SPECIAL EDITION TO COMMEMORATE
MRS. MACEL FALWELL
In Stands This Weekend
®
Lynchburg, Virginia
Volume 33 | Issue 6 Tuesday, October 20, 2015
pumpkin spice and ever ything nice
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
AUTUMN — Students celebrated the fall season by attending fall festivals and participating in seasonal activities like pumpkin painting.
Counselor spotlight Michael Trexler helps students experiencing mental and emotional distress Shannon Ritter sritter2@liberty.edu
Deep in the complex corridors of Green Hall sits Michael Trexler within the Liberty University Dean of Students Office. His personal office is warmly lit with lamps and a gray couch nestles the front left corner of the room. Trexler is one of many counselors available to Liberty students. For the past four years, he has seen and talked with numerous students struggling with depression, anxiety or other mental and emotional distresses. October is Mental Health Month and Trexler said the department is doing everything it can to raise awareness and promote its services along with the efforts of Live Healthy Liberty. As a part of Mental Health Month and Live Healthy Liberty, Student Counsel-
ing Services sets up a table every Tuesday morning in DeMoss Hall from 9 a.m.noon in front of the Career Center. According to Trexler, the department simply wants students to know it exists and that counselors are available to students free of charge. All a student needs to do is stop by the office. “We don’t have to go out and get (the students), they come to us,” Trexler said. “There’s no insurance, there’s no billing, so it’s wonderful. This is a really important age. … If someone is going to develop a mental disorder, usually it’s going to surface around these early 20s, kallie britton
| Liberty Champion
See AWARENESS, A7 CONFIDANT — Michael Trexler works to assist students through difficult times.
Educating across the globe The Center for Student Travel offers various opportunities to travel abroad Taylor Coleman tcoleman64@liberty.edu
Earning class credit does not have to happen inside the four walls of a classroom. Students can also earn credits by traveling the world with their professors and classmates. Liberty University offers students the chance to explore the world through short-term and long-term
international academic tours through the Center for Student Travel. Each tour is faculty-led by a Liberty residential professor and is available to anyone interested in attending within the Liberty community. Any residential or online student, faculty or staff member is welcome to participate in the trip, according to the Liberty student travel website.
Similar to taking a course online or residentially, students are able to receive three full credit hours for a class taken as a study tour. Trips can last anywhere from one week to one month. Coordinator of Academic Operations Audrey Hammond said there are many opportunities for travel, whether for a specific course or for
general study. “It all depends on the course credit you want to take for it,” Hammond said. “We have several tours for general studies in Turkey, Greece and Ireland to receive credit for cultural studies.” According to Hammond, the C.S. Lewis tour to London, Oxford and Paris
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
See TRAVEL, A8 WORLDWIDE — Students can travel globally to study.
Sports
Feature
News Opinion
Liberty hockey to begin home schedule against Davenport Friday B4 evening.
A campus band member’s story of overcoming adversity.
Sports Feature
INSIDE THE CHAMPION
News
Vice provost honored in local list of top 20 professionals under A7 age 40.
Opinion
A student argues why he believes Hillary Clinton won the recent Democratic debate. A5
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A2 | October 20, 2015 | Liberty Champion
’Tis the season to give
Liberty plans to collect thousands of boxes for Operation Christmas Child Taylor Frost tfrost2@liberty.edu
A simple shoebox contains a toothbrush, toothpaste, a small stuffed animal and the hope of the gospel. It is just one of the 3,000 shoeboxes the Liberty chapter of Operation Christmas Child (OCC) hopes to collect during this year’s Shoebox Blitz on campus. “Each box represents a child who is going to hear the gospel,” OCC Club President Ellen Ferguson said. According to Ferguson, the Blitz will be Nov. 9-13 in the bookstore parking lot on University Boulevard. Students may drop off their packed shoeboxes at a tent that will be referred to as Shoebox Central. During the week, different activities will be held each night at Shoebox Central. Wednesday, Nov. 11, will be an approved late-night for students, with cookies and milk provided for those who pack boxes. Resident halls are being encouraged to pack shoeboxes together. Friday, Nov. 13, there will be a time of worship, free Chick-fil-A and prayer over the shoeboxes. “Our goal of the Shoebox Blitz is to reach nations for Christ without having to leave campus,” Ferguson said. The OCC club on campus launched their social media campaign Oct. 13 on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Students now have the ability to keep updated with the happenings of the Blitz through these outlets. Also, everyone is encouraged to use the hashtag #LUShoeboxes when posting on social media. Ferguson said the purpose of the social media campaign is to gain the attention of students and encourage them to pack a shoebox. “Using social media is a way we can get
the word out,” Ferguson said The planning for this year’s Blitz has been in the making since early last year. Ferguson explained that the OCC club on Liberty’s campus has grown in size and has a board of committed leadership to help organize the Blitz. However, Ferguson said they are still in need of volunteers. This year, students can sign up to serve on volunteer teams. The volunteer teams are: tent volunteers, walking shoeboxes, on-call volunteers, hall representatives, set-up/tear down, skateboarders and prayer team. There will be a volunteer meeting held Oct. 29, and students may also email lushoeboxblitz@gmail.com. “We can’t put on the Blitz without volunteers,” Ferguson said. “The leadership team is incredible, but we can’t do any of this alone. … Just imagine how much more God could use an entire army of students all committed to seeing the children of the world come to know the Lord.” According to Ferguson, packing boxes is a simple thing to do. Starting Nov. 8, all one must do is pick up a box from the Vines Center, pick a gender and fill the box with miscellaneous items such as toothbrushes, small stuffed animals or crayons. The only restrictions are that there cannot be any war-related items or liquids in the boxes. There is an optional $7 shipping charge per box. The Shoebox Blitz is a regional event sponsored by OCC Samaritan’s Purse. Ferguson said there will be OCC employees helping at different points throughout the week. Liberty’s OCC club serves as a support arm for this event to take place.
Photos Provided
FROST is a news reporter.
SERVICE — Students from the 2014 Shoebox Blitz spent their time packing boxes.
Working out the kinks Liberty’s debate team rebounds from losing start to post a winning record Elizabeth Lapp elapp@liberty.edu
The Liberty debate team posted a 55-41 record at the University of Mary Washington tournament Oct. 9-12 following a 50-60 record at the Georgia State tournament Sept. 19-21. Their record at the end of preliminary rounds during the Georgia State tournament, their first tournament of the season, gave them a losing record for the first time in recent history. Debate Director Michael Hall explained many of their problems stemmed from a lack of foundational skills
among the novice debaters along with evidence and research gaps. “At the open division, we really did what we thought we would do at that tournament,” Hall said. “Junior varsity was strong in the (preliminaries) and then … had some rough debates in the elimination rounds, and that happens. … Once you get to the elimination rounds, one loss and you are out. But in the novice division we … had more systemic issues where we were losing a lot of debates in the novice division that we would have liked to have won, and that had a lot to do with skill development.”
Students and coaches dedicated a great deal of time addressing these problems after the Georgia State tournament in preparation for their next tournament at Rutgers-Newark Sept. 24-27, and
“
I think God takes pleasure in seeing his children be excellent with the gifts that he has given them. — MICHAEL HALL
according to Hall, that hard work paid off. Liberty finished preliminary rounds with a 43-35 record
CAMPUS CALENDAR 10/20 - Faculty Concert Series II 7 p.m. | Towns Auditorium 10/22 - Farmer’s Market 3 p.m. | Doc’s Diner Parking Lot 10/22 - Deliberative Dialogue 7 p.m. | DeMoss Hall 1101 10/22 - Top Ropes Class 5 p.m. | LaHaye Student Center Rockwall 10/22 -Scholarship Search 6 p.m. | DeMoss Hall 2192 10/22 - Senior Graphic Design Exhibit 6 p.m. | Liberty University Art Gallery 10/24 - Deep Hollow Half Marathon and 5K 8 a.m. | Camp Hydaway 10/24 - Homecoming Parade 4 p.m. | University Boulevard 10/25 - All About Core Workshop 10 a.m. | LaHaye Student Center COLOR KEY:
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with seven of their 13 teams qualifying for elimination rounds. The junior varsity team of Jeleesa Omala and Rakeem Robinson emerged from the preliminary rounds as the No. 1 overall seed
and went on to win the division. The upswing continued at the University of Mary Washington tournament, which Hall described as their best tournament of the year so far. Seven of the 12 teams advanced to the elimination rounds. The team of Moriah Wierschem and Amanda Dabney won the junior varsity division while Brianna Thomas and Brianna Gulchuck received second place in the novice division after losing in the final round. Hall hopes that the improvements will continue as the team progresses through the rest of the season. “We have goals that we set at the beginning of each year, and some of those goals stay the same from year to year and some of them change depending on our particular teams,” Hall said. “One of the goals that stayed the same
this year from past years is to finish ranked first (at the end of the season) in each of the debate organizations that we debate in. ... Another goal is to advance a team to the elimination rounds of the national tournament, which means essentially to be in the top 25 of a field of 78. In debate terms, it is kind of the equivalent of making the Sweet 16 for individual two-person teams.” The tournaments are not just about competing as Hall also sees them as an opportunity to glorify God. “I think we go into (tournaments) with the idea that all of what we do competitively is an attempt to use the gifts that God has given us in a way that honors him, and we are going to do that in a way that edifies each other (and builds) each other up,” Hall said. “So I think God takes pleasure in seeing his children be excellent with the gifts that he has given them and in the areas that he has given them passion for.” The Liberty team will compete at West Point Military Academy Oct. 22-25. Hall expects to see continued improvement as he hopes to see a Liberty team win each of the three divisions. The team will also look to defend their current title as tournament champions the past two years running. LAPP is a news reporter.
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Kevin Manguiob
EQUIPPED — Debate knowledge was passed on to the youth during a summer camp hosted for high school students.
news
Liberty Champion | October 20, 2015 | A3
Welcoming new ideas
Council of advisors visits Liberty School of Communication & Creative Arts Cierra Carter cmcarter18@liberty.edu
Liberty University School of Communication & Creative Arts (SCCA) welcomed the Distinguished Council of Advisors (DCA) Sept. 25-26 to meet faculty, see the facilities and learn more about the university’s vision for its students. Professionals within each of the four SCCA disciplines were selected through nominations from department chairs, faculty members and Dean Norman Mintle’s personal connections. Six guests had the opportunity to come and experience Liberty while being a sounding board for new ideas and future objectives. “They understood that our intention is to prepare our students academically, professionally and spiritually to go out and do
what God’s calling them to do,” Mintle said. This was the inaugural year for the event that the SCCA hopes to continue each fall. Mintle described it as a College for a Weekend experience for adults, allowing them to get a taste of life at Liberty. The DCA’s schedule included viewing a performance of “Sister Act” at the Tower Theatre. Mintle expressed appreciation for the event, acknowledging that he has already received good suggestions for the program moving forward. “It was a wonderful weekend,” Mintle said. “They were all very impressed and have promised to help out any way they can.” Guests included David Heath, a renowned American landscape painter, Dr. Larry Poland, president of Master Media, Robert Harris, an Atlanta art dealer, Dr.
Photo Provided
VISION — Members of SCCA showed the council around Liberty David Clark, former president of Palm Beach Atlantic University and media and advertising executive, Tim Gregory, an actor and founder of Chicago’s
Provision Theatre, and Sergio Cariello, a Marvel and DC Comics cartoonist. Students were given several opportunities to interact with the professionals in
their disciplines. “The point was for them to get into their heart who we are and then to go out and be evangelists for us, to talk about us,” Mintle said. The event served to benefit students and faculty alike, as the visit focused on giving students the best chance to succeed in their field of work. “My hope is that as we talk(ed) to (the guests) about the way we teach … professionals from that world will be able to say, ‘Here’s what we’re experiencing, here’s what we’re looking for (in employees),’” Mintle said. “We want our curriculum to always be leading so that our students are ready to go into whatever the state of the moment is in their profession.” CARTER is a copy editor.
Helping cover clinical costs Liberty offers new insurance policy to assist students in case of an accident Cassandra Steptoe cbsteptoe@liberty.edu
Liberty University residential students now have a $10,000 accidental injury insurance policy through the school, which took effect August 2015, according to Director of Risk Management for Liberty Robert Wells. Only offered during the school year, the policy comes into effect when the student’s primary insurance does not cover the expenses, when there are
copayments or when student bills are below their deductible, according to liberty.edu. Liberty is working with A-G Administrators Inc. and KSI Consulting, LLC. in order to provide the insurance, according to liberty.edu. Wells said Liberty reviewed several insurance providers and received multiple quotes before deciding on KSI Consulting to provide the insurance. “This company was highly touted by other colleges and universities,” Wells said.
“We felt it was the right match for us.” However, there are stipulations to the coverage. “It’s not for a sickness,” Wells said. “As long as it is an accidental injury, it’s going to be covered up to the $10,000.” The policy costs the university $18 a student for this current school year, and is offered for all undergraduate and graduate residential students. The cost for next year will depend on the loss experienced this year. According to Wells, if it is a
good year he hopes to not have to increase costs. Serious consideration for the plan began in the summer of 2015. However, this was not the first time Wells spoke with Liberty administration about the plan. “We started looking at it about two years ago,” Wells said. “This summer we presented it to President Falwell to get his support, and he approved moving forward with it for the fall semester." Several students have already benefited from the
coverage this semester. Wells said that many had been club and intramural sports related injuries. However, some were simply everyday accidents. Senior Jake Beerel was enthusiastic for the coverage in light of injuries he sustained in a Liberty bus accident the spring of 2013. “This accident policy is the best idea,” Beerel said. “(If it was in place then) it would have sped up the process of paying my medical bills and … more quickly satisfied all
parties involved.” Wells hoped the coverage will alleviate financial worries for students in case of emergency and that students will take advantage of it. “We want students to be aware of it,” Wells said. “We want students to utilize it because it’s here for them. If you have an accident, we want you to use it.”
