Liberty Champion September 18, 2018

‘Hello, Dolly!’ takes the stage in the Tower Theater

Timberlake Exit 10-B will be closed from 11 p.m. Sept. 18 until 6 a.m. Sept. 20.

B8

VOLUME 36, ISSUE 3

LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA

LIBERTYCHAMPION.COM | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 | LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

building hope

WHAT’S

NEWS

@ LIBERTY

The Venardos Circus erected its red and white striped tent in the River Ridge Mall parking lot last week. The small, traveling circus combines musical acts with traditional circus entertainment and will be in Lynchburg until Sept. 23.

Developers recently purchased four buildings on Fifth Street in downtown Lynchburg — 709, 708, 706 and 702 Fifth Street — to extend downtown revitalization past Main Street. The historic buildings, which have fallen into disrepair, will be used both commercially and residentially beginning early 2019.

An Appomattox Middle School student started a support group for young adults ages 8 to 17 that have siblings with special needs.

Special Needs Siblings Rock meets at the Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center in Lynchburg and gives participants a place to talk and do activities together.

In partnership with Hampton University, Liberty University will host a U.S. Senate Town Hall Meeting Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Center for Music and the Worship Arts. The meeting will host the incumbent senator, Tim Kaine, as well as his challenger, Corey Stewart. A second meeting will be held Oct. 3 at Hampton University.

Liberty University is offering a new scholarship to middle income families to help college be more affordable for all students. The Middle America Scholarship is for first-time residential undergraduate students and will take effect in the Fall 2019 semester.

Joel Coleman| Liberty News Service

Grant received GOOD HABITS — The LU Habitat for Humanity club posed with a newly built home project after its dedication service in May.

LU Habitat for Humanity club acquires $20K to build local home

Logan Smith lcsmith1@liberty.edu

Nothing was out of the ordinary when Alison Pettit logged into her Liberty email the morning of Aug. 3, 2018.

As routine, she scrolled through her messages and scanned for relevant mail. As a professor of information technology in the Liberty School of Business and as a faculty sponsor for the LU Habitat for Humanity club, Pettit checks her email often.

Her gaze met an unread message from Habitat for Humanity International. Curious, she opened it, and the details within pleasantly caught her off guard.

“I was in shock,” Pettit said.

“When I saw it, I couldn’t believe it.”

President Jimmy Carter on his Habitat habit

“

For the first time in (the children’s lives), they’re

not ashamed to bring their schoolmates and their

friends to their own home. They’ve been ashamed of all the places they’ve lived in the past, but

they’re proud of their Habitat house.

— President Jimmy Carter

President Carter shares his history with Habitat for Humanity in “Grant Received .”

See BUILD, A8

Florence slams coast Hurricane Florence leaves path of destruction in wake

Brittany Slaughter bdslaughter@liberty.edu

Hurricane Florence left a major impact over the weekend, and the flooding is expected to continue in the Carolinas, Virginia and other states through the week. The National Weather Service said almost 34 inches of rain accumulated on the North Carolina coast from Thursday to Sunday.

While Hurricane Florence was downgraded to a tropical storm Friday night, the danger level continued to rise. On Monday, Lynchburg-area news station WSET warned of 20 to 40 mph winds, flash flooding, river flooding and isolated tornadoes for the area.

The weather is expected to calm down

on Tuesday, and sunshine is expected for the end of the week.

CBS reported that, as of Monday, there are more than 700,000 homes and businesses without power in North and South Carolina.

Wilmington, North Carolina, has been cut off from the rest of the state due to the rising floodwaters. The city of nearly 120,000 people will receive food and water by airlift, AP News reported. Over 2,000 people have been rescued from Wilmington, FOX news reported.

The slow pace of the storm added to the danger, as it lingered in areas for long periods of time. The damage came not from the winds, but the massive amounts of water dumped in its path.

North Carolina is expected to receive

9.6 trillion gallons of water in the state alone, the AP reported. The Weather Channel reported 23 deaths caused by Florence as of Monday — 17 in North Carolina and six in South Carolina.

Various reports have the storm tracking north through Charlotte and western Virginia. By Tuesday it should be approaching Pennsylvania and then Maine by Wednesday and then out to sea by the end of the week.

Despite Florence’s path moving, caution is advised as flooding continues.

SLAUGHTER is a content reporter.

photo provided EYE OF THE STORM — Florence made landfall Sept. 12.

INSIDE THE CHAMPION

Content

Campus gears up for voting season, read how you can register to vote in Virginia for Nov. 6. A3

Opinion

Tennis professional Serena Williams fined for multiple violations, A5 blames sexism.

Sports

Flames football against Norfolk State stormed out, rescheduled for B1 Dec 1.

Feature

‘Hello, Dolly!’ premiered this weekend with plenty of glitz and glam.

B8

Content Opinion Sports Feature

A1 A4 B1 B8

content

A2 | September 18, 2018 | Liberty Champion

Peaceful protest persists A21 Walk for Freedom will raise awareness of worldwide human trafficking Madison Hirneisen mghirneisen@liberty.edu

The annual A21 Walk for Freedom will be hosted in Lynchburg, Virginia, Saturday, Oct. 20, to raise awareness about human trafficking and unite abolitionists in the fight against slavery in both the United States and around the world.

A21 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and abolishing human trafficking and slavery. Since 2014, A21 has been rallying individuals in cities and towns across the globe to be the voice for the voiceless and walk united on one day each year.

This year, thousands will gather in cities around the world and walk to raise awareness Oct. 20.

Liberty University senior Tara Adams attended her first Walk for Freedom her freshman year and will be hosting this year’s Walk for Freedom in Lynchburg. Adams believes that this event is important for Liberty students to attend because human trafficking happens everywhere.

According to the Human Trafficking Hotline, 502 calls were made to the Virginia hotline, and 156 human trafficking cases were reported in 2017.

“I think as Christians, if we’re going to

sit here and say we support Jesus, and Jesus loves the lonely and loves people who (are) being used and hurt, then we should be loving the people that are being used and hurt and do something for their freedom,” Adams said.

Registration for the walk is free and can be completed online at a21.org. While fundraising for the event is not required, A21 challenges each participant to raise $100 for the cause.

Since the walk is the same day as other events, such as the Flames homecoming football game and the Lynchstock Music Festival, the Walk for Freedom will only last an hour to accommodate participants’ schedules.

Those participating in the walk will meet at Monument Terrace at the intersection of Church and Ninth streets at 9 a.m. Oct. 20. Participants are to wear all black in solidarity towards the victims. The walk will begin with prayer for human trafficking victims and a discussion concerning trafficking in different areas around the world, while also spotlighting its effect in the city of Lynchburg.

Liberty senior and Walk for Freedom Assistant Host Laura Schulte, has been passionate about the A21 foundation since she her freshman year.

With this year’s Walk for Freedom quickly approaching, she is looking forward to bringing fresh awareness to the community about human trafficking.

“I think when we talk about things like human trafficking and modern-day slavery, it can sound very ambiguous,” Schulte said. “I think that this walk and this demonstration allows people to understand that there are real people and real human lives that are forced into trafficking every single year, and that is a problem. I think that through this walk, we are able to help take this issue, which can be a huge thing, and give people a way to channel that passion.”

According to Schulte, prevention of human trafficking starts with awareness of what is happening in the community. Both Adams and Schulte hope to raise greater awareness about the legitimate problem of human trafficking within the United States through this event.

They also want to provide individuals with the

CORRECTION In the Sept. 11 issue, there was inaccurate information in the Grassroots story. The correct information is $2.5 million in general sales (not annual).

Also, membership to Grassroots will not lower prices for members.

NOTICE Next issue of the Liberty Champion is October 2. Please contact libertychampioneditor@gmail.com with your story ideas.

photo provided

SOLIDARITY — Participants were asked to wear black to show solidarity toward trafficking victims.

knowledge to know the signs of trafficking in America and educate them on how to respond when trafficking is suspected.

Schulte and Adams praised the Lynchburg Police Department for their kindness and accommodation in the planning for the event. Theresa Reynolds, the administrative associate to Deputy Chief Major Mark Jameson, helped Adams and other Walk for Freedom hosts complete the necessary forms to secure a permit for the event.

“When people are passionate about a cause, we want to make sure they have every way within the realm of obeying the law to speak their mind,” Reynolds said.

To find out more information about A21, visit the website A21.org.

HIRNEISEN is a content reporter.

photo provided

FREEDOM — Tara Adams led the walk in donwtown Lynchburg in 2016.

photo provided

SILENCE — Participants wore tape over their mouths because trafficking victims have also been silenced.

CAMPUS CALENDAR 09/18 - Voter Registration

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Liberty Champion | September 18, 2018 | A3

Virginia is for voters

New online voter registration forms allow students to easily register to vote

Will Evans wjevans@liberty.edu

The Dean of Students Office at Liberty University is encouraging students to get out and vote in the upcoming midterm elections Tuesday, Nov. 6, but to do so, they must register before Oct. 12.

Morgan Hanson, an associate director with the Dean of Students Office, said the university has made registering easier than in previous years.

Instead of paper forms handed out in classrooms, voter registration forms can now be filled out digitally through liberty. edu/votenow.

The digital form preloads information from students’ secure Liberty accounts, including their Social Security Numbers, Liberty addresses, etc. Students just need to verify the information, print the form and turn it into the Dean’s Office in Green Hall 1880 within one business day of completion.

“We showed (our online registration) to (the) Lynchburg city registrar, and they were in love with it,” Hanson said. “They would love if other colleges did this as well.”

Links to the online voter registration forms will be emailed to students in the coming weeks. However, Hanson hopes that

by the presidential election in 2020, Liberty will make voter registration forms accessible through the Liberty Today app.

Alaska students should not register to vote in Virginia, so they will not lose a tax benefit, unique to them and their home state.

Hanson believes it is important for students to register locally and help shape their community.

“We try to remind students that this is their home,” Hanson said. “It’s important to

“

Anyone is welcome to vote.

We don't care who you vote

for. We just want you to vote.

— Morgan Hanson

have a say where you’re at locally.”

The new changes come alongside a partnership with the Campus Vote Project, a branch of the national non-profit Fair Election Center, an organization which utilizes pro bono lawyers who strive toward closing the gap of inactive voters. This push comes from an effort from Liberty administration to make Liberty University a “Voter Friendly Campus,” a classification that r e c og n i z e s schools with set plans to engage students in the voting process.

Out-ofstate students should also note that once registered to vote in Virginia, they cannot Erik Flores | Liberty News Service pa r t ic ipa t e BE HEARD — Thousands of students have voted on campus in previous years. in their home

Got Health?

Healthy Campus Week kicks off Sept. 24 Lauren Osterhoudt losterhoudt@liberty.edu

Liberty University’s Department of Student Health and Wellness is preparing for Healthy Campus Week, which will begin Sept. 24, in an attempt to help students become their best selves.

Along with this, the sixth annual Health Expo will be held Sept. 25. from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the Academic Lawn.

Keith Anderson, executive director of Student Health and Wellness, described the week-long event as being a time to promote the physical health of Liberty students.

“During this week, we want to encourage students to make it more of a priority to seek out new opportunities to be physically healthy,” Anderson said.

“We want them to challenge themselves and hopefully find others to help keep them accountable.”

However, Anderson said the Student Health Expo will be the “big day” that will serve as the culminating piece of the week. This year, the theme for the expo is “Aloha Wellness.”

Meant to encapsulate the fun culture of Hawaii, the

expo will be a celebration of health, complete with food, games and a DJ. Throughout the day, giveaways like T-shirts and longboards will be given away.

“Aloha, wellness,” Anderson said. “Whether you are coming or going, think well.”

With over 31 local vendors coming out in support of the event, students will also be able to visit each of their tables to learn more about all nine dimensions of wellness, which include physical, spiritual, mental, emotional and financial wellness.

One of these vendors, the Central Virginia Family Practitioners, will be on site to provide students with general health information, handouts and tips to avoid catching illnesses, such as the flu.

“It is very important to be aware of your surroundings and to know the right steps to take in order to prevent (sickness),” Lauren Bennett, director of operations at CVFP, said. “The more well-informed and equipped, with better education on how to take care of yourself, the better off you’ll be.”

In partnership with CVFP, Liberty University’s

School of Nursing will also be on the lawn administering free flu shots for students.

“Flu season typically goes from September to March,” Anderson said. “The sooner we get more people vaccinated, the better prepared our community will be to ward off the flu.”

Additionally, Anderson said they will soon be launching a new health campaign with the motto, “Choose well. Be well. Do well.” This will focus on helping students to choose a better nutritional diet, to be well regarding emotional and spiritual health, and to do well by being active and engaged in healthy activities.

