and worship pastor Justin Kint-
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
ROCKING OUT — Jars of Clay performed for College for a Weekend participants and students in the TRBC sanctuary Friday, Sept. 21. zel spends a lot of time on the TRBC stage, but he spent this Friday night in the audience. He was only able to stay for Shane & Shane’s performance, but that did not keep him from reminiscing about the special connection he has with the two bands. “The first CD I ever bought was (Jars of Clay’s) first CD,” Kintzel said. “I wore it out.” Most nights, the headlining band is the one people come to see, but Kintzel said he enjoyed seeing Shane & Shane for the third time, especially because their music helped impact his career choice.
“They have such a unique gift for bringing people before the throne, and that’s one thing I really love about them,” Kintzel said. “Worshipping with them and just watching them, as a worship leader, I just admire those guys. It’s funny because I have listened to them for a long time, and they are one of the reasons why I wanted to become a worship leader.” Jars of Clay’s most recent album was released in 2010. Charlie Lowell, the band’s keyboard and piano player, said in an interview with 90.9 FM The Light’s Andrew Claudio that
they have been working on a second album. They plan to release it in the spring of 2013, and it will most likely have 13 tracks. According to Lowell, one of the biggest challenges for a band like Jars of Clay is coordinating the band’s schedule with his family’s schedule. “It’s tough,” Lowell said. “It’s kind of the one thing that never quite falls into balance smoothly. As soon as it kind of gets easier and you feel like it’s working, some element or factor changes.” Lowell said he has a wife and three boys, and he estimated that the band members combined
have about 11 children. At the end of the night, Kintzel summed up why Jars of Clay is still a good show to see. “I think they are great,” Kintzel said. “I think they know who their audience is because they play some of their old hits.” Student Activities will host one more concert this semester on Nov. 2, when Switchfoot and The Rocket Summer come to campus. Tickets are on sale now.
LEASURE is the feature editor.
Photo Provided
ON AIR— Liberty’s station is funded solely by the Light-a-Thon.
Photo Provided
PLANNING — Capture It Events is preparing for the fourth annual Lynchburg Bridal Expo.
Lynchburg Bridal Expo to come The biannual wedding-themed event will be held at the Holiday Inn
Samantha Gum sgum@liberty.edu
Hundreds of brides from Central Virginia will be in Lynchburg Sunday, Oct. 14, to attend the Lynchburg Bridal Expo, which is set to take place at the Holiday Inn in downtown Lynchburg. The expo is produced by Capture It Events as a connecting point between brides and vendors. Kim Jennings, owner of Capture It Events, said that the show is a chance for “brides to visit with vendors they have not booked.” Vendors for this event are not in short supply. In past years, the expo has advertised as many as 60 vendors. Most of the vendors are from the Lynchburg area. The expo is in its fourth year, with events taking place biannually. October and February are the months that play host to the expo, catering to all people no matter the season. The October event is targeted toward people who got engaged during the summer months, and the February event “targets brides (who) are newly engaged over the Christmas holiday and winter months,” Jennings said. “Typically, the October show is a little larger as far as bridal attendance,” she said, but the February show is not far behind. “We will see if the October show will pull ahead this year.” The expo could easily be a one-stop shop for brides. In one day, they are given the chance to meet vendors for all things related to weddings. “You will find every vendor there to plan your complete wedding,” Jennings said. On the website for the event, lynchburgshows. com gives an overview of what will take place. “From wedding venues to photographers, from caterers to florists, you will find every vendor
needed to help with the biggest day of your life.” Meeting vendors is the primary focus of the event, but there are many other things that brides and their guests can participate in. “We will have lots of food and cake, music, a photo booth, bridal models and lots of door prizes, including a honeymoon,” Jennings said. Fall carriage rides throughout downtown Lynchburg provided by the Lexington Carriage Company are another event for attendees. Lynchburg is the prime location for an event like this because the city “is very rich with quality wedding vendors,” Jennings said. Lynchburg is not only rich with vendors, but brides are plentiful as well. “College girls make up a lot of the bridal attendance,” Jennings said. In addition to the local college attendees, people from surrounding cities attend the event as well. South Boston, Roanoke, Charlottesville and Farmville are a few that have been seen in previous years, Jennings said. This makes for an estimated total of 500 brides and their guests. This event was created with the vendors in mind. As a wedding photographer, Jennings has much experience in the wedding industry and knows firsthand what small business budgets are like. The event was envisioned as a “high quality show that allows vendors to participate without depleting their entire advertising budget in one event,” Jennings said. The Holiday Inn is located at 601 Main St. in downtown Lynchburg. Admission is free for brides and $5 for any guests. For more information about the event, visit lynchburgshows.com. GUM is a feature reporter.
