#23 Life beats #20 Auburn University Montgomery

#23 Life seals the first game of the Jimmy Faulkner Classic Tournament against #20 Auburn University Montgomery, 96-94. The teams battled back and forth for the lead and after double overtime, AUM missed a long-range shot with 2 seconds left and Life secured the win.

Life's Tay Barber scored 31 points, Ken Moore had 17 points and Bryant Dunn scored 12 points and had 7 rebounds. In total, five of Life's players scored double digits.

AUM's Jonathan Pascley scored 18 points and had 11 rebounds.

In the final game of the tournament, Life will take on Faulkner University on Saturday at 6 p.m. cst.

Running Eagles defeat Oakwood, 104-81

The Running Eagles are off to a good start, boasting a 104-81 win their first game of the season against Oakwood University on Tuesday night. Everyone on the roster scored for Life, and six different players scored 10 or more points. Leading scorers Tay Barber and Ken Moore both contributed 16 points each.

Life led by 21 points at the half, 53-32, and continued to lead by at least 15 points for the rest of the game. “I think our speed and our depth really is our strength, and that allows us to run an effective full-court press,” said Head Coach John Barrett.

The Running Eagles went 41-of-52 from the line and made 50 percent from the field. According to the Marietta Daily Journal, Life “played up to its ranking against Oakwood.” The Running Eagles entered the season sixth in the Sporting News preseason poll and 23^rd in the NAIA Coaches’ Poll.

Life is competing in the Lindenwood University Classic tournament in St. Charles, MO., November 6-7. Their next home game is November 16 against the University of Mobile at 7 p.m. Admission is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

'Coach T' Intramural Softball Champions

Softball intramurals came to a close on Thursday night with a massive win by team Coach T to seal the season championship.

The top four teams competed in the playoffs where The Aristocrats beat top-seeded Joel’s Tavern for their spot at the championship game. The Aristocrats, who were ranked fourth at the end of the regular season, took on Coach T in the final game.

The two teams battled neck-and-neck for the first two innings until Coach T got into an unstoppable hitting streak that included six out-of-the-park homeruns. Two innings later and 15 runs ahead, the championship game finished in Coach T’s favor, 20-5.

Three Life DC Students Reach Ironman Success

Three D.C. students are representing Life University this Sunday in the Ford Ironman Louisville competition. Ben Cavaliere, Jeremy Coffey and Mark Chappell-Lakin are all members of Life’s triathlon club and will be traveling to Louisville, KY., to participate in one of the toughest single-day endurance races against 2,000 other competitors.

Ironman Louisville is a three part competition that includes a 2.4 mile swim in the Ohio River, followed by 112 miles of rolling hills on bike and a 26.2 mile run through downtown Louisville.

This is the second Ironman competition for Jeremy and Ben. In 2007, Ben was featured in Today’s Chiropractic Lifestyle magazine for his participation in the Florida Ironman, and last September Jeremy completed the 2008 Louisville Ironman.

“It is easier to train for this Ironman because I know what to expect from my experience last year,” said Jeremy.

Finding time to train has been a hurdle for all three athletes. On Sundays they ride 80 miles throughout the Atlanta area and find time for swimming and short runs during the week.

“It has been a tremendous battle of balance being in 10th quarter, starting outpatient clinic, training for the Ironman and balancing time with my wife, Cheryl,” said Ben.

Mark played soccer in college and is continuously looking for ways to challenge himself physically. “I set goals for myself,” said Mark. “I finished a half-marathon, then a half-Ironman, followed by a full-marathon in 2007, and now I’m ready to take on the full Ironman.”

“I have had great experiences training for this event. Some bad days, but a lot of great days... and I am ready to tackle the Ironman with two great friends,” Ben said.

The race starts at 7 a.m. and all competitors can be tracked on race day through www.ironmanlouisville.com

***Update: Congratulations Ironmen Jeremy Coffey 11:53:08, Ben Cavaliere 12:34:13 and Mark Chappell-Lakin 13:41:42

New Intramural Sport Draws Large Crowd

Softball is new to the intramural program this year, but it’s quickly becoming the favored sport among Life students.

Games are hosted every Thursday evening at the Southern Polytechnic softball fields from 6 to 9, and the stands are packed with spectators each week. There are six teams in the league and the top four compete in the playoffs on September 9.

“I have never played softball before, so this is a new experience for me,” said DC student Justin Fountain. “Our team is doing well and we’re having a really fun time.”

