n centuries gone by, "liberty" was just a concept - I an idea feared by tyrants and dreamed of by the opposed. In more recent history, "liberty" became a cause and a deeply held belief worth fighting and dying for. Today, has become a place where students call home … where people dare to dream big dreams and then work to see those dreams come to pass … where old-fashioned values and morality still survive and thrive in a world which appears to have forgotten the meaning of the word … where the undeniable Truth of the Ages still reigns supreme … where the whole person is educated - body, mind and soul … a place where you can learn, grow and achieve wholeness as you become all God created you to be. The Mission To produce Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge and skills required to impact tomorrow's world … the mission is carried out for resident students, through both undergraduate and graduate programs, through a rigorous academic program and structured social environment … also, it is carried out externally for students who can't make the trek to the campus in a comparable academic program but without the structure of the resident community, through a distance learning program. A Brief History For more than 36 years, Liberty University has produced graduates with the values, knowledge and skills required to impact the world. Founded by Dr. Jerry Falwell and Dr. Elmer Towns in 1971, Liberty University is a private, coeducational, undergraduate and graduate institution. The University offers over 60 programs of study that contribute to the University’s standing as the world’s largest distinctively Christian, academically excellent and spiritually vibrant institution. The 5,000-acre campus serves over 25,000 resident and external students with a diverse student body made up of individuals from all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and 81 nations. Liberty is truly a representation of what God can do with a dream and a heart that desires to honor Him. Location Situated in Lynchburg, Va., Liberty University is nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and located on the south bank of the historic James River, in a region rich in history, culture and outdoor recreational opportunities. Liberty University Faculty Liberty University’s over 350 full-time and more than 300 part-time faculty are committed to engaging with students in the challenge of exploring vital links between faith and learning. There are over 450 institutions of higher learning represented among this impressive group. Liberty’s commitment to personalized education also ensures that the student-to-professor ratio is nicely balanced at 25:1. Degree Programs In higher education, the principal means of ensuring quality is accreditation by a recognized accrediting body or agency. Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and nationally accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). Additionally, a number of specific programs are approved by accrediting and licensing bodies for specific disciplines (i.e. our nursing, sport management and education programs). SACS and TRACS, in turn, are both recognized accrediting bodies by the United States Department of Education. Spiritual Life The Spiritual Life Department prepares students to make a global impact for the glory of God - wherever He leads them. Life-changing campus church and convocation services connect students with their Creator through passionate worship and powerful Biblical messages custom designed for this collegiate generation. These services give Liberty students first-hand encounters with the most influential Christians on the planet. Each semester the Campus Pastor’s Office personally trains over 1,000 student leaders who are the catalysts for the positive peer pressure and Biblical community which is the glue of Liberty University. Each year, these student leaders minister personally to their peers and commit to love, pray for, pray with and personally disciple every student on campus. Every student’s relationship with Christ is a priority. Light Ministries facilitates Liberty’s global vision by providing dozens of opportunities each year for the Liberty community to participate in cross-cultural missions experiences. Already over 7,000 students have boarded planes to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to over three million people. The Spiritual Life Department is radically committed to aligning the Liberty community with the Great Commandment and Great Commission of Jesus Christ. As the spiritual fires are sparked in hearts - Spiritual Life fans the flame.

32 2007-08 Liberty Lady Flames Basketball NOTABLE SPEAKERS Samkon Gado ...... Bobby Bowden ...... Current member of the NFL’s Houston Texans Florida State Head Football Coach Eric Green ...... Notable George Bush ...... Former NFL player 41st President of the United States Lee Guetterman ...... Speakers George W. Bush ...... Former Major League Baseball player 43rd President of the United States Aaron Horton ...... Newt Gingrich ...... Member of the band Escape Velocity Former Speaker of the House Angela Elwell Hunt ...... Reverend Billy Graham ...... Award-winning author Evangelist Mark Lowry ...... Sean Hannity ...... Christian comedian and vocalist Host of Fox News’ Hannity & Colmes Kevin Max ...... Jesse Helms ...... Grammy Award Winning Member of dc Talk Former Senator Jody McBrayer ...... Tim LaHaye ...... Member of Christian vocal group Avalon Sean Hannity Best-Selling Co-Author of the “Left Behind” series Toby McKeehan ...... Fox News John McCain ...... Grammy Award Winning Member of dc Talk/ Senator (R-Arizona) Platinum Solo Recording Artist (tobyMac) Newt Gingrich Ronald Reagan ...... James McKnight ...... Former Speaker of the House 40th President of the United States Former NFL player Clarence Thomas ...... Julius Nwosu ...... Supreme Court Justice Former NBA player Rick Warren ...... Tony Perkins ...... Best-Selling Author of “A Purpose-Driven Life” President of Family Research Council/Former Louisiana State Representative NOTABLE ALUMNI Adrian Smith ...... Peter Aluma ...... Senator (R-Nebraska) Former NBA player Michael Tait ...... Senator John McCain Sid Bream ...... Grammy Award Winning Member of dc Talk R-Arizona Former Major League Baseball player Randy Tomlin ...... Katie Feenstra ...... Former Major League Baseball player Current member of the WNBA’s Detroit Shock Notable Sid Bream Alumni

TobyMac Platinum Selling Recording Artist Katie Feenstra Senator Adrian Smith R-Nebraska