“Taking care of our bodies as a temple gives us the opportunity to be well and to be more easily used by God,” Anderson said. “By promoting wellness, we can also help students to create healthier habits in order for them to be able to function better academically.”

For more information, students can visit www. l i b e r t y.e d u / h e a l t h a n d wellness.

OSTERHOUDT is a content reporter.

state elections. There is no limit on how often one can change their registration, but it is a felony to be registered to vote in two different Midterm elections are held states.

“That’s double diptwo years after the presidenping,” Hanson said. tial elections, and for Virginia “You can’t do that.”

Hanson said the residents, that means they will Dean of Students Office be voting for their choice for is requesting that students have their forms U.S. House of Representatives. filled out and turned in This year, they will be choosby Oct. 12. ing between Democrat Tim Tim Murcek, president of the College Kaine and Republican Corey Republicans club on Stewart for Senate. For stucampus, is also encouraging students to regdents on campus and other ister for the upcoming sixth District locations, their election.

“If students aren’t choices for Congress are from swing states, I also Democrat Jennifer Lewis and advise them to change their registration to Republican Ben Cline.

Virginia,” Murcek said.

“Their voice has more of a say here.”

Murcek’s club is acdents who feel at home here, to vote here,” tive on campus in its campaign efforts for Murcek said. “Because it’s going to make a Republican Party candidates as well as in difference for you.” its promotion of students’ rights to vote and For students interested in learning more bring change to their community. about voter registration, the Office of Stu“Where you spend your time, wherever dent Life will participate in the upcoming you call home … (you should) make a differ- LU Health Fair Sept. 25, which happens to ence there,” Murcek said. be National Voter Registration Day. Murcek is also looking to create new in“Anyone is welcome to vote,” centives to increase voter turnout. In this Hanson said. “We just want you past year’s Gubernatorial race, roughly to vote and exercise your constitutional 1,500 of 5,000 registered students voted. rights.”

“It’s a very, very apathetTo register, students can use the online ic voter turnout we have here,” form at liberty.edu/votenow and turn it in Murcek said. to the Green Hall 1880 within 24 hours of Murcek has proposed allowing a class completion. skip for students who vote, but the idea is still pending administrative approval.

“If you’re really calling Virginia your home, and you’re planning on living here for the next four years, I highly encourage stu- EVANS is a content reporter.

Voting

OPINION Moon mission A4

September 18, 2018

A new film celebrates Apollo 11 as a global success John Vence jtvence@liberty.edu

One small film, one great idea September: the unofficial National Overreaction Month. In the first week alone, we witnessed Nike apparel set aflame, Serena Williams’ tempestuous courtside tantrum and, most recently, Americans criticizing a film that has not yet reached theaters.

Not long after Damien Chazelle’s Neil Armstrong biopic “First Man” premiered at the Venice Film Festival Aug. 29, news broke of the director’s decision to omit the American flag-planting scene.

Prominent figures and officials like Sen. Marco Rubio, conservative analyst Ben Shapiro and President Donald Trump pronounced the film “antiAmerican” and a “pernicious falsification of history.”

Most notably, Buzz Aldrin, who flew in Apollo 11 with Armstrong and walked on the moon, responded by posting pictures of the flag planting with the caption “#proudtobeanAmerican.”

A movie that depicts a solely Ameri-

can feat while removing the stars and stripes would raise justifiable concern.

But “First Man” is not that movie.

Vanity Fair’s correspondent did confirm that the flag-planting will not be shown on screen, but the American flag is still featured — “more in there than any movie you’ll see this year,” assured Tatiana Siegel of The Hollywood Reporter.

Chazelle released a statement clarifying his choice, emphasizing his desire to focus more on the obscure facets of Armstrong’s life and role in the mission.

The move, he said, was not political.

But more importantly, he noted that the mission was ultimately a human achievement.

It’s an achievement manifested best, not by a flag, but by a footprint.

Armstrong’s first step was the epochal moment of the moon landing, forever changing how humans saw the curiosity that had pulled our ocean tides and colored our folklore for millennia.

In 1969, a great mystery had become tangible, and headlines around the world praised a miracle performed by the 400,000 people of NASA — a group

comprised mostly of Americans.

Mostly.

This workforce also included Englishman Frances Thomas Bacon, whose fuel cell patents were the blueprints to a reliable energy source for Apollo 11.

The Telegraph reported that the dozens of British who played a hand in the moon landing included Lunar Landing Test Vehicle Program Manager Peter Armitage, Houston Mission Control Flight Director John Hodge, and Thomas Chambers, who aided in designing the Apollo guidance computer.

And let’s not forget, America’s rocket technology and space science program is the brainchild of Nazi-defector Wernher von Braun and his team of 1,600 Germans. Wernher was naturalized as an American citizen in 1955, more than a decade before man stepped on the moon.

Almost 50 years ago, the world watched astronauts place six U.S. flags on the moon. According to NASA, those flags are now white. Half a century of harsh exposure to ultraviolet rays have bleached the flags colorless.

I find it fitting. It was imperative during the Cold War for America specifically to gain the upper hand in the space race against the USSR. But since then, the Soviet Union has vanished, similar to the color of our flags on the moon.

What remains as permanent as the human footprint in the Sea of Tranquility is the fact that mankind left a footprint there in the first place.

Our star-spangled banner is not gone entirely from the film or the moon.

Viewers won’t leave the theater doubting which country spearheaded the initiative. But, waning ever so slightly into the background, the flag is a detail eclipsed by something even greater.

Google Images

MAN ON THE MOON — Several astronauts have planted flags on the moon and posed to be photographed, but the new movie about Apollo 11 will not include a flag-planting scene.

VENCE is an opinion writer.

Commuter parking Liberty is striving to accommodate all commuter students

Mikaela Stiner mstiner@liberty.edu

When commuter students arrived for the Fall 2018 semester, the concept of guaranteed parking spots became a distant memory. The new commuter parking passes created a traffic free-for-all.

Students lapped the parking lots for upwards of 30 minutes, scanning for any open spaces. Some eventually settled for spots far away from their destination. Frustrations continued to grow.

During the first-week-of-school chaos, LUPD sent out several emails attempting to persuade commuter students to fill up all the empty parking spots at the East Campus Satellite parking lot — commonly known as Zone 4.

The problem seemed to be commuters clogging up Main Campus by driving around in circles, waiting for someone to pull out of a parking spot closer to their classroom.

Apparently, too few students took LUPD up on that less-than-tantalizing offer, communicating by their refusal to park in the satellite lot. For them, the joy of commuting does not also entail hiking to class from one of the farthest corners of campus.

And so LUPD sweetened the deal by offering East Campus Satellite parking passes for $25 each semester, rather than the alternative $100 all-inclusive parking pass. Only time will tell how many have resigned themselves to the East Campus Satellite parking wasteland.

As a commuter student, I have my personal ways of working around the parking challenges, as I believe many of us commuters do. We figure out our own schedule, and then we figure out the ebb and flow of each lot throughout the day, and eventually, we know where we need to be and when we need to be there to make it work.

But despite this, I still hear frequent complaints and jokes about on-campus parking as fellow students express frustration with the current system.

Liberty University has committed to

building a new parking garage, Vice President Dan Deter announced. While that won’t alleviate the current parking woes, the school is committed to getting this problem fixed for students and faculty.

Liberty is far from being the first university to struggle with accommodating its thousands of students and faculty in limited parking spaces across campus.

A New York Times article published in 2017 bemoaned the challenges of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as its parking space-to-student ratio was only one space for every five of their 65,000 students.

Gary A. Brown, the director of campus planning at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, suggested that as ride and car-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have gained and continue to gain popularity, they will eliminate the number of students driving personal vehicles, along with the need for more on-campus parking.

Perhaps Brown’s prediction could happen. Still, that does not solve today’s parking problem.

But when I investigated how to improve parking on college campuses, I found that Liberty does implement most of the recommended solutions.

Improvements can be made, but LUPD is doing what it can.

A University Business article list-

ing 10 solutions for campus traffic and parking mentions providing shuttle service.

Done.

The article also recommends: raising the rates, staggering class times and stopping traffic during the day.

Done, done and done, at the cost of afternoon errand trips to Walmart — goodbye left turns and straightaways on Wards Road between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

That being said, this is my advice to my fellow students: just go with the flow.

No one enjoys leaving half an hour early to find parking on campus, but right now, that is just the way it is.

When you end up in the recesses of Liberty Mountain Drive on a cold winter day wondering how long you will suffer before the 72 bus arrives to relieve you of your shivers, remember that you only paid $25 for your parking pass, and you did not have to fight anyone for your parking spot. And if you keep your commuter pass, when you land a great space close to your classroom building, rejoice and be glad.

Or, in one further act of rebellion, you could ignore LUPD’s emails and avoid the East Campus Satellite parking lot at all costs until they pay us to park there.

STINER is an opinion writer.

LIFE WITH

LOGAN Logan Smith lcsmith1@liberty.edu

If my house was on fire, I know exactly what I would save.

I only have minutes before the flames collapse the building, and every second spent inside the inferno will leave me with burns of varying degrees.

I must sprint as quickly as possible and retrieve only my most treasured possession. I won’t have time to snatch anything else. Only I know its precise location.

It’s one-of-a-kind, and it sits patiently in my bedroom awaiting rescue.

Thankfully, my family escaped; my only concern is myself. The only obstacle between me and my prize is a raging ball of fury.

“The Floor is Lava” was a fun, childhood game, so I’m confident in my flame-dodging abilities. Maybe that game helped me train for this exact moment — the moment of truth.

I inhale one last breath of clean oxygen before beginning my quest.

Like a superhero from that really popular action movie everyone’s talking about, I viciously kick down my front door. Smoke plugs the air, but I still find my bearings. My living room furniture — containing a piano, several bookshelves and a long, sectional sofa — all elicit unique burning sounds pertinent to their structure.

The wooden floor screams beneath my feet as I dash toward the basement door. (Before you judge me for living in my parents’ basement, know that I feel absolutely no shame).

Parents are fantastic, irreplaceable gifts; learn from them, help them and live with them as long as possible (within reason of course).

Now, where was I? Oh yes, the basement door.

The basement door is tucked at the end of a narrow hallway. I reach for the door handle, but I quickly retreat my hand from its searing heat. I rip my shirt off, then wrap it around my arm to shield the temperature.

The door swings open, but then it cracks off its hinges. Before me are 12 carpet covered stairs leading to the basement. I feel like Gandalf from the “Lord of the Rings,” who led the Fellowship of the Ring through the Mines of Moria. That scene with the tumbling staircase is great entertainment, but I’m hoping my fate in this situation doesn’t parallel the Grey Wizard’s.

With each descending step, I fear instability. Falling would mean “game over.”

I reach the bottom. Our basement contains more than it should. Bookshelves, overflowing with literature of every kind, hide most of the walls. My sister’s room is to the left, mine to the right. My drum kit, symbols and all, haven’t been touched yet. My PS4 cost me a pretty penny, but that doesn’t matter. Even my Magic: The Gathering cards, cumulatively worth thousands of dollars, cannot compete with the relic I’m trying to save.

Fortunately, the flames haven’t affected my room; the fire evidently started upstairs.

I run to my nightstand, thankful to have gotten this far. The cabinet compartment of my nightstand holds the secrets of my past. Photos, souvenirs and thousands of words from my childhood cram between its pages. Behold, the journal I created as a high school senior.

Possessions say a lot about an individual, and some, like journals, say much more than others. My inspiration to journal came from “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and “Sleeping Freshman Never Lie,” two of the most inspirational books to ever see shelves.

If your house was on fire, what would you save?

Decide quickly. The fire starts now.

SMITH is the manager of content.

Natalie Aidar | Liberty Champion

NEW SYSTEM — Students park in either residential or commuter lots based on classification.

opinion

Liberty Champion | September 18, 2018 | A5

Gender discrimination

Tennis star Serena Williams was treated unfairly, but responded poorly Mary Obringer mgobringer@liberty.edu

Even in defeat, Serena Williams dominated the headlines following the 2018 U.S. Open. Her confrontation with chair umpire Carlos Ramos led to violations and fines, and a renewed dialogue about gender discrimination in tennis.

During the match, Williams sacrificed her image as a role model in order to prove a point. While she had justifiable reasons to be upset with the umpire, she did not handle herself professionally.

It all started when Ramos saw Williams’ coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, gesturing toward Williams.

Players are not allowed to receive any coaching during a match. Ramos assumed that Mouratoglou was coaching Williams and gave her a violation. Williams responded by insisting she never cheats, according to Fox News.

