The late Rev. Jerry Falwell often talked about having an athletics program that competed at the highest level. The Liberty University Club Sports department is taking huge strides toward fulfilling the original vision for world- class athletics at this institution.
“Overall, this is the best year we’ve ever had in club sports,” said Kirk Handy, director of club sports.
Wrestling claimed a national duals championship, with two wrestlers, Scott Clymer and Aaron Thompson, earning individual national championships. Crew won its first national championship in its first appearance at the American Collegiate Rowing Association National Championships. Paintball finished in the top three for the third consecutive year. Disc golf, in its first year, had an All-American (Joses Merat) and finished in he top 30. The men’s lacrosse team, in only its second full year, made it to the semifinals of the Southeastern Lacrosse Conference (SELC) and had more players make all- conference than all competing programs. Kyle McQuillan, head coach for lacrosse, was named SELC Coach of the Year.
“We had a lot of top 10 finishes. I think as we move forward you’re going to start seeing all of our club sports competing nationally,” Handy said.
Other teams that competed in national tournaments this year included men’s volleyball, gymnastics, and triathlon.
Liberty announced the formation of three new club sports teams slated to begin this fall: women’s racquetball and men’s and women’s beach volleyball, bringing the total number of club sports teams to 31.
