Liberty Champion Sept. 10, 2012

The 11th Veggie Tales anniversary of the creator speaks in 9/11 tragedy convocation A6

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LIBERTY CHAMPION Today: Sunny 77/54 Tomorrow: Sunny 81/54

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Libertychampion.com

Volume 30 • Issue 3

football home opener

The Flames played their home opener against the Norfolk State Spartans in front of a pumped up crowd of 15,826. It was the eighth largest crowd in Flames football history.

Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion

Interactive stream Jay Sir

ysir@liberty.edu

Research contributed by Amanda Fortner

Photo Provided

NEW CONSTRUCTION — . This is the proposed architectural drawing for the Liberty University Center for Medical and Health Sciences building.

Health sciences advance

Ashley McAlpin

akbollinger@liberty.edu

Research contributed by Tyler Eacho, Omar Adams and Ashley Addington.

“If it is Christian, it ought to be better,” Dr. Jerry Falwell said.

Liberty University has continued this legacy through campus improvements in both facilities and programs over the past 41 years, including a new School of Osteopathic Medicine, which is preparing to enroll its first class of students in the fall of 2014, according to Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. “I think it’s a fulfillment of

Dr. Falwell’s vision for raising champions for Christ, to send students from all over out into the world, in all areas of life,” Pre-Med Advisor Dr. Mark Blais said.

The Liberty administration has been working with officials from the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine for several years to plan and prepare for the center’s approval and opening, according to Falwell.

“We first considered establishing a branch campus of another medical school here at Liberty, but eventually decided to step out on faith and start our own,” Falwell said. “We didn’t have the knowledge or experience necessary, but we trusted God.”

The university took its first step toward establishing its new School of Osteopathic Medicine by hiring Dr. Ronnie Martin.

Martin came to Liberty from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine.

“Dr. Ronnie Martin is a committed Christian, having served most recently at another Christian medical school,” Falwell said. “His prior experience includes founding an osteopathic school of medicine in Oklahoma and serving in a leadership role with the body that accredits schools of osteopathic medicine. His qualifications make him uniquely

See HEALTH, A7

The Internet has opened doors for people to connect over long distances. People chat face-to-face with someone thousands of miles away as if they are sitting across the table.

Social media platforms available on smartphones make connections instantaneously.

A new door will be opened for the online students of Liberty University with the launching of a new website, dubbed “Online Communities” at http://liberty-university. churchonline.org/ on Sept. 17.

Sports

The university is opening a new observatory center in A8 the spring.

LU starting quarterback Brian Hudson talks about his football journey. B4

Feature

See INTERACTIVE, A8

Babcock injured in crash Melanie Oelrich moelrich@liberty.edu

A Liberty University professor is in critical condition after he was involved in a motorcycle crash Friday, Sept. 7.

John Babcock, an adjunct professor in the College of General Studies, was traveling on his motorcycle around 8 a.m. when he was hit by a Chevy sedan on Old Forest Road.

According to a News and Advance press release, after crashing into Babcock’s motorcycle, the sedan slid into a Lynchburg City school bus that was carrying six children. Accord-

INSIDE THE CHAMPION News

“This website will provide interactivity among the students as they participate and attend services,” Campus Pastor Johnnie Moore said. “You not only get to view what’s happening on campus, but participate with what’s happening on campus.”

According to Moore, Liberty University has wanted to replicate the community experience provided to those on campus to the online side of the university.

“We’ve been thinking about it for a number of years, trying different things, starting different programs,” Moore said.

Two Liberty students travel the country, utilizing Instagram.

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News Opinion Sports Feature

ing to police, no one in the bus was injured.

According to his sister, Kim Yeatts, Babcock suffered a broken pelvis, low blood pressure and some internal bleeding. Doctors at Centra Health transferred Babcock to the University of Virginia for several surgeries to repair his fractured pelvis.

Yeatts asks for continued prayer for his recovery.

OELRICH is an asst. news editor.

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NEWS

A2/Liberty Champion

September 11, 2012

Dunkin’ Donuts to replace Keyhole Jeremy Angione jangione@liberty.edu

Dunkin’ Donuts will be joining the growing list of dining options on Liberty’s campus when it replaces the Keyhole Convenience Store later this semester.

A specific date for the addition of the popular doughnut shop has not been released, but the university did announce that it is coming this semester. According to Liberty Dining District Manager Lori Madden, the construction of the new pedestrian tunnel provided students with easier access to attain more convenience items, lessening student interest in the options offered by the Keyhole.

This will be the first Dunkin’ Donuts location of its kind in the Lynchburg area, according to retail manager Keith Wilson, who will manage the location. Wilson assures that the venue will be up to Dunkin’ Donuts’ standards and will offer the full variety of menu items such as hot or iced coffee, breakfast sandwiches and fresh doughnuts.

The Dunkin’ Donuts will give students an alternative graband-go dining option, providing greater convenience to students

Jay Sir | Liberty Champion

DELICACY — The popular coffee and donut shop will make its way to campus by mid-October. living on South Campus. According to Madden, Liberty Dining takes the preferences of the student body seriously, responding to demands for a Dunkin’ Donuts by taking action and providing one.

“We want to create a space that’s not only a food venue, but provides students with an opportunity to fellowship and to net-

work,” Madden said.

Madden hopes that Liberty Dining can enhance the student dining experience with the addition of the Dunkin’ Donuts.

According to libertydining. com, Sodexo’s mission is to create “exceptional student experiences.”

Madden said that they plan to deliver on that goal through

“culinary innovation, student insights, health and wellness, customer service and sustainability programs.”

Similarly, Dunkin’ Donuts posts a mission to their guests on the company’s website.

“We are passionate about offering our guests delicious products they will enjoy, giving them plenty of menu options….”

Student demand helped build this particular Dunkin’ Donuts, which can be taken as an indicator of the venue’s future success.

“I’m so excited, ‘cause I’m from the north,” Liberty student Kayla Miliano said.

Miliano is from New England, where there is an abundance of Dunkin’ Donuts.

“I don’t really like doughnuts, but I love the Dunkaccino,” Miliano said.

“With Dunkin’s worldwide brand appeal coupled with the fact that it’s the first of its kind in the Lynchburg area, we are hoping that the location will be well received by the student body and create a lasting level of excitement for years to come,” Wilson said.

According to Madden, Liberty Dining’s goal is to cater mainly to the student body, but the scarcity of Dunkin’ Donuts in the Lynchburg area may give it major appeal in the Lynchburg community.

“Dunkin’ Donuts rocks,” Sodexo employee Christine Benner said. “I grew up with it. I’m so excited to have it on campus.”

ANGIONE is a news reporter.

Tylenol honors LU nursing student Champion Corrections In an article from the Sept. 4 issue titled “New CLST courses being offered,” the reporter attributed for writing the article was incorrect. The correct reporter for that story is Samantha Boontjer.

Nicole Steenburgh nksteenburgh@liberty.edu

For 22 consecutive years, the makers of Tylenol have awarded over $8 million in scholarships to students studying healthcare. This year, Tylenol awarded 40 well-deserving students scholarships worth $5,000.

Liberty University nursing student Kayla Hanson was among those recognized for her outstanding academic success.

Hanson entered the nation-wide contest in the spring of 2012, and by the end of August, she found her name in one of the 40 coveted spots. Among the fields eligible to enter the contest are medical, therapist, pharmaceutical and nursing students.

“We are proud to support those dedicated to a lifetime of caring for others,” Tylenol posted on their website.

According to Hanson, she wanted to be a nurse since she was 10 years old—a desire that sparked the moment her baby brother was born. The birth experience encouraged her to want to be a nurse and care for mothers and infants.

“My love and compassion for people combined with my love of medical science confirmed to me that I was called to be a nurse, and I developed a passion to be a light to people in difficult situations,” Hanson said.

The last couple of years have been full of opportunities for Hanson to pursue what she loves.

WI NE

administration

Deborah Huff FACULTY ADVISOR

Ben Lesley

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Ashley McAlpin GRADUATE ASSISTANT

Shelanne Jennings GRADUATE ASSISTANT

NH

MI OH VA NC

FL

Photo Provided

SCHOLAR—Kayla Hanson won $5,000 from Tylenol.

This past summer, Hanson spent time at Mayo Clinic, where she worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care unit. The previous summer, Hanson spent time at Duke University Hospital as a nurse intern.

She worked in the neuro step down unit, where she was able to practice her skills as a nurse.

It has been a busy year for Hanson. She balances classes, clinicals, tutoring and nursing board meetings, not to mention her social life, throughout the week.

“I spend most of the day…devoted to the nursing program,” Hanson said.

According to Hanson, all the time spent on the program is worth it, and she cannot imagine doing anything else.

The funds from this scholarship will be helpful next semester, and just as importantly, the professional recognition from a name like Tylenol will help her earn a job once she is out of college.

“I would like to get a job in a teaching hospital in maternal child critical care and pursue the vision the Lord has laid on my heart,” Hanson said.

STEENBURGH is a news reporter.

Electoral Votes

Colo.

content

Tyler Eacho ASST. NEWS EDITOR

Melanie Oelrich ASST. NEWS EDITOR

Andrew Woolfolk OPINION EDITOR

Kyle Harvey SPORTS EDITOR

Derrick Battle ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

Greg Leasure

designer

Tessanna Curtis

GRAPHIC DESIGN

FEATURE EDITOR COPY EDITOR

photography

Ruth Bibby

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

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Romney

Obama

46.0%

47.6%

Fla.

29

46.3%

Iowa

6

47.3%

44.8%

Mich.

16

45.0%

45.8%

Nev.

6

47.0%

45.7%

N.H.

4

49.0%

44.8%

N.C.

15

48.3%

46.5%

Ohio

18

45.8%

45.2%

Va.

13

46.6%

46.7%

Wis.

10

47.3%

46.8%

48.3%

1971 UNIVERSITY BLVD, LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA 24502

EDITOR IN CHIEF

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LIBERTY CHAMPION Tabitha Cassidy

In the Sept. 4 issue, the article titled, “Children’s museum receives grant,” “Centra” should be “The Centra Foundation.”

Also, the political graph on A3 from the Sept. 4 issue was incorrect. The graph below is the correct version.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES & INFO

The Champion encourages community members to submit letters to the editor on any subject. Letters should not exceed 400 words and must be typed and signed. The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Letters and columns that appear are the opinion of the author solely, not the Champion editorial board or Liberty University.

All material submitted becomes property of the Champion. The Champion reserves the right to accept, reject or edit any letter received—according to the Champion stylebook, taste and the Liberty University mission statement.

Elliot Mosher Kevin McAlpin WEB DESIGNER

Send letters to: Liberty Champion Liberty University, Box 2000, Lynchburg, VA 24502 or drop off in DeMoss Hall 1035.

VISIT THE CHAMPION’S WEBSITE AT LIBERTYCHAMPION. COM. CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.

NEWS

September 11, 2012

Convention

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Highlights

Incumbent President Barack Obama and former Gov. Mitt Romney have accepted the nomination for the 2012 presidential election at the Democratic National Convention and the Republican National Convention, respectively.

The following are excerpts from each presidential nominee’s acceptance speech.

Youtube Screen Shot

Youtube Screen Shot

President Barack Obama addresses DNC attendees

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney speaks at RNC

I won’t pretend the path I’m offering is quick or easy. I never have. You didn’t elect me to tell you what you wanted to hear.

I am running for president to help create a better future, a future where everyone who wants a job can find a job, where no senior fears for the security of their retirement, an America where every parent knows that their child will get an education that leads to a good job and a bright horizon, and unlike the president, I have a plan to create 12 million new jobs...

You elected me to tell you the truth...

And the truth is, it will take more than a few years for us to solve challenges that have built up over decades...

I’ve met workers in Detroit and Toledo who feared they’d never build another American car. And today, they can’t build them fast enough, because we reinvented a dying auto industry that’s back on top of the world...

