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Redman was in the second van and was not injured but stayed at the hospital to help his fellow players, including Porter, fornearly 10 hours.The team's unity was displayed in his selfless explanation of why he remained at the hospital,saying, "He is one of my Lacrosse brothers and Iwanted to stay and make sure he was okay and comfortable before I was."

The support continued even after spring break Back on Liberty's campus, a spontaneous love offering was taken for Chad Gurney, the student who suffered the greatest injuries in the accident. Students collected $7600 to help cover Gurney's numerous surgeries and extensive rehabilitation Gurney was the only player involved inthe accidentwho was not abletoreturnto school thissemester.

In the face of adversity the team maintained a positive outlook and demonstrated a testimony of loyalty, faith and courage. Through all the media coverage, and emotional and physical healing,the team praised God and gave Him the credit for the miracle they experienced. • Bg RaddPoweM

Students linethe walls,along with the artwork adorning them, submitted forthe annual art show The familiar C-lab was decorated by the many portraits ofself-expression that were hung throughout thelab

The Art Show: Liberty's Free Redecorating

The computer labwas transformed by works ofarttoserve as decorativebackdrops toa popular study area Paintings,graphics, drawings and other forms ofartwere labeled with the artists' names and the medium inwhich the artwas created -Photo by Sabrena Carter

Liberty's sixth annual Art Show opened Friday April 8,2005 Opening festivities included the announcement of the ranking pieces submitted to the show. The top three in each genre received certificates of excellence but all were welcome to partake in the hors d'oeuvres...and the art. The show was open to anyone who wished to submit anything from pastels to photography or graphic design to computer art.

Not only was it an opportunity forstudents toshowcase theirtalents, butthepieceswereoften priced or listed forsaletothe highest bidder.This year the artwork that decorated the walls of the ILRC computer labdisplayed notonly thecreative aptitude of students but also their diversity and creativity.Infact, thejudges stated that,"Winners were selected not only by talent and ability, but also by creativity,ingenuity,concept,design, and presentation."

Aimee Mayer, a freshman student from Lynchburg Virginia,stated that the pictures gave the lab a "contemporary, artsy quality."

A first-time attendee of the art exhibit, she stated that she liked the photographs containing people best because they "showed willingness to participate and they portrayed real life."

Of the two hundred pieces that were submitted, nearly 150 were on display in the computer lab for a month. Among those that were, were the pieces by Kelly Campbell, Huong Nguyen, and Anna Melcon; among the top-winners in theircategories,respectively UBg i

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Rand y Tomlin, pitching coach for Liberty's Baseball team, had a past not many students knew about For five seasons in the 1990s, Tomlin played professional baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Tomlin,anLU alumnus,attributed hissalvation to the game of baseball He came to Liberty to play ballas a student inthe1980s. ItwasatLiberty that he heardthe gospel andaccepted Christ.

"Sportswas themeans Godused formetohearthe gospel anddevelop a relationship with Him," Tomlin said. "Baseballcan teach ussomuch about ourselves, becauseof thepressures and circumstances thatariseinthegame It's a laboratory foryou towork out your faith- you dealwith pride, pain,mental pain... things the Lord will useif you letHim." Tomlin's career in the major leagues came to an unexpected end due toinjury, but ajob offerfrom his alma mater was enough toentice himback to Lynchburg.

Remembering his years as a professional pitcher, Tomlin gained a new perspective on thegame. "Playing major league, Iwas puton a pedestal," he said; "People make you anidol- it'sdifficulttobeinthe worldand not of it." He wanted hisathletes touse baseball as a means to draw closer to God. "Concentrate ongiving everything you have toHim," heurged the players "It freesyou from everything negative inthisgame -just like in life."

Liberty's baseball players recognized Coach Tomlin's skill both in the game and in coaching. Pitcher Todd Mitauer said, "He's been where we all want togo, andheknows what it takes to getthere."

Inhiseightyearsofcoaching atLU,more than 20 players were able tomove up tothe big leagues. Jason Jones,a Liberty alumnus who signed withthe New York Yankees in2004, remembered histimeon theteam and described Tomlin as"Aman ofcharacter, that'sthe most important thing about him."

Tomlin wanted this to be his legacy He added,"You can beaChristian andsucceed.You can be a Christian andplay atthe highest level.You can be aChristian andnot beastereotype."• Bg

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First-yearPlayer Helps Lead the Softball Team To Victory

T!lhe Lady Flames softball program saw a major addition to the 2005 season with the signing of transfer student Jessica Moore. Even though this was Moore's first season with theFlames,shestepped up asa leader and showed greatpotentialforthe yearstocome.

Moore,whoplayed shortstop and outfield, led the Lady Flames inall areas insoftball statisticsby recording a .485 battingaverage,scoring 24runs,10 home runsand adding 24runs-batted-intohername

Aftergraduating from Western Branch High School in Chesapeake,Virginia, Moore felt thatGodwascalling her toLiberty.

