Liberty Champion September 11, 2018

No left turns or straightaways through Wards Rd. Tunnel from 3-6 p.m.

Monday - Friday

Students ‘suit up’ for success B7

VOLUME 36, ISSUE 2

LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA

LIBERTYCHAMPION.COM | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2018 | LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

Northam shares opioid story Virginia governor shares powerful drug talk with LUCOM students Rachel Van Tuyl rvantuyl@liberty.edu

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam helped a former opioid addict tell his story at Liberty University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine Sept. 5, hoping the story will speak to others also struggling with opioids.

Northam, a physician, has been making his Medical Grand Rounds tour lectures to speak about the opioid crisis, which he believes is one of the biggest crises in Virginia. Liberty was the governor’s last stop on the tour.

He explained that he could talk about patients all day, but it would not be nearly as effective as if the patient was the one telling it.

“If you hear the story from the patient, it’s something you’ll never forget,” Northam said.

The governor then introduced Ryan Hall, a former opioid addict who has now been drug-free for over a year.

Hall had everything going for him in high school. He grew up in rural Covenant, Virginia, where he was active in many clubs and played football on the school’s team.

But that all changed for him when he suffered several severe injuries during one of his games. He fractured his tibia, dislocated his kneecap and tore his ACL and meniscus. His injuries needed surgery, requiring him to stay in the hospital for four days before the doctors could operate.

See NORTHAM, A6

Leah Seavers| Liberty News Service

SPEECH — Gov. Northam visited Liberty Sept. 6.

rockin’ around the block

WHAT’S

NEWS

@ LIBERTY

Heavy rainfall and damaging winds are a possibility for Lynchburg later this week, as Hurricane Florence continues to strengthen in the Atlantic.

Meteorologist Bob Henson said, if the storm makes landfall, it will be the only Category 4 hurricane on record to reach this far north. See our survival guide on A2.

Allison Heise | Liberty Champion

WELCOME BACK — Student Activities’ annual Block Party brought thrills and memories to Liberty students of all ages. See more photos on B6.

Building better experiences School of Business opens new centers, partners with Ron Blue Brittany Slaughter bdslaughter@liberty.edu

figure out the touch points. There are certain constraints and restrictions on individuals, and so we want to talk through that. We want to empower you to integrate the tools that you have.”

The center is open to anyone who is interested in becoming financially literate or learning more about finances and how to manage them in a biblical way.

“The center is partnering with Ron Blue, founder of the largest Christian financial planning firm in the country,” Rhodes said. “He is grounded in his faith and has created a model and curriculum that was developed from biblical financial wisdom.”

Blue’s financial ideology was integrated into the curriculum

fall 2018, starting with courses involving budgeting. The center is currently developing more courses for students and certificates for professors based off of Blue’s teaching. The certification would distinguish professors as Certified Kingdom Advisors, who who are grounded in biblical truths whenever they are giving financial advice to clients.

The certification is a branch from Blue’s organization, Kingdom Advisors, which has contracted with Liberty.

The center will be moved from its current location in Green Hall to the new School of Business upon completion of the building.

The website for the center is in progress and any questions may

be sent to cfl@liberty.edu or Stacie Rhodes at slrhodes1@liberty. edu.

The CFE will provide students with experience in the business world and prepare them for managing businesses when they graduate. The website for the center says that its goal is to help students connect with their peers while giving them real-world experience as an entrepreneur.

“Linking you to the resources you need to bring successful ideas into reality, the CFE serves as the hub of Liberty University’s entrepreneurial and innovative endeavors,” the website says.

The Liberty University School of Business may still be under construction, but that is not stopping the programs from growing.

Over the last year, several new centers have opened. These include the Center for Financial Literacy (CFL), Center for Cyber Excellence (CCE) and the Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE).

These centers, available to all students regardless of their majors, offer workshops and training to help students in multiple areas of life.

The CFL, under the direction of Executive Director StaSee CENTERS, A3 cie Rhodes, opened August 1.

Rhodes described the purpose of the center as being threefold: to educate, collaborate and integrate.

“The education piece is providing the model that helps you think through and teaches you on biblical, financial principles,” Rhodes said. “Collaborate. Let us partner with you, let us come alongside and work together to talk through it. It’s not just us teaching at (you), Kharen Martinez | Liberty Champion it’s working with (you) and havUNDER CONSTRUCTION — Though the School of Business is still in the process of receiving its new home, the ing that conversation, so we can school has developed several new centers and partnerships to enrich every student’s learning experience.

INSIDE THE CHAMPION

Content

SGA candidates face off in the 2018 class officer elections. Meet them A6 inside this week.

Opinion

Examining the implications of 3-D printed gun plans on First Amendment rights. A5

Sports

Recap of Flames football’s first loss of the season to Army.

B1

Feature

A look into Lynchburg’s new “cinnfully”delicious cinnamon bun bakery.

B6

Downtown Lynchburg is scheduled to receive twoway traffic on Main Street and Church Street as part of the city’s Downtown 2040 Master Plan. On-street paid parking, a downtown historic district and an amphitheater are also included in the plan.

Many Greater Lynchburg Transit Company riders are frustrated with bus delays, especially for routes 1A and 1B, due to downtown construction.

Before making any changes to bus routes, GLTC is holding a public hearing Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. at its transfer station on Kemper Street.

Burt Reynolds, a television and film actor, died Sept.

6 at the age of 82. Reynolds was known for his roles in “Smokey and the Bandit” and his many relationships with actresses such as Sally Field and Loni Anderson.

The Academy of Music Theater, located on Main Street in downtown Lynchburg, announced its opening week schedule of events following years of restoration. The theater, which closed in 1958, will begin hosting performances once more Dec. 6.

Liberty University Police Department announced Sept. 6 that a lower-priced commuter parking option is now available. For $25, commuter students can purchase a SAT parking pass for the East Campus Satellite parking lot.

Content Opinion Sports Feature

A1 A4 B1 B5

content

A2 | September 11, 2018 | Liberty Champion

Downtown draws droves

Get Downtown celebrates its 10th anniversary, adds extra hour to event Emma Smith esmith83@liberty.edu

Main Street Lynchburg rippled with life Friday evening, as the Downtown Lynchburg Association hosted the 10th anniversary of its annual street festival, Get Downtown.

Vendors, food trucks, street performers, musicians and more gathered downtown Sept. 7 from 6-10 p.m. An additional hour was added to this year’s festival, and the event was extended from five to seven blocks of Main Street.

“The extra hour was added from direct feedback we received from previous event-goers,” Ashley Kershner, executive director of the Downtown Lynchburg Association, wrote in an email. “(Guests) always said that it went by too quickly for them to see the entire event. The extra blocks were added to accommodate increasing attendance.”

Though Kershner said there is no way to track the number of people who attend the free event each year, the association estimated that recent Get Downtown events have drawn 10,000 to 12,000 attendees each. Aside from guests, Get Downtown 2018 boasted the greatest number of vendors in the history of the event, with over 170.

Between dining options, downtown businesses, tabling nonprofits and organizations, and artisan booths, Main Street bubbled over with things to see, hear and taste.

Downtown businesses dressed to impress, with many creating

“

Pacific Life’s block, located between 7th Street and 8th Street, bustled with activity from the organization’s 55 plus volunteers.

The sponsor provided free bottled water to eventgoers at its Hydration Station, and a profes-

The first and most important entity we

partner with to make this happen is the city

of Lynchburg ... Without that partnership, we

would not be able to make this event happen.

— Ashley Kershner

special window displays or attractions. For example, Absolute Bridal and Formal had live window displays where models showcased wedding dresses and formal attire.

Sponsors, volunteers and the city of Lynchburg powered this event. Kershner said Pacific Life, a downtown employer and primary sponsor for the event, played a major role in the success of the event.

“Not only (was Pacific Life) our primary sponsor on this event, but they ... also (participated) in a huge way,” Kershner said. “Their employees (were) involved, and their block (had) many activities hosted by their company.”

sional photobooth captured many of the evening’s memories. Other volunteers distributed Pacific Life backpacks, sunglasses, balloons and temporary tattoos. While many of the presenting sponsor’s volunteers worked on the Pacific Life block, some of them served as vendors and entertainers for the event.

“We’re all about community here at Pacific Life, it’s actually one of our core values, and being a part of Get Downtown and having our employees volunteer kind of goes in line with who we are and what we do,” Marcus Thomas, Pacific Life’s senior human re-

Emma Smith | Liberty Champion

RISE UP — Get Downtown’s climbing gym, Rise Up, sponsored a free-standing climbing wall during Get Downtown.

creations and more.

09/14 - Theater Performance - Hello Dolly!

7:30 p.m. | Tower Theater 09/15 - Lip-Sync Battle

10:00 p.m. | LaHaye Event Space 09/15 - Commuter Tailgate

3:30 p.m. | Green Hall Pavilion Parking Lot

SHARE WITH US

Hurricane Florence Survival Guide Residents and students can prepare for severe weather by making sure they have these items:

09/13 - Voter Registration

10:00 a.m. | Foyer - Airlock 1 09/14 - Trivia Night: Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader? Edition

8:00 p.m. | LaHaye Event Space

CONCERTS

SMITH is a copy editor.

Deanna Drogan (top) and Emma Smith (bottom) | Liberty Champion

09/11 - Open Mic

7:00 p.m. | Argo Tea Cafe 09/12 - Latin American Open House

12:00 p.m. | DeMoss Grand Lobby

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

dents to downtown, and while it is still very much about that, the purpose has grown,” Kershner said. “We now also work to introduce all Lynchburg area residents to downtown and downtown businesses, and the area colleges use it to reach prospective students.”

Manager of Planning and Analysis for Pacific Life Brandon Jones echoed Kershner’s sentiments, explaining that Get Downtown gives downtown businesses and organizations a lot of exposure. By bringing people downtown, he believes that college students and Lynchburg residents alike can learn to appreciate their community.

“We’re hoping that this event kind of exposes the college kids but also residents that don’t come down here for whatever reason to the fun that’s here,” Jones, who is also a member of the Downtown Lynchburg Association board, said. “We feel it’s done that over the last 10 years, with this being the 10-year anniversary of the event, we just want to keep that momentum going.”

MAIN ATTRACTION — More than 170 vendors packed Main Street with food options, informational booths, artisan

CAMPUS CALENDAR

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sources coordinator, said. “This is an opportunity for us to really let people know who we are in the community.”

Other sponsors supported different areas of Get Downtown, such as the kid’s zone, music stages and the food truck zone.

Liberty University also partnered with the association as a general event sponsor.

“We also partner with other area companies and organizations, (that) either provide important financial support, or in-kind services to help us keep the cost of the event down,” Kershner said. “As a nonprofit organization, these partnerships are essential.”

The city of Lynchburg also contributed to the success and safety of the event.

“The first and most important entity we partner with to make this happen is the city of Lynchburg,” Kershner said. “They provide inkind services in the form of police, paramedics, cleaning crews, and setup teams. Without that partnership, we would not be able to make this event happen.”

Kershner explained that both the size and purpose of Get Downtown have grown since the event’s inception 10 years ago.

“This event was originally designed to introduce college stu-

CLUB EVENTS

CAMPUS EVENTS

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Lynchburg

• Non-perishable food (granola bars, cereal, canned Daily Bread food, etc.)

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days • Any prescription medications • Flashlight and extra batteries • Battery or crank-operated radio • Manual can opener • First aid kit • Personal sanitation supplies • Cell phone with charger and backup battery Boys & • Full tanks of gas in cars Girls Club • Extra food and water for pets Members of the Liberty community are encouraged to sign up for campus-wide emergency alerts on the LUPD website.

In case of an emergency, the community will be notified through the alert system, an announcement on myLU and the outdoor sirens on Liberty’s campus. WRVL radio 88.3 FM will also report any emergency precautions.

Information from ready.gov

content

Liberty Champion | September 11, 2018 | A3

Chef's special

Event Details The first Town Hall will be held at Liberty University Sept. 20.

The Second U.S. Senate Town Hall will be held at Hampton University’s Convocation Center on Wednesday, Oct. 3, from 7-8 p.m.

Attendees should plan on arriving early.

Each one will be broadcast live across Virginia.

Liberty's Facebook page and Hampton's website will also livestream the events.

Food tastings pop up around campus Lauren Osterhoudt losterhoudt@liberty.edu

This year, Sodexo is bringing unique flavors to the table with their Chef Pop-Ups. Students will be able to taste out-of-the-ordinary dishes created by Liberty University Dining Service chefs, who will “pop up” throughout each semester in various locations on campus to give these specialty food items away for free.

To join in on the fun, students are encouraged to keep close tabs on the Liberty Dining Services’ social media pages to be alerted when and where the pop-ups are happening.