DC Talk Samkon Gado Four-Time Grammy Award Winning Recording

LibertyFlames.com 33 not permitted to contact a prospect (or members of the prospect’s family) by letter, telephone or in-person (on or off-campus) for the purpose of soliciting their participation in the athletic program. Liberty faculty members are permitted to have contact with the prospects, but only while on the campus Athletics Compliance during unofficial visits or off-campus, in the locale of the institution, when a prospect is on an official visit. Liberty University’s Athletics Compliance Office monitors and verifies A prospect remains a prospect even after he or she signs a Letter of Intent compliance with all NCAA, and University requirements. or financial aid agreement to attend the University. The prospect does not The office educates not only the athletics staff, administration and student- lose his/her prospect status until the start of classes at Liberty or the athletes, but also University faculty, staff and administration as well as other beginning of official team practice prior to the start of classes. individuals and entities with athletics interests. Liberty University is committed and compelled to the principle of institutional The prohibition of contact with a prospect is intended to relate to control in the operation of its athletics department in a way that is constantly unavoidable incidental contacts with a prospect by representatives of a within the rules and regulations of the NCAA, Big South Conference and the member institution’s athletics interest. It is understood that such a contact is University. As the University strives for excellence on and off the field of not prearranged by the athletics representative or an athletics department staff competition, the highest regard for ethical conduct must also be sought. In member; is not made for the purpose of recruitment of the prospect; and order for the athletics department to exist, outside participation is required and involves only normal civility. For example, if you meet a high school student or must be emphasized. Any inappropriate activity outside the rules and junior college student-athlete, you can talk with them about anything except regulations of the NCAA could jeopardize student-athletes’ eligibility to compete Liberty athletics. If you are attending a public function and find yourself talking athletically. to the parents of a prospect, you can talk about anything that doesn’t relate to Everyone involved inside or outside the University must do his or her part in the athletics department. order to foster an environment that is supportive of the NCAA operating principle of competitive equity. Each person has a role and responsibility, which If a student-athlete accepts any benefits or special consideration based on includes accountability and integrity when it comes to compliance with NCAA his or her status as an athlete or because of athletic skill, the student- rules and regulations. The communication process is a must when it comes to athlete will lose all eligibility for intercollegiate athletic participation. Do not understanding how each person fits within the structure of the NCAA’s rules do anything for prospective or enrolled student-athletes without specific and regulations. authorization from the Liberty Athletics Compliance Office. If you have any questions regarding NCAA rules and regulations, especially those dealing with prospects and student-athletes, please contact the athletics Representatives of athletics interests are reminded that NCAA rules compliance office. Liberty’s athletic programs need your help and support, so regarding enrolled student-athletes remain in effect throughout the entire please cooperate to ensure the success of Flames Athletics, on and off the field. year, including summer breaks. When student-athletes complete their final season of eligibility, they must abide by NCAA rules until the end of that If you have a question about NCAA rules and your interaction with Liberty academic year and/or until they are no longer receiving athletics financial aid. coaches, student-athletes or staff please contact.

MIKE HAGEN Interaction with boosters Director of Compliance Athletics Compliance Office and Liberty student-athletes Liberty University 1971 University Blvd. It’s easy to form a relationship with Liberty student-athletes as you cheer Lynchburg, VA 24502 them on and watch them compete. Building these types of relationships is not (434) 582-2100 only fun for fans but also important in the lives of student-athletes. In an effort [email protected] to make sure that the eligibility of every student-athlete is not harmed, please look over these few guidelines for what can and can not be provided to a stu- dent-athlete, and remember that if you have any questions, please contact the “Five Rules of Athletics Compliance” Liberty Athletics Compliance Office. Only coaches and athletics department staff members are permitted to be involved in the recruiting process. Alumni, friends and “other representatives What a booster can do: of athletics interest, i.e. “boosters” who are not employed by the University are Provide summer employment to a student-athlete, provided he/she is paid the going rate and only for work actually performed. Provide a meal to a student-athlete or the team at their home (not a restaurant). They can also provide a ride to their home for the meal.

What a booster cannot provide a student-athlete (just to name a few): Give a gift of clothing or equipment. Provide free or reduced housing costs. Give cash or co-sign on loans. Arrange for employment of a relative. Provide rentals or purchases of any type. Provide use of a car. Pay the costs for a student-athlete’s friends or family to visit campus. Free medical or professional services. Provide free use of a phone for long-distance calls. Provide funds for entertainment of an athlete, their friends or relatives.

This page was prepared by the Liberty Athletic Compliance Office to assist alumni, student-athletes, boosters and friends in complying with NCAA rules and regulations governing the conduct of the Liberty University Athletics Program.

34 2007-08 Liberty Lady Flames Basketball Strength and StrengthStrength && ConditioningConditioning Conditioning Staff

Bill Gillespie Head Strength & Conditioning Coordinator

A four-member strength and conditioning coaching staff services Liberty’s Dave Williams Associate Strength & Conditioning Coordinator 18 athletic teams. The staff is headed by two veterans of the business, Women’s Basketball Strength Coach head strength and conditioning coach Bill Gillespie and associate strength and conditioning coach Dave Williams. The duo has combined for nearly 50 years of experience in strength and conditioning. Gillespie’s resume includes stints with the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Huskies. Meanwhile, Williams has been at Liberty for 24 years, including the last two Anna Goudeau as the women’s Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach basketball team’s strength and conditioning coach. Joining Gillespie and Williams are Anna Goudeau and Blaine Hancock Weight Room McCorkle. Three weight room facilities are available for Liberty student-athletes, including a brand-new facility in the Williams Football Operations Center, Blaine McCorkle which opened in January 2007. The new weight room is 16,000 square feet Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach and includes 24 modules, which were custom-made for Liberty. The Lady Flames primarily make use of an 8,500-square-foot weight room in the Hancock Athletic Center. The two-tiered venue includes the most modern equipment, as well as over 10 tons of free weights. Additional weight equipment is located in the , adding flexibility and convenience for the Liberty athletic teams.