STEPTOE is a news reporter.
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OPINION
A4
October 20, 2015
Women in professional sports Jen Welter has started a revolution that is sweeping across men’s sports Sarah Rodriguez srodriguez70@liberty.edu
With backsides glued to couches and tailgates taking place every weekend, there is no doubt that football season is back in full swing. But heading into the 2015 NFL preseason, the Arizona Cardinals’ sideline looked different than it had ever before. The big and burly men of the Cardinals linebacking crew were joined by 37-year-old Jen Welter. And no, Welter was not a cheerleader. According to the Washington Post, Welter, who holds a Ph.D. in psychology, was hired as a preseason intern. Through the internship, she was given the opportunity to help coach the linebackers of the Cardinals. In 2014 Welter coached the linebackers for the Texas Revolution, a men’s professional indoor team, in addition to playing running back for the team. Though Welter’s internship with the Cardinals has ended, she said her time with the team was an overwhelmingly rewarding experience. “(It was) better than I could have possibly imagined,” Welter said to CNN’s Rachel Nichols. “I love those guys. I love the team. From start to finish, it was exciting. They were respectful, they were receptive, and we all became really good friends with a lot of football and respect in between.” As Welter made a resounding splash into the proverbial pool of men’s professional sports, it is necessary to reconsider our preconceived notion that women have no place in typically male sports. Maybe women have more to offer to professional sports than previously thought. Welter is not the only woman making her way into the “men’s world” of professional sports. In 2014, Becky Hammon became the first female full-time assistant in the NBA while working for the San Antonio Spurs. Hammon is no novice when it comes to the game of basketball. She was a six-time WNBA All-Star and a two-time All-WNBA First Tea se-
lection. In addition, according to USA Today, Hammon became the first female head coach of an NBA Summer League team, where she guided the Spurs to the Utah Summer League title this past summer. Hammon is well respected by her team and the league for her contributions to the Spurs organization. “When (Hammon’s) talking, (the team is) looking at her,” Bobby Marks, a former Nets assistant general manager who attended the Las Vegas summer league, said in the Washington Post. “They’re not looking into the stands or rolling their eyes. She commanded that huddle. Guys look up to her.” After Hammon began to pave the way for women in the NBA coaching community, the Sacramento Kings hired Nancy Lieberman as an assistant. Lieberman has also compiled the knowledge and skills to be an asset to a professional team. According to nba.com, she was previously the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks’ D-League team, which she led to the playoffs in its first season. She also was previously the head coach and general manager of the Detroit Shock in the WNBA. Women who are physically and mentally qualified may also bring a different psychological aspect to the professional sports world. Scientifically, it has been proven that women and men think and act differently. Women who may approach a problem or situation differently than men would bring a fresh perspective to the coaching world of professional sports. According to psychologytoday. com, women can juggle more than one task 70 percent better than men. Multitasking is essential in coaching, as coaches need to keep track of many different things at one time, especially on game day. Studies have also shown that women who are in conflict tend to respond to their frustration by working harder. Coaching a professional game against an opposing team is a conflict, and coaches who can channel their
A TES NO
HAYWOOD
Earlier this week, NBA players, coaches and fans alike feared they had lost another great one when retired NBA player Lamar Odom was found unconscious in a Nevada brothel.
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SPORTS — Jen Welter helped coach the linebacking crew for the Arizona Cardinals. energy into working harder are necessary for success. Psychologytoday.com also says women express their emotions differently. Women are more upfront and share their emotions while men tend to hide their emotions. Coaches who are in touch with their emotions can benefit the players. According to CNN, Welter left handwritten notes in the lockers of the linebackers before the preseason games. “They loved it,” Welter said to CNN. “And I found that out because they shared it with the media. I didn’t share it. I wouldn’t have because that was personal; that was from me to them.
Local law enforcement reported the former NBA star was found with drugs on him and in his system. Initially in a coma, he is now awake and somewhat responsive, according to reports. Obviously, many questions were asked. Inquiries ranged from “why was he there,” to “what has happened to this guy.” After all, he is a two-time NBA Champion, winner of the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, and is credited with blending the style of a power forward with that of a point guard, further revolutionizing the sport of basketball as a whole. Lost his mother when he was only 12. Overcame that. Father was a reported heroin addict. Overcame that too. Now, this man, this
But they did.” Women are also breaking into the professional refereeing world. In 2015, Sarah Thomas became the NFL’s first full-time female official. In an Oct. 12 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Diego Chargers, Thomas made a correct last-minute goal line touchdown call in which the Steelers defeated the Chargers. But are a few females in typically male professional sports enough to call us an advanced and nonsexist society? Even if women in these roles make a few mistakes, are we willing to give them second chances like our society gives to men?
story of triumph, lies in a hospital bed, recovering from nearly losing his life. There is clearly a deeply rooted issue within Odom that would take more than a couple hundred words to explain. But some have already jumped to the conclusion that his ties to the dysfunctional group of people sharing a last name — I guess you could call them a family — the Kardashians, have impacted his decline. However, I will not go as far to blame them for Odom’s current state, as he has a past involving drugs that dates back to before the Kardashians. However, I do blame some media, and maybe even the Kardashians, for making this about anyone other than Odom.
As an aspiring female sports journalist, it is reassuring to see women break the mold and work their way onto the sidelines of typically male professional sports. Women need to be given their chance to show what they can offer until it is proven they have absolutely nothing to bring to the table. If a man was qualified for a professional coaching job, there’s no reason why he would not be given a chance to show what he’s got, so why not women too?
RODRIGUEZ is the news editor.
You cannot read a single article about Odom’s current state that fails to mention that Khloe Kardashian is by his side. Some even mention it in the headline. This is not about the Kardashians. This is about him. That story of triumph I mentioned earlier nearly concluded with a 35-year-old man dying. So in your spare time, pray for Odom, and quite frankly all who resort to nights of drugs and debauchery for satisfaction. And remember, it is not about the glamorous social lights from Hollywood, it’s about a man who is going through a tough time right now, and his name is Lamar Odom.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICIES & INFO Nate Haywood editor-in-chief
Paul Vandenbosch
Gabriella Fuller graduate assistant
Joel Schmieg asst. sports editor
CONTENT
Amber Tiller
Sarah Rodriguez
sports editor
feature editor
PHOTOGRAPHY
SOCIAL MEDIA
Leah Seavers
Josh Gordon
photography editor
Michela Diddle asst. photography editor DESIGN
news editor
Jacob Clarke copy editor
Quinn Foley asst. news editor
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ADMINISTRATION Deborah Huff faculty advisor
Omar Adams advertising director
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opinion
Liberty Champion | October 20, 2015 | A5
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FRONT-RUNNER — Approximately 15.3 million people tuned in to watch the first Democratic primary debate of the 2016 election Oct. 13 on CNN held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Clinton wins debate Democratic primary lags behind Republicans’ in youth and in excitement Lee Sutherland lsutherland6@liberty.edu
The Democratic candidates for president met for their first debate of the 2016 election cycle Oct. 13, and, not surprisingly, it was a rather boring affair. Fortune reported that more people watched the newest episode of NCIS than the Democratic debate on CNN. This stands in stark contrast to the two Republican debates that have already been held, which had almost 10 million more people watch per debate. While many quickly seek to explain these numbers away by asserting that the presence of Donald Trump has turned the Republican debates into a soap opera/reality television show bonanza, there may be something deeper here that many are missing. Namely, that this year’s primaries are the exact opposite of those in 2008. That year, the Democrats had the primary with the most intrigue and greatest battle as then Sen. Barack Obama and former Sen. Hillary
Clinton fought for the nomination through 25 debates. The Republican primary, while not totally uninteresting, was always in the shadow of the spectacular fight that was taking place across the aisle. In the 2016 race, the Republicans are the ones with the fascinating debates and the interesting, young candidates, while the Democrats are lagging behind. This is primarily due to the fact that there is only one real significant candidate on the Democratic side, and she has so many holes and flaws it is getting harder everyday to see her winning the presidency. Clinton was the clear winner of this first debate, and while her performance was above average, her victory can be mainly chalked up to a lack of competition. Charles Krauthammer wrote in the Washington Post that Hillary is “up against three ciphers and one endearing, gesticulating, slightly unmoored old man.” That “unmoored old man,” Sen. Bernie Sanders, did not help himself during the debate last
week. For a self-proclaimed socialist, Sanders’ views and voting record on gun control are better characterized as moderate than radical. He also continues to struggle with minority voters as a YouGov poll indicates that he is polling at just about “13 percent of Hispanics and 8 percent black voters in the Democratic primary.” The rest of the candidates are absolutely irrelevant. Jim Webb spent most of his speaking time (which was admittedly very little) complaining about how he did not have time to speak. Martin O’Malley may be the only politician in the world who uses the current state of the city of Baltimore as an example of a success story. The entirety of Lincoln Chafee’s appeal begins and ends with the fact that he looks strikingly similar to the turtle character, Master Oogway, from the first Kung Fu Panda movie. The CNN crew, led by Anderson Cooper, did a much better job than most expected, and yet they failed to discuss multiple very important topics. There was no mention of
the Planned Parenthood videos that have shocked the country or any discussion of ISIS. In addition, there was only one real question about Clinton’s email scandal, and she easily skirted around it with a lot of help from Sanders. Maybe the most interesting moment of the debate was a bizarre but telling statement from Sanders: “We should look to countries like Denmark, like Sweden and Norway and learn from what they have accomplished for their working people.” This short quote reflects the sharp move of the Democratic Party farther to the left over the last few years. Its candidates and platforms resemble those of the countries Sanders listed above more than those of the party’s past. It is hard to imagine Jack or Bobby Kennedy fitting into the Democratic Party today. SUTHERLAND is the opinion editor.
Rubio on Black Lives Matter Sen. Marco Rubio stands out from field with his response to police violence Austin Eagen aeagen@liberty.edu
In the history of the U.S., there has not been a more inflammatory topic of discussion than the issue of racial inequality and prejudice. Ever since the killing of Trayvon Martin two years ago, the issue of racism has dominated media headlines, specifically through the Black Lives Matter movement. With the presidential primaries less than a year away, candidates’ views on the Black Lives Matter movement have been heavily scrutinized. Candidate responses were what we have come to expect from Washington. Several of the candidates have acknowledged the issue and proceeded to use it as a platform for their political agenda while others disregard it entirely. One example of the former came from Republican candidate Carly Fiorina. In an interview with Fox News, Fiorina was asked whether black lives mattered or if all lives mattered. Fiorina responded, “Of course all lives matter. Secondly, black lives have been diminished under Democratic policies.” However, amidst the fingerpointing and yelling across the aisle, one GOP candidate has come forward and took a surpris-
ing position on the issue. In an interview with Fox News, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio gave credibility to the Black Lives Movement stating, “There is a legitimate issue here.” Rubio went on to discuss the distrust and anger between the African American community and the law enforcement of this country. He laid out the fact that
many young African American males are more likely to interact with the criminal justice system than higher education. Rubio acknowledged the apparent prejudices that stand against the African American community and firmly stated that it is an issue that we need to confront as a nation. He acknowledged that not all the problems surround-
ing this issue could be solved by government intervention but that it is something we need to face regardless. Rubio’s response is refreshing, and his approach might be the best thing for the Black Lives Matter movement. With all the violence, propaganda and pandering on both sides of the debate, the message of the movement
has been lost. Rubio’s response sifts through the ambiguity of rhetoric and plainly confronts the base issue. This might be the best thing for his campaign as well. Up to this point, Rubio has done nothing to distinguish himself from the other candidates. This interview does that. Through this interview, Rubio showed that he is the only candidate that is not only willing, but also eager to confront the issue of racial inequality. Not only does Rubio’s position separate him from the rest of the GOP pool, but it also makes him more relatable to the general public. Voters desire honesty and authenticity, something that candidates rarely provide. Rubio provided both. Rubio took a firm stance against racial prejudice but displayed authority by honestly assessing the issue and acknowledging that the government would not be able to solve all the problems connected to racial inequality. This interview benefits Rubio as he has successfully distinguished himself from the other GOP candidates and has earned favor with the moderate and liberal voters.
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CANDIDATE — Marco Rubio acknowledged current racial issues in U.S. and our need to address them.
