August 19, 2022
Written by Sammy Flecker, previous Intramural Sports Coordinator
Get your sneakers, cleats, and bats ready because Liberty Intramurals Sports is back! As we welcome you into the new school year, we also want to welcome newcomers. The Intramurals department offers a wide selection of sports that any Liberty student, faculty, or staff member can participate in — including team and individual sports as well as tournaments. To register for an Intramural Sport, you’ll use IMLeagues. Let’s give you a quick run-down of the site!
While our Liberty.edu site houses general information about Intramural Sports, IMLeagues.com is where you will go to have full access to all our sports. You will be able to register as a captain, join a team, become a free agent to potentially be picked up, and schedule your own games if you are registered for an individual sport.
In order to access it, you will first have to create an account and select Liberty University as your “school/organization”. Please make sure that the information inputted is correct, including the proper spelling of your name and email. Your Liberty email is going to be a direct point of contact for updates on registration, game cancellations (weather), forfeits, etc.
The most important feature of registering your team for intramural sports is paying the registration fee. Most leagues have a cap on how many teams we can have in each league and your registration fee holds your spot in the league. As the cap is reached, a waiting list will be established. It is essential that you still pay your registration fee on the waitlist. Why? When the deadline date is reached, teams who have not paid the fee are dropped from the league and replaced by teams on the waitlist who have paid their fee and have a full roster. Don’t worry, if you pay your fee on the waitlist and don’t make it into the league, we will provide you with a refund.
Let’s say you can’t make your game due to an incomplete roster, emergency, or a prior commitment. As a captain or co-captain, you can submit a default request. This is important for a few different reasons.
First, a default will give you an automatic score of 3 for your sportsmanship rating for the game. A forfeit comes with an automatic score of 2. This makes it very difficult to maintain your 3.5 average to qualify for the playoffs at the end of the semester.
The second reason to request a default before the 3 pm deadline is to avoid paying the $10 reinstatement fee. This fee pays a portion of the cost of staff scheduled to work the game that day.
The third and final reason to default…its respect and responsibility. This allows our department to do a couple of things. It provides us the time to contact the team you are supposed to play and let them know not to waste a trip to the venue, just to find out their game won’t be played. It also grants us the chance to make adjustments to the work schedule.
We’re looking forward to seeing you and kicking off the new school year on a great competitive start. Registration for the Fall 2022 Semester opens on August 21! Be sure to get your teams in — spots will be filling up fast. To learn more about Intramural Sports, visit Liberty.edu/Intramurals.
August 5, 2022
Written by Julie Rogers, Rock Wall Manager
Like most incoming freshmen, finding community was on the top of my priority list when I first came to Liberty. We all want to find a group of people to belong to, a group of people to share life with and build long lasting memories with. While my freshman year hall did provide me with a great group of people, I learned quickly that college is a unique place to grow and meet many diverse groups and types of people. A last-minute evening decision to head to LaHaye and check out the rock wall with some girls from my hall quickly turned into a major part of my college experience. The climbing community was something I didn’t know I needed or even wanted, but quickly became one of the biggest blessings to me during my time at Liberty.
The very first thing that I took notice of during my first visit to the LaHaye Rock Wall was the atmosphere of the people. From the welcoming staff to the other climbers, people just seemed to be genuinely having a great time in each other’s company. I tried out bouldering for the first time and immediately developed a huge amount of respect for people who could climb the higher-level grades. I grew up as your typical athletic type, who was always enrolled in a sport and did many activities with my family. Climbing was a whole different type of sport, and I had never tried anything like it. The personal challenge of climbing immediately piqued my interest. It satisfied the competitiveness in me without even competing against anyone. I loved the way you could work on a specific problem for weeks and finally see it come together for a send (making it to the top). Most of all, I loved the like-minded community that I found at the wall. Climbers are people who love the challenge of the sport, but even more so love helping and encouraging others to climb, regardless of level of experience.
Having been a part of this special community for a few years and becoming a manager at the LaHaye Rock Wall, I would argue that witnessing others accomplish a climb that they never thought they would be able to send is easily one best parts of being at the rock wall. Watching people come to the wall for the first time and try out climbing, only to see them become regulars is the most rewarding part of my job. I love watching others fall in love with the community and sport just as much as I did. I am so thankful for the people I have met through the rock wall, and I find great joy in watching other friendships form in our community.
If you are looking for challenge, community, and fun, I highly encourage you to try out the LaHaye Rock Wall while you are here at Liberty. I can assure you that everyone here would love to have you try out the sport that they love and be a part of the community that they value!