Fox News mentioned William’s coach, Mouratoglou, later admitted to ESPN that he was coaching, but he did not think Williams saw him. Mouratoglou said all coaches try to coach their players during matches.

In response, Williams smashed her racket in frustration, which resulted in a second penalty and the loss of a point. Williams shouted at Ramos that he was a thief for taking points away from her, according to Fox News. She received a third violation for verbal abuse, which resulted in a game loss.

After the match, Ramos was escorted off the court while the crowd booed him, according to an article in USA Today. While umpires are usually given a gift,

Google Images

CHASING THE RECORD BOOK — Serena Williams has 23 Grand Slam singles titles, one short of the all-time record held

by Margaret Court.

Ramos did not receive any gifts during the ceremony.

Williams was fined $17,000 for her three code violations during the match, according to Fox News. The tournament referee’s office announced it docked Williams $10,000 for what she said to Ramos, $4,000 for coaching and $3,000 for smashing her racket.

Williams called the code violations sexist, saying she has seen men call umpires “several things” without receiving violations, CNN reported.

“I’m here fighting for women’s rights and for women’s equality and for all kinds of stuff, “Williams said at the press conference.

“For me to say ‘thief’ and for him

to take a game, it made me feel like it was a sexist remark. He’s never taken a game from a man because they said ‘thief.’”

Ramos has a history of confrontation with some of the brightest stars in the sport. He gave William’s sister, Venus a violation for coaching in 2016. In 2017, he penalized Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray for playing too slowly, according to Larry Brown Sports.

However, the fines later imposed by the tournament referee’s office were unique to Serena Williams violations, sparking accusations of sexism.

Several tennis legends have backed William’s opinions about

the bias of the decision. Tennis legend and equal-rights advocate Billie Jean King tweeted about the double standard in tennis.

“When a woman is emotional, she’s ‘hysterical’ and she’s penalized for it. When a man does the same, he’s ‘outspoken’ and there are no repercussions,” King tweeted Sept. 8.

Former tennis star Andy Roddick also tweeted that he has “regrettably said worse” and gotten away with it, according to CNN. According to the USA Today, Dominic Thiem smashed his racket earlier in the 2018 U.S. Open but received no penalty for it. Instead, he gave the broken racket to a fan amidst applause. The ar-

ticle also mentioned that Nick Kyrgios has cursed umpires several times this year without receiving a penalty.

Although Williams is right about the unfair treatment she received, her response at the tournament set a poor example.

Martina Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion, agrees about the double standard for women in tennis, according to an article by Fox News. However, Navratilova said because Williams presents herself as a role model in women’s sports, she should remember the kids watching and not think of what she can get away with.

Serena was asked about what she would tell her daughter about the match, and Serena said, “I’ll tell her I stood up for what I believed in. I stood up for what was right.”

While Williams’ behavior toward Ramos was not exemplary, Williams showed true sportsmanship and poise toward Osaka.

When the crowd started booing, bringing tears to the confused and overwhelmed 20-year-old Osaka, Williams told the crowd to stop booing and celebrate Osaka’s win, according to CNN. The win was a historic moment for Osaka, making her the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title, according to CNN. Navratilova is right. Tennis stars are role models, especially for children. All tennis players should think about what example they set by their conduct.

OBRINGER is an opinion writer.

Anonymous sources Bob Woodward sacrificed his book’s credibility by quoting unnamed informants Mary Obringer mgobringer@liberty.edu

Americans will always remember September 11 as a day of terror. It is fitting that journalist and author Bob Woodward wants Americans to think of terror when they see his new book “Fear: Trump in the White House,” released Sept. 11.

Woodward has been attacked

by President Donald Trump and other senior White House officials for his use of anonymous sources.

Most of these officials have written statements denouncing claims Woodward has made about them, leading President Trump to tweet about the possibility of this book constituting as libel.

These anonymous sources damage Woodward’s credibility and leave the public questioning the veracity of his book.

Woodward has been writing books about presidents for years.

His books are considered a “rite of passage” for presidents, according to BBC News. However, Woodward’s new book about President Donald Trump has sparked a great deal of controversy. Trump tweeted that the book was “boring” and “false,” according to Fox News.

However, Trump tweeted that Woodward did get one thing right

– he is “tough as hell” on people.

Other books have been released in the past several months about President Trump. Fox News mentioned a few recent unflattering titles: Michael Wolff’s “Fire and Fury” and Omarosa ManigaultNewman’s “Unhinged.”

What about this particular book has stirred up so much controversy? Woodward’s book paints the administration as having a “nervous breakdown of executive power,” according to BBC News.

Woodward claims that individual members of the White House Staff, including chief economic adviser Gary Cohn and White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter, hid documents from Trump so that he would not sign them.

Woodward’s book also claims that Trump’s advisers are repeatedly shocked by Trump’s lack of interest and knowledge of significant issues, according to a New York Times article. Several members of Trump’s staff, including White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and former Trump attorney John Dowd, have denied the statements quoted in Woodward’s book, according to Fox News.

Unfortunately for Trump, even if Woodward’s statements are untrue, prosecuting Woodward for libel would be difficult if not im-

Google Images

INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST — Bob Woodward also used anonymous sources as he reported on the Watergate scandal, when Republicans broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters.

possible. Libel laws offer little protection to public figures from unsubstantiated statements. Trump has tweeted that Washington politicians should change libel laws, according to Fox News.

While we do not know who Woodward interviewed, we do know one key person he did not: Trump. Woodward claims he contacted members of the White House staff multiple times to try to get an interview with Trump, according to Fox News. However, in a telephone conversation with Woodward after the author had

completed the book, Trump said he was unaware that Woodward wanted to interview him.

According to the Washington Post, Trump has expressed frustration with counselor Kellyanne Conway for not bringing Woodward in to talk directly with him and suggested he could have “helped shape the book” if he had been given the chance to talk to Woodward.

In spite of the backlash, Woodward stands by his work.

“I stand by my reporting,” Woodward said in a statement to

the Washington Post.

Thus, the American public is left with a “he said, she said” situation.

The public should not have to investigate the veracity of a reporter’s claims. Reporters are responsible for verifying the claims they make. In his book, Woodward presents quotes and details provided by anonymous sources, leaving readers to wonder who these sources are and what agendas they might have.

OBRINGER is an opinion writer.

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content

A6 | September 18, 2018 | Liberty Champion

Upperclassmen face off for officer slots One junior class campaign remains, seniors battle it out for Sept. 19 votes

ADDYSON GARNER AND KAYLA COGHLAN Addyson Garner (P) and Kayla Coghlan (VP), senior class candidates What makes you and your partner quality candidates for this position?

We are running for senior class president and vice president because we are uniquely qualified candidates. We are passionate about serving our school through student government.

Throughout our time in the legislative body, we have pushed innovative bills designed to positively impact Liberty students.

We are familiar with the formal process for proposing ideas and have shown our competency through the numerous bills we have contributed.

Through our dedication to communicating with students, we know that we can serve as effective advocates. Our hope is to help the senior class leave an impact during their final year.

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

We plan to make positive changes on campus in a three-point platform: 1. We want to create service opportunities sponsored by SGA, such as partnering with LU Serve in October to host a food drive in the SGA offices. We would love to enable students to act as Champions for Christ through service opportunities and provide them with an outlet to give back to their community.

2. We plan to set up an online system estab-

photo provided

KATHRYN LEGG AND KELELA BRANNING-PILLA

lishing a direct line of communication between the senior class and its officers. We want students to be able to bring forward any ideas and concerns directly to their class officers, who will advocate on their behalf in the executive branch.

3. Finally, we’d like to partner with the Lynchburg Humane Society to bring in stress-relief animals for students to interact with. Students have responded positively to stress-relief animals during past finals weeks, so we would like to make these visits more frequent.

Kathryn Legg (P) and Kelela BranningPilla (VP), senior class candidates

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

Addyson: My proudest accomplishment at LU would have to be my work on our mental health initiative in SGA, which improved the lives of students on campus through mental health awareness. The experience taught me the value of student activism, speaking up and working with administration to enact positive change on campus.

Kayla: Last year I was nominated to serve on the Privileges and Elections Committee.

It was the committee’s first year of operation, and we were tasked with assigning SGA delegates to represent Liberty students. When students have a direct channel of communication with SGA, real progress can happen on campus — which I got to experience firsthand. I’d like to see this philosophy expanded upon to allow a more open exchange of ideas between students and their class officers.

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

Kelela: I have been a part of the House Delegates for a year now and have been able to work on two committees to understand more of how SGA operates. In addition, the Lord has blessed me with tremendous leadership opportunities through which I’ve learned and am learning about servant leadership and speaking out for those who aren’t heard.

Kathryn: I have been in SGA since my freshman year. My first year I was able to work with two other students to sponsor legislation that changed curfew rules on campus. We heard many students say that they wanted to be able to sign out late sometimes, and we started writing. I got to see early how the legislation process works and how change actually occurs on campus. We had the opportunity to work with the then Stu-

How do you spend your free time?

Kelela: I often spend my free time hanging out with friends, studying and engaging in the Lynchburg community.

Kathryn: I spend my time hanging out with friends, working out and enjoying Liberty’s campus. I like playing intramural sports and serving in my church. Also studying — that takes up some time.

and on the global scale. Champions are a representation of their field. Champions are unashamed of their victory. To us, being a champion for Christ is to attempt to model our lives after Jesus Christ and to cultivate more champions for his cause.

How do you spend your free time?

Tim: Outside of

photo provided school, you’ll find me TIMOTHY MURCEK AND EVAN GAUL heavily involved in a variety of activities.

Timothy Murcek (P) and Evan dividual activities, adventures and I am a club president, spending Gaul (VP), junior class candi- ambitions, but rather being a vic- some of my free time coordinatdates tor and an ambassador for a cause ing club meetings and events and greater than oneself. Champion- promoting my club. When I am What does being a Champion for ing those things that Christ has not tending to club matters, I am a Christ mean to you? called us to is the entire essence passionate hockey fan who prides To us, being a Champion for of the Christian life and the great myself on rarely missing any of my Christ is about so much more than purpose which we are called to hometown team’s, the Pittsburgh simply being successful in our in- share with our local community Penguins, games. You may also

photo provided

dent Body Officers and Vice President Mark Hine. I learned a lot about the relationship between students and administration from the passing of that legislation, and it was neat to see change actually happen.

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

If elected, we would strive to accurately represent and voice the opinions and concerns of the senior class. Our presence would represent not only the present graduating class but the legacy to follow at Liberty University.

Our slogan is “Representation. Discipleship. Outreach.” We want to represent the students rightly to administration. We also want to represent students well to the Lynchburg community. We are passionate about discipleship as well. Our faith in this endeavor is just as important as it is in any other matter. Lastly, we want to facilitate more outreach to the Lynchburg community, including to the other colleges in the area. We’re not the only school in Lynchburg, and we should be reaching out to those around us to connect and minister.

We are really excited about this opportunity and hope we get the chance to represent the senior class.

find me at my favorite coffee shop, The Muse, sipping a peppermint latte and reading a book on politics, philosophy or theology.

Evan: When not (tending) to schoolwork, I am often working what I call “the best job on campus” at Snowflex, where I now serve as an instructor for beginner skiers and snowboarders, two of my favorite hobbies. Other hobbies include hiking and camping.

I am also in the process of starting a student-led organization called Project: Fourteen22, a club whose goal is to educate more students about Christian persecution worldwide, an issue about which I am extremely passionate. You may also find me re-watching and finding opportunities to quote “The Office” in any given social situation.

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

We are running on the ideas of community, opportunity, and sin-

cerity. In a world full of division, we want the class of 2020 to be the standard-bearer of a community knit together academically, professionally and spiritually.

We want to foster an environment where we are standing shoulder-to-shoulder on graduation day with friends, not just acquaintances. The class of 2020 should not be a vague reference applied with a broad-brush, but instead a community of individuals who are committed to each other and the cause of Christ.

We want to provide ample opportunity for our class to showcase their many talents and give them a platform to utilize those gifts in the best possible way. Finally, we want to sincerely serve our class.

If elected, we ask for nothing but honest feedback and discussion on how we can make this school better.

content

Liberty Champion | September 18, 2018 | A7

Checking out the library Little Free Library allows both children and adults to take a book or share a book Lorena Rivera lrivera8@liberty.edu

Madison Heights recently installed the Olde Town Little Free Library — a box for people to leave or take books for free — on the property of Madison Heights Baptist Church.

