i^OTEU J DELIVERED NEW ACTIVITIES

"There's nothing to do in Lynchburg," was a common phrase heard around campus. That notion changed with the onset of Ultimate LU, an action-packed array of activities and amenities geared forevery student

"Ultimate LU gives students multiple opportunities throughout the week to enjoy different forms of recreation,both indoor and outdoor," Chris Misiano,Director of Student Activities, said

The concept of Ultimate LU was designed to provide activities for students during down time.

For example,more double feature movie nights allowed students to enjoy movies like "Wall-E" and "Kung Fu Panda" forfree.

"Ilove the movies they play, and I also appreciate the free popcorn," Zach Buckler,senior, said

Students also played three-on-three grass volleyball, skated inthe new figure skating club, went white water rafting on the James River, enjoyed the Campus Artist Series of student concerts and even took gun safety courses.

The Tilley Student Center opened in September, allowing students to relax,play pool and do homework between classes ina contemporary and comfortable environment In addition,students could sign out to eitherTilley or the ILRC to socialize or study until 2 a.m

Patrick Andrews enjoyed Tilley even though he lived offcampus "Tilley'sa calm place to go ifyou want to escape," Andrews said "It'sso useful to us as students."

Justin Reid,a freshman worship major,said he visited Tilley four times a week "Iplay games,chill with friends and meet new people," he said "Ialso play guitar and sing at open mic every other Monday.'

According to Misiano,the total number of events offered for the fallsemester alone jumped from 32 infall2007 to 55 thisyear

Ultimate LU was featured inthe Roanoke Times on Oct 19,for its "cutting-edge extracurricular activities to attract students."

Misiano said,"There's guaranteed to be something for every student."

"2008

Bethany Lam warms up during practice

Thisclub team was composed of beginners and expertsalike "I did gymnastics for eightyearsand competed through level nine. I was attracted totheclub team because it is a greatway to get back intothe sport I stopped competing years ago,so thisis a fun way to work my way backin,"

Erin Hentschel,

sophomore said

Megan Muller stunts on the uneven bars

The new team presented many forecoming challenges,but they embraced attitudes to overcome any obstacle "I am excited about participating inthe [gymnastics] club team I would liketo see the club grow and foreach person to gain more experience and become more skilled I would also liketo see us grow to a higher level of competition, maybe even division one,"Emily Mayhew, sophomore said -I

"My dream is to own my own business that "If I could go anywhere inthe world,I would "My favorite hall meeting activity willgive me the money I need to support go to Italyso then I could learn more about was dressing up for theme myself, but also use to help the livesof my heritage and where my grandparents nights."- Olivia Sheeser, JR those lessfortunate."- Joshua Whitaker,SR came from" - Ashley Munford, SR

"My greatestgoal is tocompletean ironman triathlon, which is a racewhere you dothree eventsback toback First swim, thenbikeand then finally a marathon."- Mark Brucker, JR

"My favoritecoffeeshop is theWhite Hartbecause it's cozy, they sometimes havelive music, thefood and I lovethe downtown atmosphere."-TaraEdwards, JR

She was devastated During her senior yearin high school Megan Muller was atthe top of her sport. Level 10 and qualified for nationals,she set her heart on a college career ingymnastics.Then came pain and the news that her L-3 vertebrae inher back had cracked. Potential colleges gave the thumbs down.

"When I saw inblack and white that I could not do it, I cried and cried,"she said "Iworked my whole lifefor that."

Our school turned up as an alternative plan "I always wanted to go to a Christian college,but I couldn't because of gymnastics," Muller,freshman, said "I was like, OK God, I'm going to go here and I don't know what you're going todo."

Half-way through the year, an announcement was made about the formation of a gymnastics club. "I came back after that [first] meeting and I started crying because I was so happy,so excited that we would have a gymnastics team," Mullersaid

Double back tucks on the floor Punch fronts and layouts on beam Straining muscles Pounding feet Practice began as Muller, with her back healed, joined over twenty students insetting the groundwork forthe newest club sport on campus.

"The atmosphere inthe gym ispositive and exciting,"junior Michelle Callissaid "I cannot wait to represent Liberty in upcoming competitions and give the student body another exciting school event to watch and enjoy."

Practicing on weeknights ina local gym, the gymnasts began to build skillsand relationships "I'm excited to compete for my school,meet new people and become a team," freshman Steven Lucia said.

The club welcomed alllevels "I am excited totry and compete again,"Brianna Crockett, junior, said "Gymnastics is the most challenging sport I have ever done,and I am excited to be challenged again."

A high-injury sport with bodies forced to twist and pound at alarming speeds and heights, fear was a factor that these gymnasts overcame daily through their love forthe sport "I do a lot of praying during gymnastics," Muller said with a laugh."Before I get ready to go do something, I'm like, 'One,two,three,oh Lord God please help me.'And I'djustgo."

Ultimate LU was not limited to just club sports and intramural activities, but also included a wide range of events that provide an opportunity for students to find an activity that fittheir unique personality and interests.

"Open mic is good togoto, whether you want tostudy while you arethere, conversewith friends, orjustkickyour feetup and chill and relax, all whilein the company ofgood and sometimes humorous entertainment Being on themic forme is definitelynerve racking, but it is agood experience regardless It is asmallstepthat can leadamusician anywhere if theyareseriousabout what they aredoing" -Melissa

Winiarski, FR

"My biggest dream would be todo traveling nursing in Hawaiiand to do missionsin Africa."-Sarah Blair. JR

"My favoritespring breakwas when I went "I thinkmy favoritehall meeting would have to Georgiaand spenttheweekend withmy tobe when ChrisDeitchspokeon our hall, aunt I got tobringmy bestfriendfrom mainly because he's just reallyawkward back home withme" -DanielleTubbs JR and I like him" - ElizabethAcree, JR