July 22, 2022
Written by Sidney Williamson, Hydaway Outfitter Manager
Four and a half years ago, I was faced with the decision about where I was going to go to school. I visited Liberty during a CFAW weekend, prayed about my decision of which school to choose, and just so happened to stumble upon the Hydaway website around that time. I was immediately sold on going to LU after seeing pictures of the facility and looking at the various activities they offered for students. The main regret I have is not trying to work at Hydaway sooner. I spent my first year at Liberty working in a work-study job at one of the call centers. While I loved the people, the office life just wasn’t for me. I remember applying for a work-study position for Hydaway while in between phone calls at the call center.
Three years ago, in May 2019, I sent in my application to work at Hydaway. However, my hopes were soon shot down when I received an email saying that all positions had been filled for the upcoming school year. I remember feeling so discouraged, yet hopeful at the same time. I knew God had a plan and would lead me to the job He wanted me to be in. By the beginning of August, I received an email saying that Hydaway was again hiring and that they would like to do a phone interview with me. I knew I couldn’t make it to all of orientation, so I immediately assumed that I wouldn’t be offered the job. Within the next week, I was offered a position. I remember showing up to orientation late due to HR paperwork issues, which made me even more timid and anxious to walk into a room full of people I didn’t know. Reflecting on that moment makes me kind of laugh because I had no clue that I was walking into a room of people who would become some of my closest friends.
When I was originally hired, I thought I would be there for 2 semesters, but then COVID-19 hit and my internship got pushed to the fall semester of the next year. Once again, I felt a mix of discouragement and hope because my plans weren’t going the way I wanted them to go, but I also knew God was leading me. Being at Hydaway that extra semester led to me getting a manager position by the end of the semester and going on to pursue a master’s degree.
After two times of preparing to leave Hydaway, the third time is the charm. I say that extremely sarcastically. The truth is, I’m incredibly sad to be leaving a place that has allowed me to grow, a place where I am given freedom to do trail maintenance, build projects, plant trees and plants, and facilitate challenge course sessions. A place where I’ve laughed so hard, I’ve cried. A place where I’ve met some of the most amazing people in the world who I have the privilege of calling not just my coworkers, but my friends.
Once again, I have days where I feel discouraged, but the hope within me is louder because I know that God can and will do amazing things. His ways and plans for us are higher and better than the plans we have for ourselves (Isaiah 56:8-9). Looking back on how God has blessed me gives me hope for all of the “nexts” in my life, and I hope it can bring hope to you as well!
July 8, 2022
Written by Abigail Gonzalez, Montview Recreation Manager
So, you fancy yourself a bowler, eh? Before you can truly qualify as such, you must first be made of aware of the do’s and don’ts of every bowling alley facility. Etiquette is both highly valued and immensely appreciated by the upper crust bowling audience and participants, and it is plain shameful to not be well-versed in such societal standards. If you are attempting to climb the ladder of the bowling elite and make a name for yourself among the first-class crowd but possess no real, tangible knowledge of bowling alley decorum, then look no further; this blog is for you.
Becoming a respected member of any bowling alley goes beyond just skill and work ethic. In fact, how well you bowl and how many hours you put into your craft matter not even a smidgen if one does not have proper bowling etiquette. Impressing your peers on the lane can only go so far when you have no respect for their games (or at least, it seems as though you do not because you do not have a well-rounded understanding of how to behave when bowling).
First “do” of the day: give the bowlers on either side of you (i.e., if you are on lane 2, then lanes 1 and 3) the right-of-way. Before taking aim, be sure to check first if the people on either side of you are about to bowl. It is distracting to have someone bowl at the same exact time as you do, especially if they are just the next lane over. Do not be that person. We beg of you, please.
The second “do” is to be polite during the game. Refrain from being antagonistic toward other bowlers and try to enjoy yourself! If congratulations to other bowlers is a bit much for your competitive streak, then remain quiet (especially when they are bowling).
The first “don’t” on our list is simple: do not touch what is not yours. In other words, avoid using another bowler’s equipment. If you are quite tempted, you must always ask permission. Not only is it rude to use another bowler’s ball or other such game items, but it can also throw off the bowler’s game, which would most likely create animosity that is not suited for a bowling alley.
