http://livemeeting.liberty.edu/notes/Li ... ooklet.pdf

I've never been a big proponent of Liberty to the SBC because as a Virginia resident I've had my fill of Jerry Falwell and followers. However, this is a pretty impressive document and may, at least, give folks better insight to its academics and facilities.

my impression of Liberty is they are trying to create a new image of a normal collage rather than collage based on Jerry's personal religious beliefs, they are aggressively spending money. Personally, the religious aspects doesn't bother me, the problem I have with them joining the SBC is they have absolutely no history of success in any sport, not even of a regional platform, let alone a national one. For a conference trying to show the country we a strong on the national level, bringing in Liberty doesn't help our case.

Well one thing we have they don't. GREEN ROOFS!

Just no to Liberty. It is unlike any other school in the SBC, it doesn't fit, it's a diploma mill and well, just no.

Liberty will be available should at any point and time the Sun Belt need one more member.

Hold out for JMU or wait until Mo. St., UTC, or EKU is ready.

moehler wrote:my impression of Liberty is they are trying to create a new image of a normal collage rather than collage based on Jerry's personal religious beliefs, they are aggressively spending money. Personally, the religious aspects doesn't bother me, the problem I have with them joining the SBC is they have absolutely no history of success in any sport, not even of a regional platform, let alone a national one. For a conference trying to show the country we a strong on the national level, bringing in Liberty doesn't help our case.

You might want to check your facts on the "no success" comment. I dare say, that outside of Football and Track & Field (and not so much there), Liberty has had much more athletic success than we have, at least in the last decade or so across the board, starting with Women's Basketball who has been to 12 or 13 NCAA Tournaments in the last 15 years, including a Sweet 16. Baseball has made NCAA Tournament regional finals. Volleyball, Men's, & Women's Soccer have made multiple NCAA tournaments. Liberty has spent many weeks nationally ranked in Golf, Cross-Country, & T&F...and produced multiple National Champions. Tennis is now rising fast, and I believe one or both are inside the national rankings. Softball has been to the tournament numerous times and is now coached by one of the greatest softball olympians in U.S. history. Men's basketball has been to the tourney more recently than we have. The hockey teams (men's & women's) are preparing to move up to NCAA Division 1 after being pretty close to dominant at the club level. Same for men's lacrosse. They had two lacrosse games in Lynchburg last week with 4,000 fans in attendance, both victories over NC State and Auburn. LU Field Hockey is superior to ours. The swimming program is gaining steam fast. You might say that they compete in the Big South, which is not as tough across the board as the SoCon, which is true but nonetheless I think that qualifies as pretty substantial "regional success". Not to mention the school has only been in existence since 1971, and D1 since the late 80's (89 I believe).

Hey Hicky, who are you pulling for on October 11?

Gonzo wrote:Hey Hicky, who are you pulling for on October 11?

Black & Gold baby!! Hope we absolutely destroy the Flames and sow the seeds of a great future rivalry!

All the University of Phoenix at Lynchburg has going for them is $$$. They sell degrees online and are trying to buy there way into the big dance. I for one am tired of seeing the rich buy there way were they don't belong. They are outside of the SBC footprint, private school, massive online degree program. Yet to win a single FCS playoff game in the Sunbelts best sport of football. They also have all the PR garbage that goes along with them.

1 JMU had none of the other issues except footprint.
2. MSU None of the other issues at all but maybe not ready.
3. EKU footprint issue.
4.CCU New to the game maybe money or readiness issues
5. Jax State Probably the best fit but no mention of want to move up.
6. Umass as astop gap for JMU, obviously out of the footprint.





7. Liberty - See multiple issues above.

HkyMtneer wrote:

Gonzo wrote:Hey Hicky, who are you pulling for on October 11?

Black & Gold baby!! Hope we absolutely destroy the Flames and sow the seeds of a great future rivalry!

Wow....really wasn't sure. Thought you may have a split Jersey like a mom with a kid on both teams.

HkyMtneer wrote:

moehler wrote:my impression of Liberty is they are trying to create a new image of a normal collage rather than collage based on Jerry's personal religious beliefs, they are aggressively spending money. Personally, the religious aspects doesn't bother me, the problem I have with them joining the SBC is they have absolutely no history of success in any sport, not even of a regional platform, let alone a national one. For a conference trying to show the country we a strong on the national level, bringing in Liberty doesn't help our case.