"I had some scholarship offers from other colleges during my senior year inhigh school,but I knew that God wanted me togo toa college where I could play softball in a Christian environment and grow closertoHim," said Moore

The highlight ofMoore's softball season was being named BigSouth Player oftheWeek for the week ofMarch 20, 2005. Moore earned this honor after scoring eight runs andrecording a .409 batting average during the Lady Flames'game against Texas A& M CorpusChristi.

"Iwasthrilled when I found outI was named Player oftheWeek. Thisis justGod's wayofshowing me that I am supposed tobe playing softballhere at Liberty. He hasblessed me inso many ways," said Moore

Moore was named totheAll Tournament team afterplayingattheLobo ClassicinAlbuquerque, New Mexico,which featured New Mexico State University, University ofNew Mexico,andTexas Tech

The Flames' Head Coach Paul Wetmore earned his 300th win as the coach of theLiberty SoftballTeam andknew what anasset Moore was to the team. "Jessica isa dynamite player on our team. She willbeoneofourmost important players in her remaining softballseasons atLiberty," said Wetmore.

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Coaches and IndoorTrack Contribute to Team's Success

T!>he men's and women's track teams swept the 2005 New Balance Big South Conference IndoorTrack & FieldChampionships this past year and Coach Tolsma,the head coach forthe men and the women, was named Coach ofthe Year forboth teams. The team largely attributed their successes to the outstanding coaching staff, but also confirmed that the addition of the new indoor track facility was a huge asset. The track was named after Coach Brant Tolsma, and for good reason.

Aside from VMI, Liberty was the only school inthe conference to boast an indoor track facility.The new track helped the athletes improve substantially and aided intheir success.Weather was no longer an issueto training,and the team finallyhad room to prepare forthe meets

"He isone ofthemost respected men on campus and the most Godly man I've ever met. Icouldn't see the track being named after anyone but Coach Tolsma," stated Kena Butts who placed first in the high jump at the Big South Conference.

Butts, who along with many other first place finishers, contributed tothe team's overallvictory, was quick to emphasize the importance Coach Tolsma played. "You always need a coach.. Coaches are there to tellyou what you need to do and to motivate We couldn't ask forbetter coaches." nBgWiEMagm

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J ef f Thomas, former assistant golf coach for the Liberty golf team, became head coach of Liberty's golf program in June of 2004

Thomas was agraduateofLiberty'sbusiness management program, as well as a former player and an assistantgolf coach under former head coach,Frank Landrey. Thomas accepted the position when Landrey decided to retirein May of2004

Senior Eric Klinger believed the new head coach had, "...done really well for the firstyear." Klinger saw Thomas as an energetic addition to the team. "He's a professional and he can really teach us a lot about the mental game,"Klinger explained.

Among Thomas' top goals for the team was to grow and keep moving toward both personal and corporate success atbigtournaments."Our first goal is to make it totheEastRegionalTournament each yearfor the

Mid-Atlantic district, and from there try to eventually become one of the top 50 teams in the nation,"said Thomas. "Our goal is justto improve individually and as a team each time we go out."

While golf was an individual sport, the dynamics ofthe team helped tobuild unity and moral Freshman Josh Bain explained, "We function as a team to help one another become betterplayers."

Klinger was confident in his coach and the futureteams'abilities saying, "I seea lot ofgood things coming forthe program infutureyears."Thomas also seemed pleased with where the team was and where he believed they were going "It's been fun working with the guys,spending time with them, justgetting to know them and becoming more of a unit,"he said; "[The team]is growing spiritually and personally."

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Wit h experienced captains, new assistant coaches,andunmatched talent, the men's tennis team claimed many victories, proving theircommitment toexcellenceduring both the fall and springseason

One ofthe theFlames'team captains,Senior Luiz Rino said,"Ithink our team isvery unique;allofus try to helpeach otherall the timeeitheronoroff thecourt." Rino used his outgoing personality tokeep theteam motivated He seta high standard by dominating in doubles with partner,Brean Aneiros,andstaying solid onthecourtthe entireseason.

Ernesto Malagrino, who served as the Flames' captain during the 2004 season and Alejandra Aguilar, a former NCAA Division IIplayer atArmstrong Atlantic State University,were twonew additions tothe coaching staff. Rino, a past teammate ofMalagrino andhisfriend of four years,said itwasinteresting observing Malagrino transition from histeammate tohiscoach.

Rino said, "Theother members of theteam get along really well with Ernesto, so hispresence helped a lot." Newplayersand additionalcoaching staff contributed

Players Turned Coaches Lead the Team toTriumph On and OfftheCourt

to the".. newsense ofcohesion, friendship andhard work," said Coach Aguilar

Along with firm leadership, the players demonstrated unyielding devotion totheteam After overcoming a life-threatening blood clot in his right arm last spring season, Senior Kenan Bell had a speedy recovery and returned totheteam this year with a newappreciation forhishealth andthegame. He said,"It justfeelsgood tobealive! Every daythat Iam onthat court I give thanks tothe Most High for allowing me tostill compete."