According to Sodexo’s Unit Marketing Specialist, Ryan Wheeler, some of the cuisines that will be served this semester include kohlrabi noodles with nutmeg Alfredo sauce, Ahi tuna on a bed of sesame rice with a seaweed salad, pork tacos with pineapple pico and huckleberry cheesecake tarts.

“Who doesn’t want free food?” Wheeler said.

“Pork tacos and pineapple pico? I’ll be there for that one.”

During each event, the culinarians will talk about the dishes with the students and answer any questions they may have about the food.

Resident Executive Chef Sarah Falls said this is also a way to test out various food options to see if the unique dishes will resonate with the students on campus.

“We want to create ex-

citement for students and give them something free with the goal that we make something they have never seen or heard of before,” Falls said. “This helps us get feedback on new items that we may want to incorporate in a menu on campus in the future.”

However, Wheeler said that getting feedback is not their only goal. He explained that providing a more global experience for students is also one of their priorities.

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their highly certified team of chefs have had extensive training, and a Chef Pop-Up is a way to highlight that.

“We want our students to understand that these are trained culinarians,” Wheeler said. “Our chefs can create a lot of cool stuff, and we really wanted to showcase that.”

For Falls, she enjoys cooking for the students and finds her job to be very rewarding.

“Liberty has the best students in the world,” Falls said. “We, as a company,

Who doesn't want free food? Pork

tacos and pineapple pico? I'll be there

“The world is shrinking,” Wheeler said. “Here at Liberty, we have students from all over the world, and people want to experience their friends’ cultures.”

In agreement, Falls said that she and her fellow chefs have been more than happy to cater to this idea.

“We are constantly trying to be innovative with the food that we bring to the campus,” Falls said.

“We want to help broaden their culinary horizons and palates.”

Wheeler said he hopes that students will come away from this experience with a fresh mindset and appreciation towards Liberty Dining Services. He explained that

for that one.

— Ryan Wheeler are dedicated to providing the best possible dining experience for them. It’s very satisfying to know that the food we cook is vital to their success in college and in the future.”

Students can follow Liberty Dining on social media to keep an eye out for upcoming pop-ups.

.

OSTERHOUDT is a content reporter.

CENTERS continued from A1 Students in the School of Business are welcoming the addition to the school.

“I think the center is really going to help students prepare for their future careers,” School of Business sophomore Julia Bell said.

“Especially for those it says in the title — entrepreneurship. They can start little businesses now and gain experience and see what works, what doesn’t work.

It’ll give them (an) opportunity to do some marketing for themselves.”

The center will allow students to grow and perfect business ideas they have now, so those dreams can become a successful reality after graduation.

The CCE has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. The

center’s website says that the center helps students “become proficient in ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of data.

(They) will also learn how to preserve and restore systems and to develop risk management skills.”

The CCE prepares students for a career in cybersecurity. Dr. Allen Harper, Executive Director for the CCE, said the cybersecurity field is rapidly growing and has a large need for cybersecurity experts.

According to Forbes and Liberty’s website, there will be an expected 2 million job openings in the cybersecurity field over the next couple of years. Liberty’s CCE program will prepare students to fill those jobs upon graduation.

The job market for cybersecurity is very large, and Harper explained that there are over 300,000 open jobs in the cybersecurity field. According to Harper, Liberty will continue to add

programs to meet the demands of both students and employers.

The new School of Business will span 78,000 square feet and three stories, according to Liberty’s website.

It will house a 2,000 square foot Entrepreneur’s Center, a 500-seat auditorium, glass walls, information technology labs, data centers, a simulated stock trading room and more.

The School of Business building will also include the 950-square-foot CCE. The construction on the building is expected to be completed in the spring of 2019, according to Liberty’s website.

SLAUGHTER is a content reporter.

OPINION

A4

September 11, 2018

#MeToo scandal The church is not immune from sexual misconduct

Mikaela Stiner mstiner@liberty.edu

Early in 2018, #MeToo came for the Southern Baptist Convention.

And before the rest of us think we’re exempt from the judgment at hand, we must realize that #MeToo has also come for us.

In March, President and Chief Executive of the SBC’s Executive Committee Frank Page resigned over what was described by the church as a “morally inappropriate relationship in the recent past,” according to Baptist News Global.

Not long afterward, Paige Patterson, who was at that time president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, came under severe criticism regarding allegations of his objectifying comments toward women and harmful, unbiblical counsel for victims of sexual and domestic abuse. He was fired from his position as seminary president and stripped of all benefits, losing a highly influential position within the SBC, according to a Christianity Today report.

Dr. Albert Mohler, the president of the Southern

Baptist Theological Seminary, wrote on his website that, “The #MeToo moment has come to American evangelicals. This moment has come to some of my friends and brothers in Christ. This moment has come to me, and I am called to deal with it as a Christian.”

The situation has required deep, painful work for the SBC as leaders repent and work to correct mistakes they made within their denomination. But the situation also requires both a response from the evangelical church at large, and a response from individual believers.

Liberty University professor Karen Swallow Prior was one of those who helped craft an open letter published online to the SWBTS Board of Trustees, calling for Patterson’s removal. They believe Patterson’s termination was the right action for the board to take. Many signatories have continued to speak out, emphasizing the role and dignity of women in the church.

And this is only the beginning of the work that the SBC will need to do in the process of the denomination’s restoration.

“

Google Images

BILL HYBELS — Hybels retired in April from his position as senior pastor because of accusations of sexual misconduct.

It is easy for those looking in from the outside to criticize the Southern Baptist Convention and to wonder how mental and behavioral patterns as destructive as those currently being addressed can go on for decades, overlooked and unnoticed. But every church outside of the SBC should first look at themselves, not assuming that they are blameless.

The New York Times reported in August about Bill Hybels, the pastor of Willow Creek Community Church outside of Chicago. A wellknown pastor among Evan-

be that which the disciples ask when Jesus indicates that one of them is to betray him ... ‘Is it I, Lord?’”

That is the question that the church must ask, and that is the question that each of us must ask ourselves individually.

It is easy to imagine that we are the exception, that we are generally good, and to fail to realize the judgment to come. But don’t we justify many of our sins by assuming — consciously or subconsciously — that we are the exception and that our circumstances are unique?

And that is how we begin the

The #MeToo moment ... has come to

me, and I am called to deal with it as

gelicals, Hybels is accused of coercing and sexually abusing his church secretary and pressuring her to remain quiet about his actions.

But not even Hybels was immune from the consequences of his actions. He retired from the pulpit in April 2018. His secretary expressed feelings of guilt, shame and humiliation. She has since left the church.

In a podcast discussing the church’s role in supporting its members who have been sexually abused, Dr. Carl R. Trueman, professor in the department of biblical and religious studies at Grove City College, said, “The first reaction of the church, when somebody indicts the church ... should not (immediately) be … selfjustification or to refute the allegations. It seems to me that the first question should

a Christian.

— Dr. Albert Mohler

slide into sin — with those sinful patterns that seem insignificant and inconsequential, but are destructive and dismantle our own lives, the lives of those around us and even entire denominations.

Instances of deep-seated sinful mentalities and behaviors are not a new scenario for the church. They are not new for individual believers.

In the Christian life, we are continually called to repent from sin and to place our faith in Christ.

Many SBC church leaders have humbled themselves, repented and sought to do the right thing in these difficult times for their denomination.

It is a reminder for all of us to do the same, beginning on a personal scale.

STINER is an opinion writer.

Cashless dining Changes in Montview makes food options more efficient

Mary Obringer mgobringer@liberty.edu

No one likes waiting, especially for food. Smelling food and wondering how long it will take to get your order can be frustrating and timeconsuming.

Sodexo is trying something new this semester that might save a few minutes of your time. All dining locations in the Montview Student Union will be primarily cashless this semester. The changes are part of a “test operation,” according to Duane Davis, the general manager of Sodexo.

The new system is not 100 percent cashless, Davis said.

If you forget to bring your card with you, don’t worry.

Anyone who needs to pay with cash, the Montview Student Union has a register at each location to handle cash transactions. Sodexo is simply encouraging people to use cards.

Changing to a cashless system brings benefits for students. Cash transactions take longer to process.

Eliminating cash transactions shortens wait times and lines. Who doesn’t want to get food faster?

At Liberty, students also have the added bonus of receiving a discount for using flames cash or dining dollars, according to Davis. Now, you can save your cash for T-shirts from your

Lorena Rivera | Liberty Champion

CASHLESS DINING — The new changes to the food options in the Montview Student Union are supposed to make ordering faster and more efficient.

favorite band or those latenight trips to Walmart to buy necessities.

Not only does going cashless benefit students, but it also benefits Sodexo in several ways. Cashless systems make it easier for businesses to manage their accounting, according to Forbes. If employees spend less time keeping track of the money and inventory, they can focus on other responsibilities.

Going cashless can also save Sodexo money. A cashless system would eliminate the need for hiring armored car services to transport the cash off campus, according to Davis. According to USA Today, cashless systems also save money by eliminating

bank processing fees for large amounts of currency.

Saving money is great, but what about safety? A cashless system is actually safer for employees and customers. If thieves know there is nothing to break in to steal, the likelihood of being robbed goes down.

Another benefit to a cashless system is convenience.

Davis mentions that card transactions are easier for employees. All employees need to do is tell the customer to insert or swipe their card.

This gives employees a more “hands off” way of completing transactions, eliminating any concerns about giving a customer the wrong change.

The Montview Student

Union serves as an ideal location to try out a cashless system. The amount of cash used in the Montview Student Union has declined since it opened, and Flames Pass carrying patrons make up the majority of the people who eat there.

At the end of this semester, Sodexo will analyze the results and decide whether to keep the cashless system at Montview or revert back to the old system, Davis said.

If the system works well over the course of a year, they may consider expanding it to other locations on campus.

OBRINGER is an opinion writer.

LIFE WITH

LOGAN Logan Smith lcsmith1@liberty.edu

Chaos, confusion and tragedy.

These three words summarized Sept.

11, 2001, a day made infamous by Islamic terror. The attacks resulted in 3,000 innocent American deaths and 6,000 injured. It left America crippled, angry and distraught.

We often measure a tragedy based on death tolls and injuries, but we rarely consider the people who miraculously escaped both.

According to CNN, about 20,000 workers occupied the World Trade Center (WTC) when the first plane hit the North Tower at 8:46 a.m. Had the attack occurred later that afternoon, after the entire workforce of 50,000 arrived, the death toll may have reached a much higher quantity.

But this column is not about reminiscing past tragedies or articulating future procedures to prevent another disaster. I want to highlight the individuals who made it possible for 18,000 to escape the deadly clutches of 9/11.

While many fled the scene, firefighters, police officers and even several members of the general public rushed to their graves with one thing in mind: Others.

These heroes stopped at nothing to clear the towers. I occasionally watch YouTube videos of firefighters approaching the WTC, even as the buildings were on the brink of collapse. The buildings trembled violently, weakening by the minute. Yet these heroes continued to ascend in hopes of reaching one more person.

These champions knew they would never hug their children or kiss their wives again.

With the 17th anniversary of 9/11, the word “sacrifice” is taking a whole new meaning, most recently displayed on a Nike advertisement.

America has fallen into a culture that distorts bravery, heroism and sacrifice. Culture has entirely redefined the terms to meet the narrative of a political agenda. It sickens me.

Why does our society exalt people like Bruce Jenner for undergoing transgender surgery? Does “walking out of the closet” really reach the peak of bravery? Even further, is “sacrifice” truly the correct verb to describe kneeling during the National Anthem?

Absolutely not!

I do not want to dehumanize these individuals. They are fallen, sinful people — like myself.

We live in a country saturated in political correctness, a cancer that is indoctrinating society to ignore true problems in pursuit of a political narrative.

I personally love Nike apparel, and I plan to wear my comfortable Nikes during my next intramural basketball game. But it is an utter insult to place individuals like former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick on a pedestal of “sacrifice.”

Some celebrated the new advertisement.

Others, like myself, were deeply disturbed.

To even use the words “sacrifice” and “Kaepernick” in the same sentence makes me cringe.

In 2015, Bruce Jenner received the ESPYs’ Courage Award, an honor given to individuals who demonstrated perseverance through adversity.

As you read this, thousands of homeless veterans are struggling to survive, and active military personnel are fighting for your protection. Police and firemen continue to sacrifice. Yet somehow athletes and celebrities are receiving the badges of honor.

As we remember the lives lost during the 9/11 attacks, let’s never forget the sacrifices made by countless firefighters and other first responders.

They are the real MVPs, reflecting the real meaning of “sacrificing everything.”

SMITH is the manager of content.

opinion

Liberty Champion | September 11, 2018 | A5

3-D printed firearms The First Amendment is being attacked by the ban of homemade gun blueprints Mikaela Stiner mstiner@liberty.edu

Cody Wilson successfully fired a 3-D printed gun while attending the University of Texas Law School in 2013.