EAGEN is an opinion writer.
opinion
A6 | October 20, 2015 | Liberty Champion
Stop assisted suicide
California is the fifth state in the U.S. to legalize physician-assisted suicide Kimberly Stefanick kmstefanick2@liberty.edu
California recently passed a bill that would legalize physician-assisted suicide, according to the LA Times. This comes almost a year after the case of Brittany Maynard, a young woman with terminal brain cancer who moved to Oregon to end her life, made headlines. “This is a dark day for California and for (California Gov. Jerry Brown’s) legacy,” Tim Rosales, a spokesman for Californians Against Assisted Suicide, said. California has joined Oregon, Washington, Montana and Vermont in the group of states that currently allow physician-assisted suicide. Modeled from the current law in Oregon, the New York Times predicts that this landmark passing will “roughly triple access to doctor-assisted suicide across the country.” As a human, I can sympathize with the desire to make someone who is ailing comfortable in their last days, but as a Christian, I cannot support a bill like this. While supporters of the bill have been beaming since its passing, public officials have voiced concerns over the effects the bill could have on society and the value of life. “I’m not going to push the old or the weak out of this world,” Republican Sen. Ted Gaines said according to the New York Times. “I think that could be the unintended consequence of this legislation.” The LA Times reported Brown, who had to sign off on the bill after it passed the state Senate, noted his personal confliction over the bill, having been a former Jesuit
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MEDICINE AND THE LAW — The debate concerning death with dignity continues. seminary student. “I do not know what I would do if I were dying in prolonged and excruciating pain,” Brown said. “I am certain, however, that it would be a comfort to be able to consider the options afforded by this bill. And I wouldn’t deny that right to others.” While his intentions sound pure, we are taught in the Bible that our bodies are holy and should be taken care of. 1 Corinthians 3:17 reads, “For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple (NLT).” Our bodies are a temple, as the Holy Spirit dwells in us. Murder is a sin, and it is still a sin even if the only person you are killing is yourself. I understand the want
to force the pain to cease, but endorsing an option where people can simply end their life with the help of a doctor is not a healthy solution. Last year in Oregon, 105 people took their lives with physician-assisted suicide, also known as the Death with Dignity Act, according to Oregon’s Public Health Division. One hundred five people died and 105 families grieved the loss of their loved one. How high will that number be next year? Doctors are trained to save lives and serve people to make them well, not to help someone end their life. Brown, a lifelong Catholic, said he con-
sidered the “theological and religious perspectives that any deliberate shortening of one’s life is sinful,” according to the LA Times. He also consulted multiple doctors and religious figures when making the decision to sign the bill into law. With all this consultation and concern for the moral implications, one would think he would have arrived at a different answer. Even with this bill now signed into law, public officials are still voicing concerns over possible repercussions, mostly centering on people being coerced or pressured into dying. While someone needs to be deemed mentally competent and terminally ill to receive the treatment, peer pressure could still sway their decision. “Let’s call this for what it really is: It’s not death with dignity,” Sen. Bob Huff said. “This is state-assisted death, physicianassisted death and relative-assisted death.” Earlier this year, Pope Francis commented on the sanctity of life when he remarked that the Golden Rule gives people the “responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of development,” according to the Washington Post. As a country and a world, we are slipping down a dangerous slope of evil and sin, and this ruling is just another example of that. People always abuse laws and make rash decisions without thinking, and that is just what this law will bring. The value of a life shrinks everyday as abortions continue and people can commit suicide with the help of a medical professional who was trained to save their life. STEFANICK is an opinion writer.
Honoring the lives of UCC Oregon shooting was not a political gun law issue but a religious freedom issue Brianna Young bdyoung4@liberty.edu
When a mass shooting occurred at Umpqua Community College (UCC) in Roseburg, Oregon resulting in the deaths of nine students, little time passed before the attention turned to gun laws in the U.S. Before anyone had pieced together what had happened Oct. 1, media pundits, politicians and activists all began demanding stricter gun laws. President Obama wasted no time calling for stricter gun laws in a statement given that Thursday evening, even going as far as to ridicule pro-gun activists. “And what’s become routine, of course, is the response of those who oppose any kind of common-sense gun legislation,” Obama said. “Right now, I can imagine the press releases being cranked out: ‘We need more guns,’ they’ll argue. ‘Fewer gun safety laws.’” Whether or not the country should impose stricter gun laws is not the issue. Rather, there is a much more pressing matter that arose out of the events that occurred at UCC. According to reports, when the 26-year-old shooter stormed into a classroom he specifically asked for all Christians to stand up. While not every student who was killed identified as a Christian, there were likely anti-
Christian motivations for some of the killings. Yet when the news broke that the man had killed nine students and injured nine more, the media and politicians were quick to advocate for more gun control. Little, if anything, was said about the obvious religious persecution that had taken place. After Obama gave his statement, he took the time to visit Roseburg, where he came face to face with pro-gun protesters. After visiting with families of the UCC victims, Obama spoke again about the events that occurred. “There are gonna be moments as we go forward where we’re gonna have to come together and figure out how do we stop things like this from happening,” Obama said. Obama was careful to leave politics out of his visit; however, he did allude to his desire to see gun control in effect. Nothing was mentioned about the victims’ religious beliefs. The mainstream media was also quiet on the issue of religious persecution. A few days after the events unfolded at UCC, the news was still uncovering new information. However, a cursory glance and a Google search of all news affiliated with the UCC shooting revealed little to do with Christians having been targeted. What would have occurred in the mainstream media and poli-
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SOLIDARITY — People around the nation held up “I am a Christian” signs after the UCC shooting. tics if the UCC victims had been members of another demographic? If they had been of another religious or racial affiliation, it is likely that a greater outcry would have been heard from the media and the general public. The American public has become talented at protesting what they believe to be racially or religiously motivated crimes, but when Christians are targeted, the outcry is whisper.
MANAGING OUR TIME “Why, I feel all thin, sort of stretched, if you know what I mean: like butter that has been scraped over too much bread. That can’t be right. I need a change, or something.” These are the words of perhaps one of our generation’s favorite heroes, Bilbo Baggins. While staving off old age and trying to hold on to his treasured possession, the Ring, he had begun to feel strained.
Obviously, he himself puts it best, but Bilbo was struggling with something, and I think we students can identify nicely with our furry-footed little friend. While we may not be struggling over a ring (or we may well be), the feeling of being overstretched has become far too pervasive in our society today. I don’t mean the healthy sort of stretching, like dough that needs to be
kneaded, but rather that tired, wasted feeling. That drag of always having ‘one more thing’ to do. We are so busy living life we have not realized just how far behind life has been left. And I think our campus may have something to do with it. Our school is so bursting with activities and events that it looks like an autumn tree in full color, and we cannot help but be awestruck with the
Some have spoken out about the crime committed at UCC. Most notably, Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson took a photograph holding a sign that read “I am a Christian.” Carson stood courageously with the “I am a Christian” movement that began via social media shortly after the UCC shooting. However, Carson was criticized for doing so. The tragedy that occurred at UCC was not the result of re-
amount of choices we have. How many of us have said, “If only I could be a professional student, I would stay here forever!” But I think we have done ourselves a disservice. In trying to digest the entire bowl of Fruity Pebbles, we’ve gotten sick because we, simply put, have too much. While choice is fabulous, it necessitates responsibility – responsi-
laxed gun laws. It was a hate crime and must be discussed as such. If mass shootings are to be stopped, guns cannot be the sole focus. Whether it is racially or religiously motivated or the act of a mentally unstable individual, a shooting is not the result of a gun alone. The heart of the issue must be examined. YOUNG is an opinion writer.
bility for not making the other choice. And it is there that the student must learn. If we cannot choose what must be left behind, we will get sick trying to do it all. We will become like Bilbo, like “butter that has been scraped over too much bread.” If we want to read, then perhaps we cannot do intramurals. If we wish to invest in writing, then perhaps we must write rather than hang out.
If we wish to survive these few years producing anything worth keeping, we will have to choose to limit ourselves to three or four leaves of the tree. In limiting ourselves, I think we will find greater focus and fulfillment in our academic and future lives.
KEITH ANDERSON Resident Assistant
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Liberty Champion | October 20, 2015 | A7
Vice provost awarded
Dr. Emily Heady was recently named among the ‘top 20 under 40’ in Lynchburg Nguyen Phuong ntphuong@liberty.edu
Dr. Emily Heady, Liberty University’s first female vice provost for undergraduate education, was recently recognized in Lynchburg Business Magazine’s Top 20 Under 40. Lynchburg Business set out to seek this year’s “Top 20 Under 40” in collaboration with Lynchburg’s Office of Economic Development and Region 2000’s Young Professionals of Central Virginia in June 2015. It targeted young professionals of the Greater Lynchburg region that stand out of the crowd. The process began with more than 150 publicly-submitted nominees to find the best and the brightest. Those individuals must have exemplified success in their professions while also working within the community to advance the region as a whole. They also represent the best the region has to offer in young, innovative, creative and motivated talent. Heady was selected as one of those individuals. She earned a Ph.D. in English with a concentration in Victorian studies from Indiana University and completed postdoctoral work in educational studies from the University of
Virginia. She has taught many English courses at Liberty from English 101 to English 621. Prior to holding the faculty position in the English department, she directed Liberty’s Writing Program. Heady is now the dean of the college of general studies, which is in charge of overseeing general education for all Liberty students, and she recently received the additional responsibility of vice provost. She said it was a series of events that brought her to her current position. “I came as a faculty member, (and) within a year, I got involved with (the) founding of the Writing Center,” Heady said. “The reason why I got involved with that was that I had some experience with it from my previous institution. One thing led to another, and then that took off. All the while, I was working on some other side projects, which qualified me to be the founding dean for the college of general studies.” Heady said she ended up serving with Dr. Ronald Godwin, the previous provost and vice-president for academic affairs, while working on implementing Liberty’s strategic plan. When Dr. Ronald Hawkins was named provost in January 2015, Heady was asked
to join his team. She also believes that she plays only a small part in changing Liberty’s future. “Honestly, (the recognition’s) not important to me personally,” Heady said. “I think it’s important for Liberty, so I’m glad we have that (recognition) for that reason. I think Liberty has not had as prominent role in Lynchburg as we have earned and as we deserve now.” She said her proudest achievement was being able to build a faculty in the college of general studies that is student focused. “It’s hard to keep people focused on the mission, especially in a place as fast moving as Liberty,” Heady said. “I think we’ve got that. I think we’ve got people who make good decisions every day because we’ve done a good job communicating why we’re here.” Heady said she is unsure of the next step in her career because progress at Liberty is moving so quickly. She said she believes in making the most of every position she is in, and she continues to encourage others to do the same.
PHUONG is a news reporter.
Photo Provided
RECOGNIZED — Dr. Emily Heady honored for successful leadership.
Career on Capitol Hill Liberty graduate Sarah Stevens finds job as congressman’s chief of staff Lucas Roberson lroberson12@liberty.edu
At only 24 years of age, Sarah Stevens (‘12) has been named chief of staff as well as communications director for Congressman Steve King (R-Iowa.) This makes her the youngest person to hold such a position in Washington. Stevens’ new position and new responsibilities, in which she supports one of the nation’s political leaders, allows Stevens to display her versatility. “There is no such thing as a normal day (on Capitol Hill),” Stevens said. “Everyday is different. I have learned that the only way to get through the day is to be happy with going with the flow.” Stevens manages each aspect of King’s day. “I oversee … King’s entire staff, both in the district in Iowa and in D.C. I manage everything about what happens for Mr. King’s day, what the priorities are, and the general strategy of making sure we accomplish his goals.” Stevens is also the communications director, where she writes
AWARENESS continued from A1 when their prefrontal cortex is actually getting fully developed.” Trexler said historically, depression has been more problematic among college students. However, recently, anxiety is increasingly affecting college students. According to Trexler, symptoms of depression include loneliness, withdrawal, isolation and low or lack of motivation. Symptoms of anxiety include similar emotional signs as well as feeling on edge, feeling tense and poor concentration. He said the demand of college on students is what causes many to fall into depression or anxiety, especially since the brain is still developing. “A lot of students are balancing work … school, relationship difficulties (and) conflicts at home,” Trexler said. “And I do believe that disconnecting from (social) media is a really important part (of healing). Just (take)
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POLITICS — Sarah Stevens previously interned in Washington D.C. op-eds and press releases, uses social media and is in constant contact with the local media in Iowa as well as the national media. She also sets the overall communications messaging strategy for King. Additionally, Stevens oversees political operations for King and plays a vital role in fundraising and networking. While at Liberty, Stevens earned
a fast or a break from social media and really (connect) with people.” Trexler suggested that taking a short pause or break each week from social media is very important. He encourages taking a sabbath day to rest and connect with others. According to Trexler, the best starting places toward becoming emotionally healthy come in three steps: feel, label and symbolize.
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a bachelor of science in communication studies with dual concentrations in broadcast and advertising/public relations. Stevens gives credit to her education at Liberty for where she is today, specifically the communications department. “The classes and professors greatly prepared me,” Stevens said. “The hands-on projects we did in my classes translated so well
regulation of emotion,” Trexler said. “So people need to learn how to regulate emotions.” We have to stop avoiding the things that are challenging, and we can begin to tolerate emotional experiences that are distressing and move toward them instead of moving away from them.” According to Trexler, if people do not learn to regulate their emotions, it
I ultimately believe love is what heals— specifically God’s love. — MICHAEL TREXLER
He said it is important to truly feel the emotion, not to avoid it or else nothing will change, and then identify the emotion. Finally, he wants students to symbolize the emotion by describing it. “I think depression and anxiety result from dys-
can turn into a vicious and unhealthy cycle of coping methods, shame and even addiction. He said the students that come through his office usually leave with a better understanding of how to manage their emotions. Trexler knows that many
to the real work I do for my job. Liberty also reinforced the importance of not compromising your faith or values when you are in the workforce.” During her senior year at Liberty, Stevens interned with The Heritage Foundation through The Washington Fellowship, a program at Liberty that allows students to intern in the nation’s capital. “The Washington Fellowship was instrumental in starting my career in D.C.,” Stevens said. “(It) helped provide the opportunities with internships, networking, and especially the great alumni network in the city. I recommend that all Liberty students consider doing one semester of the Washington Fellowship.” Stevens said she is thankful for the platform God has given her to proclaim her faith in the field of politics. “I have learned that when you stand on principle, when you fight for truth, you may stand alone,” Stevens said in an interview with Liberty University News Service. “It will not always be easy, but the
college students struggle with depression and anxiety and that all these steps to getting healthy are very important. However, he believes that ultimately God brings healing, and it is crucial to put Jesus as the foundation of life. “My primary counseling philosophy is ‘Love Heals,’” Trexler said. “It doesn’t matter what technique I use, it doesn’t matter what I do with a student, I ultimately believe love is what heals—specifically God’s love.” Trexler has been a Christian for 15 years and said Jesus is the center of his counseling methods and he hopes to point every student he comes across to Christ. “I hope to have an interaction between the student and (Jesus), because one touch from him can change anything,” Trexler said. “I want to facilitate a spiritual environment that’s healthy, not pushed upon people, but that’s very relational. I think it’s really
reward of seeing the needle move even just a little more to the right toward conservative principles is well worth the fight.” Stevens said taking proactive steps in college toward building a career and keeping a strong work ethic are valuable in succeeding after graduation. “Do the Washington Fellowship,” Stevens said. “Come to D.C. and get involved. Network like crazy. Remember who you represent, and serve the Lord with joy in whatever capacity he puts you in. People will notice the difference. Work hard and don’t worry about who gets the credit.” Students can learn more about the Washington Fellowship through the Career Center on campus or by clicking the Washington Fellowship tab on Liberty’s Career Center website.