You might want to check your facts on the "no success" comment. I dare say, that outside of Football and Track & Field (and not so much there), Liberty has had much more athletic success than we have, at least in the last decade or so across the board, starting with Women's Basketball who has been to 12 or 13 NCAA Tournaments in the last 15 years, including a Sweet 16. Baseball has made NCAA Tournament regional finals. Volleyball, Men's, & Women's Soccer have made multiple NCAA tournaments. Liberty has spent many weeks nationally ranked in Golf, Cross-Country, & T&F...and produced multiple National Champions. Tennis is now rising fast, and I believe one or both are inside the national rankings. Softball has been to the tournament numerous times and is now coached by one of the greatest softball olympians in U.S. history. Men's basketball has been to the tourney more recently than we have. The hockey teams (men's & women's) are preparing to move up to NCAA Division 1 after being pretty close to dominant at the club level. Same for men's lacrosse. They had two lacrosse games in Lynchburg last week with 4,000 fans in attendance, both victories over NC State and Auburn. LU Field Hockey is superior to ours. The swimming program is gaining steam fast. You might say that they compete in the Big South, which is not as tough across the board as the SoCon, which is true but nonetheless I think that qualifies as pretty substantial "regional success". Not to mention the school has only been in existence since 1971, and D1 since the late 80's (89 I believe).

Dot Richardson's softball program must be falling on hard times. As of today, her team is 6-28 on the season. The coach with the 20 year achievement record has retired. Things aren't as they used to be in Lynchburg. It's hard to follow a legend, even if you were an Olympian.

asu66 wrote:

HkyMtneer wrote:

moehler wrote:my impression of Liberty is they are trying to create a new image of a normal collage rather than collage based on Jerry's personal religious beliefs, they are aggressively spending money. Personally, the religious aspects doesn't bother me, the problem I have with them joining the SBC is they have absolutely no history of success in any sport, not even of a regional platform, let alone a national one. For a conference trying to show the country we a strong on the national level, bringing in Liberty doesn't help our case.

You might want to check your facts on the "no success" comment. I dare say, that outside of Football and Track & Field (and not so much there), Liberty has had much more athletic success than we have, at least in the last decade or so across the board, starting with Women's Basketball who has been to 12 or 13 NCAA Tournaments in the last 15 years, including a Sweet 16. Baseball has made NCAA Tournament regional finals. Volleyball, Men's, & Women's Soccer have made multiple NCAA tournaments. Liberty has spent many weeks nationally ranked in Golf, Cross-Country, & T&F...and produced multiple National Champions. Tennis is now rising fast, and I believe one or both are inside the national rankings. Softball has been to the tournament numerous times and is now coached by one of the greatest softball olympians in U.S. history. Men's basketball has been to the tourney more recently than we have. The hockey teams (men's & women's) are preparing to move up to NCAA Division 1 after being pretty close to dominant at the club level. Same for men's lacrosse. They had two lacrosse games in Lynchburg last week with 4,000 fans in attendance, both victories over NC State and Auburn. LU Field Hockey is superior to ours. The swimming program is gaining steam fast. You might say that they compete in the Big South, which is not as tough across the board as the SoCon, which is true but nonetheless I think that qualifies as pretty substantial "regional success". Not to mention the school has only been in existence since 1971, and D1 since the late 80's (89 I believe).

Dot Richardson's softball program must be falling on hard times. As of today, her team is 6-28 on the season. The coach with the 20 year achievement record has retired. Things aren't as they used to be in Lynchburg. It's hard to follow a legend, even if you were an Olympian.

Very true. She's had a rough start but I think it'll come. It was amazing all the success LU Softball had over the years playing in what amounted to an intramural field. The new softball stadium under construction now is going to raise the bar. It's going to be a fantastic facility...something we could really use. If Dot doesn't turn things around in a couple years it'll quickly be someone else making memories in the new showpiece.

ASUPATCH wrote:All the University of Phoenix at Lynchburg has going for them is $$$. They sell degrees online and are trying to buy there way into the big dance. I for one am tired of seeing the rich buy there way were they don't belong. They are outside of the SBC footprint, private school, massive online degree program. Yet to win a single FCS playoff game in the Sunbelts best sport of football. They also have all the PR garbage that goes along with them.

1 JMU had none of the other issues except footprint.
2. MSU None of the other issues at all but maybe not ready.
3. EKU footprint issue.
4.CCU New to the game maybe money or readiness issues
5. Jax State Probably the best fit but no mention of want to move up.
6. Umass as astop gap for JMU, obviously out of the footprint.





7. Liberty - See multiple issues above.

Pretty sure football is definitely not the Belt's best sport, at least at the moment. I'd say that title belongs to baseball, followed closely by softball.