And now you have a choice. We can gut education, or we can decide that in the United States of America, no child should have her dreams deferred because of a crowded classroom or a crumbling school. No family should have to set aside a college acceptance letter because they don’t have the money. No company should have to look for workers overseas because they couldn’t find any with the right skills here at home. That’s not our future. That is not our future...

I promised to refocus on the terrorists who actually attacked us on 9/11. And we have. We’ve blunted the Taliban’s momentum in Afghanistan, and in 2014, our longest war will be over...

A new tower rises above the New York skyline, alQaeda is on the path to defeat and Osama Bin Laden is dead...

America, I never said this journey would be easy, and I won’t promise that now. Yes, our path is harder, but it leads to a better place. Yes, our road is longer, but we travel it together. We don’t turn back. We leave no one behind. We pull each other up. We draw strength from our victories, and we learn from our mistakes, but we keep our eyes fixed on that distant horizon, knowing that Providence is with us, and that we are surely blessed to be citizens of the greatest nation on Earth.

To watch the entire speech, visit demconvention.com/ photos-video.

FYI

Rainy weather moved Obama’s speech from the 74,000seat Bank of America Stadium to the 20,000-seat Time Warner Arena.

------------Kerry Washington said Republicans were trying to take away womens rights and votes.

------------Other keynote speakers included: Bill Clinton, John Kerry, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid.

A transcribed version is available at libertychampion.com.

Paul Ryan and I have five steps. First, by 2020, North America will be energy independent by taking inventory of our oil, our coal, our gas, our nuclear and renewables.

Second, we will give our fellow citizens the skills they need for the jobs of today and the careers of tomorrow.

When it comes to the school your child will attend, every parent should have a choice, and every child should have a chance.

Third, we will make trade work for America by forging new trade agreements, and when nations cheat in trade, there will be unmistakable consequences.

And fourth, to assure every entrepreneur and every job creator that their investments in America will not vanish, as have those in Greece, we will cut the deficit and put America on track to a balanced budget.

And fifth, we will champion small businesses, America’s engine of job growth. That means reducing taxes on business, not raising them. It means simplifying and modernizing the regulations that hurt small businesses the most, and it means we must rein in skyrocketing cost of health care by repealing and replacing Obamacare...

If I am elected president of these United States, I will work with all my energy and soul to restore that America, to lift our eyes to a better future. That future is our destiny. That future is out there. It is waiting for us.

Our children deserve it. Our nation depends on it. The peace and freedom of the world require it. And with your help we will deliver it. Let us the begin that future for America tonight.

To watch the entire speech, visit gopconvention2012. com and click on “watch live.”

tcassidy@liberty.edu

With only 34 days left to register to vote in Virginia, Liberty University students, faculty and staff have been given ample opportunities to guarantee that their voice is heard during the 2012 General Election, Nov. 6.

The Dean of Students office has partnered with the Student Government Association (SGA) to help staff voter registration tables around campus, according to Senior Conduct Officer Mark Hyde.

While students can register to vote at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or online at lynchburgva.gov, the tables set up in DeMoss Hall, the Tilley Center and the Reber-Thomas Dining Center make it “easy” for students

to register, Hyde said. Students can also visit the Dean of Students office, located in Green Hall 1830. “(That is) always a good spot for students to stop by during business hours and register to vote,” Hyde said.

One vote, as seen by the 2000 presidential elections, can make all the difference.

According to the Federal Election Commission’s (FEC) website, fec.gov, George W. Bush defeated Al Gore when the race was left in the hands of Florida voters. Bush won by 537 votes in Florida.

While Gore received 48.38 percent of the nation’s popular vote to Bush’s 47.87 percent, according to the FEC, Bush winning the state of Florida pushed him to victory in electoral votes. The final total was Bush 271, Gore 266.

Hurricane Isaac caused nearly all first night events for the RNC to be cancelled.

------------Clint Eastwood’s address at the RNC included an “empty chair,” where President Obama was supposedly sitting.

------------Other keynote speakers included: Condoleezza Rice, Newt Gingrich, Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum.

A transcribed version is available at libertychampion.com.

Voter registration draws to a close Tabitha Cassidy

FYI

“That’s part of being an educated voter — knowing what your vote means, wherever you cast it,” Hyde said.

The deadline for registering to vote through Liberty’s services is Oct. 10, according to Hyde. Because Liberty needs time to confirm that the registrations are completed correctly, students must turn in their registrations five days earlier. However, eligible voters have until Oct. 15 to register in the commonwealth of Virginia at the DMV along with the Registrar’s office, according to the City of Lynchburg’s website.

Students living on campus can write their address down as 1971 University Blvd. and vote in the Vines Center on Nov. 6, according to Hyde.

However, students living at the residential ANNEX will

not be eligible to vote in the Vines Center, as their address will be different, Hyde said.

Their polling place will be Sheffield Elementary School.

According to Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr., buses will be provided for ANNEX students wishing to vote. “(Classes will not be cancelled), but I have asked the faculty to excuse students who miss a class or are late to class because of voting,” Falwell said.

Students are encouraged to look at their states’ requirements for absentee voting, as the deadlines are fast approaching. More information on this can be found at fec. gov or on Liberty’s website.

CASSIDY is the editor-in-chief.

REGISTRATION EVENTS Sept. 11 - Oct. 10 Voter Registration Table (Green Hall, Tilley, DeMoss Hall, Reber-Thomas) Sept. 22 VR forms distributed at SGA tailgait and Commuter tailgate Oct. 10 DOS VR form collection deadline

Oct. 6 VR forms distributed at SGA tailgait and Commuter tailgate Oct. 15 Voter registration deadline

OPINION

SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

A call for patriotism 11 years later Andrew Woolfolk

alwoolfolk@liberty.edu

Has it really been 11 years?

On that fateful Tuesday morning now over a decade ago, Americans woke up with a mindset of security and nonchalance.

We went to bed that night with a completely different outlook.

Our country’s blanket of security and our aura of power seemed to crumble before our eyes, just like the buildings we watched fall.

Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives when members of al-Qaeda used our own aircrafts to bring our country to its collective knees.

In the days following, there was a feeling of oneness and unity between all of us. From the efforts of firemen to save as many civilians as possible while risking

— and some ultimately losing — their lives, to the harrowing work of rescue crews clearing rubble and searching for survivors in mounds of bent steel and debris, we were shown the true meaning of patriotism.

Patriotism, at its core, is t e a m w o r k . WOOLFOLK True patriotism means sacrificing your wellbeing for the betterment of the country and those in it. In its most noble form, it brings people of all backgrounds together and makes dreams possible.

Patriots founded our country, from Thomas Jefferson penning the Declaration of Indepen-

dence to Patrick Henry declaring, “Give me Liberty or give me death.” We have heard the story of Washington paddling his men through the icy waters of the Delaware River into victory and Paul Revere galloping through the dark streets of Massachusetts. These were men who sacrificed their comfort and safety because of their belief in an unformed nation with a potential for greatness that they clearly saw.

On Sept. 11, our country got another taste of what true patriotism was through the acts of the men and women at Ground Zero. Gallup polls conducted on the one-year anniversary found that the country’s confidence in our president and our Congress shot up, and those who said they attended church weekly rose

from 41 to 47 percent.

Eleven years later, Gallup polls show church attendance is around 40 percent, half of our country wants the president replaced and Congress’ approval rating hit an all-time low of 10 percent in August.

And while our generation, the Millenial generation, was given one of the greatest examples of patriotism, we rank last in a poll conducted last September by Pew Research that asked, “Are you very patriotic?” Seventy percent of Millenials said yes, compared to Generation X, who had 86 percent. Those from the Baby Boomer generation, who saw firsthand the heroism displayed in World War II, had the highest rate, with 91 percent.

No, patriotism is not a cure-all for our country’s problems. Yes,

patriotism can be overdone and bleed over into an all-out worship of the state. But is it too much to ask for us to work together for the good of the many?

This nation was founded by runaways and flourished because of the hard work of immigrants from all nations. In this melting pot, cultures came together, strangers became brothers and a collection of foreign-ruled colonies morphed into the greatest country in the world.

Eleven years ago, it took the loss of 3,000 of our countrymen and women to remind us of that greatness.

I hope it does not take that much to remind us next time.

WOOLFOLK is the opinion editor.

Making the case for adoption Controversial comments concerning adoption have left adoptive families flabbergasted and upset Karin Thompson kthompson21@liberty.edu

Outspoken televangelist Pat Robertson’s offensive statements regarding adoption exploded controversy among the Christian right.

According to Robertson, “You don’t have to take on someone else’s problems.”

His language in the interview seemed to demean those who adopt, and he went as far as to say that one of his friends adopted a son who “grew up weird.”

Robertson, who nowadays seems to be making a habit of vocalizing outrageous assertions, is still one of the most heard voices in Christianity due to the success of his program, The 700 Club. Despite this fact, a Christian who does research on the matter will learn that Robertson’s view on adoption does not serve as the final voice on opinion on the matter from our faith.

Those who adopt display many of the greatest values and principles found in the Bible. The generosity and compassion that adoption requires is extremely important for Christians to understand.

Psalm 68:5 says that God’s heart is set upon being a father to the fatherless.

Jesus commands us to give everything that we have to Him, and to shelter the poor and those in need. In Luke 18:22, we

From the

Desk Tabitha Cassidy tcassidy@liberty.edu

The battle between eating meat and going vegetarian has been waging since the first report of mercury in fish found its way into mainstream media. No matter how much poking, prodding and gentle pushing each side gives, the war will continue, despite the findings.

The facts present themselves through num-

are presented the conversation between Jesus and the rich young ruler.

“When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’”

We are called to have complete generosity, unrestrained by comfort. It is so important to Christ that he Nine out turned of 10 away people t h e who young ruler adopt seeking say they eternal would life bedefinitely cause adopt t h e m a n again. w a s n o t Americawilling nAdoptions. to saccom rifice Jennifer Van Buskirk | Facebook what he had.

The foundation of THE BLESSING OF ADOPTION — The love of a child, whether biological or adopted, is one in the same.

Christianity is new life in has a disability, he is an Adoption is one of something that we should Christ through his resur- were redeemed.

A friend of mine, Jaime even greater gift to them, God’s most beautiful cre- be excited to have the oprection and grace, completely undeserved by the Bailey, is a mother of four teaching them new lessons ations. It is amazing that portunity to give and learn — two naturally-born and on love and the value of we are capable of com- from and should never receiver. pletely loving a child that be taken for granted beEphesians 1:4-5 says two adopted. One of her life every day.

For Jamie, the key to we have no biological con- cause of inconvenience. that in love, God chose adopted children, Cruise, us to be adopted as sons. is autistic. Jaime and her their choice is that “we are nection to. There are not Adoption is not taking on Adoption is principle husband knew that they trusting whatever God has many relationships that someone else’s problem, it made perfect by God and were called to adopt, and for our family, and we are more closely identify with is an answer to God’s comChristianity than that of mand. his salvation, not because there is no doubt in their so excited for our future!”

The Bailey family re- someone completely undewe deserved it in any way, mind that their adopted but because he decided to children are as completely cently decided to continue serving receiving uncondiTHOMPSON is an give it freely to us. We were theirs as their natural chil- the extension of their love tional love.

That extension of love is opinion writer. dead in our sins before we dren are. Although Cruise to foster children.

FYI

bers, well-worded articles and long-term studies.

In spite of the numerous benefits of being a vegetarian, meat eaters still try to back up their logic with statements like, “It’s manly to hunt,” even though the guy bought his 9 oz. T-bone steak from the sketchy butcher at Kroger, or, “God gave us meat to enjoy,” even though God made Adam and Eve vegetarians before they were kicked out of the Garden of Eden — before death entered the world.

The excuses from the meat eaters of the world do not seem to hold up to actual logic. If they were honest and just said that they ate dead carcass because it was cheaper, tasti-

er or because they had no regard for their general health, then maybe more vegetarians would understand w h y not everyone withheld f r o m eating meat.