The second “don’t” is more for the public, who do not own their own bowling equipment (which is completely fine, by the way!). We, as a bowling alley staff, ask that you return all equipment back to where it belongs (i.e. shoes to the desk, balls to the rack). Taking our equipment leaves the bowlers behind you with less variety. It also means we must replace it, which takes time and funding, and is generally a hassle.
Overall, try to apply your common decency to your bowling game, and you’ll be set! Mind your manners and be sure to treat other bowlers and our facility the way you wish to be treated. We look forward to seeing you at the Montview Bowling Alley soon! For more info, visit Liberty.edu/Bowling.
June 24, 2022
Written by Kelly Shaw, Farm Management Coordinator
Whether you are visiting, riding, or working with the horses, safety at the Equestrian Center is very important. By following the safety guidelines listed below, you help ensure a great experience for yourself, as well as for our horses. Read on to learn the importance of wearing proper attire, knowing how to read a horse’s body language, and being aware of your own behavior around our equipment and animals.
When visiting the Equestrian Center, you should wear some form of closed-toed shoes. Wearing a pair of boots or closed-toed shoes will also help protect your foot in the event you were to get stepped on. If you are riding during your visit, you need to wear a pair of close-toed boots that will keep your foot from sliding around or out of the stirrups. Riders also must wear riding pants or unripped jeans and a fitted shirt.
Safety in the barn is important for both us and our horses. Never enter a stall without the explicit permission and supervision of the Equestrian Center staff. Make sure you stay alert, watch your surroundings, and be aware of the horses you are working with. When a horse is relaxed, its tail will be flat with little or no movement and its ears will be forward or rotating depending on the noise around them. When anxious or upset, its tail will be held up or swishing back and forth, and its ears will be pinned back or standing on high alert. Pay attention to the horses’ body language and respect when a horse needs a break from saying hello!
When we move the horses between the barns and the fields, it is called turnout. There are many safety precautions you can take during turnout time. The biggest is to always keep two hands on the lead rope. This gives you control over the horse that will help prevent accidents. Another important thing to remember is to not let your lead rope or reins drag on the ground, which is a tripping hazard and can spook the horses. Before letting horses loose in their field, ensure they are facing the gate and spaced out among one another. Occasionally, they get excited to be out with the other horses in the field and may try to take off running. Facing them towards the gate encourages them to not run into one another or the person caring for them.
Always make sure you check your equipment before heading out for a ride. This includes everything from your helmet to your horse’s gear, known as tack. Before mounting your horse, you must check your boots and helmet to make sure they are in good condition to protect you while riding. Your helmet should not have any room to slide around, even when you slightly shake your head. It should sit evenly on your head, about one inch above your eyebrows. When checking your tack, you want to be on the lookout for any wear or tear that may provide issues with the integrity of the equipment. If there is an issue with the equipment, let the Equestrian Center staff know immediately.
Next time you visit the Equestrian Center, remember these helpful tips for having a safe, positive visit with our amazing horses. If you have any questions about the Equestrian Center, please visit our website at https://www.liberty.edu/campusrec/equestrian-center/.
June 10, 2022
Written by Josh Bryant, Assistant Director of Programs & Equipment
So, you’re looking for some ammo. Walking into a gun store and seeing shelves with all manner of number and letter combinations can be quite intimidating. We’re going to try to take some of the guess work out of it so you can make a decision with confidence.
Generally, the number/word combination with the biggest font will be the caliber. That’s the most important bit of information for which you’re looking. The number denotes the caliber. If you’re not sure which you need, this information should be marked on the barrel and/or slide of the gun. The number is important, but the word after it can be as well. For instance, there is significant difference between .357 Mag and .357 Sig. Most of the time, there is just the one number for caliber. However, sometimes there is another number, such as 7.62×39, 5.56×45, or 9×19. The first number is still the caliber, but the second number denotes the length of the cartridge.
Oftentimes, you’ll see a two- or three-digit number followed by the letters ‘gr.’ This stands for ‘grain’ and denotes the weight of the projectile. Caliber plays into this equation significantly.
Sometimes, you’ll find a group of numbers, a chart, or some smaller numbers followed by ‘fps’. This stands for ‘feet per second’. This is how fast the projectile is moving when it leaves the barrel.