Starting strong, the men won 18 of 27 matchesattheAnnualLiberty Fall Tennis Tournament held at the Esbenshade-Hershey Tennis Courts in October Other accomplishments included handing Mary Washington their firstlossoftheseason and a victory over Elon'steam forthefirsttime since 2001. Although each player hadindividual achievementsto be proud of,they focused on success asa team Bell said,"Wereally have a close knit group andwe play foreach other." a

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Women's TennisTeam Equipped to Compete

Since their inaugural year in 2000, talented women had helped form Liberty's tennis team into a well recognized program. Team member Nichole Duncan described some of the obstacles the team overcame together "Welost some keyplayers who transferred, but we alsogained acouple greatgirls. Thisyear wehave puta lotmore work and time intotheseason.W e have had some unfortunate injuries that have held usback Ourcaptain, Jonita,has really stepped upand held the team together."

Five new indoor tennis courts were conveniently added in theSchilling Center this season. Competitions could notbe held onthese courts, asthe flooringwasmultipurpose and did notmeet tenniscompetition requirements, and thethreecourtswere notenough tohold a competition. However, these new areas did provide the teams with another much-needed place topractice drills and toplay doubles

The teams alsobenefited from Liberty'sseven court outdoor facility, which included lights fornight practices and games.Plans to addanother fiveoutdoor courts were ready to put intomotion inthe team's nearfuture

For competitions, theteam often packed upand traveled thefew shortmilestoSports Racket inLynchburg, where competitions were held during inclement weather and through the winter Sports Racket housed five indoor courts and five outdoor courts, as well as a pro shop and fitness and racquetball facilities.The courts wereall competition worthy anda great back-up plan for Liberty's team.

While facilities would continue to be a need and updates added bonuses, theheartbeat ofthe team would always be thefansand theirsupport.Coach Larry Hubbard encouraged thestudentbody,saying "Ifthesunshine is out, the kids come out.So grab an ice cream cone and come support the tennisteam!" D Bg EIM Stb/mo*,

Student Activities

Increase to Keep Up with the Growing Demand

Ail l s the campus expanded and the student body multiplied, Liberty •University buzzed with more activitythan everbefore Although many students juggled homework and part-time jobs, they also searched for activities that would relieve stress and refresh theirspirits. Chris Misiano,Associate Director ofStudent Activities said,"Our calendar is fuller because a larger staff has allowed us to facilitate more activities." Misiano also explained that Liberty's new facilities,such as the LaHaye Student Center and East Campus, contributed to more activities.

As in the past, concerts drew the most student participation. Bands such as Pax217, Audio Adrenaline, Toby Mac and Delirious? rocked Liberty Mountain. Small concerts at

David's Place every month showcased Liberty bands. Jazz nights,featuring music and a coffee bar,were also popular with students who enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere

Many students took advantage of the several trips that Student Life organized In January, a group of students traveled to Washington D.C with Student Life and witnessed the Inauguration of George W Bush Other students traveled toWashington D.C towatchDr Falwell host the popular CN N show "Crossfire" Students lined up for the Tuesday ski trips to Wintergreen Student Lifeprovided transportation to theslopes and made discounted lift ticketsand rentalsavailable

The new LaHaye Student Center was an exciting addition to Liberty's campus. James

Barnes, a Finance major and Student Life employee, believed it helped minimize the "hangout" crowd in the computer lab "Thestudents now go to LaHaye forsocializing," Barnes said, adding that the lab hadbecome more effectivefor studying and allowing theStudent Center tobefor recreation.

Students took advantage of the better facilities on Liberty Mountain by staying active in school activities and benefiting from the changes thatwould continue toprovide them with entertainment. a &S f^mm Ybawi

Martin Smith,lead singer ofDilerious?,leadsthe crowd inpraise and worship The band, based outoftheUnited Kingdom, played inonly four American cities, including Lynchburg,where Liberty student Jake Holman opened fortheband -Photo byPaul Young

A group ofstudents take advantage oftheindoor pool atthe LaHaye Student Center Student Life invited students tobring rafts, beach balls and swim gear tothislate-night showing of"Shark Tale"

-Photo by Meggan Moran

Liberty Celebrates Thirty-Second Commencement

Classe s were over and campus would soon be deserted, butnot before 1200 graduates walked across stage to receive their diplomas Students were elated to find Dr. Falwell seated on stage toshake hands with each student. TheVines Center was packed with proud family members andfriends whohadgathered,some without a seat,to cheer on the graduates. Students and faculty battled each other with cans of sillystring andinflatablebeach balls. One group ofstudents even had apizza delivered during the commencement ceremony. Beyond the anticsand pranks,there was afeelingofpride and excitement. The graduates who filled theVines Center were great innumber andspirit Having come from all walks oflife, they were abletoshare one lastday and experience together They knew thiswas anendandabeginning It was aday full of bittersweet times -hugs goodbye andtearsof joy. Justasthe summer faded intofall, the winter had faded intospring. No sooner hadthey begun thisjourney in August,were they nowat the end of itinMay The times they shared inbetween those months were memories they would carry with them fora lifetime -memories andexperiences to begin anewseason oflife • Bg Camne. Bamime,

Speaker Sean Hannity addresses the 2005 graduatesof Liberty University Hannity encouraged thestudents to always adhere to thevalues and morals they'd learned whileat Liberty -Photoby Les Schofer