Station raises funds Sara Warrender
sewarrender2@liberty.edu
The Light, 90.9 FM, Liberty University’s on-campus radio station, provides music and entertainment, but what most people do not know is that it is almost entirely run by students. One way the station supports itself is through its annual fundraiser, the Light-a-Thon. Beginning Oct. 3 and ending at noon Oct. 6, the Light-a-Thon will feature testimonials and contemporary Christian music as listeners have the opportunity to call in to donate to the station. According to Claudio, the Lighta-Thon is the station’s way of giving back to its student employees. “The benefit of the Light-aThon is seeing the hard work the students put into running the station really pay off,” Andrew Claudio, Assistant Manager, Music Director and one of the Light’s on-air DJs, said. “Depending on how much money we raise during Light-a-Thon, the students who run our station will either get a good scholarship or no scholarship at all. It’s all dependent on how much support we get,” Hall said. The Light will also have a tent set up in the courtyard in front of their broadcast station, which will allow students to donate in person. The station plans on having a dunk tank near the donation tent featuring Jeff Barber, Justin Kintzel and other well-known people of Liberty. For a small fee, students will be given the chance to plunge
one of them. Because of factors outside their control, The Light came up short of its fundraising goal last year, but this year, its employees are determined to reach their goal of $15,000. “This year is an important year to get the station back on track,” Claudio said. The radio station provides students with CSER opportunities, offering hands-on experience to communication majors in practicum and work-study positions. The station does not just give students short-term benefits though. It has also allowed many graduates to enter the community with the training needed to reach the world for Christ through a creative and growing outlet of communication. “There are many different examples of students going into the world from Liberty’s radio station,” Claudio said. ESPN and Fox News even have former employees of The Light working for them. The Light reaches over 45 miles, broadcasting Liberty’s convocation messages, campus church services and a broad range of Christian-based music. For more information about the station and the Light-a-Thon, visit The Light’s website at thelightonline.com.
WARRENDER is a feature reporter.
FEATURE
B8/Liberty Champion
October 2, 2012
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
PICTURE HUNTING — Schofer, equipped with his familiar safari hat and photography gear, knows where to look to find the best shots on the field of play.
Capturing champions since ‘73 Les Schofer, Liberty University’s senior photographer, highlights the school’s history while making his own Ruth Bibby rnbibby@liberty.edu
Flames fans call him “Safari Man.” He circles the field at Liberty University football games fully armed, ready to shoot — photographs. The loosebrimmed khaki hat earned him the nickname. A hat fit for the Sahara sun provides shade for him as he goes from one end of the field to the other in search of the perfect shot. His shoulders carry the weight of more than 32 pounds of gear as he follows the action up and down the field. Poised at the end zone, he waits, he watches. Just as the Flames score their first touchdown, he fires. Like a skilled hunter, Les Schofer prepares to shoot the action at the precise moment. For nearly 40 years, Schofer has captured the growth and history of Liberty University with his camera. His prize shots are on display across campus, greeting visitors coming to the world’s largest Christian university. As the senior photographer for Liberty, Schofer delivers pictures that are not just photographs of events or buildings, but demand a second glance as they tell a story through the action, emotion or colors he draws from his subject. As a member of the professional group, University Photographers Association of America (UPAA), Schofer has been recognized as the photographer serving his institution for the longest period of time in the country. In so doing, he also became the only UPAA photographer to have recorded the start of his school and to still be shooting it today. “What Les contributes most is photographic expertise, but also, he just injects his personality into all that he does, whether it’s interacting with you or his images,” Joel Coleman said. “You can pretty easily tell a Les Schofer image, just because of who he is and how he translates who he is into the camera.” As one of the full-time photographers for the university, Coleman has built his photography skill under Schofer’s guidance. “When I say that Les (Schofer) has taught me most of what I know, that’s an understatement,” Coleman said. What started out as an interest in high school has developed into a career in photography for Coleman. While working with Schofer, he moved from only volunteering to a full-time position in just two years. “One summer, my job was to scan some of his images, you know, shot 30 years ago, that nobody had seen since. (It) was