The Department of Athletics is accepting suggestions for fall intramural sports. Submit your ideas to Athletics@Life.edu.

Life Sevens Earns Spot at National Tournament

The Life Rugby Sevens delivered a good performance this weekend in the South Championship tournament, earning the team a spot at the national tournament in San Francisco on August 15. The Running Eagles beat New Orleans 22-12, but rested four starters in the final game due to injury and lost to Atlanta Old White, 32-7.

Life's next tournament is the Elvis 7's in Memphis, TN., on August 1.

Life Rugby Sevens Going Strong

Life University’s Rugby Sevens team is competing this weekend in the South Championship in Columbus, GA. As a member of the Premier Division, if Life finishes in first or second place they will advance to the national championships in San Francisco, CA.

Life has nine rugby players on the Sevens team, including undergraduates Benny Mateialona, Aaron McMaster, Cameron Dolan and Kyle Grossheider, along with DC students Tui Osborne, Steve Petzel, Mark Aylor, Seth Kolka and Brian Page.

Following the Super League season, the Rugby Sevens team participates in tournaments for two months, playing seven-on-seven in two 7-minute halves per game on a regulation-size rugby field.Twelve players make up a full roster.

Life will compete in one more tournament in Memphis, TN., before the Club Nationals. So far this season, Life has won two sets of tournaments, the Pac 7’s and Cape Fear, a nationally renowned tournament with teams competing from all over the world.

In October, Rugby Sevens is up for election to be an Olymic sport.

Congratulations Life Rugby 2009 Collegiate All-Americans

Of the 10 Life University rugby players selected as the USA Rugby Collegiate South All-Stars, 6 have been named 2009 Collegiate All-Americans.

• Aaron McMaster
• Benny Mateialona (All-American 2008)
• Cameron Dolan
• Kyle Grossheider (All-American 2008)
  
• Paul Bester
• Seth Strauss

These players will join the 2009 All-American tour representing the U.S. in a three-team international tournament from July 24 to August 9 in South Africa.

"Earning All-American status is something to be proud of as undergraduate player in our country," said Director of Life Rugby Dan Payne. "These players have formed a very strong nucleus with which we can build our upcoming undergraduate program. We will continue to work toward having all of our athletes train and commit to this accomplishment."

Bomb Squad Takes the Title

"Bomb Squad" blazed the field Friday night at the flag football championship game against "Practice... Practice," winning the intramural title 20-6.

During the first half the teams battled neck-and-neck. Finally the Bomb Squad gained the lead in the second half, 13-6. With minutes to spare Practice...
Practice neared the end zone where the ball was intercepted and run in for a touchdown. Bomb Squad secured the game 20-6.

Bomb Squad's record was 6-0 for the season and was the only undefeated team in the league.

Gubernaculums Sweep Dodgeball Intramurals

The dodgeball season ended Tuesday night with no surprise. Gubernaculums entered the playoffs undefeated for the season and swept the championship game against Globogym, 4-0.

The league was comprised of eight dodgeball teams with 6-10 players each. Teams competed for seven weeks in the regular season and battled in the single-elimination playoffs week 8.

Beginning week 3 of summer quarter, students can participate in kickball and softball intramurals. Registration is currently open and will close Friday, July 17. Contact Athletics@life.edu with any questions.

Life Rugby Suffers Defeat in Championship Game

It was an incredible first season for Life University’s rugby team as the undefeated Running Eagles dominated their way to the 2009 Super League National Championship.

At the championship game Life took on their toughest opponent of the season, San Francisco Golden Gate. The outlook wasn’t in Life’s favor, who was trailing by 8 at the half. Hope quickly picked up at the start of the second half when Life’s Mark Aylor scored a try and Aaron McMaster made a 3-point penalty kick, evening the score 13-13. With less than one minute left in the game, SFGG made a penalty kick to gain the lead. Life's one last chance to score resulted in a fumbled catch which was intercepted by SFGG and run in for a try. The game ended 23-13.

This is Life Rugby’s second year competing for a national championship title. In 2008, the Running Eagles won the USA Rugby Division I National Championship. Following their win, Life was asked to join the renowned Super League earlier this year. The Super League is the nation’s highest level of rugby competition.
Life’s 2009 season accomplishments include:

- Finishing #1 in their conference (Blue Conference)
- The only undefeated team in the league for the regular season
- Boasts the third highest scorer in the league, Nolte Coetzee
- Life is 10-1 against Super League teams
- Defeated the reigning Super League champions, NYAC, 29-24
- Life is 19-0 for all games played this season

Although the 2009 competition season for Life’s Running Eagles has come to a close, their intensity for practices and conditioning remains consistent in preparation for another winning season next year.