LibertyFlames.com 35 Academic Affairs for Athletics Staff Academic Affairs for Athletics

Kristie Beitz Associate Athletics Director forfor AcademicAcademic AffairsAffairs Liberty University student-athletes continue to score high marks in the classroom, as well as on the playing field, due to the efforts of the Liberty University Academic Affairs for Athletics Department. Kristie Beitz, in her second year as Liberty’s Associate Athletics Director for Academic Affairs, heads a newly expanded staff, which also includes Matt Anthony, Andy Coleman, Jeni Coleman and Buck Romero. Jeni Coleman oversees academic affairs for the Lady Flames women’s basketball program. MattKristie Anthony Beitz Equipped with facilities at the Vines Center, the Williams Football AssociateAcademic Athletics Coordinator Director for Academic Affairs Operations Center and the Hancock Athletic Center, student-athletes have convenient locations in which to utilize the staff and available resources. Student-athletes receive everything from computer use and tutorial services to lessons on study skills, time management and organizational skills. The Liberty women’s basketball team has excelled in the classroom, with the assistance of the Academic Affairs for Athletics Department (see Page 22 for more details.)

AndyKristie Coleman Beitz AssociateDirector Athletics of Academics Director for Academicfor Football Affairs

Liberty’s NCAANCAA DivisonDivison II CoSIDACoSIDA 2006-07 Big South Academic All-AmericansAll-Americans Presidential Honor Roll – JASONJASON BENHAMBENHAM HEATHERHEATHER SAGANSAGAN Women’s Basketball Third-TeamThird-Team (Baseball)(Baseball) First-TeamFirst-Team (Track/Cross(Track/Cross 19981998 Country)Country) 20022002 Members AlexandriaAlexandria BreamBream KRISTIN COLSON KRISTIN COLSON AllysonAllyson FasnachtFasnacht Second-Team (Volleyball) Second-Team (Volleyball) Megan Frazee 20052005 Molly Frazee JeniKristie Coleman Beitz JAY CLINE AssociateAcademic Athletics Coordinator Director JAY CLINE Moriah Frazee for Academic Affairs Second-TeamSecond-Team (Football)(Football) Rachel Hammond 20052005 Rebecca Lightfoot HOLLYHOLLY DEEMDEEM Karolina Piotrkiewicz Courtney Watkins Third-TeamThird-Team (Track)(Track) KRISTALKRISTAL THARPTHARP 19981998 Second-TeamSecond-Team (Women’s(Women’s JARRODJARROD EVERSONEVERSON Basketball)Basketball) 20052005 2006-07 ESPN The First-TeamFirst-Team (Football)(Football) 19981998 CATHYCATHY WILLIAMSWILLIAMS Magazine Academic Second-Team (Football) 1997 Second-Team (Football) 1997 Third-TeamThird-Team (Cross(Cross Country)Country) All-District First Team 19981998 JENNIFERJENNIFER HODGESHODGES AllysonAllyson FasnachtFasnacht Third-TeamThird-Team (Women's(Women's Soccer)Soccer) ARLENEARLENE ZELINSKASZELINSKAS Megan Frazee 19991999 Second-TeamSecond-Team (Track) 2007 BuckKristie Romero Beitz DANIELLEDANIELLE MCNANEYMCNANEY AssociateDirector Athletics of Academics Director First-TeamFirst-Team (Track)(Track) 20052005 for Basketball for Academic Affairs Second-TeamSecond-Team (Track)(Track) 20042004

36 2007-08 Liberty Lady Flames Basketball Sports Medicine Staff Sports Medicine

Chris Casola Head Athletic Trainer

Madeline Bosek Assistant Athletic Trainer Women’s Basketball/Volleyball

The student-athlete at Liberty University has the luxury of having one of the most dedicated sports medicine teams in the country. The staff is headed by Jesse Cops Chris Casola, Head Athletic Trainer. Madeline Bosek, Jesse Cops, Barry Assistant Athletic Trainer Finke, Scott Lawrenson, Aaron Schreiner, Jessica Stephens and Steve Woof are Athletic Certified Trainers (ATC), serving as Assistant Athletic Trainers under Casola. In conjunction with services available through team physicians, Dr. Gregg Albers and Dr. Richard Lane at Light Medical, the Liberty University sports Barry Finke medicine staff utilizes two hospitals, Lynchburg General Hospital and Assistant Athletic Trainer Baptist, for any emergency or general medical needs. Liberty is also fortunate to have team orthopaedic services from Central Virginia Orthopaedics, along with assistance and consultation from Rehab Associates of Central Virginia. Housed in the beautiful 3,200-square-foot Football Training Room located in the Williams Football Operations Center, the main athletic training room is a Scott Lawrenson modern facility complete with the latest equipment. Satellite athletic training Assistant Athletic Trainer rooms are located in the Field House at , located at the south end of the football complex, the Hancock Athletic Center, the Vines Center and the Crowder-Muckel Fieldhouse, neighboring Worthington Stadium.

Assistant Athletic Trainer Madeline Bosek Aaron Schreiner works with Lady Flame Allyson Fasnacht Assistant Athletic Trainer

Jessica Stephens Assistant Athletic Trainer

Steve Woof Assistant Athletic Trainer

LibertyFlames.com 37 ATHLETICS Since joining the Big South Conference in 1991, Liberty has won 74 conference champi- onships, averaging nearly five league titles per season.

Liberty has won five Big South Sasser Cups (1998, 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2003), award- ed annually to the most successful athletic program in the league, making Liberty the sec- ond-highest honored program in the confer- ence’s history.

Liberty had 157 student-athletes named to the Big South Presidential Honor Roll at the con- clusion of the 2006-07 season. Over 35 per- cent of its student-athletes recorded a 3.0 GPA or higher in the classroom during the academic year.