Without that CASSIDY h o n e s t y, facts pile up against the meat eaters. A longitudinal study released in 2011 by the German Cancer Research Center found that vegetarians do live longer than meat eaters.

According to the report, vegetarian men were reported to have a 50 percent lower mortality rate

than those who ate meat.

Additionally, vegetarian women had a 30 percent lower death rate.

Studies such as the one done by the German Cancer Research Center constantly emerge with various opinions about the results.

“It’s not about not eating meat, it’s about living a healthier lifestyle,” one person will always say.

“No, no, it’s because the study was done by vegetarians, so they found what they wanted to find,” another person will say.

“I’ll eat what I want, when I want. I’d rather die happy and early than live forever miserable,” a final voice will say.

Even though the world is naïve, the responses —

and facts — are always shocking.

According to the Vegetarian Resource Group, only five percent of Americans said that they never eat meat, fish, seafood or poultry in 2011, making them true vegetarians.

With a country as powerful as the United States of America, and one that seems to be so concerned about living longer and richer lives than the rest of the world, one would assume that more people would jump on the bandwagon of eating greens and forgoing dead animals.

Until that moment, however, it is safe to assume that vegetarians will try to convert meat

eaters, and meat eaters will call vegetarians treehugging hippies. Even though the two sides will constantly bicker over who is correct and which life philosophy is better to follow, they can agree on at least one, random thing: Albert Einstein was a genius.

He was also a vegetarian.

“Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances of survival for life on earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet,” Einstein said.

CASSIDY is the editor-in-chief

OPINION

September 11, 2012

Bill Nye: no science guy?

Scientist made popular by his educational television show bashes creationism Caroline Crumpler ccrumpler@liberty.edu

Creationism is once again under attack. In a recent “Big Think” video entitled “Creationism Is Not Appropriate For Children,” Bill Nye argued against parents teaching their children creationism.

The two-minute-and-30-second video was filled with false data and misconceptions.

Nye stated that the U.S. is in danger of losing the status of the most technologicallyadvanced country because of the prevalent teaching of creationism.

However, Marcus Ross, who has a doctorate in Geosciences and is the assistant director of the Center for Creation Studies at Liberty University, disagrees.

“Young-Earth creationism has only grown stronger and more powerful as an explanation for life’s history over the past several decades, while at the same time the U.S. continues to lead in science and technology,” Ross said.

Nye went on to say that he believes that students who are taught creationism would not grow to become problemsolvers like engineers.

“Evolution is the fundamental idea in all of life science, in all of biology,” Nye said.

This, however, confuses empirical science with historical science.

“The former is where technology is derived from and is based on experimental science that we can repeat. The latter interprets the past,” Dr. David DeWitt, director for the Center for Creation Studies at Liberty University, said.

Nye’s statement that creationism beliefs will conflict

Screenshot | Youtube.com

TV STAR — Nye had harsh words for creationists. with problem-solving is also a careless fallacy. Simply looking at some of the beliefs of modern science founders will demonstrate that this point is incorrect. Isaac Newton, Johann Kepler, Robert Boyle, Francis Bacon, Blaise Pascal, Charles Babbage, Gregor Mendel and Lord Kelvin were all known Christians and creationists.

These scientists made discoveries in mathematics, celestial mechanics, chemistry, hydrostatics, computer science, genetics and thermodynamics. These men were not only profound problemsolvers, but also furthered modern science with their creationist background.

Nye also said that creationism prohibits engineering because of an “inconsistent worldview.”

DeWitt said those claims were “quite ironic,” given that engineers create and design things.

“This notion would come as quite a surprise to several engineers that I know, including Stuart Burgess,” DeWitt said.

“Dr. Burgess has received numerous awards for his mechanical engineering designs, including work on ENVISAT, which is the largest man-made satellite orbiting the Earth.

He is a creationist.”

Indeed, what is engineering but design? Creationism is founded on the belief that there is purpose to every structure in nature.

“When we look at plants and animals as the product of design, then we immediately ask what functions things have and why they exist,” Ross said. “Engineers who

look at nature’s designs for inspiration…use creationist principles all the time, and the results are often spectacular.”

Nye ended his video by stating that creationism is dangerous because it is illogical and there is no evidence for it. Nye listed such evidence as the fossil record as proof of evolution. Perhaps no other claim reveals Nye’s true bias than this one. Instead of directly attacking creationism arguments, he blindly stated that it was “illogical” and that there was “no evidence” for it.

Ross believes that the “no evidence” claim is an unfounded one.

“It is all around him (and us), but he does not see it for what it is, because he’s decided that science must only accept processes without reference to God,” Ross said. “The rocks and fossils of the world speak of a terrible destruction at the time of Noah, but instead he sees ‘life through time.’ The fossil record isn’t a record of life, it’s a record of death and judgment.”

With proper analysis, Nye’s main points in his video are shown to be merely misconceptions based on bias against the notion of God. By blindly stating that it takes belief in a historical science theory to develop problem-solving skills, Nye freely abandons the science and facts that he claims to love.

Based on facts, a creationist can be a problem solver, a “literate citizen” and even an engineer. Maybe it takes a rocket scientist to figure that out.

CRUMPLER is an opinion writer.

Christie chastises teacher unions Whitney Rutherford wrutherford2@liberty.edu

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is known for his Herculean persona. Whether balancing a budget, going head-to-head with unions or delivering his keynote address at the 2012 Republican National Convention, Christie tackles his job with more grit than glamour. Christie shared his recipe for success Aug. 28 during his keynote speech, saying that “tonight, we are going to choose respect over love.”

For the past two years, Christie has demanded respect from the most contentious group in New Jersey: teacher unions. Through stubborn collaboration and bipartisan discussion, Christie has set a national example of sweeping tenure reform.

When Christie was elected in 2009, he resembled David stepping into the shadow of New Jersey’s Goliath, the teacher unions. Previous administrations had failed to enact education reform, but Christie was determined to overhaul the system.

In their annual 2009 report, The National Council on Teacher Quality graded New Jersey “D” on delivering wellprepared teachers and “D+” for firing ineffective teachers. The National Council on Teacher Quality explained that while New Jersey required annual teacher evaluations, the state awarded tenure au- CHRISTIE tomatically and did not prioritize studentlearning in evaluations.

Yet the New Jersey Education Association actively maintained the status quo, donating more than $2 million to state-level political entities in 2009, according to the National Institute on Money in State Politics. Simply put, New Jersey teacher unions valued tenure security over fostering respect for New Jersey’s educational system.

Christie did not balk at the imposing unions. The Christie Reform Agenda proposed

major tenure and teacher qualification reform. After extensive debate within the bipartisan coalition and discussion with union leaders, the Christie reforms became law Aug. 6.

The legislation requires teachers to maintain an “effective” or “highly effective” rating for three consecutive years before being awarded tenure. Teachers sacrifice tenure protection after receiving ratings of “ineffective” for one year or “partially effective” for two consecutive years. The mandatory rating system rests on student test scores, classroom observations and teacher practices.

Christie’s reforms won him no love from unions, but school districts took heed.

Joseph Ricca, superintendent of the East Hanover District, was quoted in a New York Times article stating, “it will certainly allow administrators to make decisions based on student achievement and that — really, ultimately — has to be the driving force.”

Nevertheless, teacher unions are far from admitting defeat. While requirements

are more rigorous under new legislation, the teacher unions successfully preserved their seniority measures in an Aug. 6 meeting, according to the Associated Press.

The “last in, first out” mentality can cripple reform, ensuring that ineffective teachers are virtually impossible to fire. Cami Anderson, Christie administration adviser for the Newark school district, revealed that Newark’s district spends more than $8 million per year on an excess teacher pool, maintaining teachers who are not qualified to teach but too difficult to fire.

Despite concessions, the Christie reform plan overhauled New Jersey’s tenure system and set a national example of education reform in a state where unions seemed too powerful to curtail. Christie made no secret of his recipe for success at the 2012 Republican National Convention. You can love him or hate him, but respect is nonnegotiable.

RUTHERFORD is an opinion writer.

Liberty Champion/A5

Our politicians need to clean up their claims Jacob Tellers jtellers@liberty.edu

Politics have always been contentious, but the 2012 campaign season has at times been especially abrasive.

While campaigning in Virginia, Biden told a crowd of supporters that Republicans would put voters “back in chains.”

In an interview on the FOX2 TV station, Missouri Republican senatorial candidate Todd Akin said that women would not get pregnant during a “legitimate rape.”

In an interview with CBS last week, the chairman of the California Democratic Party John Burton compared the Republican campaign strategies to those used by Nazi Germany.

Racially inflammatory remarks, claims proven to be inaccurate, and vicious and defamatory attacks against opponents have become rampant throughout this campaign season. The previous quotations are just the tip of the iceberg.

It is hard to tell what is more troubling about this: that politicians feel it is okay to make these statements, or that they do not face much permanent backlash over them.

The statements by Biden and Burton did not attract much media attention, but as reported by the New York Times, Akin’s comments drew calls from Republican leaders for him to resign from his senate race.

However, according to Public Policy Polling, over 50 percent of Missouri voters have accepted Akin’s apology for his statement about “legitimate rape.” Another poll from the organization shows that the race is still fairly close, with 44 percent of voters favoring Akin while 45 percent favor his opponent, Sen. Claire McCaskill.

Since most politicians speak upwards of five hours per day over the course of a yearlong campaign, it is unrealistic to think that they will never have an awkward slip of the tongue.

However, there is a major difference between a foolish misstep and the increasingly divisive and misleading language used by politicians.

Despite being outraged at politicians when they misspeak, the public gives them a seemingly endless supply of get-out-ofjail-free cards. In any other profession, people are held accountable for what they say.

Inaccurate or defamatory remarks can cost people their jobs.

Anthony Federico, an editor for ESPN, was fired for writing a racially insensitive headline about Asian-American basketball player Jeremy Lin last February. The USA Today reported that Notre Dame Radio announcer Allen Pinkett was suspended from his position for stating that Notre Dame’s football team needed to have some “criminals” on its roster.

Incivility is not without its consequences.

Once we get into the mindset that the other side is the enemy, it makes any understanding difficult to accomplish, even if that compromise would be good for our country.

How can someone spend a whole year vilifying the other party and then turn around and work with them?

In the American Journal of Political Science, Yanna Krupnikov writes that negative campaigning has an adverse effect on voter turnout for elections.

“Exposure to negativity after selection can derail action by convincing individuals that their selection is no better than the alternative they already know they do not like,” Krupnikov said.

How can we let politicians make statements without proven facts or the slightest bit of decency? This type of disregard is harming our political system as a whole. If we continue to support and elect people like this, they have no motivation to change. As citizens, we need to hold our politicians accountable for the statements they make.

TELLERS is an opinion writer.

SEE THESE STORIES ONLINE TODAY 1. GET FULL COVERAGE OF THE DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN CONVENTIONS. 2. SEE ALL OF THE PILGRAMERS PHOTOS FROM AROUND LYNCHBURG. 3. LIBERTY HOCKEY ANNIHILATES HAMPTON 9-3.

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OPINION

A6/Liberty Champion

September 11, 2012

The anniversary of a catastrophe Memorial and museum opened at the location of the Twin Towers, encouraging reflection and contribution Melanie Oelrich moelrich@liberty.edu

Sept. 11, 2012 marks the 11th anniversary of the day that New York City played host to one of the greatest tragedies in U.S. history. Most undergraduate students were in elementary school at the time that this catastrophe struck our nation.

In fact, I can remember what it was like for me, a fourth grader, to watch the news that morning and attempt to process what was happening on our television screen. I had just woken up to get ready for school, and the moment my mom told me what was happening, I thought it was just a terrible dream. At that moment, our world and our lives changed forever.