ROBERSON is a news reporter.
important for each of us to encounter God individually. The way I experience God might not be the way you experience God.” He also hopes Student Counseling Services can help reduce the stigma about mental health. He believes that everyone can benefit from counseling, no matter how healthy a person is. When talking about Liberty students, Trexler lights up. He said the heartbeat of the Dean of Students Office has two parts: first, it shouts Jesus, then it shouts students. “Students are really wonderful,” Trexler said. “I like this job because (students) come here and ... the services are confidential. We’re going to facilitate in an open environment that’s going to be non-judgmental, that’s going to accept the student no matter where they are and no matter what they come from.” Trexler, a native of Indiana, is currently working on his Ph.D at Liberty in
Counselor Education and Supervision. He has worked as a one-on-one counselor at Liberty for four years. Before coming to Liberty, he worked with adults and children with mental disabilities for six years. Liberty Student Counseling Services meets with students for six sessions, one session per week. Each session normally lasts between 45-50 minutes. They offer various types of counseling including individual, group, crisis, referrals to outside mental health agencies, as well as a Celebrate Recovery program. Students can schedule an intake appointment by calling (434) 5822651 or by emailing studentcounselingservices@ liberty.edu. For more information about Liberty’s Student Counseling services, visit liberty.edu/studentaffairs/ studentcare/.
RITTER is a news reporter.
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A8 | October 20, 2015 | Liberty Champion
Student access restricted
Wards Road pedestrian walking tunnel closes temporarily from 6 a.m.-noon Ashley Bunner abunner@liberty.edu
Liberty University’s Wards Road pedestrian tunnel has recently been closed Monday-Friday from 6 a.m.-noon due to commuters’ misuse of the tunnel as a way to enter campus. According to Chief of Liberty University Police Department (LUPD) Colonel Richard Hinkley, the pedestrian tunnel was constructed for the use and safety of resident on-campus students. Commuter students and Liberty employees are welcome to use the tunnel, but they must enter the tunnel from the campus side and reenter from the Wards Road side on the same day, Hinkley said. “The agreement with the property owner on the Wards Road side was very clear about the concern of commuters using the parking at the retail stores just to get to campus,” Hinkley said. According to Hinkley, the reason for the closing of the pedestrian tunnel during certain hours of the day was decided upon due to “damage to the gates and abuse of the system by certain students and (also) complaints from the property owner on the Wards Road side of the tunnel.” For some commuter students like Brendan Smith, the tunnel is closed during his only break between classes on Tuesdays
TRAVEL continued from A1 offers credit for philosophy courses. For nursing students, trips to countries such as Rwanda give hands-on experience in dealing with patients in developing nations. The Liberty student travel website says the cost of the tour includes accommodations, international travel and medical insurance, educational excursions and incountry travel. The major-
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
POSTED — Signs informed pedestrians of the tunnel closure Monday-Friday. and Thursdays and is therefore an inconvenience to him. “I used to run off campus through the tunnel and get a meal at Panera or Chickfil-A on Wards Road since most of the retail outlets on campus do not open until 11 a.m., with the exception of Dunkin’ Donuts and SubConnection in DeMoss (Hall),” Smith said. He added that his thoughts echo how
ity of trips will have some, if not all, meals covered. Airfare cost may need to be provided by the student, since online students will be traveling from different parts of the world. All payments are nonrefundable and may be paid to Liberty through the online study abroad payment portal on the Liberty student travel website. Financial aid will help pay for the credits received in the course. However, it cannot cover the trip fee.
Hammond said there is no limit to the number of short-term trips students can go on during their time at Liberty. For semesterlong trips, students may only spend a maximum of two semesters abroad. While on an academic tour for an entire semester, students are still considered full-time students at Liberty. They attend classes at overseas institutions which Liberty approves beforehand. According to the Center
many of his friends are also feeling. “Most of my friends, who are primarily commuters, are not very happy about it,” Smith said. “We all have our parking passes and comply with the parking regulations, and we feel like it is unfair to punish on and off campus students for the wrongdoings of probably less than 100 students.” LUPD has listened to the concerns of students and is currently working on a diffor Student Travel’s website, in order to be accepted into a tour, a student must obtain at least a 3.0 GPA, have 24 credits completed, and be in good standing with Office of Student Affairs. In addition, a student must possess adequate financial resources, have no unpaid balances on his or her account, and have a valid passport copy. Upon acceptance into a tour, a syllabus will be provided. Depending on the professor, the syllabus
ferent method of access. Originally the pedestrian tunnel was closed from 6 a.m.-2 p.m., but after the response from on-campus students saying that they would like the tunnel opened earlier, the tunnel is now opened two hours earlier. According to Hinkley, students who want to go off campus without driving their cars during the hours that the tunnel is closed may consider taking the bus or walking to the traffic tunnel. “Improved pedestrian access, (which includes) crosswalks and pedestrian lights at the Harvard Street crossing, is being worked on by the city of Lynchburg,” Hinkley said. Thus far, only one retailer on Wards Road has voiced concern over sales, Hinkley said. “(The concern was) more of an issue with people taking up their parking and not being a customer,” Hinkley said. The pedestrian tunnel will be closed during the posted hours only temporarily until a turnstile gate is installed. According to Hinkley, this will prevent students from allowing unauthorized persons from entering with them when they use their student IDs.
BUNNER is a news reporter.
and coursework will be modified to fit around the experience of the tour. According to Hammond, students who travel are given a leg up on competition in vying for work opportunities after their experience at Liberty is finished. “Having national experience is vital in today’s world,” Hammond said. “If you look at other colleges, they are making study abroad one of their top priorities.” All trips are first come,
first serve. The preliminary deadlines for each semester are Sept. 30 for the spring, Feb. 1 for the summer and March 15 for the fall. For more information and to view available trips, visit liberty.edu, select the “Academics” tab and then select “Student Travel,” or email studenttravel@liberty.edu.
COLEMAN is a news reporter.
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Liberty Champion | October 20, 2015 | A9
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
TAKE TO THE SKIES — Flight team members competed in three days of events at the Lynchburg Regional Airport Oct. 15-17 for an intercollegiate competition.
Victory for Aeronautics
Liberty’s flight team wins the Region 10 NIFA competition for the 11th year Amber Tiller atiller2@liberty.edu
Dressed in formal attire with ice cream in hand, the Liberty University School of Aeronautics flight team shared stories and smiles after the award banquet Oct. 17. For the 15-person flight team, a trip to an ice cream shop is a tradition that always follows after a victory — the 11th year in a row of winning the Region 10 National Intercollegiate Flight Association (NIFA) competition was of no exception. NIFA competitions are held at the national level, but the competitors must first qualify in regionals. The NIFA organization was formed in 1920 with four events and nine schools competing. These schools included Yale and Wesleyan, according to the NIFA website. The makings of the Loening Trophy, still awarded today, according to the “SAFECON Leoning Trophy Judging Criteria” document on NIFA’s website, identify the prestige of this award. “The Loening Trophy is the rarest and oldest of all collegiate aviation awards,” the document reads. “The pure silver Tiffany designed trophy was commissioned and first awarded in 1929 when aviation pioneer and inventor, Dr. Grover Loening saw a need to annually recognize the most outstanding achievements of today’s college aviation programs.” To emphasive the credibility of the award, the document also states “Dr. Loening (first aeronautical engineer for the Wright Brothers), asked his friends … Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Erhart, and Navy Commander John Towers to assist him in judging the first competition.” Liberty hosted the competition at the Lynchburg Regional Airport Oct. 15-17 against the United States Naval Academy, Averett University, and Guilford Technical Community College and walked away with first place in the ground, flight and overall competition categories. The three-day competition focused on ground events such as simulated comprehensive aircraft navigation (SCAN) — “a written exam with problems that reference a simulated cross country flight over a given route,” according to the program given at the awards banquet. “(The competition is) like taking an SAT for aviation,” Imani Nasir-Phillips,
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
SCORE — Liberty’s flight captain Evan Thrams smiles at his power-off landing results. Guilford’s team captain, said. Other ground events included a computer accuracy test, aircraft preflight — an aircraft is purposefully “bugged” and technicians identify problems with the plane — and the ground trainer test to “test the competency and skill” under certain flight rules in an aircraft simulator, according to the program. Another ground event involved competitors looking at a picture of an airplane for three seconds and then having 15 seconds to note the aircraft’s manufacturer, model number and common name, according to the bulletin. Edward Hubbart of Guilford took first with a rare score of 89/100 for the regional competition, more than 20 points ahead of second place. “I’ve been building models since I was 14,” Hubbart said to the evening’s announcer and chief judge of the competition, Brian Hough. During the ground events, other flight events continued near the hangar and the landing strip. Flight events included short field landing — where pilots must land on a thick chalk line on the runway or as close to that line as possible. Power-off landing, similar to short-field, required pilots to land without power from the engine in order to simulate engine failure, the goal being a successful landing. Some of the competitors actually scored a perfect landing, an accomplishment somewhat rare at
the regional level. The final student flight event, the message drop, finished up the official NIFA competition Saturday morning as pilots flew 200 feet above ground and drop masters aimed for a target below with a specially made box containing a message that could weigh no more than 2.5 ounces and had to meet specific requirements for design. For Liberty’s team, the Liberty School of Engineering and Computational Sciences used their 3D printer to make a box fitting the bill for the flight team. In addition to the exclusively ground and flight events, the “navigation” event combined the two categories. This event was comprised of a two-person pilot/ navigator team giving the judges a precise flight plan including fuel needed, total time and other specifics as well as participating in a cross-country flight based off the flight plan, according to the program. The last event of the competition involved not the students, but the coaches flying and landing. Even though Liberty would have the home team advantage for running the flight patterns, each team received about five to six hours of practice time before the competition, according to Liberty’s new head coach, Tony Cihak, who took third in the coach’s competition. The teams intermingle with a sense of rivalry, but the Liberty competitors also shared information about the
course to help the other teams. “We try to make it an even competition … (so the) best pilot wins,” Cihak said. Liberty did have the advantage of provision from the school, according to flight team captain Evan Thrams, who placed in multiple events such as poweroff landing, aircraft recognition, SCAN, and short-field landing. “A lot of these teams don’t have any school support, whereas we are fully supported and funded by the school of aeronautics at Liberty which is an amazing blessing,” Thrams said. And for the Navy team, who took third overall, practice time is something they do not see during a regular schedule, so the opportunity to fly and prepare before the competition proved helpful, according to their advisor, Commander Dave Hauth. Hauth, who received second in the coach’s landing event and the award for coach/advisor of the year at the regional level, said most of the team takes about 22 credit hours as engineers, but the GPA average still stays around 3.8. On top of their rigorous academic schedule and naval training, the team still manages to compete for NIFA. “Our stated goal was to do better than last year,” Hauth said. And the team did, along with the other teams. Even though the competition involved a lesser number of teams than past years, the scores were higher this year than last, according to Hauth.
“We were looking at last years scores, and last years (individual event) winners would not have finished in the top five,” Hauth said. For senior Sean Cothran, he verified that this statement rang true for Liberty’s team. “Two years ago, we got more awards (at the regional level) than (we had) ever gotten, but this year the skill level is higher,” Cothran said. Even though Cothran did not compete because of a complication with an Air Force Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) commissioning service during the nationals competition in May, he oversaw the cornhole tournament which he won alongside his teammate Deanna Ludwig, and he reminisced of Liberty’s win two years ago. In 2014, Liberty competed in the NIFA SAFECON and accomplished a fifth overall ranking, higher than big name schools such as the United States Air Force Academy and EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University of Daytona, according to the official competition results website. Cothran is the only remaining team member from that year and compared this year’s team to the team of 2014. Considering Cothran cannot compete with the team at nationals, he wished them the best, but he hoped they will continue to excel for reasons higher than just a title on a resume. With competing in the NIFA competitions, Liberty’s team has the opportunity to interact with pilots all over the nation and share this message, and Bob Hudson, associate dean of flight operations, who placed first in the coach’s landing, echoed this thought. “We want our team to be really good at what they do so people will pay attention to what they have to say,” Hudson said. “That just provides a spring board to show (our) faith and why (we) believe it.” At the end of Saturday night, outside of Cold Stone Creamery, after the ice cream, socialization, and congratulations to teammates, Cihak brought the competitors together for a team prayer — to credit God for the victory, another tradition within the team’s history. The Liberty team will continue to the national competition in May. TILLER is the feature editor.