Cross country/track and field competitor Arlene Zelinskas was a CoSIDA Academic All- America second-team selection in 2007, Liberty’s 11th CoSIDA Academic All-American in athletic department history. Zelinskas was also one of six student-athletes to earn CoSIDA Academic All-District and VaSID Academic All-State honors.

Kevin Mahan (men’s soccer), Mandee Wheelock (women’s soccer) and Arlene Zelinskas (outdoor track and field) were named Big South Scholar-Athletes of the Year in their respective sports, and 17 Liberty stu- dent-athletes were named to various Big South All-Academic teams.

Arlene Zelinskas capped off a stellar Liberty athletics career last year as she was named the recipient of the Mac Rivera/Rock Royer Award, an award given annually to honor Liberty’s top graduating senior student-athlete.

FOOTBALL Under the direction of Big South Coach of the Year Danny Rocco, Liberty tied for the best turnaround in the nation last year, posting a five-win improvement from 2005 to 2006.

Liberty picked up its first win over a nationally- ranked football program since 1997 with its 34-20 victory over No. 24 Charleston Southern at Williams Stadium.

Liberty rewrote the attendance record book in 2006, setting single-game and single-season records, while ranking No. 13 nationally in average home attendance.

MEN’S BASKETBALL Larry Blair finished his career this past year with 2,211 points scored, making him the Big South Conference’s all-time leading scorer and second-best scorer in program history.

MEN’S GOLF The men’s golf team holds the distinction of being the only athletics program in Liberty’s history to garner an at-large berth to a NCAA Championship, doing so twice over the past five years (2003 and 2006).

WRESTLING The wrestling program quickly reestablished its presence on the mats last year, claiming the NCAA East Regional title and sending four stu- dent-athletes to the NCAA National Championship in its first year back after a 12- year hiatus. SOFTBALL The Lady Flames have won 77 games over the last two years (41 in 2006 and 36 in 2007), including the most-notable wins in program history with victories over No. 6 Michigan, No. 10 Baylor, No. 23 Hawaii and No. 24 Virginia Tech (twice).

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL The Lady Flames ranked No. 7 in the nation with a 3.508 team GPA for the 2006-07 academic year, the highest ranking in program history.

Sophomore Megan Frazee was invited to the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Trials after earning first-team VaSID All-State and All-Big South honors.

VOLLEYBALL Kallie Corbin captured the VaSID State Rookie of the Year and Big South Freshman of the Year awards. Along with Autum Black, the duo comprised the first pair in program history to receive VaSID second-team all-state mention in the same season.

CROSS COUNTRY The men’s and women’s cross country squads swept the Big South team titles for the first time since 1992, with Josh McDougal winning his third-straight individual Big South championship.

TRACK AND FIELD The men’s outdoor track team captured its second IC4A championship in program history, and its first since 1996.

Josh McDougal won five All-America honors between cross country and track, bringing his career total to 11. The junior also joined the sub-4:00 mile club and became the fifth-fastest all-time collegiate performer at 5,000 meters.

BASEBALL For the third-straight season, the diamond Flames won 30 or more games, only the second time in the 33-year history of the program.

With pitcher Michael Solbach and outfielder Garrett Young being drafted in this year’s Major League Baseball Draft, Liberty has now had players selected in every MLB Draft since 1999.

WOMEN’S SOCCER For the fifth time in the last eight seasons, the Lady Flames played in the Big South Women’s Soccer Championship title game.

MEN’S SOCCER For the first time, the men’s soccer program had two players sign contracts with profession- al teams. Liberty’s all-time leading scorer Darryl Roberts signed with Sparta Rotterdam FC of the Dutch League’s Division I, and Osei Telesford signed a contract with the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer.

TENNIS Last year, Jonita Randolph became the winningest player, male or female, in Liberty tennis history and the program’s first ever Big South Player of the Year. Athletics Facilities

Williams Stadium

Wrestling Complex

Tolsma Indoor Track Center

Inside the Vines Center

Vines Center

40 2007-08 Liberty Lady Flames Basketball When looking at the success of an athletics program, one aspect which needs to be considered is the quality of its facilities. Student-athletes involved in Liberty University’s athletics program have the opportunity to showcase their talents in a number of fine athletic facilities. Like the pro- gram itself, these on-campus facilities have improved tremendously since the program’s inception in 1973. The Hancock Athletic Center, dedicated on Feb. 12, 1985, was donated by A.L. Williams and his wife, Angela, in honor of her parents, Sidney Lanier and Willemae Gates Hancock. Offices housed in the Hancock Center include the administrative offices for athletics, the athletic media relations depart- ment, offices for the track, cross country and men’s soccer, wrestling and tennis coaching staffs. The Hancock Athletic Center also includes a spa- cious 8,500-square-foot weight room, which is utilized by the entire athletic department. The weight room is furnished with the most modern equipment available for developing speed, strength and endurance. The spacious two-tiered facili- Hancock Weight Room ty has a free weight area that contains over 10 tons of weights. High-tech machines crafted by the industry’s top manufacturers, as well as other mod- ern strength and conditioning apparatuses, are available to Liberty’s stu- dent-athletes. Williams Stadium, also named in honor of A.L. Williams, is located near the entrance of the main campus and has been the home of the football program since 1989. The football stadium seats 12,000 with expansion capabilities up to 36,000. During the summer of 2006, a 48,000-square-foot facility was completed in the north end zone of the stadium, as the Williams Football Operations Center became the football program’s new home off the field. The new, state-of-the-art facility gives Liberty one of the nicest FCS football facilities in the nation, housing coaching and support staff offices, a spacious locker room, academic learning areas, a training room and a weight room. The cen- terpiece of the facility is a 3,000-square foot room overlooking Williams Stadium, where Flames Club members can enjoy pre-game meals. A final facility upgrade to Williams Stadium was completed just prior to the kickoff of the 2006 season as FieldTurf was installed. The Vines Convocation Center, home to all men’s and women’s basketball games and volleyball matches, is an 8,500-seat facility which was complet- ed in 1990. In 1998, the Vines Center hosted the 46th-best women’s bas- ketball home attendance in the nation. Basketball, volleyball and a number of other indoor activities can take place in the versatile Schilling Center. The men's and women's basketball teams held their home games in what was then known as Liberty Gym in this facility from 1979 to 1990. The Schilling Center has two full-court areas