The idea to implement the library came from Madison Heights Elementary School, where it was an end-of-year project.

“We are always looking

“

can take it at no cost, and many times, a note will be left in the book from the previous owner.

After reading the book, the person can opt to either pass the book along or return it to any Little Free Library.

“So far, the community has been using it,” Cann said. “In fact, before we had a chance to stock it, the community began to stock it and use it.”

Many people in the com-

This project has allowed us to put free, quality literature in the hands of our

students, which is the number one way to increase literacy — giving children access to books.

— Leslie Cann

for ways to connect with our students and the community, as well as fostering a love of literacy,” Leslie Cann, a second grade teacher and implementor of the library, said. “This project has allowed us to put free, quality literature in the hands of our students, which is the number one way to increase literacy — giving children access to books.”

The library works in three ways: take a book, share a book or leave a book.

Anyone who is interested in a book from the library

munity of Madison Heights have played a part in kickstarting the project. The proposal originated from within Madison Heights Elementary School. The school was also responsible for coming up with the funds, installing the library and holding a book drive to initially fill the library.

According to an article in the News and Advance, the tiny library cost around $500. Lowe's, a partner in the project, provided supplies, such as paint and varnish, while the rest of the

money came from community donations. Books were provided from a book drive and purchased from vendors, according to the News and Advance.

Madison Heights Baptist Church also embraced the opportunity to have the library on its property.

“They thought it would be a great addition to the adjacent community garden and another positive way to reach out to their congregants and students in Olde Town,” Cann said.

The library was installed in June but was formally dedicated Aug. 30. According to the Little Free Library’s website, it is one of over 75,000 Little Free Libraries registered in a total of 85 countries.

Through all of these nonprofit libraries, tens of millions of books are read, shared and enjoyed each year.

According to its website, the nonprofit’s mission is “to inspire a love of reading, build community and spark creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world.”

More information on the Little Free Library and how to get involved can be found at https://littlefree library.org/.

RIVERA is a content reporter.

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For subscription information contact or call us at: LibertyChampionga@gmail.com 434-582-2128

lorena rivera | Liberty Champion

FREE- The Olde Town Little Free Library is one of 75,000 worldwide.

A8 | September 18, 2018 | Liberty Champion

Art Expo heads for LaHaye Event encourages students to brush up on their art skills this fall may or may not be in an art major to showcase their work,” Cleveland said. “We accept photography, fine art and digital Immediately following fall break, the La- media.”

Haye Student Union lobby will house artStudents who are interested in entering work from aspiring artists from the Liberty the Art Expo should submit their work to community. the Student Activities Office in GH 2900 by The annual Student Activities Art Expo Oct. 8 at 5 p.m. is for artists interested in showcasing their Cleveland hopes other students will enjoy work with the possibility of snagging an seeing the display.

Amazon gift card for their efforts. Artwork “I hope (students) will see artwork that will be displayed in the LaHaye Student they love on their normal walk by the LaHaye lobby,” Cleveland said.

Pretty much every semester, we change up Passing students will be able the event to be better than the last time. to stop by and vote on their favor— Erin Cleveland ite piece in each category.

Two winners Union lobby in Green Hall Oct. 10-12 from in each category will receive Amazon gift 1-5 p.m. cards – a $100 gift card for each first-place According to Erin Cleveland, assistant winner, and a $50 gift card for each secdirector of Student Activities, the artists are ond-place winner. The winners will be anfree to choose any theme for their piece. Art- nounced after the expo closes. ists may submit up to two pieces. There are According to the Student Activities webthree categories — fine art, photography and site, artwork should be labeled with the digital media. artist’s name and email and the name of the While students majoring in art will dis- piece. Photography should be framed and play their work in a gallery as part of their matted, while hanging work must have a dudegree, Cleveland said that part of the goal rable hanging mechanism on the back, such of the Art Expo is to provide a place for all as a hook or wire. students to display their work, regardless The expo is free for students to enter, of major. and participants do not need to attend the “Art Expo is a place for students who expo itself.

Rachel Van Tuyl rvantuyl@liberty.edu

“

BUILD continued from A1

That was such a huge blessing.”

The club has completed two houses since its inception. When the club is not working on its own building projects, it participates in other builds around Lynchburg.

According to lynchburgva.gov,

photo provided

LOOK — An expo goer browsed the work of student artists during the 2017 Student Activities expo.

Cleveland explained that changes to the event are based on feedback from previous expos.

“Pretty much every semester, we change up the event to be better than the last time,” Cleveland said. “We just added the showcase portion a couple years ago, and now that is solely what the event will be based on event surveys we’ve had in the past.”

In the past, the Art Expo was a formal event, but now, the event is designed to

Carter’s largest project was in the Philippines, where 14,000 volunteers joined together to build almost 300 houses in five days.

“It’s a very gratifying experience,” Carter said. “You can see that Habitat means a lot for the re-

simply showcase students’ work.

I always love looking at the artwork — students at Liberty are so talented,” Cleveland said.

More information on the Art Expo can be found at www.liberty.edu/campusrec/studentactivities/.

VAN TUYL is the assistant content editor.

er $60,000 before next May so it can begin building another house.

Sumner, recently selected as the club’s president, hopes the club grows under her leadership and that the club can fundraise enough money to complete a house every year.

“I also want people to know that (the club) is a place for them to feel welcome, to feel like they have something they can belong to,” Sumner said.

The club partners with Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity to complete the construction process — an assignment that takes several weeks for the band of 60.

“If you don’t know how to use a hammer, show up anyway, and they’ll show you how to use it,” Sumner said.

the club does not want to pause its work.

“I never wanted this to be a oneand-done thing,” Pettit said. “I always wanted this to be more.”

One of the most resonating characteristics of Habitat, according to Sumner, is that it goes beyond a typical charity. Habitat for Humanity volunteers seek to build personal relationships with the recipients of a house.

“We went from basement to roof,” Sumner said. “They’re able to take that step up into the rest of their life, and God is putting that step there.”

For more information about the LU Habitat club, or if you want to donate, visit its Facebook page — Liberty University Habitat for Humanity Club.

Several months prior, the Liberty Habitat club, along with more than 30 other schools, applied for State Farm grants through Habitat for Humanity International.

The email confirmed (Working with Habitat) is not just a sacrifice; it’s a that the LU Habitat club would receive a $20,000 wonderful experience. — President Jimmy Carter grant, the highest amount given, to help construct a new house for a family in Lynchburg.

This was the second time Lib- the city of Lynchburg currently has cipients.”

Carter detailed the lifestyle of erty had applied for a grant, so a poverty rate of 23.1 percent, one when Pettit first saw the email, she of the highest in central Virginia. one of the Philippine families who Pettit said around 100 Lynchburg received a Habitat home. Prior expected a rejection.

“At first, I thought it was a ‘thank families apply for Habitat homes, to receiving a house, the family, you for your application, but you but only four or five receive Habi- a woman and her two daughters, tat houses annually. slept in an abandidn’t get it’ email,” Pettit said.

A popular misconception doned septic tank, Of more than 30 applications, Clemson University, Purdue Uni- about the nonprofit is that Habi- and they pulled versity and Liberty University tat freely gives away the houses. a canvas over were the only recipients of the full Recipients still pay for their the septic tank $20,000. Other schools received houses, but at a reduced rate to deflect heavy dependent on income. rainfall. smaller grants.

“A lot of people think that According to According to habitat.org, Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit it’s just a free hand out,” Pet- Sumner, Habitat organization that helps families tit said. “It’s not like that. These is not just a “handbuild and improve places to call people work hard to purchase out charity” that helps families temhome. The LU Habitat club, con- their house.”

As an international nonprofit, porarily. It helps sisting of 60 Liberty students, seeks to provide that same vision Habitat for Humanity stretches change a family’s far beyond Lynchburg. Thousands life forever. in the Lynchburg community.

“The kids who “Everyone needs a foundation of of homes have been built for lowsome sort,” Madison Sumner, club income families both in the United move into a Habitat house have a president of the LU Habitat club, States and across the globe.

Joel Coleman | Liberty News Service According to former president completely differsaid. “From the moment you step COMMENCEMENT — President Jimmy Carter was the keynote speaker at Liberty’s 2018 onto the building site, you know of the United States Jimmy Carter, ent experience beCommencement. right away that it’s going to be in- who partnered with Habitat for cause for the first over 35 years, the nonprofit pro- time in their life, credible.” “(Working with Habitat) is not After Sumner completed her To begin a building project, the vides low-income families an eas- they’re not ashamed to bring their club must acquire $60,000 — an ier avenue to pursue happier lives. schoolmates and their friends to first building project with the club just a sacrifice, it’s a wonderful “Low-income housing is des- their own home,” Carter said. last spring, she could not believe experience,” Carter said. “We’re amount that takes roughly two perately needed, and obviously all “They’ve been ashamed of all the the impact it had on the recipients. always grateful to Habitat for givyears to obtain.

“There were definitely tears ing us this opportunity to serve Along with grants, the club the volunteers realize that fact,” places they’ve lived in the past, but they’re proud of their Habitat shed,” Sumner said. “There were others in a very happy and gratifyparticipates in fundraisers and Carter said. so many emotions because there ing way.”

According to habitat.org, Presi- house.” welcomes donations through its dent Carter and his wife worked The LU Habitat club finished was so much joy. I don’t even know Facebook page. “($60,000) is a lot to raise,” with more than 100,000 volun- a building project last spring for how to explain it. It’s just someSMITH is the content Pettit said. “And so, having the teers in 14 countries to build and a single mother and her two chil- thing you have to be there to see.” $20,000 grant was just incredible. enhance more than 4,000 houses. dren, and it hopes to collect anothDespite the success last spring, manager.

“

Joel Coleman| Liberty News Service

HANDS ON — Madison Sumner (center) looked on as the May 2018 project was dedicated.

Joel Coleman| Liberty News Service

RAISE THE ROOF — Members of the Liberty community gathered to dedicate the home.

SPORTS

September 18, 2018

B1

in it for the long haul

Kevin Manguiob| Liberty News Service

MILE AFTER MILE — The Liberty cross country team is under new leadership from Rebekah Ricksecker, who has taken over after former coach Brant Tolsma.

Cross-country road runners

Flames teams tying laces for a new season and new ASUN opponents Peter Gooch pgooch1@liberty.edu

Like many Liberty University sports teams 2018 will be a year of transition and , intentional progress for the Flames crosscountry squad as they compete in a new conference under an interim head coach.

All-American Azaria Kirwa and sophomore standout Noel Palmer headline Liberty’s roster of 12 men and 23 women that will be coached by former Flame, Rebekah Ricksecker.

Ricksecker, in her seventh season at Liberty, takes on her first season as head coach as she steps in while former longtime head coach Brant Tolsma focuses more on his duties as director of track and field and cross-country.

“My role has changed in some ways every year or every couple of years, so I’ve gotten used to just doing the best that I can in whatever role that I am given on any particular year,” Ricksecker said. “I’m certainly

enjoying this role. I like the challenge of it.”

Part of Ricksecker’s challenge involves helping runners adjust to the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) after dominating in the Big South Conference in past seasons.

Ricksecker pointed to the University of North Florida and especially Lipscomb University as teams that could potentially derail Liberty’s goal of victory.

championship in a time of 18:32.8. Despite being the preseason pick for ASUN runner of the year, he said that the victory was satisfactory, but unexpected.

“I don’t know why I took first place,” Kirwa said. “I didn’t see that coming.”

The Lady Flames runners finished second behind host Virginia Tech, but Palmer, winner of the silver medal at this past summer’s Federation Internationale du Sport ... We have a lot of talent, but you need Universitaire America to have team chemistry to have a Games, was still pleased successful season.” with how her and her teammates executed.

- Head Coach Rebekah Ricksecker “We were working on pack running But neither of those schools were around in that race, and we were just trying to get to stop All-American Azaria Kirwa and the a solid workout in without pushing ourFlames men from running away with the selves too hard,” Palmer said. “We were win at the season-opening Virginia Tech able to see that we have a really strong Invitational at the Buford Meredith Cross- top group.”

Country Course Aug. 31.

Ricksecker does not question the highKirwa won the men’s 6K individual end ability on both the men’s and women’s

teams. She is more focused on making sure that the runners stick together and push each other to reach their potential.

“One of the most important things for a team is that they have good team chemistry,” Ricksecker said. “Because we have a lot of talent, but you need to have team chemistry to have a successful season.”

As the Flames go through a schedule that includes meets in Wisconsin, New York, Virginia and North and South Carolina, Ricksecker hopes that team chemistry and a good balance between having fun and working hard will lead to a memorable year for every Liberty runner.