HkyMtneer wrote:

asu66 wrote:

HkyMtneer wrote:

moehler wrote:my impression of Liberty is they are trying to create a new image of a normal collage rather than collage based on Jerry's personal religious beliefs, they are aggressively spending money. Personally, the religious aspects doesn't bother me, the problem I have with them joining the SBC is they have absolutely no history of success in any sport, not even of a regional platform, let alone a national one. For a conference trying to show the country we a strong on the national level, bringing in Liberty doesn't help our case.

You might want to check your facts on the "no success" comment. I dare say, that outside of Football and Track & Field (and not so much there), Liberty has had much more athletic success than we have, at least in the last decade or so across the board, starting with Women's Basketball who has been to 12 or 13 NCAA Tournaments in the last 15 years, including a Sweet 16. Baseball has made NCAA Tournament regional finals. Volleyball, Men's, & Women's Soccer have made multiple NCAA tournaments. Liberty has spent many weeks nationally ranked in Golf, Cross-Country, & T&F...and produced multiple National Champions. Tennis is now rising fast, and I believe one or both are inside the national rankings. Softball has been to the tournament numerous times and is now coached by one of the greatest softball olympians in U.S. history. Men's basketball has been to the tourney more recently than we have. The hockey teams (men's & women's) are preparing to move up to NCAA Division 1 after being pretty close to dominant at the club level. Same for men's lacrosse. They had two lacrosse games in Lynchburg last week with 4,000 fans in attendance, both victories over NC State and Auburn. LU Field Hockey is superior to ours. The swimming program is gaining steam fast. You might say that they compete in the Big South, which is not as tough across the board as the SoCon, which is true but nonetheless I think that qualifies as pretty substantial "regional success". Not to mention the school has only been in existence since 1971, and D1 since the late 80's (89 I believe).

Dot Richardson's softball program must be falling on hard times. As of today, her team is 6-28 on the season. The coach with the 20 year achievement record has retired. Things aren't as they used to be in Lynchburg. It's hard to follow a legend, even if you were an Olympian.

Very true. She's had a rough start but I think it'll come. It was amazing all the success LU Softball had over the years playing in what amounted to an intramural field. The new softball stadium under construction now is going to raise the bar. It's going to be a fantastic facility...something we could really use. If Dot doesn't turn things around in a couple years it'll quickly be someone else making memories in the new showpiece.

We could probably afford it if we sold degrees online like they were tic-tac's.

HkyMtneer wrote:

ASUPATCH wrote:All the University of Phoenix at Lynchburg has going for them is $$$. They sell degrees online and are trying to buy there way into the big dance. I for one am tired of seeing the rich buy there way were they don't belong. They are outside of the SBC footprint, private school, massive online degree program. Yet to win a single FCS playoff game in the Sunbelts best sport of football. They also have all the PR garbage that goes along with them.

1 JMU had none of the other issues except footprint.
2. MSU None of the other issues at all but maybe not ready.
3. EKU footprint issue.
4.CCU New to the game maybe money or readiness issues
5. Jax State Probably the best fit but no mention of want to move up.
6. Umass as astop gap for JMU, obviously out of the footprint.






7. Liberty - See multiple issues above.

Pretty sure football is definitely not the Belt's best sport, at least at the moment. I'd say that title belongs to baseball, followed closely by softball.

There are two sports that matter in the NCAA. Think conference alignment here. They are Football and Men's Basketball. Of those two the sunbelt has a far better reputation in football. No one care about men's lacrosse, or softball or swimming or equestrian.

ASUPATCH wrote:

HkyMtneer wrote:

ASUPATCH wrote:All the University of Phoenix at Lynchburg has going for them is $$$. They sell degrees online and are trying to buy there way into the big dance. I for one am tired of seeing the rich buy there way were they don't belong. They are outside of the SBC footprint, private school, massive online degree program. Yet to win a single FCS playoff game in the Sunbelts best sport of football. They also have all the PR garbage that goes along with them.

1 JMU had none of the other issues except footprint.
2. MSU None of the other issues at all but maybe not ready.
3. EKU footprint issue.
4.CCU New to the game maybe money or readiness issues
5. Jax State Probably the best fit but no mention of want to move up.
6. Umass as astop gap for JMU, obviously out of the footprint.






7. Liberty - See multiple issues above.

Pretty sure football is definitely not the Belt's best sport, at least at the moment. I'd say that title belongs to baseball, followed closely by softball.

