University since its beginning in 1971. 151 students enrolied in six majors into a Dr. Guiiiermin's diverse educational fully accredited Institution with over 6,000 background, including studies at Nova students enrolled in more than 75 majors. University, University of Virginia, Central Guillermin states, "i am not interested in Michigan University, and Harvard University, building a university for the sake of building has prepared him well for the challenges he an institution of higher learning. My purpose has faced as the President of America's is to build a school that will enable us to fastest growing university. develop the lives of young people. What From the rigorous training he received in a better way do I have of multiplying the private prep school In Canada to his un educational experience God has given me dergraduate work in telecommunications, his than to Invest my life in students who will graduate work in religion, and his doctoral someday become leaders of the world?" work in higher education administration, He says the sports program instills the Guillermin has gained knowledge and ex high Ideals and character qualities needed to pertise that have made him an effective and become a leader. respected administrator. 's athletic program In In 1967, Guillermin met Liberty University cludes 14 NCAA Division I and II level sports. founder and chancellor, Dr. Jerry Falwell, for "I consider each sport to be important to the first time and together they shared a Liberty because young men and women, dream of building a Christian institution of striving for excellence, encompass the spirit learning that would take a child from pre of what we are trying to achieve," he says. school through college and beyond; an in stitution accredited, capable of competing Dr. A. Pierre Guillermin with distinction among the most respected PRESIDENT schools in America. Soon following their first meeting, Lyn- Standing on the sidelines of a Flames chburg Christian Academy was founded football game or sitting behind his desk in the shortly followed by Lynchburg Baptist Office of the President, Liberty University College In 1971. The varsity sports program president, A. Pierre Guillermin, is one of the was Instituted in 1972 and rapidly expanded Flames' biggest fans. to include basketball, football and . With a composure unique to Guillermin, he As Lynchburg Baptist Coilege changed to quietly pulls for the Flames during athletic Liberty Baptist College in 1976 and then to events in a manner becoming to his official Liberty University in 1985, Guiiiermin's capacity. strong, steady hand has acted as an anchor in Though quiet in spirit, Guillermin is a man the midst of a whiripool of constant change of great inner strength. This characteristic and overwhelming growth. combined with a sincere humility has played In just 14 short years. Liberty University vital roles in the development of Liberty has grown from a fledgling institution with

Division I status. Though they have struggled A native of Birmingham, Alabama, and a a bit against an upgraded schedule, the graduate of , Worthington Flames baseball team has posted two con excelled in football and baseball at the secutive 20 win seasons at the Division I for four years before level. he embarked upon a 19-year professional In December of 1983 the administration of baseball career. As a major leaguer, Wor Liberty University called upon Al Worthington thington played for twelve seasons on three to use the abilities he portrayed in developing different ball teams. He spent five seasons his baseball program to benefit the entire with the New York Giants, a year with the athietic department. They named Wor , and six seasons in Min thington as the coiiege's new athletic nesota as a Twin. Coach Worthington played director. "When I became athletic director in in the 1965 with the Twins. 1983, I said that my goal was to honor the His career record was 79-85. Worthington's Lord Jesus Christ In all that I do and to strive best season coincided with the Twins 1965 to make that the entire department's goal as World Series appearance when he posted a well," Worthington stated recently. "I still 10-7 record. Worthington, used primarily as a feel that we must attempt to conduct our reliever during his major league career, had selves as coaches and administrators with 108 saves. Following his playing career this goal in mind. If we work hard and realize Worthington served as the Twins pitching this goal, our success on and off the playing coach for two years before coming to Liberty fields will take care of themselves. Baptist in 1974 to organize the Flames Under Worthington's direction the athletic baseball program. ALWORTHINGTON program has continued to grow and become Coach Worthington and Shirley, his wife more competitive at the NCAA Division II for 35 years, have five children: Linda, 33; ATHLETIC DIRECTOR level. This past year the entire athletic Allan, 30; Michele, 28; Marshall, 20; and department posted a combined won-lost Daniel, 19. Marshall and Daniel attend Al Worthington spent his first ten years on record of 140-118-3 and had nine individuals Liberty. Marshall is a member of the Flames the Liberty University campus establishing a earn AII~American honors in five different soccer team and Daniel is a member of the respected first class baseball program. After sports. In addition to these on the field tennis team. starting the program from scratch in 1974 and successes Coach Worthington has also struggling through an 11-14 season, the taken steps to enlarge the athletic depart Flames baseball program grew and matured. ment's booster organization, the Talon Club. Highlighting the program's advancement was This became evident this past spring when three consecutive appearances in the NAIA the Liberty Sports Page went into production. (1981-83) World Series and a forty win season The newsletter Is an attempt by the athletic in 1983. During the past two seasons the department to inform interested alumni, 1 Liberty basebali team has continued to grow. supporters, parents, and friends of Liberty In the summer of 1983 it became the first University about the progress of Flames Liberty athletic team to receive NCAA Athletics. LIBEKTY 36—LIBERTY FOOTBALL PROGRAM