“I would definitely hope for everybody to see the value of hard work and the value of going after a goal, but I also want them to have joy in running and have joy in being on a team that’s supportive of each other,” Ricksecker said. “I want to have a team where there’s an environment where

See RUN, B3

Football Florence

September 15 football game postponed ahead of hurricane would have been held on campus at NSU, was postponed as of 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, due to the NASA anticipated flooding and winds from the incoming SPIN — Florence made landfall in hurricane. The game is North Carolina Thursday. postponed to December 1 at 2:00 p.m.

Nate Montgomery NSU is located directly on nimontgomery@liberty.edu the coast of Virginia, with A very anticipated foot- its campus sitting less than ball game between Liberty a mile from the Elizabeth University and Norfolk State River, a tidal river that was University (NSU) was post- expected to flood when the poned until Dec. 2, because storm surge hit. of Hurricane Florence.

“Their university is unThe football game, which der an evacuation order and

based on that information we decided it was in everyone’s best interest to postpone the game,” Athletic Director Ian McCaw said.

McCaw said the decision process was fairly simple and that in the end, the right decision was made.

“This really wasn’t a difficult decision at all,” McCaw said. “Safety was first and foremost. We actually offered for them to come to Lynchburg and stay here.”

See FOOTBALL, B4

Ice Town Men’s hockey heating up for a new season

Nathaniel Chambers nrchambers@liberty.edu

The DI Liberty Flames Men’s hockey team kicks off its season Friday against Penn State. The team enters the season returning most of its players and only calling up one.

“It’s gonna be an awesome year,” sophomore forward Jordan Bochinski said. “We have a really close group of guys and a veteran group of guys that have been around the game for a long time.

Also, we have no freshmen this year on our team, so we

have a lot of experience coming back and a lot of talented guys.”

He reiterated how tight this group truly is, with all but one of them having one full year as being teammates under their belt. Head Coach Kirk Handy mentioned the experience of this team as an important benefactor moving forward. They have been together for many wins and for some Joel Coleman | Liberty News Service hard losses.

SNAP — Defender Basil Reynolds is

See ICE, B2 beginning his third year with the team.

Erik Flores | Liberty News Service

SENIORITY RULES — Senior outside hitter Victoria Baptista is leading the team on and off the court.

Victorious Victoria Volleyball senior begins killer final season Siani Null snull@liberty.edu

For volleyball senior Victoria Baptista, the 2018 season has already proven more significant than all the others. The outside hitter has been playing volleyball since fourth grade, now in her final season as a Lady Flame, she is leading the team in digs, kills and aces.

Baptista credits her early success to her teammates because when she starts thinking about herself and her potential stats, she does not perform well. She said her mindset stays focused on putting her teammates first over the sport because it is not just about volleyball, but something bigger.

“It’s different being a

senior because even though I don’t realize yet, I know it’s my last season,” Baptista said. “So, every game that I go out there I just try to leave it all out for me and for my teammates because I know this is the last opportunity that I have that I get to play volleyball.”

As a Brazil native and transfer from Panola College, Baptista did not take the usual track to begin her collegiate volleyball career.

According to Baptista, in Brazil most have to make the choice between academics or athletics after high school, so if she wanted to actively pursue both, moving to the United States provided the best opportunity.

“By the time I was thinking about quitting volleyball

and focusing on my academic career, it was really big for athletes there to come here and keep playing and studying,” Baptista said. “It was always a thought in the back of my mind, but I never really went through with it because I didn’t want to leave my family and everything.”

Her mind changed when her mother gave her a trip to Miami for one of her birthdays. Baptista said she was amazed by everything she saw in the United States and she wanted to come back and continue her volleyball career.

See VICTORIOUS, B2

sports

B2 | September 18, 2018 | Liberty Champion

all eyes on the Flames

Joel Coleman | Liberty News Service

BRING IT — The Lady Flames soccer team will host the New

Jersey Institute of Technology Highlanders Sunday, September 23.

Erik Flores | Liberty News Service SPIKE — The Lady Flames swept UVA Tuesday.

Jessie Rogers | Liberty News Service

SWIFT KICK — The men’s soccer team hosts James Madison

University Tuesday, Sept. 18.

Ryan Klinker | Liberty Champion

FRIGID — The Lady Flames dominated the Washing-

ton Pride in a two-game series Saturday and Sunday.

Joel Isimeme | Liberty News Service RIVALS — The Lady Flames field hockey team fell to Longwood 2-1

Sept. 11, but defeated UVA Sept. 16.

and playing all those big teams and to see a little bit of everything was so when we get to conference we already expeBaptista’s collegiate career began in Car- rienced a little bit of everybody’s game thage, Texas at a junior college where she so that we are not getting caught by helped her team enter the NJCAA Division surprise,” Baptista said.

1 National Championships as the No. 1 seed According to Baptista, this schedule in the in 2016. Since Panola is beginning of the season a two-year college, she was purposed by new planned on transferring Head Coach Trevor for the 2017 season to to prepare the Regardless of what Johnson finish her degree. While team for the inaugural waiting on offers, Liberty we do on the court, season competing in the became very interested Atlantic Sun Conferin her and the uniquethat doesn’t define ence, one that houses ness of the campus and higher level teams than us.—Victoria Baptista the Big South. The team drew her in.

“I came in the fall so Flames recently defeateverything was so pretty,” ed University of Virginia Baptista said. “I was amazed by the atmo- and will have their first in-conference game sphere, and I think that my favorite thing Sept. 21 against North Florida. about the team is that everyone is Christ-centered. Regardless of what we do on the court, that doesn’t define us, that is just what we do it’s not what we are.”

After a year of playing as a Lady Flame, NULL is a sports reporter.

Baptista said Liberty has not been what she had originally expected. She was not expecting everyone to be so nice or the team and coaching staff to be positive or encouraging. And just as the university has surpassed her expectations, she is hoping her last season will, too.

“I have really high expectations on me,” Baptista said. “I guess I’m really hard on myself, especially since it’s the last season. But for me, as long as I can give it all to my teammates and I know that I am someone they can trust and that they can lean on, I will be happy. That will be enough.”

The Flames opened their season with a couple of tournaments, including trips to Texas to play South Carolina, Houston Baptist and Rice and games in Maryland against South Carolina, Colgate and Maryland. Baptista described it as a good experience for the team to win and learn from games, play big-name schools and get hungrier for the start of their Jessie Rogers | Liberty News Service conference play.

“Going out there LONG DISTANCE — Victoria Baptista was born in Brazil.

VICTORIOUS continued from B1

“

Joel Isimeme | Liberty News Service SPEED SKATES — The Flames prayed with WMU after defeating them 4-3.

ICE continued from B1 Last year, the Flames rode a 19-game win streak into the Nationals playoffs, before ultimately falling to the University of Central Oklahoma 2-1 in overtime during their first game. While it is something they want to forget quickly, Handy said it is also something that will motivate them in practice and games this season.

“It will motivate us to work hard every practice and to believe in each other,” Handy said. “We saw our team improve the last couple years by leaps and bounds, and I think that we want to continue to have a short memory in some ways, but still remember what the level of competition was like there, and what it’s going to have to be day-in and day-out at practice.”

Handy said having a lot of the same guys will provide a dynamic that will hopefully bring them closer together and help them win more games. He said their energy level has also been contagious, which is another thing that he thinks will help throughout this season as they try to ride their way to a national championship.

“I definitely think that we’re ready (to win a championship this year),” Bochinski said.

“We’re coming in ranked number 10 in the nation. I think that compared to where we were coming in last year, and the year before, it’s just been a steady climb.”

He said the opportunity shines bright before them. He said one of their goals, other than winning a national championship, is to move to number five in the rankings. They have slowly creeped up in the standings every year, and he thinks they can continue to climb.

“It starts in practice every day,” Handy said. “It starts with us being intentional in practice every day and developing and building on that.”

Handy said the three season goals are linear. Win the conference, win the conference championship and win the national championship. He said that they must take it one step at a time to reach the final goal.

Another important thing Handy said is that the goal of the team is to have GPA above 3.2 GPA. Last year they had highest team GPA ever, and he said he hopes it continues to rise.

“We’re excited about the group of guys that we have,” Handy said.

Entering year 19 as head coach, Handy said he and his staff are excited about the team this year. They are also looking to do more as a team this year, which includes trying to take them on a missions trip to Finland with LU Send in January. As for the first game of the season, he said he and the team are looking forward to getting the season started.

“The home opener’s always an exciting night, and to follow it back up the next weekend with the Midnight Mayhem,” Handy said.

“Right at the beginning of the year will be two back-to-back experiences for our guys.”

He mentioned the student body has always been excellent in coming out and supporting the team, and having so much support from the fans is a great experience for these student athletes.

CHAMBERS is a sports reporter.

sports

Liberty Champion | September 18, 2018 | B3

Emily Baker egbaker@liberty.edu

Jacob Couch jtcouch@liberty.edu

When a quarterback jogs into the huddle, it is common for fans to say, “He’s a good quarterback.” Or they may even be generous and say, “that guy’s a great quarterback.” Even more seldom, one may even go as far as to say, “He’s the best quarterback in the game.”

This presents two questions. How do you define the best? And who is the best?

Not only who is currently the best quarterback in the game but who is the best quarterback of all time?

The majority of NFL fans look at the league as it currently is, and they say that Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers or even New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees are the best. But readers do not need to be bored any further about whether or not these quarterbacks are even worthy of being in the conversation of the NFL’s best current quarterback.

Neither one is even close to being worthy of being in the discussion. Rodgers and Brees have two Super Bowl rings between them. Granted, Brees typically leads the league in passing yards and Rodgers typically throws the best Hail Mary passes. But what good are passing yards and Hail Mary passes if your team misses the playoffs or at best losses in their first playoff game every season?

So, we have eliminated some of the NFL’s current quarterbacks from the conversation.

Then there are football fans who dig deep into the archives, claiming that Joe Montana, Troy Aikman and Terry Bradshaw are the best.

Now we are finally getting warmer. There is a commonality that all three of these quarterbacks share.

None of them have ever lost a Super Bowl. Montana and Bradshaw each won four big games while Aikman won three. The argument that can doubtless be made for any one of these old timers being the greatest would be that they have no flaw on their Super Bowl resumes but are instead perfect in the game that matters the most.

Some may wonder how you can argue with a perfect Super Bowl record. Tom Brady can.

Enough said, but for the sake of those who need the obvious explained, an explanation will be given. Championship appearances and championship victories. Going off of this definition it is going to be extremely difficult to argue against Brady being the best of all time.

In addition, statistics act as a bonus, giving more support for what is already evident on Brady’s Super Bowl resume.

To put it in perspective, Brady has lapped Montana and Bradshaw in Super Bowl appearances. Brady has also surpassed Montana and Bradshaw in Super Bowl wins.

If we are going to be talking about championship appearances, there are those who may say, what about Jim Kelly? He made it to four Super Bowls but lost them all. Or Dan Marino? He lost the only Super Bowl that he ever played in but had one of the most epic arms that the game of football has ever seen. There is no way that these two quarterbacks and others like them can be in the discussion for the best to ever play the quarterback position in the NFL. Let me explain.

In high school football, it is fairly common to witness a superstar quarterback play with poorly skilled teammates. The colleges who recruit these types of quarterbacks are not looking at the number of wins that the quarterback accumulates, but are rather focusing on the type of player that he is.

The high school quarterback definition of greatness is talent-based.

Due to the vastness of talent in the collegiate football ranks, many excellent quarterbacks lead their teams to mediocre records but are not necessarily viewed in a negative light because of it as long as professional teams view their talents as professional caliber.

The college football quarterback definition of greatness is potential-based.

In professional football, every team is on an even playing field. Each team drafts players and signs free agents. Every team has the cream of the crop on their side regarding the greatest football players in the world.

The professional football definition of greatness is championship-based.

If it isn’t registering now maybe it never will.

At the professional football level, every quar-

terback is incredible. No one makes it to that level and remains there unless they are superior to the majority of planet earth’s quarterbacks.

Therefore, after a quarterback has reached the NFL, what he does with his position will affect how he is remembered and ranked.

You may be saying, how is this giving evidence and support for Brady being the greatest quarterback of all time? Everything above gives perfect support for Brady. He has certainly acquired the title “best.”

Brady can make something out of nothing unlike any other quarterback in the NFL. The prime example transpired in 2006, when Brady led the New England Patriots to the AFC Championship game with no names for receivers. The following year the Patriots traded for the best receiving core in the league. The result was a 16-0 undefeated regular season. Granted, the Patriots fell short in the game that mattered the most that season.