Here is a chart of common bullet types, their abbreviations, and their recommended use.
| Abbreviation | Bullet Type | Recommended Use |
| FMJ | Full Metal Jacket | Range/practice |
| TMJ | Total Metal Jacket | Range/practice |
| RN | Round Nose | Range/practice |
| JHP | Jacketed Hollow Point | Self-defense |
| SCHP | Solid Copper Hollow Point | Self-defense |
| BTHP | Boat-tail Hollow Point | Match/precision |
| SP | Soft Point | Hunting/defense |
| JSP | Jacketed Soft Point | Hunting/defense |
Hopefully, this has shed some light on what can be a frustrating or intimidating endeavor. This post addresses rifle and pistol ammuntion. Shotgun ammunition is a whole other ball of wax. We’ll cover that in a later post. If you have more questions, please come up to Liberty Mountain Gun Club during our open hours and speak to our knowledgeable staff. They’ll be more than happy to help how they can.
May 27, 2022
Written by Heather Salvia, Associate Director of Fitness and Programming
The gym is supposed to be a place where people can go to improve their physical fitness, develop friendships and community with others, and have access to a variety of equipment to meet their needs that they wouldn’t otherwise have at home. But there is one fact about coming to the gym that reigns true over time — going to the gym makes us more aware of how we look, for better or for worse.
In an ideal world, everyone would humbly see their unique beauty; there would be no false standard to hold themselves to. Physical fitness would not be dependent on aesthetics but rather strength, mobility, and metabolic function. We would see our inherent value, apart from appearance, and God’s intentionality in discussing the status of our hearts, not our glutes or biceps.
In our real, fallen world, this may not always be how we feel. In the 12 years I have been working within a gym setting, I can understand the highs and lows of this reality and have been there myself. This is why I want to drop some encouragement to anyone coming into the gym who needs a reminder of how they should see themselves today. Read these. Let them sink in. Repeat as needed.
I won’t apologize nor believe it is cliché to include scripture here, because what God says about us is the single most important thing, not what man says. Let’s break it down:
Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Proverbs 31:30 says, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
1 Samuel 16:7 says, “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Your intention matters. What you think and say to yourself affects every aspect of your health. What you think and say about others affects your relationships. Below are some affirmations that you can choose to say to yourself and others as image bearers:
Use this list or create your own list of affirmations. Equip yourself with truth when the temptation to feel insecure and down on yourself comes up. Whether you are at the gym or anywhere else, you are stronger than the deceit and the lies because you have the power and authority given by Christ Jesus over the enemy. Step into that and feel the freedom and assurance that follows!
May 13, 2022
Written by Pearson Bonnett, Assistant Director of Lodge Operations
Overlooking Liberty University’s campus from the top of Liberty Mountain, the Barrick-Falwell Lodge hides an avid outdoorsman’s stories of courageous expeditions and frightful encounters. These awe-inspiring tales are concealed in the numerous taxidermies displayed on the walls of the Lodge. Recently, I had the privilege to hear some of the stories from a living legend, Dr. Alan Barrick.
To begin, who is Dr. Alan Barrick? A close friend to Jerry Falwell Sr., Dr. Barrick is a longtime supporter of Liberty’s mission and has donated a large portion of his hunting collection to the university. Dr. Barrick served in the Air Force as a dentist for several years before transitioning his career to a clinic. During this time, he made trips all over the world to hunt some of the world’s most dangerous animals. “Fair chase,” the type of hunting Dr. Barrick preferred, describes hunting big game animals where the hunter does not have an unfair advantage over the animal.
When Dr. Barrick starts a story with “that was a life-or-death situation,” you know things are about to get thrilling. He was hunting in the Cassiar Mountains in Northern British Columbia. Like many of his hunting expeditions, Dr. Barrick had a guide to help him navigate the wilderness. The two men spotted a bear in an open area surrounded by evergreen trees, sleeping beside a moose it had just slain. As Dr. Barrick and his guide approached to a distance of about 75 yards, the bear jumped up. Dr. Barrick took a shot that broke the bear’s right front leg, but as the doctor said, “that just irritated him.” His guide also took a shot but then promptly disappeared from Dr. Barrick’s side.
At this point, the bear jumped into some nearby brush. Dr. Barrick took another shot, which, unfortunately, connected with a branch. He then looked down to check his rifle, and when he glanced back up, the bear had begun to charge directly at him. Knowing he had no chance to outrun this massive grizzly, Dr. Barrick stood his ground, waiting for the right moment to strike. When the bear “hit the ground” 40 yards out, he took the shot. The beast stumbled to the ground as the bullet pierced his chest. Dr. Barrick took a deep breath and turned around to find his guide 100 yards away in some brush! Had Dr. Barrick not found his target, he would not be here to tell the tale. This exact animal can now be found upstairs in the Barrick-Falwell Lodge.