Designed in 1980, this pin expressed the essence of Jerry Falwell Ministries. Connie Schofer, Les’ wife, first suggested that he place it in a red rose. really eye opening to be able to see history that was made in the early days of the university and Dr. Jerry Falwell’s ministry,” Coleman said. For every change on Liberty’s campus, Schofer was there. When bulldozers rumbled through the fields to reshape the hillside, or when students assembled with Falwell to pray in the snow for God to send money for the new campus, Schofer was there. Forty years have changed the appearance of the school, but not the passion of its senior photographer. Today, he is still capturing the growth and changes of the university in images. Schofer entered the university not as a staff photographer, but as a new student in the second year of the Lynchburg Baptist College in 1973. The beginning years of the yearbook were rocky, but Schofer managed to bring his knowledge from across the country. His time at Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, Calif. let Schofer raise the yearbook to a higher caliber. Schofer spent time improving the yearbook, and then moved to a full-time position with Jerry Falwell Sr.’s ministry in 1975. “One thing that characterized Dr. Falwell throughout his ministry was that he embraced every new piece of technology that came along, and I think that inspired me to do likewise,” Schofer said. Through Schofer, Liberty adopted the use of digital photography when it was still a relatively new technology. He made a personal investment in his photography business by using digital cameras, something no one else was using in the mid-1990s. Because of his insight, Liberty was the first university to use
digital images in its publications. Scott Hill also held the position of photo editor of Liberty’s yearbook, Selah, before it went online. Hill went from the yearbook to working under Schofer, an experience he cannot put a price on. “He knows more than anybody wants to know,” Hill said. Home football games for Liberty meant Hill would follow Schofer, listening to the photography guru explain how to compose the best shot. “If you listen and actually pay attention, you can learn a lot from him. I mean, we would spend a couple hours a day talking about photography,” Hill said. But photography is not a technical, dry profession for Schofer. It is an avenue where professionalism sometimes takes a backseat to having fun. “He’s a fighter — strong guy — he lives like he’s a college student. Every photographer (who knows him) knows that,” Hill said. Schofer knows how to roll with the punches his job throws his way. From equipment failure to unexpected glitches, Schofer stays calm. Errors remain hidden secrets to the subjects as he keeps his focus on producing the best shots. “What makes the difference between a good photographer and a great photographer is the ability to come away with the images that you need, in less than ideal circumstances,” Coleman said. “(He is) very easy to get along with. In all of the photo adventures I’ve been on with Les (Schofer), (he’s) always able to solve problems.” Schofer knows that more than a ball and player make a great sports shot. He soaks in the de-
“Dr. Falwell on the phone is one of my favorites. Anyone who has ever seen it knows which photo I am talking about. During the second week, I had travelled with the I Love America team and Dr. Falwell to shoot the four days of rallies in the Upper Midwest. Dr. Falwell would speak at rallies, talking over protestors, giving press interviews, and meeting with local church leaders and state and national elected officials. He always focused his talks on family values. At the end of the last and very long day, we headed back to Lynchburg. When he got in the plane, Jerry loosened his tie, took off his jacket, and then started recapping the day with the team. Once the plane was high enough in the air that a signal could go out, he wanted to make a phone call . . . it was to (his wife) Macel. His connection with Macel and the family was not just window dressing. Family values was more than a rallying cry to this man. After all that he had done, the high point of his day was talking to his family. ‘Hey, Macel.’ Those were the first two words that came out of his mouth, and the tension of the days’ effort disappeared. I knew then that he was the ‘real deal.’” — Les Schofer tails of the event. From the background, to the point of view, to predicting the next play, Schofer takes in every detail that makes his shot. “To me, I can’t feel successful if I just get an image of this particular play. I want it to look distinct,” Schofer said. When yelling fans fill the Vines Center as they cheer on their
Flames during the last seconds of a basketball game, he remains composed. A characteristic that Schofer said he and the late Falwell shared. “(Falwell) had a very relaxed, colloquial, and sometimes surprising way of dealing with (stress). I think some of that
See SCHOFER, B9
October 2, 2012
FEATURE
Liberty Champion/B9
Les Schofer | Promotional Publications
GETTING THE SHOT — This Chris Summers reception against Savannah State University was captured during the first game in Liberty’s remodeled Williams Stadium.