The point is that Brady can go the distance with his best target in the game or out of the game.

Brady can come back from 19-point deficit in the Super Bowl and still win with his favorite target sidelined for the entire game.

Brady has thrown touchdown passes to more than 65 different receivers throughout his career which is nothing short of remarkable. Brady is also 41-years-old and is performing at the highest level. He is the defending league MVP and sits in the driver’s seat to not only repeat that honor but also win his sixth Super Bowl title.

Brady haters often say that if he was not in New England with Bill Belichick as his head coach than he would not be an amazing quarterback.

The reality is that, yes, the Patriots have a culture of excellence, but Brady is unarguably the key ingredient to that success. He is without a doubt the most hated athlete in the world, but jealousy closely follows people who find success at what they do.

A friend once pointed out to me that the majority of people you encounter say they want you to succeed, but secretly wish for failure, aiming to feel better about themselves.

I don’t think there is a truer case of this than in Brady’s situation. He is not hated for his rude attitude. On the contrary he is one of the most respectful athletes in front of the media. He is not hated only because he has been voted Gentlemen’s Quarterly man of year multiple years. Brady is in fact hated, despised and resented because he is flat out better than anybody. Period.

The world hates watching someone succeed at the level of dominance that Brady has succeeded at year after year.

Sure, Rodgers and Brees give fans incredible statistical regular seasons, but Brady ices the best to ever play quarterback cake by rubbing his playoff statistic icing in the world’s face. And he continues to do so year after year.

I would just say that Brady is the well-earned owner of many a playoff record and leave it at that, but ignorant Brady haters aren’t going to get off that easily. Maybe being reminded of Brady’s accomplishments once more will cement the reality in their minds.

Brady has the most playoff starts and wins of any NFL quarterback, the most playoff passing yards, passing touchdowns, Super Bowl appearances, Super Bowl wins, Super Bowl MVPs, Super Bowl touchdown passes and Super Bowl passing yards. He has also accumulated the most Division titles of any NFL quarterback with 15 and has also won 196 regular season games which (needless to say) is also an all-time record.

Montana was superb. Bradshaw was fantastic. Brees is a machine. Rodgers is electric. But Brady is the closest to flawless that we will ever see. He is the best. The greatest quarterback to ever step between the white lines is the monster who laughs at criticism. He thrives on terrifyingly stressful situations and is energized when he thinks of how every team passed him up almost 20 years ago in the NFL draft. He is the monster who goes by the name, Brady.

COUCH is the assistant sports editor.

It’s football season, and you know what that means. Late night NFL watch parties at Buffalo Wild Wings, spending chilly afternoons at football games, and arbitrary divides all across the country.

You like one team, your roommate likes another. You grew up in Philadelphia and find out all your group project partners are Dallas fans. Or you just told the whole office just how much you dislike Tom Brady and the Patriots, only to find out that your assistant editor is a diehard Pats fan (Sorry, Jacob!).

Some choose their favorites by location. If you grew up in Michigan, you likely root for the Lions and either Michigan or Michigan State. Plenty of Knoxville residents go to Tennessee Volunteers games, even if they’re not huge Vols fans.

Others choose by players, like when Nick Foles was the Eagles quarterback in the Super Bowl. I’ve never been an Eagles or a Patriots fan, so I was decidedly uninterested in the game results. That is, until I found out Foles is a Liberty online student. Once I found that out, I actively wanted the Eagles to win — not for Philadelphia’s sake, but for Foles’s sake.

So what? What does it matter that one person likes Alabama and another likes Clemson? It’s just your opinion, right?

Wrong. Well, sort of.

Obviously, your opinion is just your opinion. For the most part, your beloved football teams won’t greatly affect your life aside from the color jersey you wear or what you name your dog.

For the casual fan, football is just that: football. If your team loses, it isn’t the end of the world. I grew up in Texas, so I’m a Cowboys fan.

Yes, I know that the Cowboys have been a pretty bad team for the better part of my lifetime. Yes, it stinks when they lose. But a football loss or not making the playoffs really doesn’t affect me.

For some, their football opinions are a little more than just an opinion, and their team is a little more than just a team. You know who I’m talking about, the people with Fatheads on their walls or flags flying from their car windows.

And it goes beyond the excessive gear they buy or the number of times they’ve made the Browns win the Super Bowl in Madden.

It goes to people like battery-throwing Philadelphia fans or those who disappear for three days out of the week to stress over their Fantasy team. For them, their team is everything, and the outcome of a game can alter the outcome of their entire week. These are the ones who drive less-involved fans away from games and away from football parties.

However, despite all of this division, football is a uniting factor for millions of people across our nation. Even though you disagree with your neighbor on which team is better, you both still enjoy football. And even though it’s cold and nasty and rainy out, you still go with your hall to watch the Liberty football game.

It’s part of why people still watch the Super Bowl, even if they have no interest in the outcome like I did. I still went to a party to watch the game, simply because I wanted to hang out and watch the last football game of the season.

In fact, the unity football brings has saved lives. There was a story shared by several news organizations, including MSN and the Mirror, about a South Carolina police officer who saved a suicidal man’s life by talking to him about the Redskins.

Fans like the Philadelphia battery throwers are ones who create real division within the sport, and that’s why they’re so notorious. They take something so fun and entertaining for everyone else and make it into something violent.

It’s like losing a Mario Kart — sure, you lost, but that’s okay because it’s just a game. It’s not okay when the kid from down the street chucks the Wii controller through your dad’s TV, ruining the game for everyone else.

So, despite the amount of tension football creates on the surface, and despite the outliers that take the fun out of it for everyone else, football truly is a unifying factor for people in our nation. It’s entertaining, it’s a sport for plenty of young men to play, and it produces strong athletes to be role models for our youth.

BAKER is the sports editor.

Erik Flores | Liberty News Service

RUN continued from B1 life-long friendships are created and just an atmosphere of spiritual growth as well.”

Spiritual growth is key for Kirwa, who believes that having a healthy spiritual relationship with God ultimately leads to an attitude of maximum effort.

“If you love God enough and if you listen to Him, I think the hard work part will just come naturally, because God likes hard-working people,” Kirwa said.

The Flames recognize that the love of God is not exclusive, however, as one of Palmer’s goals this season is to share the story of Christ with opponents she sees at meets this season.

“I feel like there’s an opportunity

that we have to share the Gospel with others (and) just speak a word of encouragement,” Palmer said. “I would love to start doing that more and model that for the team because I feel like that’s the most important thing.”

Getting results is a priority for Liberty’s cross country team this season, but it is obviously not the only thing they are worried about. Their focus on representing Christ and progressing every day is first and foremost.

“This year I’m just hoping for the best,” Kirwa said. “Just to do better than I have done before. Just to do better than yesterday.”

GOOCH is a sports reporter.

sports

B4 | September 18, 2018 | Liberty Champion FOOTBALL continued from B1

Swinging up to par The Flames golf team is shooting for the stars in the 2018 season Jared Dean jsdean@liberty.edu

The golf team is getting back into the swing of things as they enter the 2018-2019 season.

After finishing 8th in the regional tournament, the team is coming off a season they will hope to improve upon. Senior Gabe Lench has his eyes on the national championship for his final year.

“The team goal is still the same and that is to make the national championship,” Lench said. “We have been really close the last three years going to regionals every year.”

The golf program is one of many teams that has entered the Athletic Sun Conference (ASUN) this year, and a new conference means new challenges. Head Coach Jeff Thomas is ready for the path that lies ahead.

“Being in a new conference hasn’t changed much for us, it will be a change for the conference championship,” Thomas said.

Lench is ready to get to work in the ASUN and is hoping to make an impact in a big way.

“Now that we have joined the ASUN, I would love to have Liberty control the ASUN, that is another goal of mine,” Lench said.

Although Lench wants to make an impact, he understands that it will not come easily.

Jesse Rodgers| Liberty News Service

PASSIONATE— The Flames are anticipating a year to remember.

“We have joined a couple tournaments that I feel like will really help our overall schedule and help us to generate some better overall ranking points if we were to compete and do well,” Lench said. “We will be going to a bigger conference with better teams, so we will have to focus a lot more.”

“

The team goal is still the same, and that is to make the national championship.

—Gabe Lench

Thomas has recognized that this new conference has more competition with teams like North Florida who is consistently ranked and Jacksonville who has been in the post season the last few years.

“This is going to be a lot more competitive, especially with teams like North Florida who is always ranked in the top 30 or 25, Kennesaw who is usually pretty strong, and Jacksonville has made it to the post season the last couple years in a row,” Thomas said.

Although Lench is a veteran on the team, he is always looking for ways to improve his game in new ways.

“People say practice makes perfect but for me it’s different, I do a lot of practice on the course, I can’t just sit there and hit balls all day.”

Lench said, “I just want to play a lot more and use my time on the course as my practice and kind of shape my game around that like I did this summer.”

Lench had a summer that he believes is his best yet with top finishes in several tournaments.

“I played in three tournaments this summer and I actually had one of the best summers I have had in a while.” Lench said, “I won two of those tournaments, and I also had a second place in the other tournament, I played 6 8 hours a day.”

Some of Thomas’ highlights from last season were from the post season, he hopes to repeat those moments this season.

“Going to Oregon and winning was a turning point for the team and where we were as a team -- seeing the guys be able to do that and to see their poise through the whole tournament and never getting stressed out because they knew they could do it,” Thomas said.

DEAN is a sports reporter.

During Coach Turner Gill’s press conference, he expressed his concern for the students of NSU and everyone else who will be affected by the hurricane.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the affected families and first responders,” Gill said. “I think that we made the right decision not to try to play.”

McCaw said during discussions there were a few solutions proposed but ultimately postponing the game was the only viable option.

“We’ve been watching the weather here for the last few days and getting updates,” McCaw said. “We had some preliminary discussions with Norfolk State Monday about various possibilities.”

According to McCaw, canceling the game altogether was never even an option.

The Liberty football team will not sit idly by however. Coach Gill insisted that they intend to use this extra time off as a way to help push the team further this season.

“We are going to try to take advantage of these extra days that we have,” Gill said. “We have more time to focus on preparing for North Texas, and we can also get some of our people healed up.”

The next game on the schedule for Liberty is a home game set for Sept. 22 against University of North Texas.

“We are turning the page now and trying to focus on North Texas,” Gill said. “We’re still deciding how we want to use the end of this week. Obviously, weather may control a lot of what we’re able to do.”

Both Coach Gill and McCaw insisted that everyone keep those who are affected by the hurricane in their prayers. An LU Send Now team is already preparing to provide relief to those affected most by Hurricane Florence.

“I’ve never been a part of anything like this as a coach or as a player,” Gill said. “It’s something new. We go with the facts that we have, and we try not to let distractions prevent you from getting better as a football team.”

MONTGOMERY is a sports reporter.

Kevin Manguiob | Liberty News Service

RAINBOW — Flames fans hope for sunny skies for this Saturday’s home game.

feature

Liberty Champion | September 18, 2018 | B5

caroline cummings | Liberty news service

LEAD — Students are led in worship during Convocation.

Nathan Spencer | Liberty news service

PRODUCE — “Victory” is the second original song that the Worship Collective has released.

‘Victory’ speaks to life’s struggles Worship Collective joins efforts with Meredith Andrews to release new song Olivia Deloglos odeloglos@liberty.edu

The Worship Collective has recently released their newest single “Victory,”a song that speaks triumph to the struggles that students are currently facing.

The popularity and impact of the release of “Victory” in the past few weeks were unexpected by the Collective. Fiona Bosca and Judson Harris, both seniors and members of the Worship Collective, were blown away by hearing so many testimonies through Instagram. Harris said he did not expect the music video to rack up so many views.

For Bocsa, the number of video views are not important – what is important is that those views mean “Victory” is ministering to people.

Both Harris and Bocsa’s passion for songwriting shares similar origin. Both can recall the intense need to scribble down lyrics or sing a melody into their phones between classes in high school.

“Both of us were kind of songwriters before we came to the Collective,” Harris said. “Writers, in general, have to get (their

thoughts) on paper in order to process.”

After joining the Collective, Harris and Bocsa were encouraged to stretch their skills by learning to co-write. Through scheduled sessions with professional songwriters, they would brainstorm with other Collective members, and one evening, the beginnings to “Victory” began to form.

“We started by just sharing where we were at because you have to write from a place of sincerity and from your heart,” Bocsa said.

Along with Harris and Bocsa, alum Rachel Halbach and advisors Jacob Sooter and Meredith Andrews helped to flesh out the song.

