Ian McCaw, Liberty University’s new director of athletics, and President Jerry Falwell’s ambitious plans for the future of Liberty Athletics echo those of university founder Jerry Falwell Sr.
“Our vision for Liberty is to develop the pre-eminent Christian athletics program in the nation,” McCaw said. “We’re looking forward to having championship programs in all 20 of our NCAA sports. We want Christian student-athletes to grow up dreaming of competing for Liberty and to have the opportunity to be a part of the largest Christian university in the world.”
“I have such high hopes and expectations for the future of Liberty Athletics,” President Falwell added, “and I believe that in so many ways we’re going to go places we’ve not yet been.”
McCaw has had an impressive career as athletic director, serving at four previous schools, most recently Baylor University for the past 13 years. During his tenure at Baylor, McCaw presided over five national team championships and 58 Big 12 Conference titles, with its football team reaching bowl games in six consecutive seasons. The Baylor Bears’ combined record of 350-84 in football and men’s and women’s basketball over the last five years ranks as the best in the nation.
One of McCaw’s top priorities at Liberty is to move its football program from a mid-major to a top-tier conference, something he feels the university is poised to do. He was extremely impressed by his first visit to campus.
“The quality of the athletics facilities here is outstanding. I think that’s really what gives this athletics program a high ceiling — its great facilities and tremendous leadership. President Falwell’s fingerprints are all around Liberty. I’m very honored, and I feel fortunate to serve under such a dynamic leader. He certainly has the university on a steep upward trajectory at this point in time. I’m excited to see what we’re going to be able to do in the future.”
McCaw and his Flames Athletics staff have proactively crafted a strategic plan for the program, addressing everything that factors into a student-athlete’s experience — academic performance, athletic performance, spiritual development, social development, competitive success, and living in a way that reflects Liberty’s Christian values.
“Our vision is, first of all, to Train Champions for Christ, providing a world-class experience for our student-athletes and achieving victory with integrity,” McCaw said. “With God’s favor, we’re going to do great things as we seek to honor Him through this athletics program.”
McCaw met one-on-one with the Flames’ and Lady Flames’ 20 head coaches during his first week on the job and left a positive first impression.
“He’s an unbelievable guy, very easy to talk to,” Flames Baseball first-year Head Coach Scott Jackson said. “He certainly has a vision for this school and this athletics program that I think matches the vision of all of our coaches, maybe even beyond that, which is probably how it should be. I’m excited to just be around him and work with him and use his leadership as a tool for us because he has a great track record.
