Flames News

Chancellor's Cookout Wraps up Final Full Practice of Training Camp

Liberty University hosted its annual Chancellor's Cookout, Friday evening, inside Williams Stadium. The new student body was served a meal and was able to watch the last full workout of Liberty's football training camp.

Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr., officially welcomed Liberty's newest freshmen class in University history, treating them to dinner on the grounds at the stadium. The freshmen have ruled the campus the past few days, as returning students will hit Liberty Mountain this weekend before classes begin on Monday.

The festive evening was scheduled for Thursday night; however, it had to be moved due to inclement weather. During the annual cookout event, Chancellor Falwell addressed the fresh faces to Liberty's campus and told them about the importance of athletics to the overall collegiate experience.

Following Chancellor Falwell's address, Liberty University Director of Athletics Jeff Barber also spoke to the almost packed west side of Williams Stadium, thanking them for coming out and giving them a bit of Liberty Athletics history.

The remaining amount of time following the two-hour workout was spent teaching the new faces to Lynchburg how to be a Liberty Flames football fan, as Liberty Athletics instructed the freshmen on the Flames game day traditions.

Toward the end of the event, which included segments featuring Liberty's cheerleaders and the Spirit of the Mountain marching band, head football coach Danny Rocco addressed the crowd.

The three-time Big South Coach of the Year thanked the freshmen for attending and told them how important it was to support their fellow students by attending each home game. Following Rocco's address, Alan York, the evening's emcee and the new "Voice of the Flames," introduced the freshmen football players to their fellow student body members.

The final segment on the evening's schedule allowed the freshmen to experience the culmination of Liberty pregame routine – the team's entrance to the field. Just as they would on game day, the Flames burst from the Liberty Flames tunnel stationed outside the Williams Football Operation Center, taking to the field with enthusiasm just like they will when the renovated Williams Stadium is opened on Oct. 2.

On Saturday, the Flames will once again return to the turf in the morning at 9:20 a.m., wrapping up training camp with a special teams orientated practice. Liberty will have officials on hand during the two-hour workout, which will feature all facets of the kicking games, plus time spent on unique situations, such as overtime.