Just one of many stories from my interview with Dr. Barrick, this was one of my personal favorites. Imagining a grizzly charge at you is frightening enough, but managing to keep your cool enough to hit a 40-yard shot requires a different level of courage. Dr. Alan Barrick is inspirational, both from his adventures but also his desire to support Liberty University’s mission to train champions for Christ.
April 29, 2022
Written by Katy Ward, Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventure
It’s getting to be that time…time to make some summer plans! Lucky for you, we are located in a state absolutely full of adventure – there’s something to suit everyone’s fancy! We believe that everyone is capable of venturing out and trying something new. Hopefully, with the help of this list, you will find something that catches your attention and plan your own trip. Let’s jump in!
This hike is an absolute blast! After a short 1-mile hike, you find yourself at the base of an 8-acre rock scramble. From the bottom, you can’t even see the top peak. What makes this adventure fun is you get to pick how you climb, and if you do not feel like climbing there’s a trail that follows the rocks to the top. This climb is the perfect mixture of rock climbing/bouldering, hiking, and sightseeing. It can be as easy or as technical as you want it to be. There are no set paths; you create your path the whole way up! On the way down, you can choose to climb your way back to the trail, or you can take the parallel trail back down.
A couple of notes:
This is one of the lesser-known rivers in Virginia, as it is mostly surrounded by private properties. However, there are a couple of public access points where you can park and get ready for the river! Stretching 34 miles, the Tye River has a little something for everyone. Fly fishing, bird watching, tubing, swimming holes, kayaking, and canoeing are some of the activities you can enjoy. Kayaking is my personal favorite! This river boasts beautiful scenes winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains until it collides with the James River. With rapids running from Classes I–II+, there are some technical spots that are fun for more advanced water sportsman while not being too difficult for a beginner. The river is not very wide, which makes group trips all the more fun.
Things you should know:
Located in George Washington National Forest, this fire tower is one of only three fire towers in GWNF and makes for the ultimate picnic views. A 2-mile hike up the Shenandoah Mountain leads to the base of the fire tower. This is a pretty simple trip, but the views are unmatched. If you can, try to go on a weekday when it is not as busy. Take a friend and have one of the prettiest picnics you will ever have! You will not regret it.
Make sure to remember:
No matter where you choose to adventure this summer, remember to research each location and have a plan. We hope you try something new and if you decide to take any of these trips, let us know at outdoorrecreation@liberty.edu! We love to hear about your stories.
April 15, 2022
Written by John Bobe, Lifeguard
Safety — when it comes to pools, lakes, beaches or any body of water — is something everyone can and should pay attention too. But how does one stay safe in an atmosphere where there are potential dangers like drowning, slippery surfaces, and even harmful chemicals? Thankfully, there are usually lifeguards in these areas to help keep people safe. However, it is always important for each person to act responsible for the safety of themselves and the people around them. As warmer weather is on the horizon, I wanted to share some tips on what you can do to stay safe, as well as how to react if a dangerous situation were to arise.
As a lifeguard we are trained in water rescues and first aid, and we are also trained in preventative measures that we or patrons can take to prevent injuries or drowning. Continue reading for insider info on the tools of the water safety trade.
First, make sure you pay attention to the depth of the pool, especially if you don’t know how to swim or aren’t a very skilled swimmer. Sometimes if we are sitting on the edge of the pool or wading in the water and not paying attention, it’s easier to get caught in a dangerous situation where drowning could occur.
Next, you can maximize your safety by swimming with a buddy. If something were to happen, you or your buddy can notice and quickly help or get help, which may save a life.
Unfortunately, no matter how safe you try to be, accidents and injuries can still occur. When the worst happens, there is no guarantee that a lifeguard will be there right away to help.
No matter how scary the situation, its incredibly important to stay calm. Panicking never helps and can even lead to more accidents and injuries. If you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation, be a calming presence. This will help everyone to remain calm and work together toward a solution.
To give a practical example, pretend you are at the pool and see someone drowning near the edge of the pool, but there is no lifeguard on duty to save them. Even without training, you can save them as long as you remain calm and use the right approach. Jumping in the pool to save them is not a smart idea without any training, however anyone can kneel at the edge of the pool and offer a helping hand to get that victim to safety.
I hope these tips are helpful and that you keep them in mind next time you go for a swim! Learn more about Campus Recreation’s aquatics facility and programming at Liberty.edu/CampusRec/Aquatics.