In New York City, it was a perfect, blue-sky morning. By 8:46 a.m., the first of a series of four al-Qaeda attacks had hit the first target—the North Tower of the World Trade Center Complex in Lower Manhattan. Little did the nation know that 19 Islamic terrorists would hijack four passenger jets and aim them towards four U.S. landmarks. All before noon, two planes had hit both the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center Complex, one flew into the Pentagon, and the last plane, designated to hit the U.S. Capitol, crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pa. Approximately 3,000 people died in the attacks on that illfated day. A total of 246 civilians and 19 hijackers were also aboard the four planes.

American Airlines Flight 11, en route to Los Angeles, was carrying 11 crew members, 76 pas-

Creative Commons

MOMENT OF IMPACT — The tragedy of 11 years ago became etched in our generation’s mind. sengers and five hijackers when it was rerouted to hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center (WTC).

United Airlines Flight 175, also en route to Los Angeles, carried a crew of nine members, 51 passengers and another five hijackers when it hit the South Tower of the WTC. American Airlines Flight 77 left Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. with six crew members, 53 passengers

and five additional hijackers when it hit the Pentagon.

Lastly, United Airlines Flight 93 was headed to San Francisco with seven crew members, 33 passengers and the last four hijackers when it crashed into a field in Shanksville. Luckily, passengers were successful in the take down of the terrorists aboard the plane and kept them from reaching their target — the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Since that fateful day, monuments and memorials now stand in place of the Twin Towers. The National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City offers valuable information and resources to those wanting to contribute.

“On our website this year, there will be a page specifically devoted to how individuals can commemorate the day,” Joe Daniels, President of the National September 11 Memorial and

Museum, said. “There will be resources that will be provided for teachers, principals and parents to help engage the younger generations and help explain and educate about such an important part of American history. There are several ways for people to get involved, such as contributing money to make sure the preservation of the artifacts continues.

I just want to encourage people to do something in recognition of Sept. 11.”

Along with the option of monetary contribution, visitors and bystanders are able to sponsor a cobblestone, either individually or as a gift, to help finance the memorial’s annual upkeep cost of $60 million. Sponsored cobblestones serve as the entryway to the memorial.

The 9/11 Memorial has also set up a volunteer program where community members can offer compassion, patience, integrity and communication skills as a part of the Visitor Services staff. These staff members are responsible for maintaining a safe and meaningful experience at the memorial.

On Sept. 11, we saw firsthand how terrorists wanted to shake our freedom and our liberty. However, the Lord tells us in Leviticus 19:18 to “not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”

Because of this, we resolved to move on, but never forget that moment.

OELRICH is an asst. news editor.

Want to volunteer, or do you need Christian service hours that you can get simply by staying at home?

Help us defend economic freedom in Lynchburg today!

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NEWS

September 11, 2012

Taekwondo now a club sport Elizabeth Smith ejsmith@liberty.edu

The world of martial arts will take a bigger stage at Liberty University as Taekwondo officially becomes a club sport. It is the 30th club sport to be added to the list of athletic options and is also one of 12 sports available to both men and women.

First-degree black belt Jesse Wilson has been given the position of head coach for the Taekwondo team this year.

He has studied Taekwondo since he was 12 years old and has contested in hundreds of competitions, including regional, national and worldwide tournaments.

Besides his experience in the sport of Taekwondo, Wilson has been featured in Karate Illustrated for being ranked as one of the top five martial artists in the southeast region of the U.S. This is Wilson’s first time teaching at a private college.

As a collegiate sport, Taekwondo artists compete as a team instead of individually at tournaments.

“It’s a team effort, but it’s a one-on-one confrontation,” Wilson said.

Liberty will be competing in the Eastern Collegiate Taekwondo Conference, which consists of over 25 schools including Harvard, Yale, Penn State and MIT. Wilson said that he has no idea what to expect this season because some members are returning students and some are beginners.

“This year, as far as the team is concerned, I want to make a learning experience and at the same time build the team up,” Wilson said. “In the past years, Taekwondo has

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Timothy Sutton | Liberty Champion

BLOCK — Members of the Taekwondo club team practice new skills and techniques. been a student-led event—just a group of students getting together on their own time, working out and doing it for fun. Now that Liberty has taken an interest in making it a club sport, I’m trying to recruit new students from within the school.”

Because Taekwondo is a sport that primarily focuses on hand and foot techniques, the competitions are more serious.

Senior Christian Booth has been involved with the Taekwondo club since he was a

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freshman. Booth said that he is looking forward to getting to know his teammates, improving his skills and competing on a collegiate level.

Another new member of the team, freshman Brian Preiser, has been practicing Taekwondo since he was 7 years old.

“It’s a club that is currently small, but I think it is going to go a long way and grow and be something big one day,” Preiser said. “The fact that we get to be part of the first true group, pioneers of the club, is

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really exciting. I’m really excited to see what the Lord has in store for us, and what coach Wilson has in store.”

Taekwondo practices are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the LaHaye Ice Center. Wilson welcomes students to join the new Taekwondo team, whether they have previous experience or not. He is taking new members all year long.

SMITH is a news reporter.

Liberty Champion/A7 HEALTH continued from A1 qualified to serve as the founding dean of the Liberty University School of Osteopathic Medicine. We are blessed to have associated with Dr. Martin.”

Along with a new dean, Liberty is looking to house the school in a new location.

According to a proposal from Liberty’s administration last fall, the School of Osteopathic Medicine as well as the School of Health Sciences will be housed in a new 100,000-square-foot facility across from the Lynchburg Airport.

“Our Provost, Dr. Ron Godwin, and his team were assisted by the administration and faculty of the Edward Via School of Osteopathic Medicine as they conducted extensive research and feasibility studies,” Falwell said. “Funding was approved by the Tobacco Commission and experts like Dr. Ronnie Martin were hired. When it all seemed to fall into place so quickly, we knew it was God’s will.”

The new school is expected to add net annual spending of $19 million in tobacco localities, 219 direct new faculty and staff jobs and $1.2 million of new state and local tax revenues, according to a Liberty-commissioned economic impact assessment, as stated in the Liberty Champion fall 2011.

“Some of the highest unemployment rates in the country can be found in Virginia communities south of Lynchburg. Their economies were devastated when the furniture and textile industries moved operations overseas and tobacco companies were besieged by litigation,” Falwell said. “Many communities in Southside Virginia are under-served by medical professionals. We really have a mission field in our own backyard and Liberty’s new medical school will help meet the physical and spiritual needs of hurting people. The medical school will even include a major clinic.”

According to Falwell, students enrolled in the program will be able to fulfill their Christian and Community Service hours treating Lynchburg residents.

MCALPIN is the graduate assistant.

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NEWS

A8/Liberty Champion

September 11, 2012

Carter Bowns | Liberty Champion

OBSERVATORY — The Equestrian Center on Liberty Mountain will be the location for the Observatory Center.

Liberty to launch new observatory center

Brett Raszinski braszinski2@liberty.edu

Students interested in what lies above and beyond the earth’s atmosphere will be able to get a closer look this spring when Liberty opens a new observatory.

According to Vice President of Auxiliary Services Lee Beaumont, the new Observatory Center is set to open in the spring of 2013 at Liberty University’s Equestrian Center. Beaumont said that Liberty has one more rezoning meeting with the board of supervisors in Lynchburg on Oct. 2. Because the observatory will be holding classes, the board of supervisors has to have a meeting concerning the educational outcomes of the classes.

Liberty astronomy professor Van Eaton said that the observatory has the potential to be a huge opportunity for Liberty and could even expand their astronomy program.

Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. described the observatory as “another academic enhancement for our educational system.”

Falwell also said that the observatory will be located right next to the Equestrian

INTERACTIVE continued from A1 “Naturally, we thought that this technological innovation provided a platform upon which we can deliver more of the community components that make the spiritual atmosphere here so strong.”

According to Mark Hine, the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs, the website will also provide spiritual support through chat rooms, live chat and prayer support.

“Chancellor Jerry Falwell wanted a way to reach out to our online students and connect them more closely with Liberty and with each other,” Hine said. “He also wanted an effective way to minister to this population spiritually in a manner similar to our resident campus ministry. He cast the vision, supported our efforts and Director of Online Communities for Student Affairs Ted Whitney—along with great assistance from our IT department—has put the initial platform in place.”

Hine said that he would like to spend some time assisting with prayer requests, and Moore said that he plans on participating in the website’s ministry once it kicks off.

“I might slip in as a counselor occasionally online,” Moore said. “I will for sure be talking lots about it.”

Moore, Hine and the various staff members who are involved in this project have expressed their excitement about the website’s future.

“We are thrilled to roll out this new platform to

Center but will have no effect on the services of the center since the observatory will only be in use during the night.

Caroline Trexler, the barn manager for Liberty’s Equestrian Center, had high hopes for the observatory.

“The new observatory will introduce a greater number of Liberty students and faculty to the Equestrian Center and its location,” Trexler said. “This awareness could translate to increased student usage of the largely still unknown Equestrian Center.”

According to Beaumont, the observatory is made up of a classroom that fits up to 20 people, a dome with a 20-inch RC Optical Systems Truss Ritchey-Chrétien high-quality research telescope and several Celestron CPC 800 8-inch SchmidtCassegrain telescopes that will be on pedestals, with the ability to roll out under a roof.

Falwell and Beaumont both said that the 20-inch RC Optical Systems Truss Ritchey-Chrétien high-quality research telescope has such fantastic light gathering power and clear-cut imaging that no one will even be able to look directly at the moon because their eyes could be damaged.

specifically engage our online and resident students in campus events,” Whitney said. “We want to give all students more access to events happening around Liberty University so that they feel engaged.”

Moore said that he is looking forward to seeing the online community, which includes over 80,000 students, have the opportunity to enjoy more of the Liberty experience.

“I’d love to see our inboxes filled with students talking about how this online community platform not only has provided them the opportunity to experience the unique Liberty experience, but it’s also had a tangible effect on their lives,” Moore said.

Hine said that he is looking forward to connecting with online students and to hearing their thoughts about Liberty.

“Technology gives us the ability to overcome distance and language barriers and minister to students around the world like never before,” Hine said. “Only eternity will reveal all that occurs as a result of this wonderful undertaking.”

Ted Whitney encourages interested Christian Service volunteers to contact his office about live-chat moderator opportunities. Contact Mr. Whitney at tgwhitney@ liberty.edu or call 434592-3413.

SIR is a news reporter.

FORTNER is a news reporter.

Beaumont also said that a camera can be attached to the telescope in order to capture still images. The 8-inch Celestron CPC 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes will have the best minicomputer technology and will give students the ability to find certain planets, such as Mercury and Venus.

Beaumont and Falwell are looking to academics to set the standard of academic research opportunities as well as the different station setups between the 20-inch and 8-inch telescopes.

According to Van Eaton, these telescopes will really add to the one 12-inch telescope that the astronomy department currently works with. The new 20-inch telescope will have about three times the light-gathering power of the 12-inch one and over six times the light-gathering power of the 8-inch telescopes. Van Eaton explained light-gathering power as how much light telescopes can capture.

The more light that is captured, the better results that are obtained.

“For the 20-inch telescope, the resolution will be better, the images clearer and brighter and the images will also capture onto film more quickly,” Van Eaton said.

Van Eaton gave three purposes for the

new observatory, saying that it intends to be used for instruction, public nights and research.

Falwell and Beaumont were also excited about getting the community involved with the observatory because it provides a unique opportunity to see some spectacular things.

The observatory will be open to all students under the control of Student Activities, according to both Beaumont and Falwell.

“The observatory will provide yet another co-curricular, recreational activity for Liberty students to enjoy,” Chris Misiano, director of Campus Recreation, said.

“I think the observatory will be another excellent resource and opportunity for students,” Trexler said. “I am continually impressed by the consideration and effort that Liberty invests in providing such a range of activities and resources for students that seamlessly mesh education with recreation.”

The observatory is well on its way to academic and recreational prestige.

RASZINSKI is a news reporter.

