Flames fans recognize strong contributors to athletic programs

On Tuesday, Feb. 14, Liberty University recognized athletic milestones during halftime of the men’s basketball game versus VMI in the Vines Center.

Women’s basketball players Devon Brown and Avery Warley, along with head coach Carey Green, were honored for success on the court. Liberty University Board of Trustees member Sherwin Cook was recognized for his gifts that have greatly enhanced Liberty’s tennis facilities.

Brown, a redshirt junior, was recognized for scoring point No. 1,000 of her career on Dec. 7. She is the 14th person in program history to reach the milestone.

Warley, a redshirt senior, was recognized for breaking the Big South Conference’s career rebounding record. The center grabbed her 1,127 board on Feb. 4 to break the record and finished with 1,130 on the night.

Green was honored for coaching his team to more than 300 wins over his 14 seasons with the Lady Flames.

Fans joined Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. in showing appreciation to Cook for his support of the university and its tennis program. He and his wife, Lora, pledged the lead gift for the new Cook Tennis Center, a 2,500-square-foot facility overlooking the new tennis courts on campus. The building was completed last fall. On the ground level, student-athletes have access to men’s and women’s locker rooms, a training room and a stringing room. Upstairs features coaches’ offices as well as a team room.

Cook also purchased and donated The Sports Racket, an indoor tennis and racquetball facility, to Liberty in February 2011.  The 35-year-old facility includes five tennis courts, a locker room and a gym. It is open for student and community use, and continues to service more than 300 members.

After recognizing the different contributions to Liberty Athletics, Flames fans saw Liberty come out strong and defeat VMI by a final score of 78-69.