Williams Football Operations Center (Cont. on page 42)

Hancock Athletic Center East Campus Volleyball Complex

LibertyFlames.com 41 that are also utilized for class instruction, intramural events and special activ- ities. In 2005, the facility was upgraded to give Liberty’s basketball programs two new practice courts. Wrestling and volleyball each received new facilities during the 2006-07 school year. The reinstated wrestling program turned the old football field house in the south end zone of Williams Stadium into a state-of-the-art wrestling room. Volleyball moved its office into a new facility on Campus East that includes its very own practice gym. Home baseball games are played at the beautiful Worthington Stadium. Recognized by Sportsturf Magazine as the best field in the nation in 1998, the facility was named in honor of , who began the Flames’ baseball program in 1974. He also served as the Liberty athletics director from 1984-89. Liberty Softball Field The Crowder-Muckel Fieldhouse is located adjacent to Worthington Stadium. The clubhouse, which is one of the finest baseball facilities in the country, includes locker rooms for both the Flames and the visiting teams, a team room, weight room, training room, umpires’ locker room, public rest- rooms for the fans, sky box seating and full-length batting cages. The Matthes-Hopkins Track Complex is the home of the Flames’ successful track program. The track, which features a polyurethane surface, is named after former track coaches Jake Matthes and Ron Hopkins. The same facility holds the Liberty Soccer Field, where both the men’s and women’s soccer teams play. In 1996, lights were added so games could be played at night. Liberty’s tennis teams have been significantly enhanced by the recent addi- tion of three new tennis courts at the Esbenshade-Hershey Match Center, bringing the total number of on-campus tennis courts to seven. The athletics department has recently renovated a facility in the center of the tennis courts to be used to further enhance the tennis program. Esbenshade-Hershey Tennis Center The Liberty softball program has played its home games at the Liberty Softball Field since 1994, the same year the program was reinstated. Over the last two years, the facility has received numerous upgrades, including a new backstop and an enclosed hitting circuit with two new batting cages. Another recent athletic facility addition made available to Liberty’s student- athletes is the Tolsma Indoor Track Center, located in the heart of Liberty’s Campus North building. The indoor center is one of just three indoor track facilities in the state of Virginia and features a flat 200-meter oval with a Mondo surface. The track has a wide radius, a four-lane oval and an eight- lane straightaway. Also located in the complex are two long/triple jump run- ways, a pole vault runway and a high jump apron. The recent purchase of a FinishLynx timing system will greatly increase the ability to host high-level high school and NCAA meets at the facility as well as at the university’s outdoor track complex.

Al Worthington Stadium

Matthes-Hopkins Track Complex

42 2007-08 Liberty Lady Flames Basketball LADY FLAMES

UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION Jerry Falwell, Jr. Falwell, Jr. has also played a key role in the develop- During a long administrative career, he has held a Chancellor/President ment of the real estate in the vicinity of the University variety of leadership positions including two presiden- through the recruitment of many national retail and cies of private Christian colleges, Executive Vice Jerry Falwell, Jr. was born in restaurant chains to the area. These developments President of the Washington Times, Executive Vice Lynchburg, Va. on Father’s Day, have greatly enriched the lifestyle of the University President of the Moral Majority, President of Jerry June 17, 1962. He attended community. Falwell Ministries, President of Liberty Broadcast Lynchburg Christian Academy Falwell, Jr. is a member of the Board of Directors Network, President of Liberty University Foundation and and Liberty University, graduat- and the Executive Committee of the Lynchburg more recently, Dean of the Helms School of ing with a bachelor of arts in Regional Chamber of Commerce and was named as Government and Senior Administrator of Residential religious studies in 1984. the 2006 Business Person of the Year for western Recruiting. He obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the Virginia Virginia by the Blue Ridge Business Journal. Godwin received his bachelor of arts from Bob School of Law in 1987. Falwell, Jr. is licensed to prac- He married Becki Tilley of Chapel Hill, N.C., in 1987. Jones, his masters of science from Old Dominion, and tice in all Virginia state courts, U.S. District Courts for They have three children: Jerry Falwell, III (Trey), born his Ph.D. in Post-Secondary Planning and Management the Western and Eastern Districts of Virginia, United 1989, Charles Wesley, born 1993, and Caroline Grace, from Florida State. States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the born 2000, and have lived on a farm in Bedford Godwin and his wife, Carol Stanley Godwin, are U.S. Supreme Court. County, Va., since 1987. members of Thomas Road Baptist Church and both Falwell, Jr. has engaged in the private practice of law serve on the board of the Liberty Godparent Home. in Lynchburg since 1987 and has served as the Dr. Ronald Godwin They currently reside in Forest with Godwin’s 97 year General Counsel of Liberty University, Thomas Road Executive Vice President/ old father, Jacob M. Godwin. Baptist Church, Liberty Broadcasting Network, and Jerry Chief Operating Officer Falwell Ministries since 1988. Falwell, Jr., and his father, Dr. Jerry Falwell, worked Dr. Ronald Godwin serves as together closely since 1988 in the management and Executive Vice President and oversight of the University and all the Falwell ministries. Chief Operating Officer for In recent years, he has assumed more and more of the Liberty University. However, for responsibility for the day-to-day management of the a total of more than 15 years, organization from his father who, along with the Liberty Dr. Godwin has worked directly University Board of Trustees, named him Vice- for the Chancellor of Liberty University via many of Chancellor of the University in 2003. Liberty’s affiliated ministries.