Sarah Nguyen | Liberty Champion

SNOWFLEX — A Liberty student enjoys herself at Snowflex’s tubing run.

Snowflex to install new tubing run Marissa Nadeau marissa_n@optimum.net

The Snowflex Centre at Liberty University was the first of its kind to open on a college campus, and also the first in the country. This multimillion dollar innovation is one of the most widely-used facilities on campus and brings people from all over the country to the Lynchburg community. To build on its success and provide customers with more options, Snowflex is adding a new, larger and faster tubing run.

Students have been voicing their opinions about the shortage of the tubing options at Snowflex for a while. Originally, the slope was increased from the beginner level and later extended to reach down to the quarter pipe. However, the size and speed of these slopes did not provide that extra adrenaline rush to customers. In response to this, Snowflex management started brainstorming ideas on how to improve its tubing facilities.

Drew Sherwood, the general manager of Snowflex, plotted the original design ideas for new and improved tubing runs “using current conveyor lifts, having one start

at the very top of the mountain and the second run coming off the halfway point.”

He wanted to give tubers that extra rush. This idea was initially created a year-and-a-half ago. Once it passed approval by Chancellor Falwell, the designs were sent to Ed Carton and his team, who have made the tubing runs some of the most extreme on the East Coast.

Currently, the tubing runs are in the approval process, and the opening date will be announced soon.

Tubing attracts the most customers at Snowflex, which is why management saw the importance of building upon the existing facilities.

“We see about three times the amount of customers with tubing than we do with skiing or snowboarding,” Sherwood said. “Tubing doesn’t take any special ability, skills or practice to have fun. Everyone can tube no matter their age, size or ability.”

Oftentimes, the people who start out snow tubing at Snowflex gradually advance to skiing and snowboarding. Snowflex allows people to learn these skills without paying the steep prices commonly found at resorts. Lessons in these areas also

decrease the chance of injury and the amount of time it typically takes to learn.

Briton Engineering Developments, the world leader in snow sport centers, has planted Snowflex-type facilities in Hong Kong, Lebanon and France. However, out of the 30 centers around the world, Liberty’s is the only one open to the general public at all times. Snowflex has hosted many events and community activities, ranging from last summer’s Miss USA to a fundraising event, “Kaylin’s Kause,” which took place Saturday, Sept. 1.

Prior to the creation of Snowflex, people were limited to the times they could engage in winter sports like skiing, snowboarding and tubing, but now the public can participate in these activities year-round.

Sherwood encourages students to come to Liberty Mountain and try tubing, skiing, snowboarding and even the hot chocolate in the lodge.

NADEAU is a news reporter.

SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

Women’s Soccer

Field Hockey

Men’s Soccer

Men’s D1 Hockey

Triathlon

Men’s D2 Hockey

Liberty 0 Pittsburgh 1

Liberty 4 Penn 5

Liberty 0 George Washington 2

Liberty 9 Hampton Jr. A team 1

1st Joseph Anderson 01:05:18

Liberty 11 Hampton Jr. B team 1

Gillespie builds muscle, character Ashley Thomas athomas21@liberty.edu

He holds 44 world records and over 20 world champion titles. He is a former member of the Seattle Seahawks coaching staff, and now he serves as the strength and conditioning coach at Liberty University. He is Bill Gillespie.

At 35-years-old, what he said should be past his prime, Gillespie was benchpressing 450 pounds. Now, at the age of almost 53, he is still setting world records.

“I am currently the strongest man of all time over the age of 50, with a bench press of 766 pounds,” Gillespie said.

“I am also the oldest man to have ever benched over 800 pounds at 49.5 years old at 804-pounds at a open-age competition, and my son and I are the strongest father son duo.”

Just a month ago, Gillespie’s 804-pound record was beat by one pound. Gillespie is proud to admit that he is a lifetime drug-free athlete. He volunteers to get drug tested every time he sets a new world record.

“I’m still hoping and dreaming about coming back and breaking another world record,” Gillespie said. “If I could bench 800 pounds one more time, that would be phenomenal, but I haven’t decided.”

A 1983 graduate of Liberty, Gillespie said that he loves it here. He loved it when he went to school at Liberty and never complained about the dress code, which included wearing ties for men, or the food from the cafeteria. Even after Gillespie graduated and moved on to a successful career, he was always cheering for Liberty and hoping they would have a great football team.

Gillespie said that he trains insanely hard, about three to five times more a week than most of his competitors, and tries to instill a great work ethic in his players.

According to Gillespie, he wants the football team to learn that being a man means that you have to work. He said that the most frustrating thing is trying to make athletes see what they are capable of.

“I feel fulfilled when I am able to help other people. I want to build them bigger, faster and stronger,” Gillespie said. “You owe it to God to give it all you have, and if you’re going to call yourself a man, then you better know how to work. And if you don’t work, then don’t call yourself a man, and that’s what I try to teach these guys.”

“You have a responsibility to your

Ruth Bibby| Liberty Champion

COMMITTED — Prior to joining Flames, Gillespie trained the Seattle Seahawks. teammates, parents and to your coaches,” Gillespie said. “You made a commitment to come here, and you’re going to work.

When you work hard and work smart, then things happen.”

Competition between Gillespie and the athletes is never an issue.

“I’ve never lifted in front of the athletes because I don’t want them thinking I’m competing with them or I don’t want them thinking that what I do is more important than they are,” Gillespie said.

“I’m always

See GILLESPIE, B3

Another victory for V-ball Courtney Tyree cntyree@liberty.edu

back ready to go here next week.”

Liberty capitalized on an early turnover when a Norfolk State punt returner muffed a punt, which was then recovered by Kenny Scott at the Spartan 27-yard line. Hudson made them pay, hitting junior running back Aldreakis Allen on a 23-yard scoring strike to claim an early lead.

On their next possession, the Flames lost left guard Malcolm Boyd to a severe leg injury. Boyd’s injury required a stretcher and ambulance. Greg Ray, Boyd’s replacement, performed serviceably the rest of the game.

“As soon as Malcolm went down, we told Greg, the whole offense, even the coaching

The Lady Flames volleyball team arrived in Kent, Ohio, Sept. 7 looking to extend their seven match winning streak at the Kent State Mizuno Classic.

The Flames started the tournament hot, defeating Saint Francis in straight sets (25-20, 25-18, 25-16).

Sophomore outside hitter Ansley Gebben led the Flames with nine kills in the match. Freshman Haley Jeffcoat and junior Kendle Rollins were right behind with eight kills.

“Our outside hitters and middles did a really nice job of scoring against them. We put together a nice win there,” head coach Shane Pinder said.

Tournament host Kent State brought its game and made the match one to fight for. The Lady Flames won the first match (28-26) and the second (26-24).

Kent State was ready for a comeback though, winning the next two (27-25, 25-17), but the Lady Flames were determined to take back the fifth set.

The Lady Flames were leading the fifth and final set (12-5) when Kent State mounted one last comeback effort, scoring three straight points to pull within four. But the Lady Flames finished strong, winning the last set on a kill by Caroline Douglas (15-11).

Douglas posted a team-high 16 kills and Gebben added 12. Junior Jade Craycraft had 45 assists and 12 digs on the night. Sophomore Gabrielle Shipe had a team-high 19 digs and junior Becca Haraf contributed 10 more.

Pinder was proud of the way his team performed in a tight situation.

“It was one of those matches where it was kind of point-forpoint, and you had to execute to win,” Pinder said.

Riding the momentum of an eight-game winning streak, the Lady Flames were ready to take on

See FOOTBALL, B4

See VOLLEYBALL, B4

Ruth Bibby| Liberty Champion

INCHES — Running back Aldreakis Allen makes his last diving attempt to tie the game in the closing seconds.

Flames come up just short ­— again Gill still searching for first win after tough loss to Spartans Kyle Harvey kharvey@liberty.edu

Flames faithful that missed the fourth quarter of the season-opener against Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, N.C. got a rerun if they attended Liberty’s home opener against Norfolk State Saturday, Sept. 8.

In a stunningly similar turn of events in the final seconds of the game, Liberty held the ball in scoring position on fourth down at the one.

Against Wake Forest, it was Brian Hudson throwing to Justin Gunn. This week, it was Josh Woodrum throwing to fullback Nicky Fualaau. Woodrum had just taken

over for an injured Hudson and had moved the team 52 yards, one yard away from the Norfolk State goal line.

The ball hit Fualaau’s hands in the end zone — the same time the Spartan defender did. The Flames first win of the season tumbled to the ground and the Flames surrendered the ball on downs, having lost 31-24.

“I’m proud of our players. They played a very good opponent and we played pretty well there, particularly in the first half,” head coach Turner Gill said. “They played a little bit better than us in the second half.

But I thought that we had a good game plan … we had a few executions we didn’t do as well with in the second half. But we’ll get these things corrected and we’ll come

SPORTS

B2/Liberty Champion

September 11, 2012

Panthers slash Lady Flames 1-0 Jay Sir ysir@liberty.edu

It seems that the weather at Liberty University favored the women’s soccer game between Liberty and the University of Pittsburg. Rain poured from Tuesday to Thursday of last week, but let up on Friday just in time for the women’s soccer game, before raining again on Saturday.

According to libertyflames.com, 473 fans enjoyed the 84-degree weather at Osborne stadium. Pittsburg University’s Riliegh McHugh scored the only goal in Friday’s match as the Panthers claimed a 1-0 victory over Liberty’s Lady Flames.

“I thought Pittsburg had great pressure,” Liberty women’s soccer team head coach Jessica Hain said. “They had a good game plan, and they have some key players that are able to move side-to-side.”

The goal was scored in the 14th minute. Pittsburg’s McHugh dribbled the ball down the left wing and shot it from outside the 18-yard box, beating the goalkeeper. There was a brief moment of confusion because the officials did not blow the whistle right away, but the shot was pronounced legal when referee Susan Walton finally raised both of her arms to signal the goal.

“The first goal was a cross, and it happened to go into the goal,” Hain said.

The Lady Flames and the Panthers played a close game. Pittsburg outshot Liberty 11-9 and produced three corner kicks compared to Liberty’s one. Lady Flames goalie Karen Blocker also produced three saves in goal, while Pittsburg’s Nicole D’agostino produced two saves.

“There was a lot of pressure,” Liberty defender Alex Mack said. “Our defense stayed pretty composed, and we were able to keep the ball out and counter-attack a lot, so it was a really good game.”

The first half of the game began with the Panthers pressuring the Lady Flames as Pittsburg’s Ashley Cuba took the first shot in the ninth minute. Four minutes lat-

Jake Mitchell | Liberty Champion

HEARTBREAK — Pittsburg snapped Liberty’s three game winning streak as the Lady Flames were shut-out Friday. er, Pittsburg’s McHugh took a long-range shot, making the score 1-0.

In the 23rd minute, McHugh found herself in a favorable position as she caught up with a pass sent behind Liberty’s defenders, but the ball was muscled out of her control by Liberty’s Mack.

The Lady Flames almost evened the score in the 28th minute when Crystal Elmers took a shot in front of the Panther’s goal, but the shot was deflected off a defender. Not a minute later, Elmers found herself rushing for the ball behind the Panthers defense, but it was intercepted

by Pittsburg’s D’agostino before a shot could be made.

“I think that in the first half, we played a

little bit timid,” Hain said. “I think in the second half, it was totally different, and I think we had a huge sense of urgency to get to goal.”

In the second period, Crystal Elmers took a shot 16-yards from the goal, but the shot sailed over the crossbar. The Panthers started to push back immediately as Pittsburg’s Dana Dellefemine dribbled up the right side of the field and shot at goal, but the ball was caught by Liberty’s Blocker.

The Lady Flames produced two more saves when Pittsburg’s McHugh tested the goalkeeper at the 66th minute, and Charlebois found her shot in the hands of Blocker at the 72nd minute. The Lady Flames pressured the Panthers for the rest

of the game, but they were unable to convert plays into a goal.