There are two sports that matter in the NCAA. Think conference alignment here. They are Football and Men's Basketball. Of those two the sunbelt has a far better reputation in football. No one care about men's lacrosse, or softball or swimming or equestrian.

Couldn't disagree more. Sports fans care. To a sports fan a game of table tennis is interesting if a school name were to be attached. The good Lord knows I'd love to destroy Georgia Southern in a rousing table tennis match (I assume it's match?) Football is definitely my personal favorite sport, followed by Men's Basketball, then Baseball, then Women's Basketball, then Men's Soccer, then Volleyball (of the sports we play). Doesn't mean I don't care about the rest. They are absolutely just as important. I'd rather be a well-rounded athletic university who excels in most all sports rather than to be known as a one-trick show pony.

HkyMtneer wrote:

ASUPATCH wrote:

HkyMtneer wrote:

ASUPATCH wrote:All the University of Phoenix at Lynchburg has going for them is $$$. They sell degrees online and are trying to buy there way into the big dance. I for one am tired of seeing the rich buy there way were they don't belong. They are outside of the SBC footprint, private school, massive online degree program. Yet to win a single FCS playoff game in the Sunbelts best sport of football. They also have all the PR garbage that goes along with them.

1 JMU had none of the other issues except footprint.
2. MSU None of the other issues at all but maybe not ready.
3. EKU footprint issue.
4.CCU New to the game maybe money or readiness issues
5. Jax State Probably the best fit but no mention of want to move up.
6. Umass as astop gap for JMU, obviously out of the footprint.






7. Liberty - See multiple issues above.

Pretty sure football is definitely not the Belt's best sport, at least at the moment. I'd say that title belongs to baseball, followed closely by softball.

There are two sports that matter in the NCAA. Think conference alignment here. They are Football and Men's Basketball. Of those two the sunbelt has a far better reputation in football. No one care about men's lacrosse, or softball or swimming or equestrian.

Couldn't disagree more. Sports fans care. To a sports fan a game of table tennis is interesting if a school name were to be attached. The good Lord knows I'd love to destroy Georgia Southern in a rousing table tennis match (I assume it's match?) Football is definitely my personal favorite sport, followed by Men's Basketball, then Baseball, then Women's Basketball, then Men's Soccer, then Volleyball (of the sports we play). Doesn't mean I don't care about the rest. They are absolutely just as important. I'd rather be a well-rounded athletic university who excels in most all sports rather than to be known as a one-trick show pony.

The NCAA and conferences don't care. I said nothing about sports fans. Follow the money and you will find your answer.

"How are your softball and tennis teams".

Said no conference commissioner EVER.

HkyMtneer wrote:

ASUPATCH wrote:

HkyMtneer wrote:

ASUPATCH wrote:All the University of Phoenix at Lynchburg has going for them is $$$. They sell degrees online and are trying to buy there way into the big dance. I for one am tired of seeing the rich buy there way were they don't belong. They are outside of the SBC footprint, private school, massive online degree program. Yet to win a single FCS playoff game in the Sunbelts best sport of football. They also have all the PR garbage that goes along with them.

1 JMU had none of the other issues except footprint.
2. MSU None of the other issues at all but maybe not ready.
3. EKU footprint issue.
4.CCU New to the game maybe money or readiness issues
5. Jax State Probably the best fit but no mention of want to move up.
6. Umass as astop gap for JMU, obviously out of the footprint.






7. Liberty - See multiple issues above.

Pretty sure football is definitely not the Belt's best sport, at least at the moment. I'd say that title belongs to baseball, followed closely by softball.

There are two sports that matter in the NCAA. Think conference alignment here. They are Football and Men's Basketball. Of those two the sunbelt has a far better reputation in football. No one care about men's lacrosse, or softball or swimming or equestrian.

Couldn't disagree more. Sports fans care. To a sports fan a game of table tennis is interesting if a school name were to be attached. The good Lord knows I'd love to destroy Georgia Southern in a rousing table tennis match (I assume it's match?) Football is definitely my personal favorite sport, followed by Men's Basketball, then Baseball, then Women's Basketball, then Men's Soccer, then Volleyball (of the sports we play). Doesn't mean I don't care about the rest. They are absolutely just as important. I'd rather be a well-rounded athletic university who excels in most all sports rather than to be known as a one-trick show pony.

I feel the same way but thought I was the only one. It's a bad and embarrassing feeling knowing our basketball program has stunk for the past four years and our baseball team has been inconsistent.

ASUPATCH wrote:"How are your softball and tennis teams".

Said no conference commissioner EVER.

They should, IMOp.