Dr. Jerry Falwell In 1971, Liberty University was founded. Today, over the American electorate has been identified by media Liberty University Founder and 27,000 students from 50 states and 80 nations attend polls as the "Religious Right". Most recent major media Former Chancellor (1933-2007) this accredited, liberal arts Christian university. Falwell’s surveys have acknowledged these "faith and values" vot- dream has become a reality. A pre-school child can now ers re-elected George W. Bush in November 2004. At the age of 22, having just enter the school system at age three, and 20 or more Though perhaps better known outside Lynchburg for graduated from college in June years later, leave the same campus with a Ph.D., without political activism, Jerry Falwell's personal schedule con- of 1956, Jerry Falwell returned to ever sitting in a classroom where the teacher was not a firmed his passion for being a pastor and a Christian edu- his hometown of Lynchburg, Va., committed follower of Jesus Christ. cator. He often stated his heartbeat was for training young and started Thomas Road Falwell was also publisher of the National Liberty people for every walk of life. Baptist Church with 35 mem- Journal, a monthly newspaper which is read by over Falwell, who went home to be with the Lord at the age bers. 200,000 pastors and Christian workers, and the Falwell of 73 on May 15, 2007, was married to Macel for 49 Falwell often said about the first collection, “We thought Confidential, a weekly e-mail newsletter to over 500,000 years and they have three grown children and eight grand- we had conquered the world”. Today, Thomas Road Church pastors and Christian activists. children. has 24,000 members and the total annual revenues of all In June 1979, Falwell organized the Moral Majority, a the Jerry Falwell ministries total over $200 million. conservative political lobbying movement which the press Within weeks of founding his new church in 1956, soon dubbed the "Religious Right." During the first two Falwell began the Old-Time Gospel Hour, a daily local years of its existence, the Moral Majority attracted over radio ministry and a weekly local television ministry. 100,000 pastors, priests and rabbis and nearly seven mil- Nearly five decades later, this Old-Time Gospel Hour is lion religious conservatives who mobilized as a pro-life, now seen and heard in every American home and on pro-family, pro-Israel, and pro-strong national defense lob- every continent except Antarctica. Through the years, over bying organization. three million persons have communicated to the Falwell The Moral Majority chose California Governor Ronald ministries they received Christ as Lord and Savior as a Reagan as "their candidate" for President in 1980, regis- result of this radio and television ministry. tered millions of new voters, and set about to inform and In 1967, Falwell implemented his vision to build a activate a sleeping giant - 80 million Americans commit- Christian educational system for evangelical youth. He ted to faith, family, and Judeo-Christian values. began with the creation of Lynchburg Christian Academy, a With the impetus of the newly organized Moral Majority, Christ-centered, academically-excellent, fully-accredited millions of people of faith voted for the first time in 1980 Christian day school, providing kindergarten, elementary and helped elect Ronald Reagan and many conservative and high school. congressmen and senators. Since 1979, about 30% of

LibertyFlames.com 43 2007-08 LIBERTY

ATHLETICS ADMINISTRATION

Jeff Barber Membership collections for the Flames Club, the Athletics While at Furman, Barber was responsible for the collec- Director of Athletics Department’s booster club organization, reached an all-time tion of $14 million in revenue from annual giving, capital new high during the 2006-07 campaign as Liberty sur- gifts and endowed gifts, while guiding the Paladin Club to Jeff Barber was named the passed the $200,000 mark for the first time in the organi- gifts totaling $3.75 million and set records for five-consecu- Director of Athletics at Liberty zation’s history. 2006 season ticket sales for football were tive years. He was also the chairman of the Furman Pro-Am University on Jan. 23, 2006, four times as high as the previous year, putting Liberty on Golf Endowment Tournament, which totaled receipts of $6.5 becoming the 10th Director of track to sell over 1,000 football season tickets in 2007. million. Athletics in the history of the Barber brought a wealth of experience in the areas of Barber got his start in collegiate athletic administration University. athletic fundraising and administration to Liberty University, at his alma mater as the Assistant Director of East The University has charged Barber with the future leader- including 25 years in the athletic industry. Carolina’s Pirate Club in 1987. While serving four years with ship of the athletics department and the building of a Barber came to Liberty after spending 11 years at South the Pirates, Barber participated in the receipt of annual giv- strong financial basis for the department which will guide Carolina, including his last three years as Senior Associate ing of $4 million to the Pirate Club, while organizing and Liberty University athletics into the ranks of the elite NCAA Athletic Director for Development/Gamecock Club Executive managing Pirate Club actions and Pirate Pro-Am fundrais- Division I athletic programs in the nation. Director. ers. Barber has wasted little time making an impact at Barber served on the senior management team at South Before joining the staff at East Carolina, Barber served Liberty, as in less than two years, he has been instrumental Carolina for nine years, helping raise more than $14 million three years in major and minor league baseball as he was in guiding Liberty on a path to the next level of collegiate annually, while working closely with legendary football the Assistant General Manager of the Columbia Mets in athletics. coaches Lou Holtz and Steve Spurrier Columbia, S.C. (1985-86) and Director of Operations for the He has spearheaded athletics facility improvement proj- Barber supervised the solicitation and receipt of over Montreal Expos Spring Training Camp in West Palm Beach, ects in nearly every athletics venue, highlighted by changes $85 million during his tenure at South Carolina, setting Fla. (1986-87). to Williams Stadium. During the summer of 2006, the foot- records each year in annual gifts to the Gamecock Club, After graduating from East Carolina, Barber served as a ball program’s on-campus playing facility received the latest which was at 16,500 members when he finished. He was health and physical education teacher in Columbia, S.C. for in playing surfaces as FieldTurf was installed, while numer- also responsible for all major gifts to the Gamecock Club four years (1981-85), while coaching football and basket- ous other smaller projects were initiated to aesthetically which exceeded $15,000 annually and developed that level ball. improve the appearance of the facility. of giving from 21 members to 137 at his time of departure. Barber graduated cum laude at East Carolina in 1981 However, Barber’s chief facility accomplishment since Barber joined the athletics department at South Carolina with a bachelor of science degree in health, physical educa- joining the Flames in 2005 was overseeing the completion in 1996 as an Assistant Athletic Director for Development tion and recreation. In 1997, he continued his education of the Williams Football Operations Center. The new 48,000- and was promoted to Associate Athletic Director/Gamecock with a degree from the Sports Management Institute, gradu- square foot state-of-the-art home base for the football pro- Club Executive Director in 1999. ating as class spokesman. gram is one of the nicest FCS (formerly I-AA) football-only Prior to his days at South Carolina, Barber served five Barber, a native of Greenville, N.C., is married to the for- facilities in the nation. years at Furman in Greenville, S.C., starting as Executive mer Donna Dacus and the couple has three children – Katie In addition to Barber’s athletic facility achievements, the Director of the Paladin Club in 1991, before being promoted (12), Lindsay (10) and Jay (9). new Director of Athletics has spurred a dramatic increase in to Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs in Flames Club memberships and season ticket sales for foot- 1994. ball and basketball. Athletics Senior Administration