Just a few days later, Wilson dropped out of law school to focus his energy on his newfound — and now proven successful — hobby designing 3-D guns. Soon after firing the first 3-D printed gun, nicknamed the Liberator, Wilson began to post the blueprints for his 3-D printed gun designs online.

After people downloaded the blueprints more than 100,000 times, the U.S. State Department ordered Wilson to remove them, citing a federal law regarding the export of military weaponry. Wilson successfully sued the State Department, insist-

ing that their censorship of the blueprints denied him his First Amendment rights.

But despite winning the case against the State Department, Wilson’s plans to post the blueprints were once again put on hold by federal Judge Robert S. Lasnik, after 19 states and the District of Columbia fought to block the settlement.

The thought of people printing guns at home on their 3-D printer is disconcerting to most citizens.

Polling conducted by The Hill indicates that 79 percent of voters believe 3-D gun blueprints should be illegal.

Even President Donald Trump indicated the strangeness of the idea when he tweeted on July 31: “I am looking into 3-D Plastic Guns being sold to the public. Already spoke to NRA, doesn’t seem to

make much sense!”

While 3-D printed guns are an odd concept, the question of regulating their production must be considered carefully. But rather than imposing regulations stemmed from fear of information getting into the wrong hands, the courts must remember that their biggest concern should be clarifying and protecting the First Amendment rights defined in the Constitution.

“I don’t believe that access to information is ever tremendously negative or a bad thing,” Wilson said in a video interview published

by CNN. “I know that people can use information for bad things, but this isn’t a justification to … stop a publisher from speaking.”

With the growing awareness of what seems to be an increasing threat of active shooters in public

3-D PRINTERS — These types of printers have been used to make jewelry, dolls, chocolate and now firearms.

Google Images

places, it’s easy for the general public to respond emotionally to gun-related legislation.

The Gun Control Act of 1968 makes it illegal for a person to manufacture guns for sale or distribution. But that legislation does

“

being able to legally share and freely access this information.”

And Wilson is right.

What people do with the information they have is up to them and their actions may invoke legal consequences. But regulating

I know that people can use information for

bad things, but that isn’t a justification to ... stop a publisher from speaking.

not extend to the manufacturing of guns at home for personal use.

And while it is likely and perhaps necessary that the manufacturing of guns at home will become regulated by those who hold to a certain interpretation of the Second Amendment, to interfere in the process by regulating the information itself is a violation of the First Amendment.

“Do public libraries perform background checks on people before they read a book?” Wilson asked in the interview.

“That’s just not how speech and publication works.”

According to the Texas Tribune, Wilson has worked around the federal interference in releasing the blueprints publicly online by selling the blueprints directly to customers. He allows customers to name their price. He will fulfill orders even if they enter a price of $0.

“If it’s illegal for you to make a gun in this country, then it’s illegal for you to make a gun. You’re violating the law,” Wilson said.

“But that doesn’t mean that possibility (should prevent) people from

— Cody Wilson

information — even information considered dangerous by some — is a threat to the stability and security of the foundational principles of our democracy. Freedom of speech and access to information is critical to a free society.

When a CNN reporter asked Wilson about the case of a man who went on a shooting spree and killed five people with a homemade AR-15, and whether he worries that “democratizing this information” might lead to a similar scenario, Wilson answered, “Is democracy dangerous or not? Can the people be trusted or not?”

And that is the question to ask: is democracy dangerous or not?

While most people see Wilson’s publication of 3-D gun blueprints as a gun issue, they need to see it as a First Amendment rights issue.

Perhaps democracy is dangerous. But the elimination of First Amendment rights carries a far greater danger.

STINER is an opinion writer.

Music albums have changed Artists are trending away from traditional albums as they embrace new projects Abby Bowman abowman7@liberty.edu

Ah, the album. That collection of songs crafted and arranged by artists and producers and sold to the public as one unit. Too bad it’s dying. Or is it?

In college, listening to music is a regular activity. Whether studying for a test, commuting to campus or relaxing on the weekend in the dorms, music is often involved. And for most college students, streaming services and on-demand music have replaced the tradition album as the media of choice.

Streaming services like Spotify, iTunes, YouTube and more have revolutionized the music industry and allowed people everywhere to listen to a variety of music more cheaply and conveniently than ever before, but do they abolish the demand for music published in an album?

The album is not dead; it is evolving to offer more freedom to artists and consumers.

According to an article by Tilly Pearce in The Sun, Ed Sheeran’s fourth album probably will not be released for another few years to give Sheeran more time to work. However, the increasingly popular Irish singer said he “might put other stuff out before then, just to have something out.” Sheeran said he might also collaborate with other artists this year.

Kanye West takes a different approach to releasing his music, according to Business Insider. With only seven songs comprising its 23 minutes, many consider “Ye” an EP rather than an album.

The alternative band Twenty One Pilots released four singles for their new album over the course of the summer. Twenty One Pilots’ website lists their singles “Jumpsuit,” “Nico and the Niners,” “Levitate” and “My Blood” to promote their new album, “Trench,”

which will release Oct. 5, three years after their last album.

Sheeran, West and Twenty One Pilots are only a few of many artists who have begun releasing more music outside the confines of an album. According to Elias Leight of Rolling Stone, both newer artists like Camila Cabello and established artists like Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake have begun releasing several singles before their albums instead of the traditional one or two.

In his article, Leight points to social media and music streaming to explain this phenomenon. He quotes Robbie Snow, SVP of Global Marketing Records for Hollywood Studios, who said that “in this day and age, we try to keep things flowing so artists almost never go away. Fans want to be engaged constantly with artists that they like.”

Although this could look like the beginning of the end for the album, it could be a pioneering, shrewd business strategy that will end up promoting albums and benefitting artists and listeners.

Since listeners will most likely be able to listen to a new album for free anyway once it is released, artists have begun giving them more music sooner as an advertising tactic. That way, in theory, listeners can have a better gauge on whether they like an album. If they do, they will be more likely to buy it when it comes out.

Consumers obviously have the benefit of being able to listen to more music before the album is released.

The album is not dead. Artists have adapted with the times to find the best way to market their product and to keep the album alive for a long time to come.

Recording Industry Association of America 1,018.5M 995.5M

728.7M

721.5M

361.7M

338.8M

223.9M

154M

1985 1990 1995

2000 2005 2010 2015 2017

Albums Sold by Year BOWMAN is an opinion writer.

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SOCIAL MEDIA

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content

A6 | September 11, 2018 | Liberty Champion

Don't miss voting day Q&A with SGA class officer candidates — who they are, why they are running Erin Grundtisch (P) and Victoria McCoy (VP), freshman class candidates

ting her BFA in acting, while I’m getting a degree in journalism. Despite our apparent differences, these complement each other. Erin and I both have backgrounds in leader-

“

What makes you and your partner quality candidates for this position?

My amazing running mate Victoria and I are quality candidates for this position because we have a great willingness to serve people, this school, the community, as well as whoever and whatever else God has placed in our paths. We understand whole heartedly that we must focus what we can give to Liberty University and the city of Lynchburg instead of seeking what we can solely get out of it. Victoria and I are ecstatic to take hold of this opportunity to run, and we are trusting that God has a million things to show us during this campaign and our remaining time at (Liberty). We are dedicated to earnest prayer and hard work — building up a foundation for a wonderful partnership.

If you were elected, how would your presence in SGA make a difference for your class?

If we are elected, we will bring a diverse outlook into SGA. Erin and I come from very different backgrounds. I’m from the South while Erin is a true Northerner. She’s get-

Nothing can be done

without putting your full trust in God .

— Victoria McCoy

ship roles. Erin was heavily involved in SGA, Impact Club, Spirit Club and other areas in her high school.

I was involved in Student Council, activity planning, missions work and other clubs and events involving leadership roles. We believe our backgrounds, eagerness, creativity and motivation will allow us to create opportunities for the freshman class to not only grow together but grow as individuals. Individuals who love their school, chase after Christ and are willing to serve in all areas of life.

What has been the hardest lesson you’ve learned in college?

Victoria: The hardest lesson I believe we’ve both learned in college is to not overextend ourselves. I think

sometimes we get so caught up in staying busy and participating in everything, we lose sight of what’s important. Also, transitioning into college, we’ve learned that nothing can be done without putting your full trust in God. We have to believe he will guide us through dark moments in our lives, especially those moments he puts us out of our comfort zone. For Erin, it was traveling 11 hours from her hometown and settling into this university — so open minded overwhelmed the first few days. For me, it was barely leaving home, but trusting that God’s plan was bigger and better than my own. We are excited to use these lessons to push us in every direction God leads us on this college journey.

Cassie Brunett (P) and Youssef Wahba (VP), freshman class candidates What does being a Champion for Christ mean to you?

Being a Champion for Christ means being open and obedient to God’s call in our lives. It means doing what God has called us to do

“

We are both

passionate about

speaking up for others.

— Cassie and Youssef

and doing it well. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” It is our goal as your future class presidents to aim for that level of work ethic daily. photo provided

Erin Grundtisch and Victoria McCoy

NORTHAM continued from A1 During his long days in the hospital, he received dilaudid, percocet and tramadol to dull the pain.

He believes this is where his opioid addiction first began. Eight months later, Hall broke his tibia again, and he received more medications for the pain.

“I was taking the prescriptions for the pain, but I found that once everything was healed, I still would like to take prescriptions from time to time,” Hall said.

At this point, Hall said he was not taking the prescriptions to get a buzz, but just to lessen the withdrawal symptoms. He said the withdrawal symptoms were like the worst case of the flu he had ever had. He described experiencing a cold sweat, diarrhea, nausea and insomnia, among

other symptoms.

“The word that’s used to describe that is ‘dope sick,’” Northam said. “The point that I’d like to make to providers is that it gets to a point where once someone is addicted, you’re not looking for that next dose to get high, you’re looking for it because the symptoms of withdrawal are so

“

What makes you and your

with fentanyl to get an even stronger effect.

“Basically, my whole day consisted of (getting) high, and at night, I would think about how I’m going to get well tomorrow,” Hall said.

“And when you plan all that out, it consumes your whole day.”

Northam said that in 2017, 1,534 Virginians

These are not bad people, they're

good people, they're good people who have gone down the wrong path.

— GOV. Ralph Northam

bad — that’s what you’re trying to treat.”

After Hall was no longer able to get prescriptions from doctors, he turned to dealing drugs and stealing to get his next fix. He started using heroin laced

died from addiction, and 1,227 of those deaths (80 percent) were from opioids.

He emphasized that most of these addictions began when patients were prescribed pain-killers. One solution could be to pre-

editor 's note

As election season across the country kicks off, so does voting on Liberty's campus.

This year we offered candidates a pool of six questions and asked them to collabortavely answer three questions with their running mate. Everyone was asked the same questions.

We will run the underclassmen candidates this week and the

upperclassmen candidates next issue. Here is the list of freshmen and sophomores running.

Please note that while everyone was asked six questions not every candidate responded to The Champion.

Freshman • Waynisha Saunders (P) • Joseph Longo (P) and Cynthia Romero (VP) • Alexa Whaley (P) and Karsyn Foster (VP) • Cassie Brunett (P) and Youssef Wahba (VP) • Erin Grundtisch (P) and Victoria McCoy (VP)

Sophomore • Elizabeth Axley (P) • Carly Bigelow (P) and Chad Kubis (VP) • Garrett Wedemire (P) • Thomas Hummel (P) and Stephen Hawley (VP) • Jonah Sheridan (P) and Joseph Bierbaum (VP)

Vote on, Lillian

Content Editor

partner quality candidates for With the friendship we’ve built this position? with them already, we are confiWe are truly humbled to have dent that planning events and repthe opportunity to run for this resenting our class would not only position, and we would be hon- be easy, it would also be a blast! ored to serve the freshman class. We are both passionate about speaking up for others, making our school a more welcoming and loving place, but most importantly, making the school look more like Jesus.

If you were elected, how would your presence in SGA make a difference for your class?

The two of us would be very effective workphoto provided ing under Rockey and (Page). Casse Brunett and Youssef Wahba

scribe these medications for only three or four days at a time instead of a week, Northam said.

The governor explained several other things Virginia is doing to help opioid addicts, including limiting access to the medications and improving treatment and rehabilitation centers.

Northam highlighted Leah Seavers | Liberty News Service the importance of hav- COMMONWEALTH — 1,534 state residents died from addiction last year. ing compassion toward these people.

“These are not bad people, they’re good people who have gone down the wrong path,” Northam said.

SLAUGHTER is a content reporter.

