ON YOUR MARK

Crosscountry Starattracted Nationalattention

From USA Today to SportsIllustratedtoRunner's World, he became the one ofthe most talked about runners on thetrack and cross country teams Sophomore Sam Chelanga attracted media attention from all overthe nationbecause ofhisrecord-breaking performances.

Chelanga,originallyfrom Nairobi, Kenya,said, "I likethefact thatI represent something more thanjustaschoolor atrophy.That issharing the love ofJesus Christand spreading theGospel."

Coach Brant Tolsma appreciated the opportunity tohave such talented runners likeChelanga on theteam."Having tWO different runners intheracefor nationalchampion in cross country twoyearsinarow was almost unbelievable certainlyanamazing blessingfrom God," he said.

Chelanga was passionate about making surethe attention was brought more on the school ratherthan hisown achievements He said, "Iam happy thatevery time people see medoing something great, they see ouruniversity So the attentionis actuallygood because people gettoknow thatthere isanamazing school calledLiberty."

Not onlywere the media fansofChelanga, but sowere histeammates. SeniorJarvisJelen said, "Sam is one ofthe coolestpeople I have ever met He adds alottoour team and isgreattohave as a friend."

SeniorAaron Kolk alsoenjoyed being on theteam with Chelanga."One reason I wanted torun here is becauseI wanted tobe on ateam with great runners I think Samadds a lotofgood things totheteam thatI can tell so far."

Freshman Denise Troyer enjoyed racing with Chelanga "Sam is reallyinspiring totherestofus and gives awesome advice onimproving your running technique,"shesaid

Though Chelanga had alreadybroken records, including clocking the number two all-timecollegiatemark,13:1979 inthe 5,000-meter run, he still had acoupleyearstocontinue togrow.Tolsma said, "Sam certainly picked up where Josh [McDougal] leftoff, and he is only asophomore, sowelook forward tosome great days ahead."5T0RYBYBROOKEMCDOWELL

A student participatesin a crosscountry race Competitive running required many hoursoftrainingeach weekin additiontoscheduled practices "As trackand fieldathletesweareto train hard withthegoal ofgrowing mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionallyto be like Christin every situation. Noother team in thecountry competes withthe ultimategoalofmagnifying and exalting JesusChristinstead ofourselves We prideourselvesinrunning for the audience ofOne," PhilipLeineweber, senior, said. PHOTOB>II ELCOLEMAN

"ForValentine'sDay mydorm and our brotherdorm had ajointhallmeeting During jointprayergroups we did speed dating"-KiraMohler, SO

"Mymostmemorablespringbreakwasmy

Heddleston,

FR

"Myidealspringbreakwouldbespentonthe "I lovedthestringtrio at the Christmas freshmanyearwhentwoofmyfriendsandI beachinFloridawithmyfeetinthesandandthe Coffeehousethis pastwinter One ofmy madeaspontaneousdecision likethreeweeksin sunonmy back Justhangingoutwithfriends friends was theviolinplayerand his brothe advancetogotoFlorida."-SamanthaPattern,JR andhavingagoodtime"-JoshGentilella.FR was thecellist." - Joy

A member of the track team makes the high jump look easy Team members competed ina wide variety ofevents, from sprints, to pole vaulting to the javelin throw Sophomore Dacia Bushman, said, "I absolutely love running on the track team, I love how the team is unified inChrist and though there are many different events, we allhave one main goal - to glorify God in all we do."

What kind of adjustments have you had to make inyour schedule to be a part of the team?

"Ihave had to take the earliest classes all four years to fit them inbefore practice Coaches also recommend eight to ten hours of sleep fortop performance, and I realized if I wanted to give running my allI would have to cut out on the late nights with friends and get to bed on time People ask how I balance nursing and running allthe time,and I tellthemI wouldn't have it any other way It helps me livea disciplined colvlege life, and I enjoy that feeling."-Ashley

Osborne, SR

With a look of determination Matt Parker clears a hurdle during a race. The same determination shown on the track carried over to members' everyday livesas they remained focused on both athletics and academics Somphomore Athletic Trainer, TJ Knoche, commented on hisexperiences with the team."I really enjoy working with the team The coaches push them to achieve excellence on and offthe track [The team] work[s]very hard to achieve those goals and they are a joy to work with They are not only great athletes,but great people," he said

What aresome ofthe most rewarding aspects about being on thetrackand field team?

"As a track athlete at Liberty,I have learned dedication that is fortified by discipline and an attitude of subservience to God's will I am still very immature and stinted inmany areas of my life, but to not acknowledge the growth that has taken place in my lifethrough track and field would certainly show a poverty of gratitude and perspective

One ofour coaches,Coach Bingham, is a model of the man that I would love to become one day Hisspiritual maturity and love forpeople,especially hiswife, are second to none,and I try to emulate him as he emulates Christ"

-Daniel Newell,Graduate Student

"Mv favoritecoffeeshop inLynchburg is the "My BHAG would be singing and playing "I love watching people fall asleep in "I love snowboarding at Wintergreen on Drowsy Poet Smiley makes my day every the piano in front of hundreds and Convo My friend and I tape them on our the weekends and anything else thatis time I go in there Also Milton's[milkshakes] hundreds of people nationally." phones sometimes."- KikiShivers,FR outdoors." - Emily Treichler,JR aretheabsolute best."-BrittanieKiebler,SO Chanel Williams, FR

My dream is to help children learn skills "My favoritethingtodoontheweekend isdo "IfI could be someone famous for a day I "My favoritehome cooked meal is chicken so they can become the leaders of the homework,clean,go tothemovies, hang out would be Thelma Wells I would lovenothing parmesan ' -Joe Cutz FR future,"-Kanann Durst,FR withfriendsand theonlysmartthingtodo in more than totravelthe world and share my Lynchburg -eat"-Amanda Daniele. SR heartwith otherwomen" -Jane Blaney,SR