Liberty sports on the right track
Director of Athletics Jeff Barber describes Liberty’s athletic programs as a sleeping giant backed by the university’s commitment, both financially and otherwise, to be a successful Division I program. He believes that the university is taking the right steps academically, athletically and spiritually.
Fan the flames — Tyler Bream was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks organization in June. Photo credit: Ruth Bibby
When Dr. Falwell spoke of this vision, he was referring not only to academics, but to athletics as well. He knew that solid athletic programs could be an excellent platform for the gospel. That is why the university has always pursued excellence, not only in academics but on the athletic fields as well.
Barber believes that the athletics programs operate at a very high level and people recognize that and appreciate it.
Barber relishes the fact that Liberty students love their sports so much that they come to games to cheer and be loud while keeping it clean and creative.
“I spent 10 years in the SEC and I believe that our fans are the best student body in the country,” Barber said. “We all have the same goal in mind. We want to win games but the spiritual aspect ties us together like no other place.”
That is what he believes makes Flames athletics so exciting.
In his time spent at Liberty, Barber has guided improvements in all of Liberty’s athletic venues, while overseeing record-setting increases in Flames Club memberships, as well as season tickets sales for both football and basketball.
In addition, he has guided the Flames to on-field success, highlighted by four consecutive Sasser Cups, awarded to the top athletic program in the Big South conference.
“People want to be part of a winner,” he said.
Today, Liberty’s athletics department has grown to encompass 20 Division I athletic teams. Since joining the Big South 20 years ago, the Flames have captured 104 Big South team championships, placed teams in NCAA Division I tournaments and won three NCAA Division I National Championships. In addition, the university has seen student-athletes drafted into the NFL, MLB, WNBA and MLS.
“The university has the strength and ability to be a major player in Division I athletics,” Barber said.
According to Barber, a number of student athletes have accepted Christ as their Savior since his arrival, while the grade point average of all of the student-athletes combined has risen above a 3.0.
It’s all part of the mission of Liberty University’s athletics program.