Leah Seavers | Liberty News Service

VOICE — Audience members voice their opinion and concerns to the governor.

content

Liberty Champion | September 11, 2018 | A7

SGA prepares for new year Several SGA candidates discuss their goals for the upcoming election Thomas Hummel (P) and Stephen Hawley (VP), sophomore class candidates @hummelhawley18 What does being a Champion for Christ mean to you?

To us, being a Champion for Christ is about denying ourselves and seeking God to lead our lives. It means following Christ in all that we do and living to be more like him, so that he may receive glory through our lives. One of our favorite verses is 1 Corinthians 10:31, which says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” To us, this verse exemplifies what it means to be a Champion for Christ.

If you were elected, how would your presence in SGA make a difference for your class?

If elected, we want to have an administration based off three principles that have been very influential in both our lives: service, action and commitment. We want to better serve the students of Liberty University by making it easier for them to be heard.

We will implement an open-door policy, keeping ourselves available via email, social

“

media and face-to-face meetings, so that all students will have an opportunity to express their views. We promise to be an administration of action, meaning that when we say we will do something, you can count on us to never stop working.

We believe that by setting goals and being intentional in communicating with the higher administration, the needs of the students will be fully met. Liberty University has the greatest students of any college, and we promise to be fully committed to the needs of those students. We will always be willing to listen to you, and we are fully committed to serving you.

This position is a priority, and we don’t take it lightly.

What is a something you have done that you are most proud of?

Photo Provided Thomas Hummel and Stephen Hawley Somet hing

If elected, we want to have an administration that I (Tommy)

am most proud

based off three principles that have been very of is starting a business influential in both our lives: service, action and back home in commitment. Wisconsin.

— Thomas Hummel and Stephen Hawley

Joseph Longo (P) and Cynthia Romero (VP), freshman class candidates @longoromero18

their eyes. Watching that miracle is what I’m most proud of.

“Dee” R: Something I’ve done that I am most proud of was placing second in marketing during the 2018 FBLA New York State Spring Leadership Conference.

I was against over 54 school districts and through my trust in God, I was able to place in states.

This opportunity opened new doors for me as I never knew that I could’ve gone farther than where

I have owned Dockside Boat Cleaning for

four years now, and I have been blessed by the fact that it has grown every year.

Through owning my small business, I feel that I have genuinely improved as a leader as I have managed employees and had many opportunities to work with people from many different backgrounds.

The thing that I (Stephen) am most proud of is the opportunity I currently have to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserves. I have been

in the Navy for a little over a year now, and I can still remember the exact feeling I had the very first moment I put on my uniform.

I am so grateful for all the experiences and the lessons I have learned through my time in the military, and I look forward to the rest of my career with the Navy.

of a friend, an upperclassman, a teacher or even your parents (if you give them a call), help is always there for those who ask.

“Dee R”: I agree with Joe

How do you like to spend your free time?

Joe L: When I have free time (which is quite rare), I spend it with my friends. While I’ve been at Liberty, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some amazing people from all over the world. We’ve gone to places as fun as Snowflex and (as) mundane as sitting together in the comHelp will be there. Whether in the form mon room playing cards.

It doesn’t matter what we of a friend, an upperclassman, a teacher or do, the point is we do it together. even your parents ... help is always there “Dee” R: I don’t have for those who ask. free time most of the time, since I’m a nursing major.

— Joseph Longo However, whenever I have free time, I like to hang out with my amazing friends I’ve I was. It showed me to increase my on the hardest met here at LU. I also like to spend faith in God, and that I am limitless lesson that my time in the SGA office relaxing. through him. was learned in college. I What is something you have What’s the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn done that you are most proud of? learned in college? to adjust to Joe L: Something I’ve done that Joe L: The hardest lesson col- being on my I’m most proud of is teaching re- lege has taught me so far is that own and be- Joseph Longo and Cynthia Romero ligion in my community. Since I there are people to help you if you ing eight was fifteen, I’ve had the opportu- look for them. Before college ev- hours away fort zone. I’m starting to organize nity to teach fourth graders about eryone always said, “No one’s go- from my parents. I really wished my schedule and getting to know the Lord. I’m most proud when ing to hold your hand in college.” that I paid more attention to the more people. Overall, there’s alI finally see them open up to the They were right that no one is go- laundry instructions my mom told ways going to be someone there teachings and accept the Lord into ing to do it for you, but you aren’t me about. There’s also the lesson to help you throughout your coltheir lives. Sometimes they take alone. If you look for it, the help I’ve learned about time manage- lege years. The thing I love about all semester, but they all do open will be there. Whether in the form ment and getting out of my com- Liberty University is that there’s

“

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content

A8 | September 11, 2018 | Liberty Champion

Campus pharmacy opens

Health center moves and launches pharmacy to better serve students Will Evans wjevans@liberty.edu

With the fall semester underway and flu season around the corner, Liberty University’s Student Health Center is making it easier than ever for students to get convenient and affordable health care and prescriptions on campus.

The Student Health Center, formerly located in Green Hall, was moved to the bottom floor of Residential Commons III last semester in order to be closer to students. A significant addition to the Student Health

Center this year is the onsite pharmacy.

Also located in Residential Commons III around the corner from the Student Health Center, the pharmacy provides on-campus students with their prescribed medications without having to leave campus.

“Convenience is the biggest thing,” Hill City Pharmacy Pharmacist Doug Webb said. “A lot of students don’t have cars, … so having it here is extremely convenient.”

The pharmacy at Liberty is a branch of Hill City Pharmacy, a local pharmaceuti-

cal company with locations in Cornerstone and downtown Lynchburg. It is a fullservice pharmacy, offering the same range of medications one can find at a larger chain store. And better yet, they deliver.

“Whether you are (a) student, faculty or staff, we’ll take your delivery to your desk,” Brian Moody, owner of Hill City Pharmacy, said.

“We’ll deliver anywhere on campus.”

The delivery service is called the Desk Delivery Service. Moody explained that the patient simply tells his or her doctor to select

the “request delivery” option when prescribing medication, and Hill City Pharmacy will call to confirm a delivery location before they send the prescription out for delivery.

In terms of affordability, Moody said the pharmacy takes all types of insurance, and they will also match or beat the price tag on GoodRX. “We can do everything the big companies can,” Moody said. “Except we do it better.”

Webb said that Hill City’s Liberty location is open to both Liberty and the public.

Just as the Commons’ Hill City Pharmacy location was created with convenience in mind, the Student Health Center’s new home was chosen for the same reason.

“We didn’t want students to travel across campus to get to medical services, only to be told … this is what’s wrong … and you should

probably get back on a bus and go back to your room,” Dr. Keith Anderson, the executive director of student health and wellness, said.

The move across campus has not only made the Student Health Center more accessible but has also allowed for an upgraded and expanded space.

“We went from eight exam rooms, to 15,” Anderson said. “We’ve doubled the capacity, (and) we’ve added on an additional physician. It was just a nobrainer.”

Residential students pay a $170 medical health fee that is built into their tuition and fees. According to the center’s website, this fee includes lab work, physicals, check-ups and unlimited visits to the health center without a copay or out of pocket costs expenses with services received on campus with an exception to a few things. Like any other phar-

macy students can use their insurance or pay for items purchased at the pharmacy on campus.

“For $170, you can visit the health center every day you’re here at Liberty,” Anderson said. “That’s better than using your insurance.”

Anderson hopes that having access to quality health care right on campus will keep students healthy and encourage overall wellness.

“A well student is a better student,” Anderson said.

“We take away one of the barriers to academic success, … so now (students) can pay more attention to intellectual wellness, … occupational wellness … and spiritual wellness.”

EVANS is a content reporter.

Erik Flores | Liberty News Service

CONVENIENT — The pharmacy offers a wide range of affordable, accessible products.

Erik Flores | Liberty News Service

DELIVERY — Hill City Pharmacy promised to deliver to your dorm or desk.

Erik Flores | Liberty News Service

WELLNESS — The Student Health Center moved to Commons III to be closer to students.

Exhibit honors chaplains

Liberty’s National Civil War Chaplains Museum commemorates black chaplains

Lorena Rivera lrivera8@liberty.edu

The National Civil War Chaplains Museum at Liberty University recently introduced an exhibition dedicated solely to black chaplains.

The museum is the only one of its kind, and for several years, it has offered detailed information on various chaplains. However, with the addition of this new exhibition, the museum will feature a type of poster that is able to be updated as more information is discovered.

“We knew there were a few Union chaplains that were black, and there were possibly two Confederate chaplains that were black, so we wanted to do an exhibit on them,” Kenny Rowlette, director at the National Civil War Chaplains Museum, said. “These 16 men needed to be remembered for what they did in the war.”

The museum found information on 16 black Civil War chaplains, locating images of 12 of the men, and receiving permission to use 11. The museum will add more images as more information is found and further permission is granted.

Around 3,694 chaplains are recorded to have served in some capacity during the Civil War, and the museum strives to honor them all.

These chaplains served not only in the church, but also in the infantry, cavalry, artillery and hospital, doing whatever was asked of them.

“A lot of these black chaplains who survived the war also went on to found churches or be missionaries,” Rowlette said.

During the war, however, chaplains helped prepare men for battle by preaching and leading men to salvation, whether Catholic or Jewish.

“Very few people know about religion in the Civil War,” Rowlette said. “Very few people know about chaplains in the Civil War, and even less know about black chaplains.”

The exhibit had its debut on April 14 for the Civil War Seminar that the Liberty History Department organizes every spring. However, the exhibit has been in the making for over two years.

The museum plans to update the exhibit and make it more interactive. For example, the museum hopes to integrate a button that, when pressed, shows a scene from

the movie, “Glory,” which showcases black soldiers in the Civil War. The museum first opened its doors on campus back in 2010 in a location by Doc’s Diner, but has since relocated to its current location next to the Visitor’s Center.

The museum, which was considered strictly a partner of the university, became an official part of Liberty under the history department in 2015.

According to the museum’s website, their mission is “to educate the public about the role of chaplains, priests, rabbis and religious organizations in the Civil War … and to present interpretive programs that show the influence of religion on the lives of political and military personnel.”

More information on the museum and its newest exhibit can be found on its website at www.chaplainsmuseum.org.

RIVERA is a content reporter.

Kevin Manguiob | Liberty News Service RELOCATED — The Civil War Chaplains Museum became an official part of Liberty’s history department in 2015.

Kevin Manguiob | Liberty News Service COMMEMORATING — The National Civil War Chaplains Museum strives to honor chaplains who served in the Civil War.

SPORTS

September 11, 2018

B1

subzero victory

Chilling win Lady Flames hockey team takes two-game series with the assist of Aly Morris with six minutes remaining in the second period.

They ended the second period just as strong as they started, and the score was 3-0 with the Flames taking 16 shots and the Pride taking seven shots. That brings a total of 24-14 shots for a two-period total.

The Washington Pride scored their first goal in the third period with 15:13 remaining on the clock. The score now 3-1, the Lady Flames tried to bring back the fire they possessed in the first two periods.

They did all they could to move faster again and have the teamwork that they needed to succeed. That brought them to their fourth goal at 11:32 in the third period. Throughout the rest of the game the Lady Flames did not give up, but finished the game 4-1 with the final shot total being 40 for the Flames and 27 for the Pride.

Lowes said that the team does a great job of motivating each other to finish the game, and he said that the team knew that they would have to continue to build off of the game pervious and learn from how they play. This season Flames fans can look forward to the success of a team who is building off of what it accomplished last year and progressing as the season continues.

Liberty Flames women’s hockey team defeated the Washington Pride again Sunday, September 9, 5-3. The Lady Flames will be back in action in the LaHaye Ice Center Saturday, September 22, when they face off against the Carolina Eagles.

Paige Frost pmfrost@liberty.edu

With 11 minutes remaining in the third period of the game, freshman defender Rachel Gibson scored the fourth goal for the Liberty Flames women’s hockey team leading them to a 4-1 victory against Washington DC’s DI Washington Pride team.

The Washington Pride is a unique team because it is not connected to a university in the area. It is a girls collegiate prep team from the nation’s capital.

The Flames played with high energy all 60 minutes, on guard with their defense, only allowing one goal from Pride to get by. After the first goal was scored at 6:53 in the first period by freshman forward Ally Morris, this sent the team into overdrive. They had started a game that was not going to end unless they were the winner, and it was evident in their swift movements and excessive talking back and forth amongst the teammates.

At the end of the first period, the score was 2-0 with the Flames taking 13 shots and the Pride taking seven. The Lady Flames demonstrated the fruits of their practice. Head Coach Chris Lowes said that they have been preparing for this in practice since their last game.

“We saw some improvements in our team from last week’s exhibition, and we saw some good things based on what we did in our practices,” Lowes said. “We are pretty happy with our team.”

In the second period, a handful of penalties were given out to the Lady Flames, but that did not stop or discourage them. The enthusiasm continued with Alex Simbert shooting a goal

Ryan Klinker | Liberty Champion

SHREDDING — Freshman foward Grace Machholz skidded to a stop.