Mickey Guridy Kristie Beitz Kevin Keys Meredith Hollyfield Dr. Bill Gribbin Senior Associate Associate Athletics Director Associate Athletics Director Associate Athletic Director NCAA Faculty Athletics Director Academic Affairs External Operations Senior Women’s Administrator Athletics Representative Internal Operations

Bob Good Todd Wetmore Anna Whitehurst Mike Hagen Assistant Athletics Director Assistant Athletics Director Assistant Athletics Director Athletics Flames Club/Development Athletic Media Relations Ticket Operations Director of Compliance

44 2007-08 Liberty Lady Flames Basketball ATHLETICS ADMINISTRATION

Jeff Alder Matt Anthony Ashley Becraft Lance Bingham Andy Bloodworth Jeremiah Boles Ryan Bomberger Madeline Bosek Vincent Briedis Chris Brown Men’s Soccer Academic Affairs Men’s Basketball Track & Field Women’s Basketball Baseball Athletic Media Relations Athletic Training Athletic Media Relations Football Head Coach Academic Coordinator Administrative Assistant Associate Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Associate Director Assistant Trainer Assistant Director Assistant Equipment Manager

Bruce Carey Paul Carmany Chris Casola Jesse Castro Tom Clark Bev Cole Andy Coleman Jeni Coleman Jesse Cops Tommy Cromwell Producer - Athletic Media Relations Athletic Training Wrestling Football Football Football Academic Affairs Athletic Training Men’s Basketball Athletics TV Broadcasts Assistant Director Head Trainer Head Coach Defensive Coordinator Administrative Assistant Academic Coordinator Academic Coordinator Assistant Trainer Director of Operations

Adam Deyo Megan DiFerdinand Jason Eaker Barry Finke Bill Gillespie Adam Godwin Ed Gomes Josh Goodman Anna Goudeau Carey Green Women’s Basketball Flames Club Men’s Basketball Athletic Training Strength & Conditioning Women’s Soccer Football Athletics Strength & Conditioning Women’s Basketball Director of Operations Membership Coordinator Assistant Coach Assistant Trainer Director Assistant Coach Director of Spiritual Development Director of Athletic Facilities Assistant Coach Head Coach

Frank Hickson Scott Jackson Greg Jimmerson Chris Johnson Kari Kanagy Scott Lawrenson Dale Layer Blaine McCorkle Ritchie McKay Mike Morris Football Baseball Track & Field Tennis Football - Recruiting Athletic Training Men’s Basketball Strength & Conditioning Men’s Basketball Football Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assitant Coach Head Coach Assistant/Player Services Assistant Trainer Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Head Coach Head Equipment Manager

Shane Pinder Albie Powers James Price Kristen Rife Marshall Roberts Danny Rocco Buck Romero Becky Rudnick Paul Rutigliano Nick Schnabel Volleyball Men’s Golf Women’s Soccer Women’s Basketball Football Football Men’s Basketball Volleyball Football Basketball Head Coach Assistant Coach Head Coach Administrative Assistant Assistant Coach Head Coach Academic Coordinator Assistant Coach Assistant AD/Football Operations Assistant Coach

Les Schofer Aaron Schreiner Kris Sennett Alexis Sherard Dean Short Charles Skalaski Pat Sole Brad Soucie Heather Stephens Jessica Stephens Athletics Athletic Training Athletics Women’s Basketball Men’s Soccer Football - Assistant Wrestling Men’s Basketball Women’s Basketball Athletic Training Staff Photographer Assistant Trainer Business Manager Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Trainer

Brandon Streeter Pete Sundheim Jeff Thomas Brant Tolsma Jim Toman Jennifer Vaden Tuesday Van Engen Scott Wachenheim Danny Wenger Paul Wetmore Football Football Golf Track & Field Baseball Volleyball Softball Football Football Softball Assistant Coach Associate Head Coach Head Coach Head Coach Head Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Head Coach Video Coordinator Head Coach

Dave Williams Chad Wilt Robert Wimberly Steve Woof Heather Zealand Strength & Conditioning Football Football Athletic Training Track& Field Assistant Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Trainer Administrative Assistant

LibertyFlames.com 45 2007-08 LIBERTY

VINES CENTER Vines Center Quick Facts

NAME: The Vines Convocation Center

SITE: Next to the DeMoss Center in the middle of the Liberty University campus.