A10 | October 20, 2015 | Liberty Champion
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SPORTS
October 20, 2015
W. Soccer
Swim & Dive
Liberty
GWU
Liberty
0
1
145
M. Soccer
JMU
Liberty
Coastal
155
0
1
Rashad Jennings
B1
Volleyball Liberty
0
Football
Coastal
(OT)
Liberty Monmouth
17
3
20
flames falter
The other side of the NFL tailback Joel Schmieg jaschmieg@liberty.edu
The world knows him as Rashad Jennings — the starting running back for the New York Giants. But those who truly know him call him ’Shad — the inquisitive free thinker who one day hopes to be a marriage counselor and a philosopher. Jennings has built a reputation on the Giants as a veteran who knows what it takes to not just make it to the NFL, but to last. According to the NFL Players Association, the average NFL career lasts just 3.3 years, and typically that number shrinks for a running back. Jennings, in his seventh year in the NFL, makes big plays not just at the running back position, but also on special teams and as a receiver. He attributes his ability to contribute in so many ways to his entire lifestyle. Every little thing he does allows him to thrive — from his eating regimen, to his workouts, to the hyperbaric chamber he sleeps in. “All those things enable me to perform at optimal levels,” Jennings said. Proof of Jennings’ influence as a veteran in the NFL came during standout wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.’s rookie year when Beckham bothered his hamstring. Beckham approached fellow first-year Giants teammate Jennings and said, “Will you teach me how to take care of my body?” One of Jennings “Shadlosophies” on life is that “you don’t have to be deemed credible to speak inspiration.” Jennings grew up in the Lynchburg, Virginia area and went to high school at Jefferson Forest before transferring to Liberty Christian Academy. During his time at Jefferson Forest, he was tasked to write a research paper on his hero. Jennings chose Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but was unable to find a source that said what he truly thought of the important historical figure. In the end he quoted himself and sourced “Rashad Jennings’ mind.” His teacher gave him a failing grade and told him that he was not a credible source. Fast forward to Jennings’ time with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jennings was asked to come to a classroom and speak to students who were writing papers on professional athletes. The students used Jennings as a source, and were given an “A.” Jennings took a copy of the paper back to his high school where he at one point had a .6 GPA so many years earlier.
See RASHAD, B4
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ALL SMILES — Former Flames running back.
WE’LL SEE YOU AT THE GAME
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
DETERMINATION — Freshman forward Abby Julius moves the ball upfield against the Cavaliers.
Comeback falls short Lady Flames beat by Virginia in top 10 battle at home Kallie Britton kbritton@liberty.edu
The No. 8 Lady Flames field hockey team fell 4-3 to No. 5 Virginia, Thursday, Oct. 15. Liberty fought hard, scoring two goals in the final 10 minutes, but it was not enough to make up for the three-goal deficit in the second half. For the third year in a row, the Lady Flames have been unable to defeat the Cavaliers. The loss puts Liberty at 9-4 for the season while the Cavaliers improve to 11-3. Liberty controlled the offensive possessions for majority of the first half, creating opportunities to score. These offensive advances resulted in a short corner in the 21st minute that lead to
M. Soccer vs. Radford
Oct. 20 @ 6 p.m.
the first goal of the game. Junior midfielder Serena Barr passed the ball across the frame to her twin sister, junior midfielder Bethany Barr, who slammed the ball into the top left corner. The Cavaliers stepped up their game after Liberty’s goal, battling the Lady Flames in the midfield for a final pos-
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but deflected off a Liberty defender and slipped into the goal. As the second half started with both teams tied 1-1, the Cavaliers quickly turned up the intensity, scoring three goals in merely 13 minutes to increase their lead to 4-1. The goals were netted by Ell Greta, Caleigh Foust and Hyams.
Hopefully we can learn from this and take it into this next week and our last five games.
session late in the first half. In the closing minute, the Cavaliers received a penalty corner that Lucy Hyams shot, which was originally blocked
MD1 Hockey vs. Davenport Oct. 23 @ 7 p.m.
W. Soccer vs. Coastal Oct. 24 @ 1 p.m.
— COACH MURPHY Despite the three-goal difference, Liberty kept fighting hard, continuing to attack the goal. Their ferocity finally paid off in the 60th
MD1 Hockey vs. Davenport Oct. 24 @ 3 p.m.
minute when senior forward Natalie Barr redirected a pass across the circle to senior forward Ashlee Krulock, wide open on the opposite side, who nudged the ball into the net, putting Liberty at a two-goal disadvantage. Just four minutes later, Liberty was rewarded with a penalty corner. Senior defender Hannah Jones found Serena Barr inside the circle who ripped a shot into the top right corner of the net, brining Liberty within one goal of the Cavaliers. With only six minutes remaining, Liberty’s attack pressed forward trying to produce another goal to tie up the game. Regardless of a few looks for shots on goal, the Flames could not get
See SHORT, B3
Football vs. Kennesaw St. Oct. 24 @ 7 p.m.
Follow @LUChampSports for Flames athletics coverage
sports
B2 | October 20, 2015 | Liberty Champion
Mama, I am coming home Homecoming could not arrive sooner for Flames after four games on the road Chase Stevens chstevens2@liberty.edu
Coming into the season with high expectations following a run in the FCS playoffs in 2014, the Liberty Flames football team (3-4, 0-2 BSC) has, so far, had a rather disappointing season. After two key victories over nationally ranked Montana (who had beaten defending FCS National Champion North Dakota State Aug. 29) and Sun-Belt FBS opponent Georgia State, the Flames have had three letdown losses against Southern Illinois, along with fellow Big South opponents Gardner-Webb and Monmouth. After losing to Gardner-Webb, Flames quarterback Josh Woodrum said each game “is a Big South championship for us.” Following that loss, there was little to no room for error if the Flames wanted to be back in the FCS playoffs. However, the Flames were unable to overcome the Monmouth Hawks this past weekend, losing 20-17 in overtime and giving Liberty an 0-2 record in conference play. It also marked the first time the Flames lost consecutive conference games since 2006. With two conference losses and the current play of FCS powerhouse Coastal Carolina (No. 2 in the country) in the Big South, it is unlikely that Liberty can repeat as Big South champions. However, in spite of the loss to Monmouth, the Flames’ star defensive tackle Chima Uzowihe stated that while the loss was disappointing, the team would still be motivated to play. According to Uzowihe, “things happen,” and everything is still up for grabs in conference play. Given the inconsistent nature of the football team this year, it is hard to predict how the team will play. Regardless, after be-
Leah Seavers| Liberty Champion
STIFF ARM — Freshman reciever Zac Parker makes defenders miss in last home game. ing on the road for four consecutive weeks, the Flames will return home for the annual Homecoming game this year against Kennesaw State on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. During their last home game at Williams Stadium vs. Montana, the fans came out in incredible numbers, setting the new attendance record for a Liberty football game at 22,551 people. During last week’s press conference, Coach Gill discussed several areas the Flames would need to improve in order to finish the season strongly. One of the key areas mentioned was the need for improved special teams play by the Flames, especial-
ly from the field goal unit. Flames senior kicker John Lunsford has struggled to find success on field goals, making only 10 of 20 field goal attempts this year. Prior to the Monmouth game, Coach Gill also stressed the need to start playing well early in the game. He also emphasized the need for more consistency from the team throughout the game, specifying that the team “has to do it for four quarters, and not just a half.” Unfortunately, the Flames struggled with consistency yet again this past week, being held scoreless until the fourth quarter. The Flames also have to deal with several
key injuries, most notably that of running back D.J. Abnar, who is out for the rest of the season after having ankle surgery. With that injury, running back Desmond Rice has already begun to take on a larger role in the offense, along with running back Todd Macon. Other notable injuries are offensive lineman Lucas Holder and cornerback T.J. Tillery, both of whom are out for the season. The Kennesaw State Owls are in their first year of having a football team and their first year competing in the Big South conference. They are currently 5-1 and won their first conference game against Gardner-Webb this past week. They are averaging 37.8 points per game on offense, with much of their offense being generated through their run game, which has well over twice the amount of total yards than their passing game. They have currently outscored all their opponents by a score of 227-88. Coach Gill highlighted the need to “keep on playing” and to continue to improve week by week. Coach Gill has hopes that the team will “have a winning record” by finishing out the season on a high note. Saturday could also be a historic homecoming. Woodrum needs 165 passing yards to pass Robby Justino (9,548 yards) for first place on Liberty’s all-time passing yardage list. Wide receiver Darrin Peterson also set a couple records of his own on Saturday. With 13 catches for 120 yards against Monmouth, the senior passed Chris Summers (188 receptions and 2,712 yards) for first place on both Liberty’s career receptions (193) and receiving yards (2,772) list, according to libertyflames.com. STEVENS is a sports reporter.
101 digs gets it done The Lady Flames fight back against Buccaneers for 10th win of the season Luke Dillard mdillard1@liberty.edu
Michela Diddle| Liberty Champion
EYE CONTACT — Digging out of a hole.
The Liberty University Lady Flames volleyball team (10-9, 5-1 Big South) rallied at home after falling in the first set to defeat the Charleston Southern Buccaneers (5-17, 0-5 Big South) 3-1 on Friday, Oct. 16. The Lady Flames lost the first set after committing eight errors and fell 25-19. “Everything was going against us,” Head Coach Shane Pinder said. “We were not doing the right things to pressure (Charleston Southern). We were making it really easy on them. We were just trying to find ourselves a little bit.” The Lady Flames grabbed momentum after winning an extended second set that saw 10 ties and six lead changes. “I thought that was huge,” Pinder said. “As the night went on, (we) settled down and started to do the things that make us successful, and we kind of took the momentum back.” Pinder knew that his team needed to capitalize on the momentum that came from winning the second set. “He told us to keep fighting,” senior
outside-hitter Haley Jeffcoat said. “(He said) to keep our heads in it and keep our energy because we really had the momentum.” The Lady Flames never looked back after coming out of the locker room, winning the next two sets 25-18 and 25-13 to win the match. They were sparked by strong defensive play and quality performances by the outside hitters. “Defensively, we had 101 digs tonight,” Pinder said. “That set the tone. That was the heartbeat.” Sophomore setter Anna Willey finished the match with a career-high 55 assists. “I think our outside (hitters) did a great job tonight of just putting the ball away,” Willey said. Redshirt senior outside hitter Caroline Douglas recorded a season-high 20 kills and 12 digs for her first doubledouble of the season. Jeffcoat earned her second doubledouble of the season with 11 kills and 15 blocks. As a team, the Lady Flames had 60 kills at a .213 pace compared to 44 kills from the Buccaneers at a pace of .070. The Lady Flames stood tall on the
front line and blocked nine Charleston Southern hits, seven of which were deflected by senior Jade Vorster. The Buccaneers blocked five shots. The Buccaneers were led by 16 kills from senior Katrina Houston and 10 kills from freshman Addison Kaderli. The Lady Flames returned to their winning ways after suffering their first conference loss last week against High Point University. “(The win) is good especially so we can keep moving along in conference (play),” Douglas said. The team’s mission in the preseason was to win the Big South Championship, according to Jeffcoat. “It is always nice to win in conference,” Jeffcoat said. “We are working toward the common goal of winning the Big South Championship, and that (match) is just one step closer. That was a good win for us. We really had to fight for that one.” Liberty will travel to face Big South foe Presbyterian (3-16, 1-5) Oct. 23 followed by Winthrop (8-13, 3-3) Oct. 24.
DILLARD is a sports reporter.
sports
AUL VANDENBOSCH
Liberty Champion | October 20, 2015 | B3
The job of a head coach is one of the toughest in all of sports. When their team is successful, they are praised and hailed as heroes, but when their team falters, they are scorned and made out to be villains. Is it always the coach’s
fault, though? A coach has many responsibilities to their team that are not to be taken lightly, and some coaches simply are not equipped to handle such a burden. But too often in sports, people will call for a coach’s head after one bad season and lay no blame on the players themselves. A coach can motivate and inspire his team to the best of his abilities, but at the end of the day, he is not the one out there making (or not making) the plays. If it is a question of play calling or decisionmaking, then of course his job should be called into question. But if it is a matter of his team not executing, making mistakes or injuries, then that should not be laid at his door. Now I know, when a team has high expectations, it makes the bad season harder to swallow. However, one mediocre season in the midst of several good seasons does not warrant cutting ties with a coach because “it is just not a good fit anymore.” By the way, I do not understand teams that fire a coach because he is suddenly “not a good fit.” If he was a good
SHORT continued from B1 a shot on target, ending the game 3-4. All four of Liberty’s losses have been to teams in the ACC, losing by only one goal in each game. “There are some nerves we’re facing when we’re coming up against these ACC teams,” Head Coach Jodi Murphy said. “We’ve come out and really competed hard in the second half but it’s just been a little bit too late.” With five games left in the season, the Lady Flames will have two opportunities to change their losing streak against ACC teams as they will compete against Duke and North Carolina later in the season to contend for a bid to the NCAA tournament.
fit before, why is he not a good fit now? If you ask me, a lot more than a bad year should have to happen in order for a coach to be fired. Of course, if he goes the way of Steve Sarkisian, then it is probably a good idea to part ways, but that is another situation entirely. When a team starts to be unexceptional for a sustained amount of time, not just for one year, then it is time to start making a change. If it is a problem of overconfidence, as is the case with many teams with high expectations, then a poor season is probably exactly what that team needs to remind them that they are not the greatest things since sliced bread. Is it frustrating to watch? Of course, but the bottom line is that these are things that can be fixed without having to scrap a coach altogether. Firing a coach is sometimes the right move for a team, but every coach is entitled to one lackluster year, and it is how they bounce back from that year that should determine if they should stick around or pack their bags.