Friday night’s loss concludes the threewin streak for the Lady Flames, but Liberty’s Alex Mack is keeping her head up.

“I thought it went really well,” Mack said. “My team did a great job of possessing the ball, we just needed to go towards goal, but it was great competition.”

The Lady Flames will be playing their next four games at home and will be playing George Washington University Sept.

14 at 7 p.m.

SIR is a sports reporter.

Title IX turns 40 An analysis of equality in the world of sports Hannah Kearney hlkearney@liberty.edu

Elliot Mosher| Liberty Champion

BATTLING — Liberty Flames prepare to face off against the Grizzlies.

Flames head west Derrick Battle dbattle2@liberty.edu

After a difficult loss against No.24ranked Norfolk State Spartans in Liberty’s home opener Saturday, Sept. 8 the Liberty Flames football team focuses on their upcoming matchup with the Montana Grizzlies.

Grizzlies bring a ground gain The Grizzlies played from behind when they faced Appalachian State and lost 35-27 over the past weekend, which dropped their record to 1-1 on the season.

Quarterback Trent McKinney is a stat stuffer and a defensive coordinator’s nightmare, dangerous with both his arm and legs. Along with running backs Dan Moore and Peter Nguyen, McKinney completes their three-headed monster on the ground. During the first two games of the season, these three have averaged 396 yards rushing.

The Flames defense did not have any questions to answer after its game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, but they will need to address their run defense. The Flames allowed over 250 yards on the ground, most of it coming from Spartans running back Brendan Riddick. He ran for 150 yards and three touchdowns.

Staying consistent After two games, it is obvious the Flames play at a high-intensity level.

However, they will need that high intensity for an entire game.

At matches against both the Demon

Deacons and the Spartans, the Flames have had an early lead, only to watch it evaporate during the course of the game.

Going into Washington-Grizzly stadium in Missoula, Mont., it will be important for the Flames to stay on top and keep the 25,000 fans quiet.

Not a good sign In Saturday’s game, the Flames lost starting offensive guard Malcolm Boyd to an apparent leg injury in the first quarter.

Boyd, a senior, was not only the leader on the offensive line, but also an All-Conference and All-American this season.

Quarterback Brian Hudson, who finished the game against the Spartans passing for 144 yards and a touchdown, left the game late in the fourth quarter with an unknown injury. Hudson’s injury may not be serious, and he should be available to play against the Grizzlies.

With the 31-24 loss to Norfolk State, the Flames fell to 0-2 for the first time since 2003. The Flames also had their ninegame home opening winning streak, and a four-game home winning streak dating back to last season snapped. Against the Grizzlies, the Flames will also try to avoid a 0-3 start to the season, which would be the first since 2003.

Going West The Flames will travel to Missoula, Mont., to face the Montana Grizzlies Saturday, Sept.15 at 3:30. It will be their longest trip in 12 years.

BATTLE is the asst. sports editor.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of legislation put into place that drastically changed university sports programs forever – Title IX. Created in 1972, the legislation bans gender discrimination within athletics. The regulations require all schools to adhere to special standards concerning women’s sports.

According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, an advocacy group founded in 1974 by tennis superstar Billie Jean King, the Title IX Act states that “no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

In order to maintain federal funding, universities must provide athletic opportunities proportional to the ratio of residential male and female students.

In other words, if a school with a population of 75 percent women offers 12 NCAA sports, nine of them must be women’s, to provide women with an equal opportunity to participate in sports if they choose.

Liberty University athletics are NCAA Division I and consist of 20 teams.

According to a fact sheet on libertry.edu, Liberty’s residential population is 51 percent female and 49 percent male. Although the ratio is close to 50-50 now, at times it has been difficult to adhere to these specific standards. Liberty University has had to

Elliot Mosher | Liberty Champion

PARALLEL — Equal opportunity for women athletics. make changes in the past to keep within the requirements set by the Title IX Legislation.

In order to comply with this federal law, three new women’s sports have been added to Liberty’s athletic program in recent years. According to the Title IX statement on libertyflames.com, women’s lacrosse was added in 2009, women’s swimming in 2010 and women’s field hockey in 2011.

In addition to the new women’s sports, the Flames were forced to subtract one of its men’s programs in 2011. According to the Liberty Flames Club Sports website, Liberty’s wrestling team was reclassified as a club sport following the 2011 season.

While this change brought much contention when first put into place, 61 new female participants have been added. According to the Title IX statement on libertyflames.com, the growth of the new programs will bring the number of new female participants to 80.

Failure to adhere to the strict standards of Title IX can cause serious consequences within university athletics. The Women’s Sports Foundation states that federal funds will be withdrawn if the standards are not met.

According to libertyflames.com, the Liberty Athletics Department has specific procedures to maintain the standards outlined in Title IX. The first objective is to publicize the procedure so that the varsity status of a club team or individual can be requested.

The sports request form can be found on the Liberty Flames website at any time.

Liberty’s athletic procedures also consist of conducting interest and ability surveys among the female population every two years to gauge interest levels for potential new teams.

Furthermore, the university actively researches the female sports participation at the high school level in their competitive region.

Every year, athletics examines the female state championships being held in the top 10 states represented in Liberty’s student population.

Those interested in requesting the addition of a new intercollegiate sport can download the sport request form. Completed forms must be delivered to the director of athletics before a hearing can be held.

KEARNEY is a sports reporter.

SPORTS

September 11, 2012

Refs will not budge Olivia Witherite ogwitherite@liberty.edu

The NFL regular season kicked off Wednesday, Sept. 5 when the Dallas Cowboys defeated the defending Super Bowl Champion, the New York Giants. Fans took their seats, players took the field and coaches paced the sidelines, but unlike previous years, the regular NFL referees were not anywhere near MetLife Stadium.

In the middle of a labor union dispute, the referees could not reach an agreement with the NFL on salary and benefits prior to the start of the season, which means that for the time being, they will be watching games from their couches as opposed to throwing the flag on the field after an illegal formation.

As it stands, the NFL has refused to budge on a proposed raise for the referees from $150,000 to $200,000. The issue is a $50 to $70 million dispute on a five- to seven-year deal — roughly one percent of the NFL’s total revenue, according to Darren Rovell of ESPN. Also at stake for the referees is the current benefits program, which the commissioner and the league want to drop.

In lieu of the regular referees, replacements have been hired. The replacements are a group consisting of collegiate referees, high school referees and even a former lingerie league referee. Replacement head referees are currently making $3,500 per game. All other replacement referees are making $3,000 per game. These replacements have been the subject of much controversy in the preseason after botching various calls, deferring to the incorrect team and stumbling through rulings.

“The NFL spends a lot of time and effort to identify officials that they’re going to be bring into the league,’’ Scott Green, a 21-year veteran referee, said to AOL Sporting News. “It’s not an overnight process. It’s a several-year process.”

“Normally, you have one rookie on a seven-person crew,” Green said. “I can’t remember in my 21 years more than one rookie being on a crew. It’s got to be unsettling for coaches, for players and for fans to think that you’re going to put seven people out there in the regular season that have never been in that situation.”

According to John Clayton on SportsCenter, there have been no further advancements to working out a deal as of Sept. 5.

“I think our officials did a more than adequate job (in the season opener), and I think that we’ve proven that we can train them and get them up to NFL standards,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said at the Bloomberg Sports Business Summit, as originally reported by ESPN. Compounding the current lack of progress, there are also no meetings scheduled between the referee labor union and the NFL. Despite the fact that further controversy could arise from the situation, expect to see replacement referees taking the field for at least the first few weeks of the 2012 season. When and if regular referees reach an agreement with the NFL this season, they will have to undergo training before taking the field, which generally takes about 10 days, according the Associated Press.

In the first game of the regular season, there was little controversy regarding the replacement referees. The Cowboys opened the season with a dominating performance and a 24-17 win over the Giants.

WITHERITE is a sports reporter.

GILLESPIE continued from B1 focused on wanting to help them become as good as they can become.”

From a player’s standpoint, Gillespie is a terrific model to emulate.

“He’s been a role model for me because when I came to Liberty I wasn’t a man — everything he’s taught us, the hard work he’s put into us and how he talks about God and putting Him in your life,” offensive lineman Stan Herring said.

“Coach Gillespie is…the description of what a godly man should look like,” tight end Brandon Apon said. “He is excellent at his profession and takes pride in what he does, but at the same time, he’s not afraid to be transparent about his faith in his work. He has been a good example of someone who doesn’t sell out and someone who can unite the two. He’s passionate and so hardworking, and that sets him apart from other men.”

Gillespie said that God has blessed football at Liberty as it makes incredible progress, striving every year to reach Dr. Jerry Falwell’s dream.

“I knew I could be committing coaching suicide to walk away from the NFL,” Gillespie said. “But I walked away from it and came to Liberty. Every time I come here, it has had to be a sacrifice.

The first time I came here for school, I had to ride a bus for 84 hours from Tacoma, Wash. with no money, and this time I had to walk away from the NFL.” The football season has begun, and the test of hard work will quickly be shown, Gillespie said.

“I know that this is the most powerful football team we’ve ever had, but we also have the toughest schedule we’ve ever had here at Liberty,” Gillespie said. “We

Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion

ALUMNUS — Gillespie graduated from Liberty in 1983, returned in 2005. could end up with a win-loss that doesn’t “Coach Bill has been a father figure really represent how good this football for me from a distance,” Apon said. team is because our guys have worked “We haven’t gone fishing together or hard, and they’re excited and believe in gone out to eat, but just to come in here coach Gill and where he can lead us.” everyday, he’s always intentional about Considering that his children have what he says and does. He’s taught me been able to experience Liberty, that real men work and real men love Gillespie says that the move from Seattle Jesus, and it isn’t a girly thing at all, but to Lynchburg has been well worth it. a very manly thing.”

Furthermore, having total freedom to share the word of God has provided Gillespie an opportunity to develop an incredible ministry with his players.

THOMAS is a sports reporter.

FOOTBALL continued from B1 staff, ‘We believe in you,’” Allen said.

“We were still able to do the things we wanted to do, having Greg Ray in the game,” Gill said.

The running game was among the successes claimed by the patched-up offensive line, with Allen grinding his way to 127 yards on the ground.

“I thought he came in and gave us a lift,” Gill said. “He showed some big play ability, being able to make people miss and catch the ball a little bit and run the ball — some great runs.”

However, the Spartan running game, led by running back Brendon Riddick, had no difficulty moving down the field either. Riddick gained 71 yards on a run up the middle on the Spartans first scoring drive, breaking several tackles and nearly finding the end zone. He found it a couple of plays later on a one-yard run that evened the score at seven.

The Flames answered immediately.

Team captain Kevin Fogg, last year’s national kickoff return leader, returned to his 2011 form, bringing the ball back 67 yards even after a holding penalty was assessed. The return gave Liberty prime starting field position at the Spartan 43yard line.

Pat Kelly moved the chains on the first play of the drive, leapfrogging a defender en route to a 29-yard gain down to the Spartan 14. SirChauncey Holloway put the ball in the end zone shortly thereafter on a six-yard carry. John Lunsford tacked on a 36-yard field goal to give Liberty a 17-7 advantage at the half.

In the second half, Riddick continued to punish the Liberty defense, score a 10yard touchdown run. The point after attempt was blocked, making the score 1713. Riddick would finish the game with 150 yards rushing.

The Spartans scored again just over a minute later on an 83-yard punt return

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SACK ATTACK — The Flames front seven made life miserable for Spartan QBs. On Liberty’s next offensive possession,

by Keith Johnson to take the lead. A twopoint conversion attempt failed, leaving a contested call on a fumble by Hudson the score 19-17. Fogg answered with a led to a 41-yard runback for a Spartan 77-yard punt return, to regain the lead touchdown. Hudson was injured on the play and did not return. Reaction to the for Liberty 24-19. “(Fogg) is a big time playmaker for us in call was not favorable.