CAPACITY: 8,500 for basketball and 10,000 for special events

CONSTRUCTION: The main portion of the building is constructed of steel and concrete, and the roof is constructed with 10-foot triangular aluminum sections that are pieced together by Temcor, a roofing company out of Torrence, Calif.

CONTRACTOR: McDevitt & Street of Raleigh, N.C.

ARCHITECT: Haken/Corley and Associates of Raleigh, N.C.

DATE OF COMPLETION: November 1990

FACILITIES: The Vines Convocation Center includes four The Vines Center, affectionately known as “The Lady Flames women’s basketball team played all of its concession stands, basketball coaches offices, locker and Furnace”, provides one of the toughest arenas for home games at the Vines Center for the first time team room facilities, a weight room, a training room, a visiting opponents to play in because of its loud, vocal during the 1992-93 season. The facility annually hosts hospitality room and a press room. and festive atmosphere. The fan support over the years Super Conference and has also played host to the PLAYING SURFACE: The basketball court is a hardwood has served as inspiration for the Liberty men’s and Harlem Globetrotters, National Basketball Association surface. women’s basketball, volleyball and wrestling programs. exhibition games, the Big South Basketball Tournament Due to this support, the Lady Flames basketball and high school basketball tournaments. Graduation, The Vines Center includes an attractive silver dome program has produced an all-time record of 164-42 in convocation and concerts are also held at the Vines roof similar to what Baylor University has on its arena the Vines Center, including a 65-7 (.903) record over Center on a regular basis. in Waco, Texas. Also included in the Vines Center are the past five seasons. Liberty has often been at its McDevitt & Street is no stranger to Liberty University. four concession areas, basketball coaches offices, best with a large throng of supporters in the stands. The firm completed Liberty's 12,000-seat Williams locker and team room facilities, a weight room, a The Lady Flames have won each of their four highest- Stadium in the fall of 1989, and have built the Dean E. training room, a hospitality room and press room. The attended home games in program history. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C., the Diamond facility is one of the largest on-campus basketball Last season, Liberty averaged 1,490 fans for its 13 (baseball park) in Richmond, Va., Atlanta's Fulton arenas in the state of Virginia. home games, its highest average attendance since the County Stadium and the minor league baseball facility 2002-03 campaign and tops among Big South in Durham, N.C., where the Durham Bulls play. Conference teams. The Lady Flames’ contest against Virginia Tech on Dec. 5 drew 3,412 spectators, the Vines Center Attendance Records eighth-largest crowd ever to see a women’s basketball Attendance Date W-L Result 1. 5,117 1/31/98 W LU 79, Radford 66 game at the Vines Center. 2. 5,041 2/28/98 W LU 65, UNC Asheville 53 * Liberty hosted the Big South Conference Tournament 3. 4,921 2/27/98 W LU 64, Charleston Southern 54 * 4. 4,211 2/19/98 W LU 57, Elon 49 in a combined men’s and women’s format in 1997 and 5. 4,121 12/14/02 L Virginia Tech 53, LU 50 1998, eclipsing all existing tournament attendance 6. 3,913 11/13/98 L Virginia Tech 69, LU 55 records. The Vines Center was also the site of the Big 7. 3,752 2/26/00 W LU 79, Radford 36 8. 3,412 12/5/06 L Virginia Tech 55, LU 52 South Women’s Basketball Championship semifinals 9. 3,366 2/18/06 W LU 62, High Point 53 and finals in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Each time, the 10. 3,341 12/7/04 L Virginia Tech 66, LU 55 * - Big South Tournament Game Liberty fans propelled the Lady Flames to a conference title. A crowd of 2,738 came out to see Liberty defeat Attendance and Results in Vines Center UNC Asheville in the 2005 championship game. Season Games Attendance Average Results Pct. A major contributor donated the money in 1989 for 1992-93 15 6,128 409 10-5 .667 1993-94 13 7,614 586 7-6 .538 Liberty to start construction on the 10,000-seat 1994-95 13 4,950 381 6-7 .462 1995-96 13 4,390 338 5-8 .385 special events/basketball arena on Liberty Mountain. 1996-97 17 15,539 914 15-2 .882 Seating for basketball is 8,500. The project was 1997-98 16 35,432 2,215 16-0 1.000 1998-99 12 21,156 1,763 11-1 .917 undertaken by McDevitt & Street Contractors of 1999-2000 14 19,228 1,373 11-3 .786 Raleigh, N.C., with the architectural work being 2000-01 11 8,265 751 9-2 .818 2001-02 10 14,664 1,466 9-1 .900 completed by Haken/Corley and Associates, also of 2002-03 16 24,916 1,557 15-1 .938 Raleigh. 2003-04 13 14,918 1,148 13-0 1.000 2004-05 15 17,047 1,137 12-3 .800 In November 1990, the Liberty men’s basketball 2005-06 15 16,314 1,088 15-0 1.000 team moved into its new home - The Vines Center. The 2006-07 13 19,374 1,490 10-3 .769 Totals 206 229,935 1,116 164-42 .796

46 2007-08 Liberty Lady Flames Basketball