What do you do when a coach starts to falter? Do you immediately axe them, or ride out the storm and hope they turn things around? I fall closer to the side of cutting the coach loose sooner rather than later. Do not get me wrong, I understand that coaches are people and they have families to provide for. And I never approve of angry fans that hurl insults at coaches going through rough patches. But in the end, sports are a business. When an employee has a really bad year, his job comes into question. Period. Nobody ever says, “Well, what about his family,” or “What if he cannot find another job?” When did that become the responsibility of the employer? The employer’s job is, first and foremost, to find the right person for the position. When it comes to coaching, there are certain things that automatically get you on the hot seat. Multiple conference losses, unfulfilled expectations and an inability to win close games are a few problems that can make a coach start to sweat — and for good reason. Coaches understand they are in a business and they understand the expectations. One of the only things worse than firing a coach too soon is firing a coach too late. The longer a team waits to shed the dead
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VANDENBOSCH is the sports editor.
weight, the longer it will take for a new coach to come in and pick the program back up. Sure, there are instances of a coach making a turnaround after many thought they OEL should be fired. But SCHMIEG those instances are few and far between. I think more often, the coach gets an extra year or two, or however long it is, and that extra time is just wasted, instead of being used by a new coach to rebuild. Sometimes the coach is not necessarily incompetent, they are just no longer the right fit for the program. And other times the coach is Chuck Pagano. (See Colts play vs. Patriots last Sunday night.) I have provided a template for any program looking for the right way to fire their once beloved coach. “Dear coach, we have appreciated your time with our program. We regret to inform you that you are being let go. Do not feel bad — it’s not you, it’s us. We just are not a good fit anymore. With love, [insert program name here].” It is that simple. No hard feelings. One swift chop and it will all be over. I trust you, whoever you are, will make the right decision. SCHMIEG is the asst. sports editor.
Regardless of the loss, Murphy was not disappointed in the level of play on the field, proving they have the potential to keep up with any team in the country. “I’m proud of the girls for pressing on, that’s been our theme all season,” Murphy said. “They found a way in the last 15 minutes to turn it up and play the style of hockey that we’re capable of. Hopefully we learn from this and take it into this next week and our last five games.” The Lady Flames take on UMass Lowell on Oct. 23 in Lowell, Mass. Then they will head to Providence, R.I. to compete against Providence on Oct. 25. BRITTON is a sports reporter.
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
BATTLEFIELD — Opposing players fight for the ball on the wet turf.
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sports
B4 | October 20, 2015 | Liberty Champion
Running with a purpose Liberty freshman cross-country runner enjoying instant success with Flames Jonathan Husker jhusker@liberty.edu
In college sports, it is unusual for a freshman to step into a program and contribute heavily from day one. It is even more unusual for a freshman to win awards for their accomplishments from day one. For Liberty Flames freshman crosscountry runner Azaria Kirwa, he has managed to accomplish both of those feats. In his very first event — the UVA Duals Men’s 4K — Kirwa led for several stretches of the race. He finished second out of the 28 runners competing in the event, which was especially impressive considering it was his first ever collegiate competition. Kirwa’s journey to Liberty’s cross country team is particularly notable. He was born and raised in Eldoret, Kenya, where he lived until he came to America to attend Liberty. “Growing up in Kenya, I just grew up like a normal child,” Kirwa said. “I went through primary school, then high school, then I had to look for a college. I was searching for a college so I had to continue what I loved doing: running for fun and for fitness. Then this chance came of a scholarship so I had to train for it. I tried and I did well so God brought me here to Liberty.” After graduating from Uasin Gishu High School in Kenya, Kirwa knew what he was looking for in a college. For Kirwa, receiving a scholarship to Liberty was one of the things that made the school an easy choice, but it was not the most important. “It’s a Christian school,” Kirwa said. “That’s why I came over.” Kirwa’s faith resonates in every aspect of his life. His faith is especially evident in his prioritizing of his goals for his time here at Liberty. “The first thing actually is to have a good relationship with God,” Kirwa said. “Then secondly of course to do well in
Joel Coleman | Liberty News Service
EXCELLENCE — Born and raised in Kenya, Azaria Kirwa strives to stand out in whatever he does. my pre-med major. Thirdly, is to do well in my athletics.” David Cheromei, Kirwa’s coach, also hails from Eldoret, Kenya. He praised Kirwa for what Kirwa brings to the cross country team. “It’s really good to have somebody who can just go for it,” Cheromei said. “It’s so helpful that we know that we have a lead
person out there.” Kirwa recently competed in the Division I Pre-Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky on Oct. 17. With a time of 24:15.1 in the 8K, he placed tenth, posting the best time among all of the freshman entrants. Kirwa’s efforts helped the Flames win the unseeded race, as the Flames outran the other 30 teams.
Back to the ice Men’s DI hockey team looks ahead to 2015-16 season Denton Day dday26@liberty.edu
The Liberty Flames men’s Division I hockey team looks to continue previous success on the ice this season and make another run at a National Championship. The Flames finished 10th in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) with 55 points and a 25-win season. The team advanced to the ACHA National Championships ranked No. 11 but ended up falling to No. 6 Ohio 5-2, according to the ACHA website. The Flames lost their top three scorers from last year. The team graduated seven seniors as well as having sophomore Luke Hannon move on to the Southern Professional Hockey League where he joined the Pensacola Ice Flyers. “We brought in 10 new players this year,” Head Coach Kirk Handy said. “To have 10 of 26 players as freshmen is a great opportunity. Not only for those guys but for the seniors, juniors and sophomores that are coming back.” One thing Handy really wanted this year was a bigger team. This year, the team will have 15 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders. The goal was to add depth at every position but not to have too many players because he wanted everyone to play and be able to contribute. The Flames have already seen regular season action. As of Oct. 16, they have played four games and have split those games with two wins and two losses. Junior forward Grant Garvin has scored four goals throughout the first four games, including a hat trick against Minot State according to the ACHA website. “Our group is going to be a hardworking group, a group of guys who cannot take a night off,” Handy said. “We’ve seen that guys are willing to work hard and put in the extra effort that it takes to win.” The Flames schedule is no cakewalk. The Flames face off against current
After such a strong start to his career, Kirwa and his coaches have high hopes for the future. “I think he’s really had a good start,” Cheromei said. “I feel like he has the potential to go to nationals this year, so we’ll see how it goes.” HUSKER is a sports reporter.
RASHAD continued from B1 Jennings believes “the world has the opportunity to inspire in many different capacities.” Years before Jennings made such an impact on the Giants, he was a young transfer at Liberty University. When Jennings came to Liberty from the University of Pittsburgh, the Flames were coming off a 1-10 season in which their only win came against a Division II school. In Jennings’ first semester as a Flame, he was selected as team captain according to libertyflames.com. “I knew Rashad was going to be special from the first time I met with him prior to his transferring to Liberty,” former Flames Head Coach Danny Rocco said. “He was motivated to achieve in all areas of his life. He became an outstanding leader for us and continues to represent at the highest level.” In Jennings’ junior and senior years, the Flames went undefeated in Big South play earning the Flames their only outright Big South conference championships in program history.
“
I KNEW RASHAD WAS GOING TO BE SPECIAL ...”
Courtney Russo | Liberty Champion
LEADING — Defenseman Ben Hughes is one of seven seniors for the Flames. top-ranked Stony Brook four times this season, twice at home and twice on the road. Only three of the ACHA teams the Flames are scheduled to play are not currently ranked in the top 25. Quite possibly the biggest news of the Flames offseason was the expansion to the LaHaye Ice Center. According to Liberty’s press release, the ice center will allow nearly three times as many fans to watch the games, among other renovations. “We wanted a huge fan experience opportunity where fans can come and ramp
up what we’re doing even more,” Handy said. “The volume in the place is going to be unbelievable.” The renovated ice center will be on display Oct. 23-24 when the Flames open the stadium with a weekend series against the No. 12 Davenport Panthers. The home opener will be Friday at 7 p.m., followed by an afternoon match Saturday at 3 p.m.
DAY is a sports reporter.
— DANNY ROCCO
“We had a group of guys come together and we would never let anybody outwork us,” Jennings said. “That is what we were known for. If you were playing Liberty, you were gonna be in a dog fight.” To be a part of the group that put Liberty football on the map is something that Jennings will “never forget.” “It definitely was without a doubt the turnaround point of Liberty football,” Jennings said. “It has been fun to watch Liberty build on that and take pride in it.” Jennings finished his career at Liberty with records for most consecutive 100-yard games (10), most career 100-yard games (22), most rushing yards in a season (1500), most rushing touchdowns in a season (17), most career rushing touchdowns (42), most points in a season(114) and multiple other records, according to libertyflames.com. “I look forward to the day they retire my jersey and put my name up there in the stadium,” Jennings said.
SCHMIEG is the asst. sports editor.
feature
Liberty Champion | October 20, 2015 | B5
Girl of many talents Brandy Fronte’s unique mix of passions allows her to share the Gospel
Rachael Graf rgraf5@liberty.edu
“People matter.” Those are the two words by which Brandy Fronte chooses to live her life. “I love people and I love to love on all types of people,” Fronte said. “It’s really simple math. You and Jesus and loving people. That’s it. That’s all it is. Unfortunately, a lot of people forget that, the simple basics of it.” In addition to studying sports management at Liberty University, Fronte, a senior, is a member of the Lady Flames snowboarding team and raps as a hobby. And while she may have a full schedule, she always tries to carve out time for others. From Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Fronte began snowboarding in her junior year of high school, following the example of her older brother. That same year, Fronte discovered she had a passion for rap and spoken word. She began writing her own songs and performing them for her art class on Friday afternoons. She later rapped for her youth group and had the opportunity to open a show for B. Reith, a Christian hip-hop/rap artist, at her home church, in front of a crowd of 2,000 people. “I actually got so nervous that I choked. I forgot my lyrics two lines into it,” Fronte said. “And I looked out into the audience, and my dad was standing right there ... everybody started cheering. It was like a literal movie moment.” Fronte continued honing her rapping skills during her se-
nior year of high school, while trying to figure out her postgraduation plans. It was then a fellow church member told her about Liberty’s Snowflex Centre, a place where she could snowboard year round, regardless of the weather. After attending a College for a Weekend event in the fall of 2011 she was hooked and committed to Liberty for fall of 2012. Two weeks before she was to move to Lynchburg, Fronte received a surprise. The owner of Smash Game Entertainment, a record label based in California, showed up at the shoe store in the mall where she worked and informed her he wanted to sign her. Knowing that she would soon be starting her freshman year of college, Fronte verbally agreed to work with the label, but never signed anything. The owner told her that they would be willing to work with her long distance, and that they would fly her out to the California studio during Christmas break for her actual signing. Fronte began her freshman year at Liberty, hitting the Snowflex slopes for practice with the snowboarding team and writing raps — yet unsure of God’s involvement in her life. “I had grown up in the church, but toward the end of my high school years, probably more toward my senior year, I started feeling like God picked favorites, and I wasn’t one of them,” Fronte said. “… I still believed in him, I never stopped believing there was a God, but I just had a negative outlook.” After several hours of snowboarding in October 2012, Fron-
te headed back to campus with an intense migraine, and was walking past the front steps of DeMoss Hall when she noticed a group of students playing music. So she stopped to listen. As she sat on the steps, she was approached by a student who asked her if he could pray for her. Fronte agreed and was taken aback when he started praying for her headaches, which she had not told him about. The student then asked her to read John 3:16 aloud, replacing the word “world” with her first name: Brandy. For God so loved Brandy. That day, Fronte surrendered her life to Christ, and was baptized by pastor Clayton King at Thomas Road Baptist Church a couple of weeks later during Campus Community. With the offer of a rapping career still on the table, Fronte felt conflicted, as Smash Game Entertainment was a secular label. After talking with her parents and praying, she decided to turn down the offer with no negative consequences, because she had not formally signed a paper contract. And while she may not have signed with a label, she has since been afforded several opportunities to share her talent, such as a creation festival. In November of 2013, Fronte tried out for and committed to the Lady Flames snowboarding team, and has since competed in both local and national events. In the national competition held at Whiteface in Lake Placid, New York in March 2014, Fronte took 14th place in the slopestyle event. The following year, in March 2015, she took ninth place in the rail jam event at
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
PASSION — Senior Brandy Fronte is on the LU snowboarding team. the national competition held in Mount Bachelor, Oregon. According to Fronte, what drives her passions for rapping and snowboarding is her love for Jesus and others. “I see surfers, snowboarders and skaters as an unreached people group,” Fronte said. “And that’s the group that I fit in with. Those are the people that I want to bless and be able to share the gospel with and my story with. Every person has a story. I’ve always been interested in that, hearing people’s stories.” Anticipating graduation in May, Fronte said that she hopes to move to the West Coast one day, doing what she loves
to do: surfing, skating, snowboarding and rapping. She also dreams of working with professional athletes in the world of action sports. Knowing that her gifts and interests make her a little unusual, Fronte encouraged members of the Liberty community to be who God created them to be, and to embrace whatever skills and passions he has put into their lives. “Be yourself, love yourself for who you are and definitely love other people and look past people’s differences and love people at the core,” Fronte said. GRAF is a feature reporter.