“I’m not going to comment on the ref every phase — defense and special teams when he gets a chance to touch the ball,” situation there but being three feet away Gill said. “He made some outstanding it certainly looked like (Hudson) was plays for us on the defensive side of the down,” Pat Kelly said. “Not a whole lot ball and obviously a great punt return we can do about it, we thought we could that was a big thing that lifted our second review the play — couldn’t do it. The refs made the call, and that was the end half for us.”

Fogg’s efforts were spoiled by special of it.”

Perspectives from the near sideline teams mistakes. Twice in the fourth quarter the Flames defense forced a punting were similar.

“I thought he was down, but in AA we situation, but the Spartans offense was able to stay on the field. A successful fake don’t get the whole challenge thing. It punt resulted in a two-yard touchdown kind of sucks, but if they don’t make the run by Riddick, and a running into the call, then you got to play ball,” Fogg said. kicker call on an ensuing drive spoiled a gutsy defensive stand and allowed the Spartans to run additional time off the clock.

HARVEY is the sports editor.

SPORTS

B4/Liberty Champion

September 11, 2012

Hudson’s journey to field general

The Stafford, Va. native will continue to grow into new leadership role Jonathan Pearson jwpearson@liberty.edu

The Liberty Flames football team kicked off their home schedule Saturday, Sept. 8. The lights came on in Williams Stadium for the first time this season, and all eyes were on starting quarterback Brian Hudson.

Hudson has already impressed many people this season, including assistant head coach Carl Torbush.

“I thought for the first game as a starter in a hostile environment that he showed great composure and great leadership ability,” Torbush said. “He made very few bad decisions. Overall, I thought that he did an outstanding job for his first time as a starter here at Liberty.”

Senior wide receiver Pat Kelly is also impressed with Hudson, but more so in his interactions with the team off the field.

“My relationship with Brian has come a long way,” Kelly said. “It used to be that we wouldn’t really see each other a whole lot even though we are on the same team.

He was kind of off to himself and kind of a quiet guy. He has definitely come a long way with the new leadership role as the starting quarterback. He has branched out — he’s had to. He’s stepped up in his leadership and interacting with the other guys a lot too. It is cool to see him developing in that aspect.”

“In the locker room, he knows when to be quiet, but he also likes to relax and have a good time — kind of let his hair down, you could say. He likes to joke around and hang out with the guys,” Kelly said.

The real question that is plaguing the student body is “who is the man behind the helmet wearing the number 18?”

Hudson, a junior, says that he is already noticing changes in his position.

“It’s a lot different than being a third string quarterback,” Hudson said. “It has its benefits, and also a lot more responsibility. I am trying to embrace every aspect of it. So far, I had a great time last weekend. Even though we had a loss, I still took

V-BALL continued from B1 Marshall in the final round of the tournament Sept. 8.

Marshall, on the other hand, was determined to not let the Flames streak reach nine. The Thundering Herd swept the match, winning three straight sets (25-18, 25-19, 25-15).

Marshall had a hitting average of .306, compared to Liberty’s .181.

Douglas paced the Flames with nine kills for the afternoon. Senior Loren Thomas collected seven kills and nine blocks. Craycraft had 23 assists, six kills and six digs.

“Marshall did a nice job in that match and outplayed us. There is no doubt about that, but they were just

Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion

HIS TIME — After three years of watching from the sidelines, Hudson has proven himself to be a solid QB, both on and off the field. a lot away from it, and so did my team- of football.

“After graduation, I’ll see how football mates.”

Academic achievement is just as impor- goes, but if that doesn’t work out, then tant as accomplishments for student-ath- I will think about going to chiropractor letes. Hudson is confident that he handles school or physical therapy school,” Hudson said. that aspect well.

Every athlete has someone who influ“I think I manage being a student and an athlete pretty well. I think I use my ences him or her, and Hudson is no diftime wisely. I should be graduating early ferent.

“My parents are my biggest influence in December. I should have most of my hardest classes out of the way, so I can on and off the field. They have always hopefully use that time to focus on football provided encouragement and support in everything I do, even when I don’t believe a little bit more,” Hudson said.

“When I’m not playing football, I really in myself or my football career,” Hudson like to hang out and lay low, play some said. “I didn’t play for a while because I video games and watch some movies like red shirted my freshmen year, and then I was third string again the next year. They the typical college student.”

Like many student athletes, Hudson have always been there for me and enhopes to someday play at a professional couraging me. They are my support syslevel, but he does have other goals outside tem.”

better than us in that moment,” Pinder said.

The Lady Flames may have fallen short against Marshall, but were able to finish the tournament with a 2-1 record.

Douglas and Thomas were named to the all-tournament team.

“I think this group will show great resolve and get ready to play University of Virginia and Virginia Tech next weekend,” Pinder said.

Liberty will head to Charlottesville, Va. on Saturday, Sept. 15, where they will take on Virginia Tech at 1 p.m. and UVA at 7 p.m. in the Virginia Tournament.

Hudson is confident that he can lead the Flames to a successful season this year, and he is ready to battle for his teammates.

“I feel like we have a great chance to have a successful season this year. We’ve got a lot of special talents on this team We are very close knit, and we have great chemistry. I think the sky is the limit for us,” Hudson said. “I think that being quarterback is a great opportunity for me to help lead the way for these guys and to win for them. I want to win for the seniors, most importantly. This is their last go-around, so I am going to try everything that I can for them to make this the greatest season that they’ve ever had.”

Every athlete’s preparation for a game or a season is unique, and the effort put in is reflected when it is “fourth and one,” and the coach opts not to punt.

“This offseason, I tried to work as hard as I could in the weight room and I tried to get faster because I knew that I would have to run the ball this season for us,” Hudson said. “Also, I tried to get as comfortable as I could with the playbook. I knew the more I knew the playbook, the greater chance I would have to play and the more comfortable I got with it the easier it would be come game time.”

Hudson came to Liberty to peruse his athletic career and is excited to hear the first “LU” chant echo off the press box at Williams Stadium.

“I chose Liberty because it was the best opportunity that I would have to play division one football and receive a scholarship. So far, it has worked out with me, and I am happy with my decision.”

The Flames have their sights set on this weekend’s upcoming game against the University of Montana, and though they will be a long way away from their home field, Hudson seems ready to lead his school up against one of the toughest teams in the Mid-West.

PEARSON is a sports reporter.

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FEATURE

September 11, 2012

Liberty Champion/B5

Ruth Bibby | Liberty Champion

HAVE WE GOT A SHOW FOR YOU — Phil Vischer made his second appearance in two years at Liberty University’s convocation, sharing how God has led him.

‘Veggie Tales’ co-creator visits Liberty Animator and voice artist Phil Vischer speaks about his experience with the show at convocation Greg Leasure gleasure@liberty.edu

The co-creator of the Christian children’s show “Veggie Tales” and the familiar voice behind characters such as Bob the Tomato, Mr. Lunt and Pa Grape spoke at Liberty University convocation for the second time Monday, Sept. 3.

Many Liberty students grew up watching stories from the Bible acted out on television by talking vegetables, and Phil Vischer was one of the architects of the program.

“I thought it was really cool,” Liberty senior Justin Lile said.

“There aren’t too many Christian successes in the movie and TV industry. A lot of them might be seen as cheesy and not welldone or produced. So it’s really cool to see a big success story and for him to be able to come talk to us.”

Vischer spoke to students about his personal struggles after his company, Big Idea Produc-

tions, went bankrupt and how God used those events to teach him something.

According to his website, philvischer.com, all of the company’s assets, including characters, films and songs, were sold through a public auction. Although he no longer owns the rights, he still voices numerous characters for the company that now owns “Veggie Tales,” in addition to writing one episode per year and consulting on others.

“It’s hard to create characters and then lose connection with them,” Vischer said. “It’s kind of like raising children and having the state take them away. It has allowed me to go much deeper with my newer work, whereas ‘Veggie Tales’ became completely absorbing. I didn’t have time to think about anything else. So, it’s not fun, but it’s good for me.”

According to Vischer, learning to follow God and trust Him with what he should do next was the hardest part of the ordeal.

“It’s not that (God) wants me to

worry,” Vischer said.

“He just wants me to trust. It kind of feels like He’s leading me across a river, raising stepping stones. ‘ Ve g g i e Ta l e s ’ w a s this big, massive, s o l i d ground financially, and now I’m going out into this river to find what’s next.”

Vischer said that being comfortable with the unknown has been something that he has had to learn to adjust to, and much of his two appearances at Liberty’s convocation was devoted to that subject.

In spite of his struggles, the self-proclaimed animator and

puppeteer has landed on his feet with a few new projects.

The “Phil Vischer Podcast” is a weekly talk show that can be found on iTunes, and it takes a look at current events and news from a Christian perspective.

According to Vischer, his other projects include “What’s in the Bible,” a box set of DVDs that take children deeper into the Bible, and jellytelly.com, a website with videos and games similar to a Christian “Nickelodeon.”

For many Liberty students, including Lile, Vischer will always be remembered for his Bible-believing vegetables.

“I actually own a couple episodes of ‘Veggie Tales,’” Lile said. “I watched them at va-

cation bible school and at my house.”

Now that he has more time, Vischer has started to make more speaking appearances, and to his surprise, he has enjoyed it.

“Speaking is more fun than I thought it would be because I’m shy,” Vischer said. “I’m an introvert, which is why I was an animator and a puppeteer, not an actor. Speaking is actually fun.”

Speaking to large amounts of people is not the only unfamiliar thing God has led Vischer to do in nine years since Big Idea’s bankruptcy, and he still does not know what else God has in store for him in the future. But just like what he told Liberty students in convocation, that is a burden for God to carry. All Vischer has to do is take things one stepping stone at a time.

LEASURE is the feature editor.

Intramural sports constantly improving Chase Smith csmith13@liberty.edu

From basketball to broomball, athletic-minded students are always looking for a sport to get involved in, and the Liberty University Intramural Sports Program works to accommodate them.

Given the growing number of students who participate, Liberty has added more intramural sports options and a number of new facilities to host these sports.

“The large number of student participation has influenced the growth of the new intramural sports facilities,” Ed Barnhouse, Liberty’s Director of Intramural Sports, said. “When I came to Liberty in 1994, there were five sports: basketball, volleyball, flag football, soccer and softball, and there were only two facilities that we used. We have added more than a dozen facilities and we offer more than 20 sports for the students to choose from.”

Barnhouse also said that Liberty’s construction over the summer included the Liberty Mountain Intramural Complex, which will host four additional fields that can be used for flag football, ultimate frisbee or softball.

“There is also a natural grass softball field that will be located at this complex, and two additional volleyball courts will be added as well,” Barnhouse said.

“All of these new facilities that were being built over the summer are complete, minus the completion of the new Liberty Mountain Complex, which will

Greg Leasure | Liberty Champion

FINISHING TOUCHES — Construction nears completion on new intramural facilities located under the Liberty Monogram. be finished later this month.”

Liberty strives to provide the best college experience possible to its students, and these intramural sports programs are just one way they do that, Barnhouse said.

“From what I understand from my friends at other colleges, Liberty’s intramural facilities are some of the best,” Liberty junior Robert Ingersoll said. “I would recommend to others to play because it gives you an oppor-

tunity to relax from the stress of school and have some fun spending time with your brothers and sisters in Christ.”

According to the intramural sports website, playing on a team allows the students to grow individually and as a unit as they gain new friends. It is an outlet for people to take a break from their studies as they improve their own physical health.

“Liberty’s new facilities are amazing, and I love the constant

changes they are making to improve and promote the experience,” Liberty junior Donnie Hoff said. “I’ve played intramural sports at Liberty for three years now. I have played indoor and outdoor soccer, coed indoor volleyball, basketball and softball.”

Barnhouse also participated in intramural sports as a college student, and that decision continues to benefit him.

“Intramural sports give the

students a chance to get involved, get some exercise and meet new friends,” Barnhouse said. “It is a chance to go out and compete with your peers. Many of the people who I played intramural sports with 20 years ago in college are still my closest friends.”