FROST is a sports reporter.

Blocking the Purple Eagles Liberty men’s soccer shuts out Niagara 3-0 Jared Dean jsdean1@liberty.edu

Erik Flores | Liberty News Service

EXPLODING — Liberty’s TV presence will be greatly increased with its ESPN broadcast deal.

On the big screen Liberty football signs six-year ESPN deal Peter Gooch pgooch1@liberty.edu

With greater competition comes greater visibility, as the newly Football Bowl Subdivision-level Liberty Flames football team announced an exclusive multi-year media rights deal with ESPN Aug. 27.

As part of the agreement, ESPN will carry all of Liberty’s six 2018 home games on the online streaming platform ESPN3.

ESPN, the Disney-owned sports media giant, also maintains the option of putting future matchups at the renovated Williams Stadium in Lynchburg on one of their nationally syndicated television channels: ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPNU. “We are right now trying to work to get some local opportunities for (broadcast-

Football

The Liberty Flames soccer team torched the Niagara Purple Eagles 3-0 Friday, Sept.

7, at home.

This win comes off a two-game losing streak where the flames lost to the University of Central Florida and Eastern Tennessee State University. This dominant performance by the Flames is just the game Head Coach Jeff Alder was looking for.

“We had lost a couple heartbreakers,

See BLOCKING, B4

ing) the road games, but nothing has been finalized at this point in time,” Liberty Athletic Director Ian McCaw said.

The Flames first road game of the season Saturday Sept. 8 was nationally televised on CBS Sports Network. Army, an FBS Independent like Liberty, has a media rights deal with CBS. Liberty’s relationship with ESPN is exclusive, meaning no other company has the right to televise Flames home football games until the deal is shifted or expires. However, according to the official University news release, the Liberty Flames Sports Network and their Emmy award-winning team will still be used to provide pregame, postgame and halftime game coverage.

See ON, B4

M. Soccer

Ryan Klinker | Liberty Champion

ATTACK — Senior forward Tresor Mbuyu posted his second multiple-score game this season.

M. Soccer

Army

Liberty

Niagara

Liberty

Manhattan

Liberty

38

14

0

3

2

1

WE’LL SEE YOU AT THE GAME

but we talked to the guys about healing where there is winning and there is learning,” Alder said. “We will learn from those two games we lost, and we will find a way to get better.”

The Flames got on the board in the first half with a goal from junior defenseman Shalom Dutey assisted by senior midfielder Kevin Mendoza with 22 minutes and 12 seconds left in the half.

Volleyball vs.

Virginia Sept. 11 @ 6 p.m.

Field Hockey vs. Longwood Sept. 11 @ 5 p.m.

W. Hockey Washington Liberty

4

Field Hockey vs. Temple Sept. 14 @ 3 p.m.

W. Hockey Washington Liberty

1

Football vs.

Norfolk State Sept. 15 @ 6 p.m.

5

3

Field Hockey vs. Virginia Sept. 16 @ 1 p.m.

sports

B2 | September 11, 2018 | Liberty Champion

Marched Over

Army dampens the red-hot Flames Nathaniel Chambers nrchambers@liberty.edu

Joel Isimeme | Liberty News Service SAVE — Junior goalie Allison Schaefer totaled

In a game where Liberty faced a triple option for the first time since the Kennesaw State game last year, the Flames could not find a way to stop Army and its plethora of fullbacks. The Flames gave up 510 total yards, including 449 rushing, to the Black Knights offense Saturday afternoon.

“We didn’t do the things that we needed to do execution wise,” Liberty head coach Turner Gill said. “It’s a little bit disappointing that we didn’t play to our level that we need to play at.”

Liberty lost 38-14 on Saturday, but the team did show glimpses of hope and had a chance to get back in the game. However, a

15 saves between two games.

Goalie Goals

Lady Flames field hockey goalie has lofty expectations for 2018 David Hoffman dbhoffman1@liberty.edu

Leah Seavers | Liberty News Service

AT THE HELM — Derek Schwandt is beginning his second year as head coach.

Court Camradery

The Flames men’s tennis team is prepped for a stellar season Jacob Couch jtcouch@liberty.edu

Kevin Manguiob | Liberty News Service FLYING — The Flames passed for two

touchdowns.

missed throw by quarterback Buckshot Calvert to a wide-open Damien King with the team only down by 10 at the time seized momentum after scoring touchdowns on back-to-back drives.

“That’s the play of the game right there,” Calvert said. “If we make that play, we’re down by three and it’s a dogfight. After that … they went down and drove the ball down the field, and we couldn’t quite get the rhythm after that.”

After not converting on the third down right after and punting it away on fourth, Liberty allowed Army to go up 31-14 after a 10-play, 80yard drive that lasted from the end of the third quarter to the beginning of the fourth. Liberty could not seem to grasp back momentum as Calvert threw an interception on their very next offensive play.

Before that in the first quarter, less than 13 minutes into the game, Liberty was down to their backup punter doing all the kicking duties with their starting kicker being sidelined for at least a month due to injury and after redshirt freshman punter Aidan Alves got ejected for a targeting call on a punt return.

It was not the only targeting call, as Liberty’s freshman defensive lineman Austin Lewis also got ejected early in the fourth quarter for targeting on what could have gone called or uncalled. Due to NCAA rules, Lewis will be ineligible to play in the first half of next week’s game.

“He was ejected because the crown of his helmet hit the quarterback, which I understand you can’t do that,” Liberty Defensive Coordinator Robert Wimberly said. “We stress that to our young men. I think he was just in a tough position for his length trying to bend down.

That happens. We’ll watch the film. I don’t think it was malicious.”

The Liberty Flames fans rose to their feet in applause as Chase Burton beat his chest and let out a battle cry that resounded throughout the arena. Burton pumped his fist, acknowledging and encouraging the crowd to continue to erupt in approval.

“We compare it to war,” Burton said.

“And you’re soldiers and brothers in arms. There’s an adrenaline rush that you get from going into each battle, each match. You know that you can trust your teammates and that your teammates have your back.”

Burton is entering his junior season on the Flames tennis team and is pursuing lofty expectations following what was a disappointing end to the 2017 campaign.

The Naples, Florida native is intent on implementing advice from the best in his sport as the 2018 season begins “When I step on the court there is a switch that I flip,” Burton said. “There’s a quote that me and my teammates memorize. It’s a quote from Rafael Nadal. ‘We shut everything out of our minds and concentrate every atom of our being on the point that we are playing.’”

The Flames offseason has been tailored to condition and train the team to be one of the country’s fittest rosters. Flames head coach Derek Schwandt views the Flames training regimen as beneficial to the team’s mental toughness as well as their physical toughness.

Schwandt also believes that a big part of the Flames success and culture building process will be due to his leaders.

This season, the Flames top two returning players are senior Eddie Gutierrez

and Burton.

As the Flames prepare for a season of difficult competition which will include road trips to California, Texas and Florida, Burton is excited for a matchup that hits close to home for him.

“I was recruited by FGCU,” Burton said. “They had me on an official visit and weren’t super interested. I’m really looking forward to going down there and showing them just how much they missed out on. Not in a prideful way but in a way that I want to prove to both myself and to my teammates that there’s more inside me than what most people see at first glance. Their coach who recruited me is still there and I have some friends, juniors, who are there who I would like to beat up on.”

Burton’s competitive spirit and energetic personality have contributed to he and Gutierrez having a high level of impact on the team.

“Chase (Burton) and Eddie (Gutierrez) showed some great leadership over the last year so they are going to really help set our culture,” Schwandt said.

“Coach wants us to have a winning culture,” Gutierrez said. “So, this year Chase and I started a Bible study. If we can fight the battles together on the court, why can’t we fight the battles together off the court? If we have a firm foundation spiritually as a team then nothing’s going to make us crumble.”

The Flames will look to integrate what they have learned on and off the court on Sept. 11, when the team will travel to Ontario, Canada for tournament competition.

COUCH is the assistant sports editor.

See MARCHED, B3

Kevin Manguiob | Liberty News Service RUSH — Sophomore tight end Fidel Ogbeifun

pushed through Army’s defense.

Joel Isimeme | Liberty News Service

SMASHING HIT — The men’s tennis team is looking to begin a successful season.

Junior Allison Schaefer came out of the gates strong this season, being nominated for Big East defensive player of the week after totaling 15 saves and having a save percentage of .750 against James Madison University and Duke University.

“It was really cool to be nominated and picked for that,” Schaefer said. “But it is still only the beginning of the season and we still have a lot of games left up until November.

The goal is to continue working hard and get better every single week.”.

Schaefer grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and has been playing field hockey since seventh grade. She played multiple sports including soccer, basketball and lacrosse.

However, field hockey sparked her interest the most.

“It’s just so much fun,” Shaefer said. “Every team that I’ve been a part of has just been one big family. The game is so fast and it’s always changing, so there’s always new things to learn, and I love learning.”

In regards to a major and future career, Schaefer remains unsure.

“I am an exercise science major, but I have no idea what I want to do yet,” Schaefer said.

Kevin Manguiob | Liberty News Service GOALS — Schaefer has the most career saves.

“I did some practicum hours at some different places, and I have to do an internship this summer for my degree. I’m hoping to do that with the strength and conditioning coach (for) the college program, so I’m not exactly sure what I want to do yet.”

As a player Schaefer sets the bar high with her goals, but most importantly she wants to be the best teammate she can be.

“I would like to be a Big East champion,” Shaefer said. “I think that’s the same for all of my team, especially the past two years, because we’ve gone to the championship and been runner up both times. I believe that’s the end goal. I’d also like to be All-American, but I think the most important thing is just to be the best teammate I can be. Our theme this year is roots, and one of our roots is selfless, which means putting the team before yourself.

I think ultimately that’s what I want to do best is put others before me.”

Schaefer believes the team has a great foundation, both on and off the field.

“One of things we strive for is to be relentless at all times, along with outworking, attacking every day,” Shaefer said. “We just want to come out every day better than the day before, to work our hardest and give 100 percent of what we have.”

“I can’t wait to play UConn (University of Connecticut),” Schaefer said. “We have played them the past two years in the Big East Championship, so coming out to play them, it’s a lot of fun and everyone gets really excited about it. We also started playing seven of eight ACC teams, and that’s always really great competition, it’s always a fast game, and it’s always a lot of fun for me, and the whole team.”

Last season, Schaefer became Liberty’s career saves leader. However, she was not aware of when it happened.

See GOALIE, B4

sports

Liberty Champion | September 11, 2018 | B3

Kevin Manguiob | Liberty News Service

CONCESSIONS — Williams Stadium has expanded its dining options in time for the 2018 season, adding several new options to the nearly complete eastern tower.

Hungry for home games Williams Stadium includes new concessions options including wings, hot dogs Siani Null snull@liberty.edu

Liberty fans enjoyed the benefits of William Stadium’s $40 million renovation at the Flames home opener Sept. 1, against Old Dominion University.

As the Flames poured on the points the crowd poured through the stadium’s concession areas, enjoying the new and improved edible options that the stadium has to offer.

With the renovation, concessions options have been drastically improved, according to construction officials. The east side of the stadium previously offered a general concession stand with eight registers. Since the opening of the new stadium, the east wing now offers Auntie Anne’s, Dunkin’ Donuts Express, Nathan’s Hotdog cart, two general concession stands and House of Flames for a grand total of 24-points of sales.

Another aspect of the expansion was creating more and smaller entrance gates. This change prohibits food trucks from entering

MARCHED continued from B2 In a game where it seemed like nothing could go right, however, the Flames did make an impact.

“They’ve got some good receivers, you can see that…,” Army Head Coach Head Coach Jeff Monken said. “The two-play drive to start the second half, that’s aggravating.”

Army coach Monken was referring to Liberty’s two-play drive early in the third, just 35 seconds after the Black Knights had scored. Redshirt senior running back Kentory Matthews broke off a 50-yard run, followed by a 28-yard touchdown pass from Calvert to King.

Not only did the coach like what he saw, as Army’s junior defensive back Elijah Riley called Liberty junior Antonio Gandy-Golden a great receiver. Though he shut him down for a lot of the game, he gave a lot of props to Gandy-Golden. There were also some other nice plays by the offense, including an overthe-defender’s-back catch made by redshirt senior receiver B.J. Farrow while the defender was committing pass interference.

Flames senior defensive captain Juwan

and providing additional vending during games. However, there will still be smaller carts that sell options like popcorn and funnel cakes.

According to Vice President of Auxiliary Services Louis Cambeletta, the motivation behind the changes in concessions made by Sodexo and Liberty was to bring an easier, enhanced, big-time stadium feel to consumers.