SCHOFER continued from B8 rubbed off on me,” Schofer said. Falwell was not just a boss for Schofer, but a friend who shared the same humor and baseball devotion. “We could sit down and talk about anything, I guess, but it usually was about the New York Yankees. That was our point of contact. Anytime we got together, it usually was to talk about the joy or the sorrow of whatever the Yankees were doing at the time,” Schofer said. When Falwell became involved with the Right to Life issue and developed the Liberty Godparent Home through Thomas Road Baptist Church, Schofer was all in. In 1982, it was another dream of Falwell, but today, the home sits on the outskirts of Liberty’s campus, offering a place for young mothers to decide whether to parent or put their child up for adoption. The Godparent Home benefited not only from Schofer’s promotional pictures, but he and his wife, Connie, benefited from the Godparent home. They were the eighth family to place their name on an adoption waiting list. “Within a year and a half, we had a little tiny baby girl, Stacy, who is now 28 years old,” Schofer said. “She was an incredible student, and I think that’s proof there’s no genetic link between us,” Schofer said. His wit hides in laugh lines on his face as his brown eyes watch, waiting to see if his audience catches his subtle humor.
Away from high-energy environments, Schofer sits back, enjoying every minute of life. A typical day in the Marketing Department involves Schofer poking fun at other photographers, followed by the half smile that they all know. “If it was just a job for him, he wouldn’t necessarily care as much as he does,” Coleman said. The construction of the new football stadium in 2010 gave Schofer a bird’s eye view of the campus as he climbed the bare cement towers above the construction to show each step of the stadium’s completion. A freight elevator took Dr. Elmer Towns and Schofer to the roof of Green Hall when they climbed on top to shoot for the cover of “Walking with Giants.” His daredevil spirit sometimes ignores the wisdom of his gray hairs. Trips to Freedom Aviation airport also gave Schofer the chance to take aerial shots from the helicopter with the doors removed. After shooting for almost 40 years, Schofer still has not slowed down. Cancer, a stroke, arthritis and retinal degeneration have not stopped him from doing what he loves. “After you’ve been through something so serious, you say to yourself, ‘What else?’” Schofer said, “and I’m still doing anything I would be doing eight or nine years ago. I’m very thankful to God for that.” BIBBY is the photo editor. Captions and Photos by Les Schofer
IN THE SNOW — From the date of this prayer meeting until students walked into new classrooms and dorms was seven months and a few days. Today, all University Boulevard traffic passes over the ground where this meeting took place, about 150 yards northeast of the Barnes & Noble bookstore. ON THE SIDELINE — I had been at Liberty for a year and a half when I shot this at City Stadium in 1974. I can guarantee that Jerry Sr. was thinking of the day we would have first-class facilities on our campus. LINE OF SHADOWS — I am always looking for unusual juxtapositions of common things in order to make something common abstract, as in our baseball team’s shadows after a home victory over Winthrop. This photo won first place in the Athletics Division of the UPAA’s yearly print competition.
FEATURE
OCTOBER 2, 2012
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
INTO THE WOODS — Rachel Day (top) and Ruth Hitchcock (bottom) joined other Liberty students to perform “Into the Woods,” the first theater show of the school year.
Theatre heads ‘Into the Woods’ Experienced cast perseveres through setbacks to bring Grimm fairy tales together on stage
Greg Leasure gleasure@liberty.edu
Liberty University’s Theatre Arts Department brought multiple fairy tales to life during the past two weekends of “Into the Woods,” the first theatrical production of the school year. Characters such as Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk are combined in the Broadway production to create a completely new tale that opened Friday, Sept. 21. The play was based off a book by James Lapine, which was later adapted into a musical with Steven Sondheim contributing the music and lyrics. Both Cooper and her cast expressed their fascination with Sondheim’s work. “Every time you read the score and the script, you realize how brilliant Stephen Sondheim is and how clever and witty he is with his poetry and his lyrics,” Theatre Arts Department chair
and “Into the Woods” director Linda Nell Cooper said. “So there’s always something new you can find in it.” Carson Burkett, who plays the Baker, one of the leading roles, said that he fell in love with “Into the Woods” after discovering a DVD of the Broadway musical when he was in the 10th grade. “Every time I listen to it and every time I do it on stage, I find something new that I’ve never caught before,” Burkett said. “I think that speaks to the brilliance of the author.” After two weeks of performance, Cooper was pleased with how things have gone so far. “(The shows) have been going extremely well,” Cooper said. This is the third time that “Into the Woods” has been performed at Liberty, but this year marks the first that it has been performed in the Tower Theater, which opened in August of 2010. Cooper also chose to direct the story in a different way than she
had the last two times. “It’s a challenge doing it in a new concept,” Cooper said. “People expect it in a traditional way, and you take a risk with a new concept. The audience has loved (it).” Cooper said that many talented actors tried out, and she had enough good actors that she could have made two or three separate casts. “(It) is one of the smallest musicals I have directed in about eight years,” Cooper said. Preparation for the play did not come without its share of setbacks, though. A little more than a week before opening night, Rachel Day, who plays the role of the Witch, badly sprained her ankle while practicing a special effect during a rehearsal. “It’s a sprain, but it’s a level three,” Day said. “I tore the ligaments, and we’re looking at a possible surgery. With a normal sprain, it would have only been maybe five days on crutches.”