Harris added that as they came together with their ideas, it was clear that the theme of victory was on everyone’s mind. This was not just coincidence, though.

“Midterms were coming up, and we were all tired and just were like ‘I really need to sing a song that reminds me of truth,’” Harris said.

After almost four hours of working on the piece, “Victory” began to come together as a song that proclaimed that triumph comes from God, regardless of how little humanity brings to the table.

“I remember we took a break; I went to the

bathroom, and I came out with the bridge,” Harris said, laughing.

Alana Rivera, another senior on the Collective, said “Victory” describes the heart of the Worship Collective and Liberty University as a whole.

“Our victory in Christ is not reliant on us, but on what Christ did, and what He’s doing,” Rivera said. “This song really screams out Christ’s heart for us.”

Bocsa and Rivera described a similar sense of duty that comes with the call to write songs for a congregation – whether in church, or around students.

“As a songwriter, you are responsible with building up someone’s theology through song,” Bocsa said.

Rivera added that with anxiety and fear being common issues that students at Liberty deal with, this song could not be timelier.

“There’s no one that knows our students better when it comes to where we are than the people who are walking beside them,” Rivera said. “How amazing is it that we get to write for our students, to sing over our students in the season that they’re in?”

Bocsa hopes that this song helps others begin to speak out the promises of God and

communicate with Him more freely. Harris said that if “Victory” can build community and resonate with the hearts of students, it is fulfilling its purpose.

“There’s something so humbling about standing on a stage and hearing the words God gave you in an intimate moment being sung in extreme intimacy,” Harris said.

Bocsa and Harris believe “Victory” should not just be their own expression of worship to God; they want it to be an anthem that all Liberty students can hold on to.

As the Collective continues to write and release music, Rivera emphasized that it’s a privilege to write music that ministers both to students at Liberty, and strangers around the world.

“We’re excited that God decided to use us,” Rivera said. “Because He could’ve used anyone, but he chose this moment, this time, this place.”

DELOGLOS is a feature reporter.

Bettas ‘fin’ish first in popularity Limited pet choices lead students to adopt fishy friends for dorm rooms Esther Eaton eeaton@liberty.edu

Thousands of betta fish are sold every year at Pet and Aquatics Warehouse on Wards Road, and according to Adam Dugger, the fish department manager, a new Liberty semester means extra sales.

An animal-lover in Liberty University’s dorms has two pet options: fish or hermit crabs.

Junior Kelsey Cox has tried both, but she thinks fish are easier to care for.

“Crabs crawl around at night,” Cox said.

“They’re nocturnal. So, we had to put our crabs in the bathroom at night because they would make a ton of noise.”

Fish, she noted, are silent. Cox said they are friendlier, too.

“Crabs take a lot of getting used to, and they can be pretty grumpy,” Cox said.

“They can be temperamental, and a fish is generally happy.”

Cox said it relieved stress to watch her betta, Gabriel, swim in his tank and flare his colorful fins.

“I talked to Gabe a lot,” Cox said. “… He could definitely tell when we were talking to him. He was just a fun guy. He was a blast.”

The American Pet Products Association

and Gallup estimate that 10% of Americans own a freshwater fish. Low cost and easy maintenance make them popular for people with small budgets and busy lives. That description fits the average college student.

Dugger, who has spent five years at Pet and Aquatics Warehouse, said that sales are two or three times larger when college students arrive in Lynchburg.

“The ones with brighter colors, more unusual colors, tend to go faster,” Dugger said.

“There’s always demand for the classic betta colors, the ones that display reds or blues. …

There’s some different colorations and fin patterns that are more desirable or harder to achieve through breeding. So those definitely end up going for a little bit more.”

A classic betta can cost as little as $5, and Dugger and Cox said a basic betta fish setup can cost just $20-30. That includes a small tank, food pellets, and the water conditioner that makes tap water safe for the betta.

For room temperatures below the high 70s, Dugger also recommends a water heater to keep bettas active and healthy. For fish owners who want to decorate, Pet and Aquatic Warehouse sells a rainbow of neon plastic plants and tank décor from Star Wars ships to jungle scenery.

Bettas require clean water and daily feeding, though they can go for several days

deanna drogan | Liberty Champion

FISHY — Bettas are relatively inexpensive and easy to care for, especially in a dorm. without food. With good care, they live three to five years. They also travel more easily than many types of fish.

“Bettas are pretty hardy fish,” Dugger said. “They’re pretty easy to transport. With the labyrinth organ, they can breathe atmospheric oxygen, so they do better than other fish for extended periods of time in smaller containers.”

This makes bettas convenient for college students traveling between campus and home. Cox lost a fish traveling, so she recommends keeping the tank stable while driving and waiting to feed the fish until it has time to recover after a trip. Still, she said bettas are easy to care for overall.

“Either you forget to feed him, or you feed him way too much,” Cox said. “Those are like the only ways you can kill it.”

To avoid stressing her betta with an especially long trip, Cox gave Gabriel to a friend.

The friend gave Gabriel to his little sister, and the betta now has a new name: Princess Buttercup XVII. Cox remembers her betta fondly.

“No matter what,” Cox said, “I always felt happier when I was talking to Gabriel.”

Basic setup costs $20-30

Water heater Recommended

Clean water & daily feeding

deanna drogan | Liberty Champion

FRIEND — Students flock to local pet stores to adopt bettas for their dorm rooms.

Betta fish cost around $5-$30

EATON is a feature reporter.

feature

B6 | September 18, 2018 | Liberty Champion

Three Chilcotts, one university Love of leadership prompts siblings to all serve as resident assistants at LU more serious, answer.

“I don’t think any of us did it because the other (sibling) had done it,” Lizzy Chilcott For one year only, there is an unusual sib- said. “I didn’t do it just because Andrew ling trio at Liberty University. Their names and Trey had done it; I don’t think Trey did are Andrew, Trey and Lizzy Chilcott, and it just because Andrew had done it. We all had our separate situations, and we all had they are all resident assistants (RA).

“Three siblings, who from youngest to that desire.”

Andrew Chilcott agreed, saying that the oldest are six years apart, happen to be at school at the same time and all end up in the three of them had taken different paths to the same role,” Andrew Chilcott said. “It’s kind role and had each come at their own pace.

Even now, though they get along well, the of unique.”

Andrew, a graduate student, was the first siblings move in different friend groups and to take up the RA mantle five and a half years do not see each other that often.

“We all came to it through very different ago. His younger brother and sister followed circumstances, and I think that shows that we much later.

“Well, they’ve always wanted to be like me, didn’t do it for the name of it; we didn’t do it to try to be the same,” Andrew Chilcott said. so…” Andrew Chilcott said, grinning.

Lizzy groaned, then gave her own, “Individually we all saw opportunities there to serve.”

During his first two years at Liberty, Trey Chilcott would never have thought that he would become an RA. The responsibility looked intimidating.

His siblings’ paths, however, made perfect sense.

“With the other two it doesn’t come as a surprise that they are RAs because they are both very much leaders,” Trey Chilcott said. “Even when my sister was a freshman, I could see her being an RA in the future. And my brother has just always been that way, a spiritual leader.”

Trey Chilcott was Kyra Thompson | Liberty champion encouraged to try for SERVE — The Chilcotts took different paths, all leading to serving as RAs . the position anyway Rachel McClamroch rkmcclamroch@liberty.edu

FAMILY — From left to right: Trey, Lizzie and Andrew. and ended up loving it. He especially loves getting to know people from multitude of backgrounds and he appreciates how his role forces him to be intentional about it. He plans to continue in similar mentorship roles throughout his career, whether in teaching, coaching or youth ministry.

His brother, too, is contemplating life after graduation.

“My experience at Liberty has almost always been as an RA,” Andrew Chilcott said.

“I don’t know what I’d do with my time (otherwise). It’s just normal to have to do room checks and convo checks and get woken up at 3 a.m. to deal with the cops and some event going on. That’s just normal life now.”

All three Chilcotts are graduating together next May. Andrew will receive his master’s degree and Trey and Lizzy (fifth and thirdyear seniors, respectively) their bachelor’s.

Kyra thompson | Liberty champion

Lizzy Chilcott called herself a “baby RA” as she is only a month into her new position, but she values the chance to minister to the girls in her care. Andrew, too, views being a resident assistant as a ministry, but he stresses that it is not a unique one.

“Being an RA … shouldn’t be anything that a believer shouldn’t be doing anyway,” Andrew Chilcott said. “Disciplining in love, taking care of one another as brothers or sisters, lending wise council, being a helping hand when someone’s down or needs someone to lean on: they’re all things that I think people view as a role, but I don’t see it as a role so much as just a structuring of what I do as a believer anyway. So, when I leave RA, I’m going to be doing the same things.”

MCCLAMROCH is a feature reporter.

Falling for fall Lynchburg prepares to celebrate the next season Virginia Peay vlpeay@liberty.edu

The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was designed to dissolve tensions surrounding slavery. Instead, it was a catalyst for the Civil War. Now, historical actors and interpreters offer a guided tour of Jefferson’s retreat house, bringing to life the hopes and fears of Jefferson, the enslaved community and a new nation.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Tours depart every 30 minutes, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

For additional information and tickets: Visit poplarforest.org/events or call 434.534.8120

American EvolutionTM supports local, national and international projects related to themes of democracy, diversity and opportunity.

A celebration of cooler weather, changing leaves, pumpkin spice and everything nice is much anticipated as students suffer through these last sweltering days of summer.

Lynchburg and the neighboring communities will have multiple opportunities for students to enjoy the autumn season with fall festivities ranging from pumpkin patches to music festivals.

Student Activities will host a fall festival at Camp Hydaway on Saturday, Oct. 27 for student who don’t want to travel far.

Several pumpkin patches, corn mazes and apple orchards will begin opening their gates for the season.

A few listed from closest in proximity to furthest are Yoders’ Farm, Gross’ Orchard and Layman Family Farms.

Yoders’ Farm has an originally designed ten-acre corn maze and a pick-your-own pumpkin patch located in Rustburg, Virginia and will be open on varying days from Sept. 22-Nov. 3, according to their website.

“We’d be delighted to have Liberty Students come out and enjoy our lovely little farm,” Delvin Huber from Yoders’ Farm said.

“Y’all have been a real blessing to us and are welcome anytime.”

Gross’ Orchard is located in Bedford, Virginia and specializes in mountain grown apples for the picking. It is hosting an Apple Harvest Festival Oct. 20 and a non-profit Apple Valley 5K Nov. 3, according to the website.

Layman Family Farms will be celebrating 15 years of operation this year in Blue Ridge, VA with a 40-acre pumpkin patch, corn maze and array of other activities during the weekends from Sept. 16-Nov. 11. Friday and Saturday nights in October will host a Haunted Harvest according to the website.

“It’s exciting to see the kid’s excitement in their faces when they get their first pumpkin, or fifth, and each year I have families and groups come up to me saying that this is their 10th or 13th year in a row,” Sharon Layman of Layman Family Farms said. “It is just so encouraging to hear that we can provide great family fun for everyone in the community.”

Another greatly anticipated event this fall will be the Lynchstock Music and Arts Festival. According to the website, an event completely unique to Lynchburg, Lynchstock will be hosting big name bands like COIN and Dr. Dog as well as local musicians and bands in our very own Riverfront Park in Downtown Lynchburg Saturday, Oct. 20.

“One of our goals is to just really bring out all kinds of people together from different communities,” Jonathan Smalt, co-founder and director of Lynchstock, said.

“If you love music it’s the perfect time to come out, meet new people, see new bands and just enjoy a night together.”

Lynchstock is looking for volunteers from everything to the creative team to the production team to help run the event and will offer CSER credit for those hours donated. If you are

interested, contact them through their website at lynchstockmusicfestival.com or check out their profiles on social media.

“It’s just such a special event,” Smalt said. “And there’s nothing like it around here.”

PEAY is a feature reporter.

Student Activities Fall Festival Oct. 27

Yoder’s Farm Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze

Gross orchard Apple Harvest Oct. 20

Layman Family Farm Punkins/corn maze Lynchstock Music & Arts Festival Oct. 20

feature

Liberty Champion | September 18, 2018 | B7

Vessels for hope Students reach skating community with the gospel Rachel Estes reestes@liberty.edu

What do you get when four guys who share a passion for Jesus and skateboarding cross paths? A band of brothers, bound together the Christian gospel and a desire to share it with the local skateboarding community.

Vessel Skate Ministry began to take formation last year when Liberty University students Blaine Hamilton, Josh Borrero, Mark Coco and Stephen Shoge felt a mutual discontent with the way skate culture was.