“We wanted to accomplish a couple of things,” Cambeletta said. “The first thing was to have a better concessions experience for students, fans, and whoever would sit on the east side. The second thing we wanted to do was to be able to create an environment where we could get fans in and out fast. The third thing was we wanted to have more variety.”

Cambeletta said the most significant change to concessions was the addition of a kitchen on the east end of the stadium. In previous years all food had to be cooked and prepared on the west side and brought over Wells also gave props to the Liberty defense for the way they played in the game.

“I think the defense flowed to the ball pretty well,” Wells said. “We missed some tackles that were key tackles, but other than that, I think the whole defense, all 11 flowed to the ball.”

Liberty players had a different opinion.

“I don’t think it was necessarily anything Army did; I think it was just on our part,” redshirt freshman safety Aaron Pierre said. “We missed some key tackles that ended up breaking for a good amount of yards. I feel like the game would have been much different if we improved on tackling.”

Despite the sparks of success that the Flames offense and defense showed at times, the mistakes made by the Flames proved to be too many to overcome.

The Flames will look to bounce back against the Spartans of Norfolk State this Saturday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. when they return home to Williams Stadium for Hall of Fame Weekend.

CHAMBERS is a sports reporter.

Kevin Manguiob|Liberty News Service

AIR ATTACK — Flames quarterback Buckshot Calvert threw for 307 yards in Saturday’s loss.

to the student section side of the field.

“That’s why it was very hard to have really good quality -- a burger is only going to stay so fresh wrapped up and brought over from one side to the other,” Cambeletta said. “We have full kitchen capacity over there now so that was a big goal for us to improve the quality, which improves the overall experience for fans on that side.”

Concessions workers begin preparing much earlier than many fans realize.

“Much preparation goes on behind the scenes in concessions that the student or fan would never realize, and especially for the opening game, there was a construction time crunch that led to a scramble in preparation,” Cambeletta said.

The Certificate of Occupancy needed before for the concessions preparation in the stadium could begin was provided Wednesday, August 29 when it was expected to be ready two days earlier. He described 3040 workers setting up brand new supplies, opening boxes, baking chicken wings, hand

Emily Baker egbaker@liberty.edu

If you’ve been on Twitter this week, you know what this column is going to be about.

Nike’s ‘Just do it’ ad featuring Colin Kaepernick has made waves since its release Monday, garnering the attention of much of the country.

President Trump tweeted about it. People burned their shoes or cut the Nike swoosh off socks because of it. A few Christian colleges, like College of the Ozarks, cut or reconsidered their Nike sponsorships in response to it. Those who burned their clothing were criticized because they could have donated the items instead of ruining them.

Other companies, such as Ford and the NFL, have jumped into the media storm and expressed their support for Nike. Many people have chosen to side with Nike, increasing the company’s online sales by 31 percent, according to Time Magazine.

Nike’s stock dropped 3 percent Tuesday, prompting non-supporters to claim that the drop was a result of Nike’s actions. However, Adidas and Under Armour also suffered similar drops, signaling that it was simply a bad day in the stock market.

I don’t think Nike’s marketing decision will permanently alter their sales. What matters to the consumer generally isn’t a company’s political stance, but rather the quality of their product. For example, I don’t agree with Target’s bathroom policy or some of the statements they’ve made, but I still shop there because I find they offer cheaper, higher quality clothing than some other retailers.

Frankly, I’m glad I recently chose to purchase a pair of Adidas sneakers instead of a pair of Nikes. This isn’t to say that I hate Nike. My Nike shoes and clothing have lasted through several years of band camp. But I’d rather not worry about what my clothing says about my political views. Besides, this time around, I found the Adidas shoes were simply better.

I’m unsure where I stand on Kaepernick.

It’s unclear whether or not he truly “sacrificed everything” as the ad says. I assume that refers to his NFL career. Yes, kneeling and wearing disrespectful socks was a controversial move, but was it his protests or the fact that he was a poor quarterback, winning 1 of 11 his last season, that led to him being cut from the NFL? We may never know.

cutting fries and preparing condiments just two days before opening.

“It’s nice that we have a break now and they didn’t have a home game this week, so we will be much more prepared come Sept.

15,” Cambeletta said. “You don’t really know what you don’t know yet. For instance, we didn’t know how many wings or hotdogs we were going to sell on that side. Those are the kind of things you learn, you can’t simulate that beforehand, you just have to hold on tight and let it go and then you’ll be more prepared after the first game.”

Even with a short preparation time, the renovations to concessions proved to be successful. Early indications for total sales show concessions were up 25-30 percent from a typical first Saturday game.

NULL is a sports reporter.

Since the Kaepernick ad came out, I’ve become hyperaware of the clothing people wear. The swoosh on someone’s sneakers or on the collar of their jacket has become more than computer-printed vinyl. Whether consumers like it or not, corporate brands have become political statements.

People are torn between wearing their favorite pair of shoes or wearing a less-loved pair without consequence.

That’s the issue with using a company’s platform to make a political statement—it turns a neutral item, like clothing, into something divisive. This was evident when Under Armour expressed its support for the troops and our police.

However, Nike’s intent is unclear. Were they shooting for a marketing stunt, or were they actually trying to say that they stand with Kaepernick and agree with him?

That’s the reason Liberty hasn’t broken its contract with Nike — at least not yet. President Jerry Falwell told USA Today, “We’re exploring the situation. If Nike really does believe that law enforcement in this country is unfair and biased, I think we’ll look around. ... But if it’s just a publicity stunt to bring attention to Nike or whatever, that’s different. We understand that. We understand how marketing works.”

A Nike sponsorship is an awesome thing for the school, both for athletes and for students. Leaving that deal would mean finding a new company both for athletic uniforms and for practically half the bookstore’s stock.

While companies, athletes and other groups have every right to use their platform to express their political opinions, is it necessary? Is it wise? And does it make that much of a difference economically?

For the better part of two decades the Nike symbol has been equated with athletic success. In the end I don’t think this will significantly affect Nike’s sales or stock. This decision may seem huge and divisive at the moment, but soon it will fade into the background.

BAKER is the sports editor.

sports

B4 | September 11, 2018 | Liberty Champion

Defending the goalie Men’s soccer captain looking to begin a strong senior season Bellarde since his freshman year and has seen him become a star defender and a key part of this team.

Senior Nico Bellarde, captain “I’ve seen Nico grow immensely of the Liberty men’s soccer team, in his time with me,” said Alder. is ready to lead his team to victory “Nico is a special guy. He is very during his final season. gifted on and off the field and he is In 2017, Bellarde was made using those gifts to impact people team captain as well as named to every day.” the Big South All-Academic Team.

Coach Alder said that Bellarde is This season he hopes to continue one of the best natural leaders he his success with the team. has ever had the pleasure to coach.

“I obviously want to make this “He is the kind of guy who can season the best that I can, I want to lead both verbally and by example, really make it count,” Bellarde said. on and off the field,” said Alder.

Coach Jeff Alder has coached Bellarde believes that being a leader is what God has called him to do during his time here at Liberty.

“As a captain I am basically an extension of the coaching staff so it’s really important to be an example to the other guys, both on the field and in the Leah Seavers | Liberty News Service classroom,” TRAVELER — Bellarde grew up in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Nate Montgomery nimontgomery@liberty.edu

ON continued from B1 The first game under the new deal — which was also the first game for Liberty in the FBS, the highest division of college football — was the Flames’ 52-10 win over Old Dominion University Sept. 1.

Coming up, Liberty’s contests with Norfolk State (Sept. 15), North Texas (Sept. 22), Troy (Oct. 13), Idaho State (Oct. 20) and New Mexico State (Nov. 24) will all be available for streaming on ESPN3.

In addition to the away game at Army and road games against Virginia and Auburn in November that will most likely make it on national television, McCaw said that he anticipates some Liberty home games in future years will move over to TV on ESPN or ESPN2.

“We certainly think that will happen, particularly when we play teams like Virginia Tech … and programs of that stature,” McCaw said. “We’re expecting national television coverage opportunities for us.”

Offensive coordinator and

quarterbacks coach Joe Dailey said that the increased spotlight and nationwide exposure will go a long way in helping Liberty’s players be prepared for life after college, as well as continue to build Flames football as a

“

It’s always a dream to play on TV.

—Jeremy

Peters

program.

“Playing in a large environment with so many people on you, it prepares you for a number of different things,” Dailey said.

“Being on ESPN3 where anyone in the world can watch …helps our program in a number of ways in addition to our players.”

Liberty’s junior quar-

Bellarde said.

It was his faith that brought Bellarde to Liberty. He was considering three other schools to attend, and Liberty was the one that made the cut.

“Liberty was the only faith-based school I was looking at and my faith Jessie Rogers | Liberty News Service is very important to me,” Bellarde said. “I felt like DETERMINED — Defenseman Nico Bellarde is entering his senior season.

Liberty offered me a family representing Christ. done yet. He is still as excited as environment instead of just a place “We’re trying to get the guys to ever to be playing and says that he to play soccer.” understand this platform that God just wants to enjoy all the time that Coach Alder is a strong has given them and use their abili- he has left. believer that each and every ties to share Christ with others,” “College is supposed to be some time his team takes the field it is said Alder. “Soccer to us is a form of the best years of your life, so I of daily worship.” always just try to choose joy every Bellarde’s has been us- day,” Bellarde said. “I love being ing soccer as a way to bring out there on the field, just getting glory to God, but with this it with the boys.”

College is supposed being his final season he after Both Bellarde and Alder have to look ahead high hopes for this season, includto be some of the best isto starting his future after Liberty ing bringing home a conference championship. years of your life, so soccer.

“Ideally, if I got the op“I’d really like to see Nico and I always just try to portunity to continue my these other seniors lift a trophy at soccer career after I graduate the end of their college careers,” choose joy every day. I would, but I also want to be Alder said. smart about it,” Bellarde said.

—Nico Bellarde “If I decide that I’d be better off getting my master’s degree, then I do think I’d want to stay here at Liberty for a few more years.”

MONTGOMERY is a sports However, Bellarde is not reporter.

“

terback Stephen “Buckshot” Calvert said that the bigger audience could give an extra motivational boost for the Flames as they look to perform well and entertain those across America who choose to tune in.

“If you’re watching, you’re going to get a show,” Calvert said.

Senior cornerback and team captain Jeremy Peters also said that knowing that more people, including his family, were watching from far away provides more motivation.

“It’s always a dream to play on TV,” Peters said.

If the game versus Old Dominion — where Calvert threw four touchdown passes and the Flames outscored their opponents 38-0 in the second half — is any indication, then Liberty should be thrilled that they are now regularly providing the large audience that the team thrives on.

GOOCH is a sports reporter.

THE RUNDOWN - Exclusive 6-year contract, 2018 games on ESPN - Eventually on ESPN 2 or ESPN - LFSN still does pregame, postgame, and halftime shows

so when we got the early goal from Shalom, it really put them back on their heels and really allowed us to get on top of the game with our possession, our passing and our movement,” Alder said.

As the game progressed there was some Ryan Klinker| Liberty Champion chippy play on EXPERIENCED— The Flames roster is full of veteran players. both teams, some shoving to get it and when Kevin and talk was exchanged this BLOCKING would eventually result in a continued from B1 told me to go to the first yellow card given to Liberty post, I knew I was going to “From the beginning all get it and get that first goal in the second half. we were talking about com- for the team.”

The Flames would finish ing out of the locker room was getting the lead in the the first half with 10 shots on first half, we wanted to have goal and the Eagles with one.

“It was important to us DEAN is a sports that stability,” Dutey said. “I kept thinking who was going that we start and score first, reporter.

GOALIE continued from B2 “Honestly, I didn’t know it happened until after the fact,” Shaefer said. “I don’t really track my stats that much, just because I’m more focused on the game and serving my teammates. I think it’s cool to know those things, and it’s exciting, but that’s not my primary focus.”

Despite her career already being immensely successful, Schaefer still feels there’s aspects of her game she can improve on.

“I think something that’s very hard for every goal keeper is bouncing back when you get scored on,” Shaefer said. “I think it’s something every goal keeper from beginning to upwards of the pros including lacrosse and soccer, it’s really hard to bounce back after a goal.

I think every goal keeper works to be able to say okay, just move on to the next play,

and still maintain the same cessful. They all really care level of performance.” about me, and it definitely Schafer fell in love with feels like home.”

Liberty University very quickly, and it felt like home from the start.

“I think the biggest thing is, it felt like home,” Shaefer HOFFMAN is a sports said. “The people here are so reporter. nice. Everyone is so friendly, and you can tell everyone really wants the best for you.

They want to help you succeed in any way that you can, especially my coaching staff, all of the academic professors that we have, and the strength and conditioning staff.