More information about intramural sports can be found at imleagues.com/liberty.

SMITH is a feature reporter.

FEATURE

B6/Liberty Champion

September 11, 2012

Festival showcases Downtown Lynchburg Kourtney Trivett kdtrivett@liberty.edu

The city of Lynchburg took to the streets Friday night, Sept. 7 as people flooded downtown for the fourth annual Get!Downtown street festival.

The event began at 6 p.m. with buses shuttling people in from all around the city. Within moments, the streets filled with sights and sounds. Various venders, including local restaurants and boutiques, lined the street to hand out samples and discounts for their businesses.

Even though the event was initially designed for college students, it now appeals to all different types of Lynchburg residents.

“Get!Downtown was originally started with college students in mind,” Stephanie Keener, the communications and events coordinator of Lynch’s Landing, said. “It is a great way to meet other students from all the other schools in the area.”

Although this may have been the intended purpose, Get!Downtown has become much more than an event for local college students.

“It really has become a familyfriendly event,” Keener said.

Some festival attendees came just to see what the excitement was all about, and others were there for a specific purpose, such as getting a free pedicure or having the opportunity to see local artists. For Liberty University student Josh Wade, this was a way for him to “see some of the local businesses and support the community.”

Although it is far from an official count, Keener said they expected anywhere from 8,000 to

Abby Kourkounakis | Liberty Champion

CITY LIFE — Lynchburg residents and college students alike took a night to experience what downtown has to offer Friday, Sept. 7.

10,000 people to show up.

“This is a great chance for everyone to come together. Where else can you see break dancers, hula-hoopers and all these other things in the same place?” Keener said.

The entertainment was not limited to dancing and hulahooping, though. There were

face painters, people on stilts, live music and more.

“It feels just like I’m leaving a fair,” Liberty student Emily Becker said.

The White Hart, a coffee shop lying right in the midst of the event, was overflowing with customers. Not only were they open for business, but they also had

a table outside promoting new products. Employee Whittney Chaula said that the reason they participated in the event was for their own business and for the sake of other local businesses.

For Liberty student Cecilia Hines, the event gave her a new appreciation of the city.

“I didn’t know Lynchburg was

this cool,” Hines said.

Next year, Get!Downtown will be celebrating its fifth anniversary, and Keener said that plans are already in the works.

TRIVETT is a feature reporter.

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FEATURE

September 11, 2012

Liberty Champion/B7

Video leads to Instagram adventure Sara Warrender

sewarrender2@liberty.edu

This summer, two Liberty University students set off on a voyage directed toward the search for creative photos and their 10,000 Instagram followers throughout the United States. Known as the Pilgramers, Jody Johnston and Ryan Carl embarked on their adventure through 24 cities in 24 days after posting a funny video on YouTube entitled “Stuff Instagramers Say.�

The fast-paced video includes multiple clips of Johnston and Carl acting out humorous ways that people sometimes use the photo sharing application Instagram.

A few short days after the video was created, their video was posted on Instagram’s official blog and was tweeted to the application’s massive network of followers. “We decided to take Jody’s character, the funny character in the video, and bring him around the country,� Carl said.

Because of this idea, the two set a goal to spread community values by showing love wherever they went. They used Instagram to travel the country, capturing God’s beauty through creative pictures.

Five small words marked the beginning of a worldwide adventure for these guys. “Hey, you wanna go gramming?�

Throwing their bags in the back of their white Toyota Corolla, the pair were directed by their 10,000 followers through pictures posted with a hash tag that served as a location generator. “Our goal was to go into a city, post on our Instagram account that we would be meeting in a certain location and Instagramers all around the city would come out and tangibly spend a day together taking pictures,� Carl said.

With the help of Thomas Fischer, who directed their adventure’s video audio bytes, the two formed relationships in many different corners of the country.

The meetings, referred to as Instameets, ranged from 60 or 70 people to the largest meeting of 120 people on the Santa Monica pier in Los Angeles, Calif. “It wasn’t like crowd control though.

Everyone was busy getting to know each other and getting to know us,� Johnston said.

Photos Provided

ROAD TRIP — Liberty students Jody Johnston and Ryan Carl traveled the country this summer taking creative Instagram pictures.

Designing new ideas for their followers and collecting them through Instagram hash tags, the Pilgramers created the perspective project, deadstagram, underwater gram and a project intended to raise up Aurora, Colo. after the recent theater shooting. These ideas came to life during the Instameets and reverberated throughout the Instagram community after their departure.

Before this trip began on July 4, Johnston and Carl agreed that they would not miss the anticipated premiere of The Dark Knight Rises. They planned to watch the premiere with the Denver community and enjoy one night of relaxation. “We would have been in Denver. The day before, we had been given four free tickets to Disneyland, so we went there and drove through the night. The shooting happened as we were driving,� Carl said.

The Pilgramers visited Denver the day after the shooting, following their original plan. Hesitant smiles and cheeks damp with tears greeted these Liberty travelers as they pulled their car to a stop in the

heart of the community. “We were able to love, hug and cry with family members and friends who had just gone through that horrible tragedy,�

Johnston said. “Raise up Aurora� was a hash tag project created to challenge all of Instagram to stand up against violence. Johnston and Carl’s original intention of spreading community values was soon heightened in an area that was completely shocked and shattered in one tragic night.

Close to 1,500 photos were submitted by their followers the first few days following the shooting. Many of the individuals that Johnston and Carl visited would frequently ask them what made them

different. These questions often gave the Pilgramers a chance to tell people about God and, on occasion, have spontaneous prayer meetings or miniature revivals in the cities they visited. “I’m so glad that God could use our little trip in such a way, just to build relationships with people,� Johnston said.

After traveling to many cities marked by sleepless nights of driving, the summer adventure was completed Aug. 1 in Nashville, Tenn. Johnston and Carl plan to tour again, possibly carrying their vision overseas and bringing community to as many people as they can reach.

WARRENDER is a feature reporter.

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FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

Ruth Bibby| Liberty Champion

ALLUVION SOARS — Chris Nelson (middle) participated in Alluvion Stage Company’s debut show “Peter Pan.” Alluvion will perform “Tarzan” in the spring of 2013.

Production schedule evokes excitement Liberty Department of Theatre Arts kicks off its fall season of shows with ‘Into the Woods,’ opening Sept. 21 Greg Leasure gleasure@liberty.edu

Every new semester means another chance for the Liberty University Department of Theatre Arts to entertain audiences and take them to a different world through their performances on stage.

This semester, they have the chance to do that with four different shows, each providing their own type of flair. The theater season will begin Sept. 21 with “Into the Woods,” followed by “The Glass Menagerie,” “Leaving Iowa” and “She Loves Me.” “I am looking forward to some shows that I’m not even involved in,” Liberty senior theatre arts major Rachel Day said. “I think it’s a really good chance for the actors in our department to try their hand at roles that are more difficult, more deep and more characteristic of what we might find when we graduate. I think that the people in this department have strength to excel in

their craft in those difficult roles.”

The premiere show of the semester, Professor Linda Nell Cooper’s “Into the Woods,” has been performed at Liberty before, but Cooper plans to do things a little differently for its debut performance in Liberty’s Tower Theater. “‘Into the Woods’ is a really neat concept, a little different than most people are going to be thinking,” Assistant Professor Chris Nelson said. “I think people are really going to enjoy the direction that the production has taken. We’ve actually done this show a couple times in the past, but this will be a new twist on it visually. I think that people will really enjoy it.”

According to Nelson, “Into the Woods” will include classic characters such as Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella, and it features challenging music written by Steven Sondheim for the actors to perform.

Day will be playing the role of the witch in “Into the Woods,” and her role does come with its

share of challenges.

“It is hands-down the most challenging role I have ever been given,” Day said. “So it is really exciting, but it is also a little daunting. Just the music alone is extremely challenging. On top of that, this role is kind of a dual role in that I undergo an enormous physical, emotional and mental transformation halfway through the show. So I almost have to play two characters.”

Nelson, director of the yearend play “She Loves Me,” will get the chance to see his version of a well-known story performed.

The show he will direct is based on a play that inspired movies such as “The Shop Around the Corner” and “You’ve Got Mail.”

“It’s about two coworkers that can’t stand each other but don’t know that they’re pen pals and are secretly in love with each other,” Nelson said. “It’s a romantic comedy, and it ends around Christmas time.”

Assistant Professor Neal Brasher will direct Tennessee Williams’ play “The Glass Me-

nagerie,” and Assistant Professor Andrew Geffken will be directing this semester’s workshop show entitled “Leaving Iowa.”

Alluvion Stage Company is another part of Liberty’s Department of Theatre Arts that has people looking toward the future.

“It’s a professional wing of the department which allows us to treat it as a professional show,” Nelson said. “The actors, and those that work on the show in any capacity, get paid as if they’re working a show. It gives them a professional credit for their resume, but it also ups the ante in terms of what is expected. Professional-level work is expected of those that are participating in all the different areas.”

According to Nelson, Alluvion allows Liberty to bring shows to central Virginia that people in that area might not have been able to see. According to Nelson, “Tarzan,” the next Alluvion show to come to the Tower Theater stage in the spring, might not have been offered within a

200- to 300-mile radius.

Nelson even played Captain Hook alongside some of his students in Alluvion’s debut spring 2012 production of “Peter Pan.” The timing of Alluvion’s first show turned out to be perfect for Day. “That was the only reason that I was able to return to school, having those funds,” Day said.

“So Alluvion kind of saved my education, to be honest. I think it’s a huge miracle. We have seen miracle after miracle here, with the new Tower Theater and now Alluvion. God is just so good.”

Even though Alluvion Stage Company will have to wait until the spring to put on another performance, the cast of “Into the Woods” is hard at work rehearsing for its debut.

For more information about the Liberty Department of Theatre Arts, visit the Theatre Arts page at liberty.edu.

LEASURE is the feature editor.

Liberty to select ‘Parent of the Year’ The Liberty Family and Parent Connections office will choose one parent to honor for the third annual award

Daniel Bartlett dbartlett@liberty.edu

Whether it is waking up early in the morning to change a soiled diaper or forking out a small fortune to make sure children have the best of the best, the word sacrifice hardly shows the love and compassion that parents have for their child.

For Liberty University, it has become a great honor to welcome parents and family out to Family Weekend each year. For the past three years, Liberty has also had the tradition of honoring a student’s parents for the sacrifices they have endured to send their child to school.

Director of the Family and Parent Connections office, Theresa Dunbar, announced that they will be hosting the Parent of the Year Award The contest again deadline this year.

Over 293 for all families have contest registered to attend this applicants year, with an to turn expected atin essays tendance of will be over 2,000 family memmidnight, bers, Dunbar Sept. 16. said.

FYI

“The purpose is for families to come and reconnect with their student,” Dunbar said. “We want Liberty to be a family school.”

The idea for the Parent of the Year Award, according to Dunbar, actually originated from studying parent weekends at other colleges, specifically Virginia Tech.

Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Mark Hine observed what Virginia Tech did for their parent weekend, and after seeing their parent award, he suggested ideas that helped form Liberty’s Parent of the Year contest.

Dunbar refers to the parent award as a “warm fuzzy,” giving students the opportunity to

honor their parents.

With over 70 essays already submitted, students observe everything that their parents have done for them. The winner of the contest each year not only wins a variety of prizes, including meal points and gift cards, but also awards their parents a two-night stay at the Wingate for Family Weekend.

Parents and student will also be honored and awarded prizes during the Family Weekend banquet.

“Liberty believes that all the parents are special, that they have all worked and sacrificed to get their students here,” Dunbar said.

The Parent of the Year essay contest will continue to accept applicants until midnight on Sunday, Sept. 16.

For more information, including the form for submitting the essay, go to the Parent and Family Connections page at liberty. edu, or contact Theresa Dunbar at tdunbar@liberty.edu.

BARTLETT is a feature reporter.