Hamilton described it as possessing a burden too heavy to ignore.

“We saw that the skateboarding community wasn’t

being reached out to in any sort of spiritual way,” Hamilton said. “I’m not sure how it all happened, but one day we were all in a group message and eventually meeting together to talk about what we could do.”

According to Borrero, the guys see themselves as vessels of light being used

by God to illuminate the local skate culture with love and truth — elements that the culture doesn’t consistently see.

“Skateboarding is often seen as such a dark community ... and I feel like it’s not really reached a lot,” Borrero said. “We have this skate park here, and we felt it was time to start doing a ministry here (that) goes be-

macy hrncir | Liberty Champion

SKATE — Vessel team and Liberty Mountain Skate park hosts meetings consisting of skating and the gospel.

yond just skating together.”

Borrero’s love for skateboarding developed at a young age. He remembers renting a library book on how to master skate tricks when he was in elementary school.

Two years ago, a broken leg forced Borrero to take a break from skateboarding and reevaluate why he was so invested in it.

“During that period, I really had to take a step back and think ‘Why do I skate?’” Borrero said. “I realized I was skating for myself and my own benefit, and I didn’t want to do that anymore. I asked God, ‘How can I be used here?’ And now he is using my passion for skateboarding to further his kingdom with some amazing guys.”

Every Monday at 7 p.m., Borrero and the rest of the Vessel team collaborate with Liberty Mountain Skate Park to host two hours of free skating, snacks and Scripture for any skateboarder who wants to come.

The guys take turns leading a short gospel message.

“It’s just a different environment for skaters in Lynchburg to get plugged into,” Hamilton said. “For a lot of these kids, church is so unappealing. But coming and skating for free is appealing to them on a basic level, and we try to use that as a way to present the gospel to them. The gospel has radically changed our lives…and we want to share that with them.”

Aside from the Monday skate sessions, Vessel has recently started doing a Bible study right before Vessel at 5:30.

“I wanted to give the kids that wanted to go deeper an opportunity to go deeper,” Hamilton said. “It’s a gateway to showing them what a gospel-centered community looks like.”

The guys say their goal is simple: to share the gospel and love of Jesus with the local skateboarding community in hopes of raising up future leaders of Vessel Skate Ministry.

“We’re not going to be in Lynchburg forever,” Hamilton said. “We hope to find people who have the same passion and desire that we have for this so that Vessel isn’t built on us and doesn’t die with us (when we leave).”

Hamilton said the guys hope to eventually expand Vessel Skate Ministry elsewhere.

“Wherever God takes us in our next outlets of life, we could start Vessel there,” Hamilton said. “Every city in America has skateboarders, and I’d love to see them have a resource to have the gospel presented to them.”

According to both Hamilton and Borrero, rewarding is an understatement when they look back on how the ministry has grown in the last year.

“At first it didn’t seem like a very realistic aspiration,” Borrero said. “But through the ambition and visions of

Macy Hrncir | Liberty Champion

REACH — Vessel founders have witnessed God moving. the other guys, we’ve cultivated this ministry that started with just the four of us talking once a week.

The ways we’ve seen God

working, I don’t even have words to describe it.”

ESTES is a guest feature reporter.

Gift of Gandalf Campus character passes on baton Jessica Hales jdhales3@liberty.edu

When Ethan Swoyer logged on to Facebook, little did he know that one photograph would completely alter the trajectory of his college social life.

In the photo, Tobias Schwarz, a Liberty senior, stood in line at graduation wearing his robe and hat.

Schwartz played two roles at Liberty University: a student, and most notoriously, the campus Gandalf.

People had gotten to be quite familiar with Schwarz, until he had to graduate this past May. Passing the torch down did not occur to him until he began to see some comments scrolling on his Facebook feed.

It was not until Ethan Swoyer, a junior electrical engineering major, commented on the photo saying that Schwarz should pass the hat along to a new Gandalf. After the comment was made Swoyer said that

Schwarz messaged him asking if he would like to carry on the Gandalf tradition.

Not even meeting in person Swoyer said that he would be more than happy to carry out the tradition as the new Liberty Gandalf.

“As college students I think a lot of us tend to get a little too serious,” Swoyer said. “So if wearing a grey pointed hat and acting like a wizard makes people smile then that is the most important thing.”

When Swoyer informed his family, they thought he was joking. After some time, they began to accept his wishes.

Swoyer said that Schwarz began the tradition of Gandalf because he was a huge “Lord of the Rings” fan.

Schwarz began to wear a Gandalf hat to class and at certain events, until he then became known as the campus Gandalf. He then wore it everywhere and all the time.

Swoyer said that Schwarz

photo provided

TRADITION— Swoyer takes on being new campus wizard.

began to keep in contact with him and giving him the Gandalf “guidelines” to being a successful campus wizard.

The guidelines require Swoyer to wear the Gandalf wool hat every day. This must take some dedication as the beginning of the fall semester is always boiling hot weather.

The main job as the campus wizard is just to be silly and have fun with friends and other students on campus. Class is already stressful enough, and Swoyer said that if he can put a smile on someone’s face then he is doing his job right.

The key to being campus wizard is pure entertainment. Schwarz achieved that during his reign here on campus and has proudly passed the hat down to someone who is worthy enough to enlighten campus life every day.

“The entire goal is to lighten the mood,” Swoyer said.

Swoyer has promised to keep the tradition going, and one can only hope it is a tradition worth sharing for semesters to come.

More information about the journey to becoming Gandalf can be found in the official Liberty Champion video on their Facebook page.

HALES is a feature reporter.

allison heise | Liberty Champion

SAFETY FIRST — Classes were cancelled late last week in response to Hurricane Florence.

Facing Florence Students relieved at mild impact, praying for those affected by storm Jenna Crenshaw jmcrenshaw@liberty.edu

When rumblings of cancelled classes reached the ears of Liberty students, the campus erupted with excitement.

Shadowing that excitement were the circumstances surrounding the reason for the 4-day weekend: Hurricane Florence. However, students still filled those extra days catching up on some muchneeded down time.

The transition of Hurricane Florence to a category 4 storm had the east coast bracing for heavy flooding and loss of power. When the Commonwealth of Virginia declared a state of emergency, Liberty cancelled class for Thursday afternoon and all of Friday, leaving students with a four-day weekend.

For Melissa Papirio, a sophomore studying Christian leadership and church ministry, the days off from class provided opportunities to spend time enjoying the friendships of the girls on

her hall. According to Papirio, she enjoyed the ability to take a break from her packed schedule.

“My hall hosted a ton of events including a trip to Rookie’s, a pancake breakfast, mudslide kickball and a worship night,” Papirio said.

“It was nice to be able to sit back and enjoy time chilling with the people on my hall and catching up on some much-needed Netflix.”

Senior Katherine Lagg, a law and policy major, was also thankful for the extra time.

“I got to rest, which was the best part of the weekend,” Lagg said. “It was so nice to have the time off and not worry about being here or there.”

Earlier last week, students prepared for torrential rainfall and strong winds that were predicted to hit the area. For Papirio, her mind was still uneasy as she thought of her family in the Carolinas.

“I honestly was pretty scared—I have family in the Carolinas that got hit

pretty badly, but I was comforted by my Liberty family who didn’t fail to point me back to God,” Papirio said. “I’m much more at peace now trusting that God is sovereign over all of our circumstances.”

Lagg was also apprehensive about the coming storm and prepared for the “worst-case scenario.”

She expressed concern for those students whose families were in the path of the storm.

“It’s been hard for some people to get in contact with their families and friends,” Lagg said. “Thankfully, everyone I know whose home has been affected by the hurricane has been kept safe.”

Luckily, the impact of Hurricane Florence in Lynchburg was not as serious as expected, bringing a minimal amount of rain and a lingering mist — as well as a few days of rest for students.

CRENSHAW is the feature editor.

B8 | September 18, 2018 | Liberty Champion

put on your Sunday clothes

IT ONLY TAKES A MOMENT— Photos clockwise from top left, Dolly returns to the Harmonia Gardens restaurant. Dolly joins a parade. Waiters welcome Dolly with “Hello Dolly.” The cast sings “Put on your Sunday Clothes.” Irene Molloy distracts Vandergelder with “Motherhood March.”

feature

Photos by Allison Heise|Liberty Champion

Well, ‘Hello, Dolly!’

Alluvion Stage Company leaves Yonkers in Sunday clothes for slick city who wanted a wife to keep house fell in love against his will. Nelson sprang onto stage as the spry bumKharen Martinez bling Cornelius Hackl, making kmartnez6@liberty.edu the audience laugh as he learned to dance and quieting the room The orchestra plays “Hello Dolas he discovered happiness in “It ly!” as Dolly Gallagher Levi strolls Only Takes a Moment.” Grizzard down a wide staircase in her long as Irene Molloy brought sparkle red dress and feather crown. As and a clear pure voice to the widDolly returns to the upscale resowed hat maker. taurant Harmonia Gardens, waitThe cast of more than 30 starters Bob and Bow, singing, “It’s ed rehearsing in August and gave so nice to have you back where student actors the opportunity to you belong.” Dolly brings a new gain professional credits for the start to everyone she meets, solvperformance. ing problems with a flourish of her “Dolly’s world is the perfect customized business cards. ideal world,” Linda Nell Copper, This iconic scene from “Hello chair of the theater arts departDolly!” fills the stage with energy ment and artistic director for the and color.

Alluvion AlluDolly’s world is the perfect Stage Comvion Stage pany said.

Compaideal world...You walk out “You walk ny’s proout of there duction of there feeling hope for feeling hope features humanity because of Dolly’s for humanprofesity because sional acof Dolly’s optimism. tors Perry optimism.”

Payne, This per— Linda Nell Cooper Mark Informance b o d y , of “Hello Chris Nelson, Kayla Grizzard and Dolly!” is the first time it has others. Payne’s portrayal of Dolly been performed since its recent encompassed unflappable matchBroadway revival. maker, delivering her punch lines The musical, originally based with finesse and her songs with on the play “The Matchmaker” perfection. In “Before the Paby Thornton Wilder, premiered rade Passes By,” Payne showed Sept. 14 in the Tower theater. the hopeful heart behind Dolly’s Dolly, a matchmaker who speplayful meddling. cializes in happiness for others, Inbody’s portrayal of Horace discovers she wants to love again Vandergelder grew from insufafter losing her husband. ferable to lovable as the character Ester Eaton eeaton@liberty.edu

“

“Dolly has struggled a lot, and you go through the story with her as she is realizing who she is and that she doesn’t want to be alone,” Kylie Sanborn, a member of the ensemble said. “She wants to be just as happy as she was before her husband passed away.”

Throughout the play the audience is transported to the end of the 19th century and dazzled by colorful costumes and swirling dance numbers Cooper said it is a comical love story that would make you leave the theater with a smile in your face.

“It is so extravagant compared to normal life that it almost doesn’t seem real — it is a view of life that you imagine,” ensemble member Travlyn Pantana said. “And for us we get to sing, dance and act like it is the best day of our lives.”

Cast members waltz, polka, and even fence to the music as they portray the streets of Yonkers and a parade in New York City.

“I want (the audience) to get the sense of nostalgia and Americana” Cooper said. “I want people to walk out smiling and maybe a little more willing to take a chance on love.”

This show features Alluvion’s largest orchestra to date. Conductor Dr. Katherine Voelker interacts with characters who request songs. At one point the orchestra stands to join the cast to strike a pose. Production crew members wear costumes and puff fake cigarettes as they move set pieces, almost becoming part of the cast “To be able to take a step back

and do a classic the old-fashioned way, it’s really nice,” Cooper said.

“I love all the big ensemble numbers, when you got all the cast singing and dancing. I think this is what Broadway is all about.”

Cooper said classic musicals like this one are meant to entertain even musical theater skeptics.

“It doesn’t matter who you come with, just come and enjoy it by yourself and when you leave you probably won’t feel alone — that is our goal,” Cooper said.

“Hello Dolly!” will show in Liberty’s Tower Theater on September 21, 22, 28, and 29 at 7:30 p.m. and September 23 and 30 at 3 p.m.

EATON is a feature reporter.

MARTINEZ is a feature reporter.

NETWORKING -- Ambrose takes a business card from Dolly.

FYI Performances continue September 21, 22, 28, and 29 at 7:30 p.m., September 22nd and 29, at 2 sp.m., and September 23 and 30 at 3 p.m.

Tickets for the upcoming performances can be purchased at tickets.liberty.edu.

Check out the Champion’s video, “All Dolled Up,” on the Liberty Champion Facebook page to explore how the costumes were made for this production.