Everybody is workJoel Isimeme| Liberty News Service ing hard so that you’re HIGH FIVE— Schaefer is focused on able to be suc- teamwork.

feature

Liberty Champion | September 11, 2018 | B5

12 steps to heal Celebrate Recovery provides healing Jessica Hales jdhales3@liberty.edu

Travel the World 2018-2019

Graphic |Elizabeth Mallicoat

Travel with LU LU Send offers opportunities to travel Madi Hirneisen mghirneisen@liberty.edu

Liberty University students will have the opportunity to travel across the world with LU Send on 54 different trips during the 2018-2019 school year. The trips will immerse students in a new culture while allowing them to meet course or Christian service requirements.

Every year, LU Send coordinates trips with faculty members in numerous schools and departments at Liberty. Trips offered to students provide an opportunity for travel, cultural enrichment and course credit. According to the Director of Strategic Planning and Operations Management at LU Send Brandon Milks, students can plan to take courses abroad required by their Degree Completion Plan through an LU Send trip or choose to go abroad for CSER credit.

“Instead of taking the course here on campus, why not go on a trip experience and engage in culture,” Milks said.

Since the establishment of LU Send in 2015, the department has built relationships with various travel agencies. According to Milks, these agencies understand the vision of LU Send and the in-country experience the department desires to provide for students. LU Send makes it a priority for students to be culturally engaged while traveling.

Depending on the trip, students can apply to gain either course credit or community service credit. According to Brittany Liberto, the associate director of travel logistics, each trip centers on academics, but also provides students with an engaging cultural experience and a service component.

Both Liberto and Milks have led multiple LU Send trips abroad and witnessed changes in the lives of students because of the trips they have taken. More recently, Liberto and Milks led a team of 30 students to Rwanda during spring break of 2018. During the course of the trip, the team was able to provide homes for two families supported by Compassion International.

“I loved the trip because I loved the people who lived in Rwanda that we got to partner with, but then also the (students) who went on the trip were just really quality people,” Milks said.

During her time with LU Send, Liberto has had the opportunity to lead three different LU Send trips abroad.

Every time she has the opportunity to travel, she loves to witness the changes in the hearts of students.

Many Liberty students were able to participate in LU Send trips during the 20172018 school year. Juniors Taylor Menconi and Lydia Elrod had the opportunity to travel with LU Send to Israel for 10 days during the

summer of 2018. Both students agreed that the experience they had on the trip would remain as a special memory of their Liberty years for the rest of their lives.

Menconi and Elrod, along with a team of 45 other students and faculty, immersed themselves in the culture of the Holy Land during the trip. Among the highlights of the trip, Menconi and Elrod reminisced on their time spent in the Judean desert where they had the opportunity to ride camels, camp and spend time with Muslim shepherds.

“It just kind of hit me that the same place that God first made his faithfulness known to his people was really just made manifest in my life,” Menconi said. “It’s a trip that I’m still processing.”

The team was also able to travel around different sites in the Holy Land, which included an emotional trip to the border of Syria, the Sea of Galilee and to the place of the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The team also attended and volunteered at the largest Christian conference in Israel

“

Instead of taking the course

here on campus, why not go on

a trip experience and engage in

Liberty University is the only university to offer the counseling program Celebrate Recovery, a program offered by 29,000 churches across the country.

Celebrate Recovery is a weekly meeting led by Director of the Student Counseling Services Michael Trexler. The program offers guidance on issues ranging from codependency to trauma. Throughout this eight-week program, Trexler and other counselors meet to go through a book series The Journey Begins

by John Baker.

Celebrate Recovery is a support group for many kinds of struggles, and the department invites anyone to come and share.

Laura Adams, the intake coordinator for the Counseling Services, and her husband David are both counselors within the program and said that this is a program not to fix people but to change the attitudes of those who come with hurts and needs.

“We adopt a different attitude as we go through the 12 steps,” David Adams said. “By using these 12 steps we strive to have a more Christ-like outcome.”

In the Celebrate Recovery program counselors follow the 12 steps but also touch on beatitudes. The principles are simple to follow. By realizing that you have a problem and admitting it to yourself and those closest to you so that you

may open yourself up to God for healing.

“We adopt the Beatitudes and change our way of thinking from ‘I am God’ to ‘I need God,’” David Adams said.

The 12 steps that the program follows are comparing our situations with biblical outcomes, and how to reach those outcomes. According to the book “Stepping out of Denial into God’s Grace,”

by John Baker, these 12 steps can be compared to as

“The premise behind Celebrate Recovery is that the Holy Spirit comes in to these peoples’ lives,” Laura Adams said.

David Adams said even he understands that for everyone it is extremely uncomfortable to share our struggles in front of others.

Sometimes though, it can be a good response for our emotions if we share with someone else what we are going through.

David and Laura Adams

the Christian version of Alcohol Anonymous 12 steps.

According to Baker’s 12 steps, change happens when we realize that we cannot overcome our struggles without the grace and strength of God. Laura Adams said that during the meetings sometimes the counselors just let the Holy Spirit do the work. Yes, they always meet for worship and announcements but sometimes if the counselors feel led by the Holy Spirit, they will do break-out sessions.

When the program breaks out into small groups they are gender specific as well as issue specific. Within each group are designated counselors ready to listen and pray with those who are struggling.

said that most people who come worry about whether this support group is confidential. They noted that within each group counselors and members are informed that this is strictly a confidential group, and no one is permitted to speak of any issues outside of the group meetings.

David Adams describes the group as a “Crock-Pot” kind of healing. He sees healing as a slow and steady process, and believes healing never fully comes this side of Heaven.

“Finally, when God gets a hold on our hearts, we can change the way we behave,” David Adams said.

HALES is a feature reporter.

culture.

—Brandon Milks

called the Jerusalem Encounter. According to Menconi and Elrod, many influential pastors and leaders came together at the conference and taught on Christian ministries in Israel.

Both students complimented LU Send on the amazing effort they put into trips to ensure students are fully engaged in the culture and given a hands-on experience. The students explained how grateful they were for the leaders LU Send provided for the trip to Israel through the Office of Spiritual Development, and both felt blessed by the new friends they made on the trip. “(The trip) was life changing simply because we were on the trip with such great people,” Elrod said. “I think that’s something you can’t really find anywhere else.”

Students interested in learning more about upcoming LU Send trips and opportunities should visit www.liberty.edu/lusend for more information.

THE CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN LANDSCAPE Oil Paintings by David G. Heath

HIRNEISEN is a content reporter.

OPENING AND RECEPTION Thursday, Sept. 13 from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Liberty University Art Gallery, Green Hall, Room 1855 The exhibit will be on display through Oct. 13.

David Heath Through the Mountains

TRAVEL — LU Send sponsors trips around the world.

Nathan Spencer | Liberty News Service

(434) 592-7629 | Liberty.edu/ArtGallery Hours: Mon.-Fri., a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

feature

B6 | September 11, 2018 | Liberty Champion

Story of honor

Student author shares tips, triumphs Virginia Peay vlpeay@liberty.edu

Elizabeth Hornberger has big things on the coming horizon as a published author and student at Liberty University.

Hornberger was first published at the age of 19 for her fantasy novel “Wings of Honor: Warriors of Aragnar Trilogy.” She has since published the second of the series and is set to release the third this December.

“I believe that God gives us all a story,” Hornberger said. “Every single one us has a tale that is to be told. We are all a part of a grand story that extends far beyond our understanding, and it would be such a shame if you sat on it and didn’t use it.”

It all began at a young age when her knack for storytelling turned into an undeniable passion for writing. With the loving support of her parents, Hornberger began to dive into the creative writing world.

“I’ve always had the belief that I shouldn’t have to wait,” Hornberger said. “I can do something now. I can impact lives now. I can let God use me now. I don’t have to wait for a certain time in my life to make an

lydia piondexter | Liberty Champion

READ — Hornberger grew up loving books.

impact for Christ.”

After years of hard work and with the help the writing community, Hornberger selfpublished “Wings of Honor” through Amazon’s Create Space. This gave her a free platform to get her work published and network with other authors which led to being picked up by the publisher Crimson Pulse Media.

“Networking is huge,” Hornberger said.

“You need to reach out to authors and the people in your field. If you don’t it will be very hard. You want to gain their knowledge, and to rub elbows with these people.”

Now along with her writing, Hornberger is involved in the Center for Entrepreneurs with the School of Business. This program is designed for anyone, regardless of major, with a goal of one day creating your own business by bringing along mentors and opportunities to get those ideas off the ground.

“You might not think that business is where you want to be, but if you have a desire to change the world and impact your community in ways that are tangible and realistic then entrepreneurship is definitely one way that you can make an impact,” Hornberger said.

Hornberger is a senior studying communications, fine arts and creative writing. She hopes to continue her writing afterwards.

Her publisher Crimson Pulse Media will continue to work with her on other projects after the Warriors of Aragnar Trilogy is complete.

“I just want to go where ever God can use me to touch and impact people’s lives,” Hornberger said. “I definitely have a longterm goal and dream of having a business and having my own ministry where I take young writers under my wing and encourage them.”

Christina Davis, a close friend, has been impacted by Hornberger’s strong character and commitment to giving God all the glory. “(Hornberger) was actually the one that helped me get saved,” Davis said. “She has just been such an inspiration and gets worried thinking about if her work is what God wants to happen. She always says,

WRITE — Hornberger published her first novel at age 19.

‘I don’t want the fame on me. I want it to focus on God’.”

Hornberger describes that if she can just touch one person’s life and make an impact on them the way her favorite authors did, then that is all the success she needs in life.

Recently at a convention she had an interaction with a set of parents that will stay with her forever. A woman approached her booth, her face lit up at the realization that Hornberger was the author of the books with which her daughter was obsessed. The daughter was hospitalized at the time due to a low immune system.

“She told me how my books had challenged her daughter’s faith, and that I had no idea how important the books had been to her,” Hornberger said. “Her story moved me to tears — I thought, ‘God, this is just a story.

How can it be that important to someone?’”

For Hornberger, the impact that her stories make on her readers spurs her on to keep writing.

“I know I can never stop writing, not when

Lydia poindexter | Liberty Champion

I know that precious girl is waiting for my next book,” said Hornberger. “If I never have another fan, she’s already made everything worth it.”

PEAY is a feature reporter.

Wings of Honor For many decades, stories of betrayal and blood have surrounded the mysterious land of Aragnar, a nation inhabited by winged warriors. A bloodthirsty kind has taken the Aragnarian throne, and he is now coming to claim the rest of the world for himself. But when Maria Fellbane’s quiet life is interrupted by strange visitors, her destiny is forever altered as the stories of Aragnar come to life. As prophecy and war collide, will Maria be able to stand strong in her faith, or lose everything she loves?

Block Party 2018

Student Activities’ annual Block Party still prevailed despite the forced evacuation due to inclement weather.

The dark clouds held out until 6:30 p.m., when the parking lot was evacuated just as the wind began to pick up.

The Block Party was held on September 8, starting at 5:00 p.m. Students visited the booths of local venders and university clubs that bordered the LaHaye parking lot. Venders included Golf Park Coffee, Lynchburg Community Market and 90.9 the Light.

Jake Ziegler & the Locals and Apollo LTD. opened the evening with live music performances.

The remaining bands, 1K Phew, Jenny & Tyler and Tedashii continued their performances in the LaHaye Event Space while the rain pelted outside.

photos by allison heise | Liberty Champion

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Liberty Champion | September 11, 2018 | B7

Residence life trains up leaders

Converge equips students for a future of leadership rebekah yoder | Liberty Champion

FRESH — Grassroots is committed to providing quality produce to downtown residents.

Get rooted Grassroots market opens downtown Esther Eaton eeaton@liberty.edu

Imagine never tasting a real strawberry.

Kate Jenkins, outreach coordinator for Grassroots, met a boy in downtown Lynchburg who had never tasted a fresh one.

“He’s had strawberry flavored drink,” Jenkins said. “He’s had strawberry flavored candy. He’s had artificial jam. Never bitten into an actual fruit.”

With the opening of Grassroots Local Market, a full-service grocery store, Jenkins wants to make fresh local produce more accessible. The market has opened on downtown Lynchburg’s Main Street. The market is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

It stocks fresh produce and pantry items as well as ready-to-eat deli options like sandwiches and coffee.

Grassroots is a cooperatively owned and directed by community members who have bought a $200 share in the company. Members receive some discounts and can run for the board of directors, but anyone can shop at the market.

Lynchburg’s downtown has limited grocery store access, making it one of Virginia’s worst food deserts according to a 2014 study

by Virginia Tech University.

The market has limited buying power because of its small size but plans to keep staples such as bread and milk affordable. The market will also sell specialty items such as artisanal bread.

Jenkins knows that higher prices are concerning.

“A lot of people say why would I come and buy almond milk for $4 a gallon here when I can go to Kroger?” Jenkins said. “You know, there’s something to be said for a small business, supporting a small business versus a commercial chain entity and franchise.”