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feature
B6 | October 20, 2015 | Liberty Champion
Miraculous healing Campus Band member Lydia Disher was almost declared deaf as a child Taylor LaForest tblaforest@liberty.edu
It was two years before Lydia Disher’s parents realized she was not talking, making noises, or responding to them the way most two-year-olds should. What they did not know at the time but was that Disher had been born deaf. After realizing this, the doctors performed several surgeries to try to give Disher at least some hearing. They were successful in giving her 15 percent in her left ear by placing a tube in it and for the time being, this worked. “I couldn’t hear many frequencies,” Disher said. “So I couldn’t hear music and loud noises and stuff like that. Basically I could just hear you if you got up right next to my ear and talked to me.” But her hearing took a turn for the worst when she was almost 8 years old. Her parents found her one night in her bedroom, holding her head, crying and asking God to take the pain away. After taking her to the doctor, the family learned that the scar tissue from previous surgeries was crushing and covering the tube in Disher’s ear. There was nothing more the doctors could do. Disher and her parents were told to start preparing for the fact that in six months, Disher’s hearing would be completely gone. The verdict was clear — from then on she would be deaf. Then one Sunday, Disher’s dad, a pastor, gave a sermon from James chapter five, which encourages those who are sick to come before the elders and ask for prayer for healing. Disher asked her dad if he thought the elders could do that for her. “I was on this ugly paisley covered couch in my parents living room,” Disher recalled. “I just remember being surrounded by a group of men and they anointed me and they prayed over me and I went to sleep, woke up the next morning, didn’t really notice any difference and then I
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MUSICIAN — Lydia Disher learned to play instruments after her hearing was restored. went to the hearing test place again.” The hearing center was where she would go for periodic tests that marked how rapidly she was losing her hearing. The doctors would place large headphones over her ears and tell her to press a button every time she heard a sound. The next day after the prayer meeting, Disher remembers hitting the button a lot more than normal. The doctor, who was a different doctor than their usual one and was unaware of her story, brought out the results and informed Disher and her mom that he was not sure why the tests had been ordered. Everything seemed to be fine and Disher had 100 percent hearing in both ears. As Disher and her mom left the doctors that day to go home and share the miraculous news, Amy Grant’s “Big Yellow Taxi”
was the first song ever to hit her ears on the drive home. “I just remember thinking ‘Man, I get this and I love this and whatever this is, this is incredible!’” Disher said. This newfound love for artistry and music is what compelled Disher to pursue art and music wholeheartedly. She enrolled in dance classes and danced professionally. She also learned how to play the guitar, the banjo and the mandolin. Although the miracle, passion and skill were all there, Disher’s call in life did not come until much later. She was attending a conference in Chicago when she felt the call into ministry and knew that she wanted to become a creative arts pastor one day. This led Disher to Liberty University where she graduated with degrees in Worship Studies, Studio and Digital Arts, and
Theatrical Production in 2013. For the past three years, Disher has been working as a graphic designer and a worship leader at a church in North Carolina. Yet all along, God had a plan to bring her back to her alma mater. After a friend submitted her portfolio without her knowledge, Disher was initially asked to come back to Liberty for an interview as Liberty University’s Campus Band graphic designer, but when they discovered her talent for music, she was asked to join Campus Band as one of the worship leaders. Disher’s story spread quickly throughout campus after a video of her testimony was played in Campus Community. “God has just made it bigger than me, and I am humbled by that, and I can’t boast,” Disher said. “He could take my hearing away from me at any moment. He could say ‘I think she has heard enough’ and that would be fine, but man while I’ve got it, I want to use it and do stuff with it and not take it for granted.” And that is exactly what Disher is doing through her ministry on Campus Band and with a new position working with LU Send as the promotional resource coordinator. But as her story touches and encourages all those who hear it, Disher explains that God has used her testimony to help her own faith. After leaving college, she went through a time where she questioned what she believed, but every time she would come back to the miracle of her hearing. “(God) didn’t need to give me my hearing,” Disher said. “There are plenty of people who do just fine without it, but for some reason He did, so I decided that if He gave it to me then I might as well just give it back in any way that I could and that is what I’m doing.” Beginning in the spring semester, Disher plans to pursue a Masters in Fine Arts and Graphic Design from Liberty University. LAFOREST is a feature reporter.
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Liberty Champion | October 20, 2015 | B7
Living out her dream Erika Wilkins has wanted to become a labor and delivery nurse since childhood Emma Jane Maurer emaurer@liberty.edu
For most young adults, the answer to the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is constantly changing, even while they are in college. However, Erika Wilkins, a Liberty University senior nursing student, knew from an early age she wanted to become a labor and delivery nurse. “In third grade, my favorite TV show was ‘A Baby’s Story,’ and I’d watch it everyday,” Wilkins said. “I remember writing down the words I didn’t know and looking them up to see what they meant.” Wilkins’ love for pregnancy also extended to animals. “I was the neighborhood animal midwife for a while,” Wilkins said. “If anybody had a dog or cat that was pregnant, I was the one they’d call … and I’d be there when the puppies or kittens were born.” During her senior year in high school, Wilkins had the opportunity to shadow a labor and delivery nurse and observed her first birth. “I got a really good perspective that day and I just knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Wilkins said. Wilkins furthered her precollege experience by becoming a doula. According to Wilkins, a doula is a nonmedical professional who is an expert in normal physiological childbirth. They understand the entire birthing process from beginning to end as well as the normalcies and abnormalities. In addition, they are edu-
cators and advocates for families in times of need. “I talked to a lot of people in the field (of labor and delivery) and they told me the best way to gain experience and to learn how to take care of a woman in that place emotionally was to become a birth doula,” Wilkins said. She became certified through DONA International, the leading certification organization for doulas. After her certification, she shadowed a home birth midwife for one-and-a-half years while attending community college near her home in California. Through her experiences, Wilkins found a calling to help less fortunate women in their pregnancies. “I really feel called to be a certified nurse midwife to help women in unplanned, unwanted and untimely pregnancies,” Wilkins said. “Some people in their lives won’t be respected or valued. If in that moment where a woman’s giving birth I can provide that for her, that might help her know she has a voice. In the future as a mother, she can do what’s right for her children.” Wilkins also believes she helps women have a sense of empowerment. “I give them the space to figure out what they want in a certain situation,” Wilkins said. “Maybe no one’s asked them that before.” Wilkins views her calling as a personal mission field. “The whole reason I want to be a midwife is so I can tell people about Jesus,” Wilkins said. “Parents reach this place where they are in such need because they’re
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STUDENT MIDWIFE — Senior Erika Wilkins has delivered six babies and witnessed 83 births so far. dealing with something that’s much bigger than they are. As a parent, they are responsible for a whole new life. It’s been said that aside from the college years, a woman is most likely to accept Jesus when she’s giving birth to her first child. It’s amazing because you see women in their most vulnerable state that they’ll ever be in when they’re giving birth, but also the most triumphant and joyous they’ll ever be.” Wilkins also had the opportunity in 2013 to serve as a midwife
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“This is a very secular field, (but) comprehensive maternity care has to include all of the options in a pregnancy,” Wilkins said. “If we can produce leaders in the field who value life and who can help women see they can remain pregnant in a situation that isn’t the best, that would be life-changing.”
MAURER is a feature reporter.
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Liberty Champion | October 20, 2015 | B8
Long-term at Liberty Professor Linda Farver began working with the school nearly 40 years ago Rachael Graf rgraf5@liberty.edu
After almost 40 years at Liberty University, Linda Farver is still amazed. “People ask me, ‘How’d you end up in Lynchburg?’ I said, ‘God.’ ‘How’d you end up at Liberty?’ I said, ‘God.’ It was in his game plan for my life. It was to fulfill his will for my life,” Farver said. “Did I have any idea years ago, that decades ago, that I would be teaching at a Christian university? No. Did I have any idea that I would be coaching at Liberty Baptist College? No. Did I have any idea that God would use me in such a capacity? No. I had no clue. No clue whatsoever. It’s been neat to see how the pages of my life have unfolded.” Farver, a professor of exercise science and kinesiology, has been a part of the Liberty University faculty for 38 years, and holds a doctorate of arts with an emphasis in health and physical education from Middle Tennessee State University. And, as Farver is quick to acknowledge, moving to Lynchburg and becoming a Liberty faculty member was not part of her original plan. “I had no clue that such a school even existed,” Farver said. “In fact, I moved to this area because I was a field hockey (and) lacrosse coach and I thought that maybe I might be able to find a position at one of the other colleges in the area who field teams in those two sports.” Through officiating athletic contests for the Lady Flames, Farver was exposed to Liberty and its mission: training champions for Christ. Prior to her move to Lynchburg, she never heard of Jerry Falwell Sr., Thomas Road Baptist Church (TRBC) or Liberty Baptist College, as Liberty was called at the time. And while Farver grew up in the church, she said she began to wander away from her faith. “I had drifted away from God,” Farver said. “I was raised in the Methodist church. Head knowledge, lots of it, regarding what Jesus did on the cross at Calvary. In terms of accepting Jesus into my heart, that did not occur until April 17 of 1977.” Prior to that day, Farver had not developed a personal relationship with God. Through the invitation and encouragement of some of her Christian friends in Lynchburg, she attended services at TRBC whenever an evangelist was visiting. One such evangelist was J. Harold Smith, who preached a sermon titled “God’s Three Deadlines” the night of April 17, 1977. It was then Farver said she felt compelled to surrender her life to Christ, along with more than 100 other people at the sermon that evening. “I am eternally grateful that God brought me to Lynchburg so that I could indeed get my faith squared away and know for sure I was going to go to heaven,” Farver said. “Because prior to April 17, 1977, I thought it was my good works that were going to allow me a ‘ticket through the pearly gates’ as some phrase it. But I recognized that all I needed to do was trust in Jesus.” Following her salvation experience, Farver began working for the Old Time Gospel Hour, a radio and television ministry of TRBC. Shortly thereafter, she learned that Liberty was seeking another instructor of health and physical education, as well as a female basketball coach for the Lady Flames.
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
GOD’S PLAN — Linda Farver is still amazed at how she came to Lynchburg and Liberty and gives glory to God for writing her story. And at 28 years old, she jumped at the chance to become a member of the Liberty community. “I’ve seen a lot of transition,” Farver said. “I’ve rolled with it. I remember when faculty were first issued computers to use, when departments added majors as ours has done with athletic training and exercise science, and we added health promotion, and now masters degrees in both public and community health and also in exercise science. For the first two years I coached, we didn’t even have a gymnasium on campus. I didn’t know what a home court was.” Farver served as the head coach for the Lady Flames basketball team for nine years before becoming a full-time teaching faculty member in 1986, completing her doctorate in 1991. Not only is Farver one of the longest serving faculty members at Liberty,
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earth,” Farver said. “We’re here to fulfill his kingdom, fulfill his purpose and along the way, help to change people’s lives. This is what God does in our lives. He weaves a tapestry of threads that allow us to make a difference and to indeed receive his blessings as well as his grace and his mercy.” With the passage of time, Farver has witnessed monumental changes to the university’s campus, such as the construction of the Jerry Falwell Memorial Library and the opening of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. She remembers well the days of muddy paths before the campus paved roads, as well as willingly forgoing a couple of paychecks when the university was in the midst of financial straits. She has even had the opportunity to teach the children of her former students. “What I’m thrilled about is the fact
It has been a fantastic adventure trusting him in my spiritual life, walking with God as he unfolds the beautiful plans for Liberty...
but she is also the first person in her family to attend college. As a child, Farver loved playing outside and participating in team sports. She played on the volleyball team in high school, and later, in college, played varsity lacrosse, field hockey and basketball, as well as softball recreationally. “I wanted to continue active participation involved in sports, and in turn teach others how to play sports and move and be physically active,” Farver said. “So my desire to be physically active became my profession.” Over the years, Farver has taught thousands of students. She said the most rewarding part of her job is mentoring students and seeing them have “Aha!” moments; those moments where her students grasp a concept, are excited about learning or discover what it is that God has created them to do. “That’s what we’re here for on this good
— LINDA FARVER that mom and/or dad recognizes the significance of attending a Christian university and gaining a higher education in a Christian atmosphere environment,” Farver said. “It warms my heart when I know alumni are sending their children here, and are committed, even if it means a significant financial sacrifice for them. They’re committed to having their children experience the same things that they experienced when they were here.” When she is not teaching, Farver can be found cheering on the Liberty Flames at athletic events across campus. “I am a very avid Flames fan, belong to the Flames Club, attend lots of athletic events across the spectrum of men’s and women’s sports,” Farver said. “I’m committed to Liberty, wear my red on Friday, and come early, stay late, wear red, be loud and all the rest that encompasses being an avid fan of the Flames.” Reflecting on her time at Liberty,
Farver said that she likes to think of faith in terms of an acronym created by Corrie Ten Boom, a Christian who helped hide Jews during the Holocaust and was eventually imprisoned for doing so. According to Ten Boom, faith is a “fantastic adventure in trusting him,” a definition that Farver wholeheartedly embraces. “I have learned how to trust in Jesus, rather than trusting in myself,” Farver said. “I have learned to put my faith in him and know that he’s going to see me through, no matter how difficult the circumstances might be. And to also claim Philippians 4:13 as my life’s verse. ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ And so it has been a fantastic adventure trusting him in my spiritual life, walking with God as he unfolds the beautiful plans for Liberty University.” Farver believes Liberty is close to achieving the original vision of its founder. “We’re just fulfilling what Dr. Falwell envisioned decades ago,” Farver said. “… And sure enough, we’re almost there. And we’re moving closer and closer to that vision that Dr. Falwell expressed and some naysayer said, ‘It’ll never happen. Liberty Baptist College, you’re just going to be a little old school that trains pastors. You’re just going to be a little Bible college.’ Well, we’ve moved way beyond (that) and it’s because God gave Dr. Falwell that vision and it is now being fulfilled. I am just thrilled that I’ve been able to be a part of that.” Looking to the future, Farver anticipates training more students to go out into the world and share their faith, making an impact through whatever vocation they choose to pursue. “It’s been a fun ride. Challenging, but fun. I’m thrilled that I’m still here,” Farver said. “A few years from now, I’ll probably be in the retirement group of faculty members, and that’s fine also. But until the Lord shows me that timing, I’ll keep training young people to be champions for Christ, pushing back the barriers of students’ minds to grasp more, to know more, to learn and apply more.”