According to Cooper, anything that involved Day using stairs or a ladder had to be changed, and a few of the special effects had to be canceled. Cooper helped Day incorporate crutches into the performance, and in a few scenes, Day even rode on a motorized scooter. “What a trooper that girl is,” Cooper said. “She is a true professional. She didn’t miss a beat.” Injuries aside, the cast had their hands full with the music of “Into the Woods.” According to Cooper, the music for shows is normally provided by a live orchestra, but for this show, the music was already recorded, forcing the actors to stay even more in sync with the music. “It’s a challenge performing Sondheim’s score,” Cooper said. “It’s extremely demanding on the vocals.” Despite all that “Into the Woods” requires of actors, Burkett said that he thinks that the
cast has risen to the occasion. “Since the opening night, I feel like it has progressively gotten stronger,” Burkett said. “What’s really great about this cast is that, for the most part, they’re all experienced at Liberty. We do have a few freshmen, but they have jumped right in and been awesome.” According to Cooper, other standouts on the stage so far have been Kelli Overmyer as the Baker’s Wife, Timmy Williamson as Cinderella’s Prince and Colton Montgomery as Jack. The third and final weekend of “Into the Woods” will include 7:30 p.m. shows on Oct. 5 and 6, and a 2:30 p.m. show on Oct. 7. For more information, visit the Department of Theatre Arts page at liberty.edu, and for tickets, call 582-SEAT.
LEASURE is the feature editor.
Liberty football fanatics gather at Gillville Chase Smith csmith13@liberty.edu
Through the efforts of Liberty University’s Athletics Marketing, the Student Flames Club and a dedicated group of student fans, the five-year tradition of camping out before Liberty’s football games continues with the 2012-13 football year under a new name, Gillville. This camping tradition serves “to continue to create unique traditions for students to get involved and invested in the athletic programs here at Liberty,” Liberty Athletics Marketing Assistant Brett Metcalf said. “It allows them a fun opportunity to get out of the dorm for a night, camp out with friends and have a fun time supporting Liberty football.” Gillville has seen 25 participants for the first home game this year, a number that has continued to grow to 65 for the last game against Lehigh. “We reward those who are dedicated to the sports teams here and try to make the atmosphere as fun and
Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion
GAMING — Liberty students play cornhole while camping out at Gillville the night before a Flames football game. memorable as possible to keep them coming back,” Metcalf said. According to Metcalf, students can participate for $1, which gives them early admission into the game, late night pizza and drinks provided by Domino’s, and donuts and juices
the morning of the game delivered by Head Coach Turner Gill. Participants also experience the entertainment setup, watch movies and listen to music while camping out. “Gillville is an awesome and growing tradition at Liberty. You get to enjoy
games, movies and food for $1. I would recommend it to every student, and they are sure to have a great time without breaking the bank on a Friday night,” Liberty student Ben Akers said. “Students who take part in Gillville for at least
four of the six games this season will receive an exclusive Gillville T-shirt,” Metcalf said. “The more people we have out there, the more we are able to reward (students) and make it a great atmosphere. All students are encouraged to come camp out and have
a memorable time. Coach Gill truly appreciates the students who come out and has spent a lot of time talking with them and taking pictures.” “Gillville is not only a place to show your support for Liberty’s team, but it’s a great event to make new friends that are just as passionate as you are for Liberty football,” Liberty student Charlie Holder said. “Gillville is an awesome place to come the day before the game to spend time with friends while getting to enjoy camping,” Liberty student Bobby Mead said. “The chance for students to get out of their dorms for the night and have some great times is something that everyone should experience, and there is no better place than Gillville.” For more information about Gillville and how to get involved, email Brett Metcalf at bmetcalf@liberty.edu or call (434) 5824450. SMITH is a feature reporter.