Itmeant commitment

Story by Richard Scales

VJnder the direction of supervisor Bev Buffington and squad captain Laura Livermore, the 1982-83 Flames Cheerleading squad had another exciting year.With a lot of hard work and dedication, the cheerleaders represented theLord Jesus andthe students ofLiberty Baptist College both on and offthefield

In August the cheerleaders attended a National Cheerleaders Association Camp at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.They received instruction and training with many of the major college cheerleading squads throughout the country

The work did notstop atthecamp The cheerleaders practiced on the average of six hours a week They spent oneday each week at Top Ten Super Fitness Center where, with the use of the floor space, mirrors and carpets, they perfected their cheers, chants,and stunts.

All of this was new to junior Bill Stephens of Kennesaw, Ga.,who had never been involved in yell leading before this year "Ireally never considered cheering," said Stephens, "but I decided to give it a shot and try out Ireally enjoy italot."

Squad Captain Laura Livermore, a seniorfrom Riverdale,Md., has been cheering since the age of 10 "It'sa chance tolet yourself go," said Livermore "Sometimes pressures and problems build up inside and cheerleading, for me, is a chance to release them."

Two goals motivated this year's squad. The firstwas towork towards the achievement ofexcellence That goal required an individual willing to be involved inthe activities of boosting the fans' spirits and enthusiasm The goal also required great amounts of time, interest,and dedication from each squad member.

The second goal, the most important one in their minds, was to be a positive Christian example tothose who saw them. Whether it was cheering infront ofa large crowd or on a one-on-one basis around school, they wanted Christ to be exemplified in theirlives.

Nowhere was this fact more evident than inthe practice time. Bible study and prayer, inthe words ofLivermore,"arejust as vitalasthephysical preparations we go through." Squad devotions were a large part of the squad's practice time.Buffington said,"Cheerleading is empty exceptas it is linked to Jesus and His plans and purposes."

The squad alsohad a Gospel tractwitha picture of the squad on the front and a clear presentation of the Gospel on the back. They distributed the tract to their counterparts and to others they met Not only did the tract introduce others tothe LBC cheerleaders, but italso clearly presented theGospel

Outside of their cheering ministry,the cheerleaders did much to promote spirit and enthusiasm on thecampus They distributed spirit ribbons,book markers,and game advertisement cards around campus and promoted dorm contests during football season The most spirited dorms earned the cheerleaders'spirit sticks The squad was also a major force behind the spirited "Hoop Group" during basketball season.

Cheerleading at LBC was more than chants, cheers and stunts. Itmeant commitment, determination,and thequestfor excellence inone's performance and walk with the Lord.

Cheerleaders:

Academics wasthe place toattain Students andfaculty accomplished goals and added newdimensions totheirlives

Several divisions united this year in an effort to consolidate interests; othersexpanded,offering new areasofstudy for the students Several new faculty members were added.Other veteran members added a doctorate totheir names

Students could receive financial aid despitethebudget cutsand could be certified in allareas of the educational program. They could even beseen from acockpitin the aviation minor Students, 574 ofthem, reached a major milestone in their lives this year as they graduated from LBC, LBS, and LBL. For them, academics meant receiving their diploma; forthe underclassmen, hard work; for faculty andstaff,theirjobs. Butin the end, for everyone, academics was the Academic s place people attained their goals.