GRAF is a feature reporter.
He specifically mentioned cases of mouth cancer and of one friend who suffers from chemical pneumonia after years of fire breathing. As far as his own injuries, Aguilar said the worst he has experienced throughout his career as a fire-breather is a few minor burns. Although he said he is still worried about poisoning from consumption of fuel and of the blowback of the flame, his love for the art of fire breathing makes him want to keep doing it. “There really is a beauty between the connection of man and fire,” Aguilar said. “Fire is such a primal element, and fire-breathing is such a raw form of expression. It’s become an exciting passion of mine.” Beyond fire breathing, Aguilar said he has begun to work on expanding his skillset. He hopes to soon get into more circus arts, including juggling torches of fire.
BLAZING continued from B10 “But once I decided I wanted to learn it anyway, it was only a matter of learning the technique.” Through teaching himself how to “breathe fire,” Aguilar said that he faced difficulties in the beginning stages. He said that learning how to control the fire in the air once he began creating large flames became increasingly difficult. “Beginners to fire-breathing aren’t usually familiar with the blowback effect that large flames have,” Aguilar said. “The flame will quickly come back to your face once you blow on the torch, so it’s initially hard to learn how to prevent catching yourself on fire.” Even after years of practicing, Aguilar said that there is always a risk with fire breathing. Aside from being close to an open flame, Aguilar said that ingesting the fuel, whether it be lamp oil or kerosene, can become a problem.
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
TRICKS — Phoenix Aguilar hopes to add to his performance by learning how to juggle torches of fire.
YOUNG is a feature reporter.
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Liberty Champion | October 20, 2015 | B9
Alumnus remains steadfast Samuel Thomas faces persecution as president of Hopegivers International Matt Pierce mpierce17@liberty.edu
For two weeks he had not slept. He faced interrogation 24 hours a day, staying awake through cigarette burns on his skin and hot coffee splashed on his face. This man’s life was worth a $73,000 bounty, but his interrogators did not seem to care. Solitary confinement was agonizing for Dr. Samuel Thomas, the president of Hopegivers International. After 14 days of intense interrogation in solitary confinement in Kota, a city in the northwestern Indian province of Rajasthan, Thomas was denied bail. He was moved to “a 3’ x 5’ concrete dungeon” Thomas recorded in his book, Behind Bars with God, where temperatures averaged around 115 degrees. Thomas, though he could not lie down completely, tried to sleep in his own cell. But after 14 days of sleep deprivation, he still could not find rest. When dusk came, so did the mosquitos and rats. Not knowing at the time what kind of animals he was sharing a cell with, Thomas snatched up the creature that was gnawing and scratching at his legs and killed it. After almost a day, still not knowing what he had killed, the corpse began to fester in the Indian heat. When a guard came to check on Thomas, he asked if he could shine a light in the cell to find out what he had killed. “Uh-oh, you killed our god,” the guard said. According to the 2001 Census of India, 80.5 percent of people in India follow the Hindu religion. This polytheistic belief system affirms reincarnation stating that their deities take many different forms, including rats. “What kind of a god is this if you can kill it with your bare hands?” Thomas responded. The response turned out to be costly for Thomas and the many people serving in his ministry. As a result, extremists working against Hopegivers International beat orphans, burned churches and kicked pastors out of their churches. “Who would have ever thought that caring for orphans and widows would be such a threat to anyone?” Thomas asked himself in that jail cell. Before being placed in jail, Thomas had been preaching with his father, M.A. Thomas, at a Hopegivers International graduation ceremony in Kerala, the southwestern province of India. Following his speaking engagement at the ceremony, Thomas traveled north to Noida, a suburb of New Delhi, to meet with R.K. Jain, a senior lawyer for the Supreme Court, in order to receive legal counsel. Moments after entering Jain’s courtyard, 13 men grabbed Thomas and placed a revolver to his head. While claiming he was under arrest, the man holding the gun pulled the trigger. Thomas was inches from death. By a miracle, the gun jammed and Thomas survived.
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JAIL TIME — Samuel Thomas was released after 49 days of incarceration but still faces charges to this day for spreading the gospel. “Many troubles I have been through and to say which one was the biggest, I cannot say,” Thomas said. “Because at the given time all were big troubles. The one I would remember the most was when the gun was pulled to my head and the gun locked. I am alive only because of the grace of God.” Forty-nine days after his incarceration, Indian officials released Thomas from confinement May 2, 2006. To this day, the charges against Thomas for spreading the gospel still stand. While court hearing after court hearing gets pushed back, Thomas continues to relentlessly preach the gospel to everyone he meets. More than 21 assassination attempts have been made on his life, yet Thomas continues to press on toward his goal of sending out one million Indian orphans as leaders through Hopegivers International’s Bible Institutes. Thomas aims to accomplish this by 2030. “We take the orphans and introduce them to Christ,” Thomas said. “Thus they become the best testimony of God’s living grace.” Thomas’ perseverance and unapologetic faith is another testimony of God’s grace and protection. “Anyone willing to risk his life for the ministry God has given him is obviously very, very passionate about it,” Jake Thornhill III, a financial and prayerful supporter of Hopegivers International, said. Thomas graduated from Liberty University in 1986 at the age of 19. While at Liberty, Thomas met and married his wife Shelly Thomas. They have two sons, Steven and Timothy. After the passing of his father in 2010, Thomas took over the Hopegivers International organization, now spending the majority of his time in India.
According to Thomas, since the institution of Hopegivers International began in 1960 by his father, the organization has expanded “by the grace of God” to reach India, Nepal, Burma, Bhutan, Africa and Haiti. “By the grace of God we have seen our graduates establish more than 53,000 churches all over India,” Thomas said. According to Thomas, graduates of the 38 Bible institutes primarily come from Hopegivers International’s “Hope Homes” and go on to become pioneer missionaries, working in leper colonies, among the blind and with children affected by AIDS. “You’re working with those who would be considered the least of these in that country,” Thornhill said. “It’s not glorifying work, it’s something that magnifies him. It’s something that you have to get down on your knees, in the dust, in the mire and really sacrifice and really give of yourself for someone who most people wouldn’t consider worth it.” In addition to sending out one million orphans, Thomas has lofty goals for his own life and the lives of his sons. He desires to see lost people saved from “every nation, every language, every tribe” in his lifetime. For his sons, he prays they would join along side him in his work with Hopegivers International. Steven Thomas, Samuel Thomas’ eldest son, plans to follow in his father’s footsteps. After seeing his father imprisoned, Steven Thomas has realized “persecution is a blessing from God.” “What that ministry looks like is me going back over (to India) taking care of orphans, taking care of windows, taking care of lepers, raising them up, educating them, feeding them, clothing them, providing all the needs they need, taking care of the
people who can’t take care of themselves and then preaching the gospel as much as I can,” Steven Thomas said. Steven Thomas quoted the early Christian Tertullian saying, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” Over the many years where his life has been in danger due to the ministry of his father, he has learned this principle well. Steven Thomas knows that he may lose his life every time he returns to India, but he knows it is worth it. A senior at Liberty, Steven plans to return to India this Christmas season and work with his father’s ministry. Each student at the graduation ceremony from Hopegivers’ Bible Institute signs a Martyr’s Oath upon finishing. The Martyr’s Oath is compiled of 13 statements made by each graduate before they take the gospel to people who have never heard the Good News. “It is a pledge that our pioneer missionaries take before launching out into to the mission field,” Samuel Thomas records in Behind Bars with God. “They not only live for the Lord, but vow to die for Him.” This is what Samuel Thomas was participating in hours before he was arrested. This is what Samuel Thomas lived out as the revolver was placed against his head. This is why Samuel Thomas suffered for 14 days and nights in solitary confinement. This is how Samuel Thomas continues to preach the gospel in spite of 21 assassination attempts on his life. And as has become customary with Samuel Thomas, he left saying, “to God be the glory.”
PIERCE is a feature reporter.
Velveteen Rabbit debuts
The kids novel comes to life as actors perform a literary classic on stage Kayla Humphreys knhumphreys2@liberty.edu
The beloved childhood classic of “The Velveteen Rabbit” has made a leap from the pages of its books to center stage at Liberty’s Tower Theater. The Alluvion Stage Company and Liberty University Theater Arts Department have collaborated to bring to life the story of the Velveteen Rabbit and all his friends in a toe-tapping, heart-warming musical. Although the Velveteen Rabbit is not a battery charged toy and does not have bells and whistles like the new toy boat who has appeared in the life of Steve, his boy, Velveteen learns that through the power of “toy magic” he can be the best friend his Steve has ever had. Under the direction of Scott Hayes, associate dean of the school of communication & creative arts, Margery Williams’ classic story of “The Velveteen Rabbit” is the first Theater for Young Audience (TYA) to ever be performed at Liberty. “This has been a very unique
Leah Seavers| Liberty Champion
DUTIES — The five-person cast works as the stage crew, transitions between scenes, sings and acts. experience,” Hayes said. “When we cast the show, we picked these actors not only because they are talented, but because we knew they would be able to make this story entertaining for an audience of mainly children.”
The five actors in this musical do not only act and sing, but they are the stage crew as well, making all stage changes between scenes. “One of my favorite things about directing this show is see-
ing the cohesiveness of this group,” Hayes said. “Though this was challenging bringing the show together in a little over two weeks, it really bonded our cast.” In addition to their performances at the Tower Theater, the
cast of “The Velveteen Rabbit” has performed two free shows for local elementary schools. Michael Brennan, a senior in the theater arts performance department appearing in his 10th show at Liberty, plays the role of the lovable Velveteen Rabbit. “Performing for a TYA show has some similar aspects yet some very different elements from a show aimed for older audiences,” Brennan said. “The process is the same with rehearsing and developing characters. However, there is a different energy with a TYA show. The goal is to entertain children for a solid hour, (and) that is a process all in itself.” The Velveteen Rabbit is being performed at the Academy of Fine Arts Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 21 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at academyfinearts.com.
HUMPHREYS is a feature reporter.
B10
FEATURE
October 20, 2015
childhood memories
Leah Seavers| Liberty Champion
THEATRICS — The Velveteen Rabbit showed Oct. 15-18 at Liberty University’s Tower Theater and will run at the Academy of Fine Arts Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 21 at 3 p.m.
SEE B9 FOR FULL STORY
A blazing performance Professional firebreather heats things up at Liberty home football games Will Young weyoung@liberty.edu
Minutes before kickoff at Williams Stadium, Phoenix Aguilar becomes anxious. From the locker room where he prepares, he said he can hear the noise from the student section outside. From the threshold of the tunnel, it becomes hard to shake the nerves moments before he makes his entrance. “I love performing at Liberty,” Aguilar said. “And all because of the massive fan base. It’s awesome seeing so many people rallying for their team, and you can really feel the overwhelming energy in the stadium. It gets me excited.” Aguilar, a professional firebreather from Raleigh, North Carolina, has performed at every Liberty home football game this year. He regularly showcases his skillset in a stunt preceding the players’ entrance where he sprints to the center of Williams Stadium while spinning a lighted torch to a dramatic composition played in the background. As the players begin their en-
trance onto the field, Aguilar spills ultra-pure lamp oil into his mouth and spews it out in a mist onto the torch, combusting the small flame into an explosive streak of fire. It is only when the crowd’s cheers reach their peak when he steps off the platform.
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fire-breather for Liberty football games. This is Liberty’s first year with Aguilar as the fire-breather. For Aguilar, he said that he began fire breathing in 2008 after attending the Burning Man Conference in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, an annual gath-
We like to say ‘the more fire the better’ at our athletic events.
“We like to say ‘the more fire the better’ at our athletic events,” Liberty Director of Fan Experience and Promotions Brett Metcalf said. “I don’t think there are many things that grab people’s attention like someone who has the ability to play with fire like (Phoenix).” Liberty began featuring a firebreather at football games since the beginning of the 2014 season, where Metcalf said Associate Athletics Director Mike Minyard came up with the idea after finding a former student, who acted as both the “Red Jacket Guy” and the
— BRETT METCALF ering promoting artistic self-expression. After he was inspired at the event, Aguilar began teaching himself how to breathe fire. “When I first got interested in fire-breathing, I looked on the Internet and did some research concerning the dangers of it, and found a lot of horror stories of people teaching themselves,” Aguilar said.
See BLAZING, B8
Michela Diddle | Liberty Champion
FLAMES — Phoenix Aguilar taught himself how to breathe fire.