After launching in 2019, Liberty University’s Letterwinners Association for Athletics had to cancel nearly all events last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the 50th Anniversary of the school’s founding this fall, Director Paul Rutigliano and a board of advisors are excited to reignite their efforts and further their mission of engaging former student-athletes and acknowledging their contributions to their individual sports programs as Champions for Christ.
The association held its first event of the academic year during Football Alumni Weekend, Sept. 3-4. Members attended the Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet and a tailgate in the Liberty University Indoor Practice Facility, among other activities prior to the Flames Football season opener at home against Campbell.
The association is working on completing its advisory team, with each sport having two former player representatives.
“They’ll be able to help us reconnect with the athletics staff and say what they would like for us to do to help,” Rutigliano said. “All the coaches know about it and are excited about it. We are strictly here to help each coach with their program and with fundraising for their programs.”
The association also gives former student-athletes the chance to share a part of Liberty’s history with current students.
“There are so many athletes on campus who have no idea how Liberty got started, and hopefully this will help them learn about the school’s roots,” Rutigliano said.
For more information on joining the association, email Letterwinners@liberty.edu or call (434) 582-3505.