Ashley Kershner is executive director of the Downtown Lynchburg Association and a member of Grassroots’ Board of Directors.

She said residents and workers in downtown Lynchburg can all use a grocery store.

“All of those people were getting in their

cars and driving out and coming back in to get their groceries,” Kershner said. “So not only do they have access to grocers, but the over 2,000 people that are working in downtown every day have access to that as well.”

Kershner acknowledges the higher prices at Grassroots but said they make sense.

“In order for grocery stores to sell food at a lower price they have to have a specific volume of sales and the market for a while won’t have that,” Kershner said. “So, it is going to be a little bit more expensive, but they’re paying for the convenience of having it in a downtown storefront. The good news is that it is balanced with the fact that people are really excited about it.”

Grassroots shares a building with several lofts, and more are visible from its front window. Jenkins said the market allows people to pause halfway through cooking dinner and quickly buy an ingredient they forgot. She said the market needs to continue adding members, but the community response has been enthusiastic so far.

Jenkins also said the market wants to join National Co+op Grocers once it reaches the required $2 million annual sales. Membership benefits of NCG include training for staff, data analysis, and marketing materials.

It also gives co-ops more purchasing power, something Jenkins said will lower prices at Grassroots.

In the meantime, inventory will continue to grow at Grassroots as “More to Come” signs are replaced with meat, cheese, flour and more. The market plans to offer workshops and food tastings. Jenkins welcomes students to volunteer at events or help with design projects.

Kershner encourages those who live outside of downtown Lynchburg to stop by the market.

“It’s not just for people that live and work downtown,” Kershner said. “It’s something that we need the whole community to support in order for it to thrive.”

EATON is a feature reporter.

Well Suited Students dressed for success Emily Wood ewood13@liberty.edu

Money is tight for most college students, and funding a new professional outfit is likely not in their budgets.

Fortunately, J.C. Penney hosted a “Suit-Up” event Sept. 8 at River Ridge Mall. The event lasted from 9 a.m. until noon. The “Suit-Up” event was tailored to aspiring professionals, in need of a workforce-ready wardrobe at a reasonable price.

To help students face the challenges of the job search, the Career Center along with J.C. Penney of Lynchburg offered great deals Saturday morning, including 40 percent off on all career wear, free consultations and additional coupons.

Sephora even offered mini-makeovers and giveaways. All customers with a Flames pass qualified for the discount and free gifts.

The “Suit-Up” event allowed Liberty University students and staff to save money on business attire. Liberty Career Center representatives were also present and available to

answer questions.

Liberty students swiped in with their Flames pass and entered a raffle for prizes. They shopped together as they took an important step towards a successful career.

Executive Director of Career Partnerships & Career Services Sarah Falwell said the event is great because it allows Liberty students a chance at the beginning of the school year to purchase professional wear for their upcoming interviews and job fairs. Falwell said it is important to practice career-readiness early in the year.

“They are more competitive the earlier they start,” Falwell said.

“This makes them stand out.”

Liberty University’s Career Center advertised the “Suit-Up” event to attract Liberty students in search of professional wear and interviewworthy attire. Liberty even provided bus transportation from the Hancock Welcome Center to make the event accessible to as many students as possible.

Career Center office administrator Lindsey Gusler said J.C. Penney’s “Suit-Up” event allows students to prepare themselves

Rachel McClamroch rkmcclamroch@liberty.edu

The Office of Residence Life has led a leadership development program for the last three years, but this semester it gets a brand-new title: Converge.

Senior Resident Director Sheldon Farrington said there are a number of other programs in Lynchburg with the same basic description, but Residence Life wanted to give Liberty’s program name showing how it stands apart.

“We came to (the name) ‘Converge’ because we have always brought different people together … with different stages in life, different experiences in leadership,” Farrington said. “It’s a convergence of a diversity of individuals coming together on a unified understanding of what leadership is.”

In the program, students meet in groups of six to eight hosted by their resident director and they attend workshops on topics related to a specific leadership competency. Last semester the theme was diversity— how to foster relationships with people of various backgrounds, personalities and theological opinions.

This fall the focus is self-understanding, and in the spring it will be responding to change.

Farrington is excited to relate how people have been impacted by the leadership workshops he helps organize. He has heard of multiple students who have taken what they heard and applied it to difficult life situations.

One, he said, was a girl who came to them while dealing with frustrating relationships at her job.

“She said, ‘I probably would have lost my job on Friday if I had not sat at your workshop on Thursday,’” Farrington said.

Abby Voggenreiter, a student, participated in the program last year, when it was simply the Leadership Development Program, or LDP. She especially appreciated the closeness of the small groups.

“Every single time we would meet up we would try to talk about difficult things,” Voggenreiter said. “We would have politically incorrect conversations and be honest about what we really thought. It was cool to hear everyone’s opinion and form our thoughts as a group.”

Rachel Post, a student, went through LDP with Voggenreiter. Both talked about learning how to handle emotional confrontations and how to encourage groups to bond. They felt the program has helped

them prepare for a future career.

“It gives us so many resources to look back on,” Post said. “I have so many notes from last year that I can use when I get a job one day.”

Participants stress that Converge is for all students, not just for those who want to become resident assistants, or even just for those who live on campus.

“We don’t want those small groups, or the program at large, to be monolithic in any way,” Farrington said. “We don’t want all community group leaders. We don’t want all freshmen. We don’t want all people who have already served in leadership.

We want diversity of upbringing, physical appearance, theological views, cultural backgrounds, major, leadership experience and so forth.”

It is, in short, for everyone who may want to become better leaders.

“You will walk away a better person,” Voggenreiter said.

On Sept. 10, applicants will discover if they have been accepted. The new year of Converge will commence and hopefully see all its students grow and sharpen in godly leadership skills.

MCCLAMROCH is a feature reporter.

professionally.

Gusler said she wishes she had this opportunity when she began working in a professional environment. Gusler said that the purpose of the event is for students to feel confident in what they wear.

Liberty student Michael Christensen and some of his friends took advantage of J.C. Penney’s “SuitUp” opportunity.

“I needed some nice professional clothing, and these are good buys,” Christensen said.

“It builds more confidence, and it’s important in the world of professionalism.”

He added that it is best to start now, rather than later.

J.C. Penney partners with college campuses across the United States, such as the University of Virginia, to host the “Suit-Up” event. The purpose of this event is to ensure that students are prepared to dress for success in a competitive work environment. The “Suit-Up” event draws many college students because it enables them to dress professionally at a fraction of the cost.

The “Suit-Up” event at J.C. Penny gives students the opportunity to prepare for interviews, career fairs and the workforce.

“In order to feel your best, you’ve got to dress your best,” Gusler said.

“It gives you confidence.”

MEASURE — Students were fitted for the perfect look.

WOOD is a feature reporter.

BROWSE — Professional clothing was offered at a discount.

Allison Heise | Liberty Champion

Allison Heise | Liberty Champion

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B8 | September 11, 2018 | Liberty Champion

Taryn Azimov | Liberty Champion

FRESH— Cinnamon rolls are baked fresh each day.

Taryn Azimov | Liberty Champion

MELT IN YOUR MOUTH— Cinn City specializes in fresh cinnamon rolls with a variety of toppings.

Sweets for the Hill City Local build-your-own cinnamon roll shop open in Downtown Lynchburg Abigail Bowman abowman7@liberty.edu

Sometimes, you just need old-fashioned, sugar-rich, comfort food.

That, according to Alex Richardson, is what his new gourmet bun and beignet shop Cinn City will offer.

Cinn City serves fresh cinnamon buns and beignets that guests can top with more than 20 different kinds of frostings or toppings.

Richardson, co-owner of RA Bistro, opened the bakery right next door to the RA Bistro to complement what was already being done at RA Bistro, as well as add something new to the downtown area.

“We wanted to find something that would bring a notoriety to downtown, bring notoriety to the building itself – something that was special and unique,” Richardson said.

Richardson compared Cinn City to the donut chain Duck Donuts. He described how customers are able to order a large cinnamon bun fresh from the oven and then top it with anything from infused frosting to candy to fruit.

“It’s a comfort food; it’s a sugar-laden, rich product,” Richardson said. “The idea behind it is comfort food – it is decadent; it is dessert.”

Richardson said that there will be cinnamon buns and beignets available for vegan customers and customers with other food restrictions.

As a trained, French-Creole chef, Richardson knows how to adjust a recipe to fit diet restrictions. He also sees the value in keeping his cinnamon buns and beignets simple and fresh, yet still delicious.

“Us mom-and-pop chefs, we want to use real food and prepare it as simple as we can

make it and as fresh as we can make it for the client that is coming in and eating that product,” Richardson said.

Richardson also said he is committed to setting up Cinn City so each customer gets a cinnamon bun fresh out of the oven. He also said that part of the reason that Cinn City focuses just on cinnamon buns and beignets is to make it easier to make them fresh.

Richardson said that having two options for the pastry but a variety of toppings is what distinguishes Cinn City from other bakeries in the area.

Since his shop opened in a town that boasts several colleges, Richardson kept student customers in mind.

“Being a part of the community and embracing the student body and the student community from all the schools is something we want to do,” Richardson said.

Richardson said he wanted to provide something unique for students and others.

“We wanted to create that feel that it’s a destination — it’s not just a bakery,” Richardson said.

He said he thought the students would enjoy the novelty of a cinnamon bun and beignet shop.

“I think that it’s going to give the students, not only a sweet tooth in regard to that warm, comfort food as a cinnamon roll, but its going to be that ‘cool’ factor, that ‘wow’ factor,” Richardson said.

Taryn Azimov | Liberty Champion

YUMMY— Customers can purchase single buns or in sets of four, eight or 12.

Menu Snapshot Classic Bun

Choice of Frosting

Classic Creole Beignet

Choice of Dipping Sauce

The Lumberjack

Maple Frosting, bacon, cinnamon apples and cinnamon drizzle

Coffee Crunch

Coffee frosting, heath bar, toasted coconut and chocolate drizzle

BOWMAN is a opinion writer.

Day and night, around the clock LU Shepherd’s 24-hour prayer event ensures campus is covered in constant prayer Olivia Deloglos odeloglos@liberty.edu

Kelly Keith, a senior and firsttime Resident Shepherd (RS), will be leading a program on her hall called 24-Hour Prayer this semester. The program is a campus-wide initiative from the LU Shepherd

Office towards the goal of creating a culture of prayer on campus. She was drawn to the program because she loved how dedicated to growth and care her student leaders were.

“We need to keep asking the Lord to keep raising us up as leaders, as students, as faculty,” Keith said.

Prayer requests submitted to the

link on Liberty’s website will be covered in prayer 24-hours a day Monday-Friday. Wes Franklin, Executive Director of LU Shepherd, explained that the goal of the program is to unite the school and continue to seek God’s will for Liberty’s campus.

“Prayer unifies our hearts together on this campus as we march

Macy Hrncir | Liberty Champion

CONSTANT—Liberty students can sign up for 30-minute prayer shifts to join the prayer initiative.

through this semester together,” Franklin said. “The goal is constant 24/7 prayer.”

According to Emily Woody, an LU Shepherd, participation in years past makes this goal reachable. Students are able to sign up for 30-minute shifts on the LU Shepherd website, or even submit prayer requests. Additionally, student leaders around campus will be assigned shifts to make sure that even as students sleep, they are being prayed for.

“Our CGL’s specifically … are in the weeds of all this,” Franklin said. “They’re on the front lines of everything that’s happening on our campus, so they are warriors in praying.”

Both Diaz and Keith agreed that although it can be hard to get up in the middle of the night, meeting God in the quiet to seek him was a great way to stretch themselves as believers.

“It really did help me to seek the Lord and be on my knees and be intentional,” Keith said. “Sometimes it’s very easy to get caught in a daily routine.”

Last year, Franklin recalled that he saw the impact of that prayer as God moved all in various ways, including student revivals occurring to early-morning worship sessions at the Vines Center.

“We don’t want to pray small prayers only; we want to pray big

prayers,” Franklin said.

Woody explained that prayer is contagious, and sometimes more powerful when done in community. As a hall or community group, led by Community Group Leaders (CGLs), she said students will have the opportunity to meet God together for the needs of each other or for Christians around the world.

“Student leadership is really carrying this,” Franklin said. “And we desire to see other people say ‘we want to join you in prayer.’”

Students may hear more about this program through social media, but according to LU Shepherds, the best way to learn about it and get involved is to ask the RSs and CGLs that you know. Keith said she saw God move in many ways through 24-Hour Prayer, but some of the most significant ways have been through relationships formed on each hall.

“God loves a willing and faithful servant, so if you’re willing to get up in the middle of the night, I know he’s going to meet you there,” Keith said.

DELOGLOS is a feature reporter.