Read the full re-cap of Saturday’s game.

USA Rugby’s Dan Payne Accepts Position at LIFE

Director of Athletics John Barrett today announced Dan Payne as the new Director of Rugby for Life University.

Payne will be responsible for the growth and development of the undergraduate rugby program in addition to maintaining the university’s well-established Super League team. The undergrad team will start competing this fall with plans to join USA Rugby’s Southern Conference in spring 2011.

“I am well aware of the storied history of rugby at Life University. The opportunity to build upon that tradition with an undergraduate program is something I’m extremely excited for,” said Payne after his initial meetings with Barrett and Life University President Dr. Guy F. Riekeman. Payne said he recognized the university’s commitment toward growth, and the vision for how rugby can play a part sealed his final decision.

“Life Rugby is excited to have Dan join the program. He is a proven winner both on and off the field and his leadership will be a valuable asset to current and future players,” said Life Rugby Head Coach Scott Lawrence.

Payne is the former Director of Competition for USA Rugby and an assistant coach to the US Men’s National Team. He was the head coach at San Diego State University for three seasons, leading the team to their first playoff appearance during his first year. Payne followed with two more consecutive seasons in the playoffs, driving the team all the way to the Round of Four last season.

“This is a great opportunity for Dan,” said Nigel Melville, CEO of USA Rugby. “We will of course all miss the hard work and commitment Dan has demonstrated during his time with us. The pull of coaching on a full-time basis is a dream opportunity for Dan, and we wish him every success.”

Life Rugby Playoffs: Round 1 Saturday at Home

It doesn’t seem like a full year has passed since Life Rugby dominated their way to the playoffs and won the 2008 USA Rugby Men’s Division 1 National Championship. Now, one year later and one division higher, they’re at it again.

On Saturday, May 16, Life is competing in the first round of the single-elimination Super League playoffs. At 2 p.m. they take on the Chicago Lions at home, who they previously defeated during the regular season, 42-0. If Life beats Chicago, they will compete at the semi-finals on May 23 at home to secure their spot at the championship game in Glendale, CO. on May 30.

After winning the national championship title in 2008 Life was invited to compete in the Super League, the highest level of rugby competition in the US. The team is continuing to dominate the rugby scene in this semi-professional league. For the regular season, Life finished number one in their division and boasts the third highest scoring player in the league, Nolte Coetzee. The team is 7-0 with a major win against the reigning Super League champions, New York Athletic Club, 29-24. Life’s overall record for the season is 19-0, which includes games against local and Division 1 teams.

Admission to Saturday’s game is free and concessions will be available.

DC Student Wins Bronze at NCAA Weightlifting Championships

Robert Hall got into weightlifting in 1999 after years of watching his friends compete. Before that time, his interests included basketball and track & field. But it wasn’t until he started lifting that he found his true passion.

On April 18, 2009, Robert represented Life University in the 2009 USA Weightlifting National Collegiate Championships. He won the bronze medal for his events, the “snatch” and the “clean & jerk.”

This isn’t Robert’s first time at a national event. In 2004 and 2005 he won the NCAA Weightlifting Championships, as well as the 2005 American Open while in his undergraduate program at Armstrong Atlantic University. Unfortunately, he sustained countless injuries during training that resulted in two bad hips and lumbar difficulties. Due to the detriment his body experienced in training, Robert retired from weightlifting in 2005 following his major win.

“Weightlifting is a sport of passion like any other. Once you start, it stays in your blood for life,” Robert said. That’s what he realized when he decided earlier this year to begin competing again.

To ensure that his body could handle the training, he consulted the expertise of the clinic staff at Life’s Center for Health and Optimum Performance. “They worked tirelessly to fix me and to have my body operating at peak performance for the competition.” He gives much of the credit for his success at the championships to his chiropractic intern, Jacob Canfield, and to the clinic staff.

After training for two months, Robert completed a 340-lb. double-body-weight clean & jerk, and he snatched 260 lbs., which combined, won him the bronze medal.

“It was really fun lifting again,” Robert said. “But next year I can guarantee a gold medal!”

Robert dedicated his medal to Life University, where it is proudly displayed in the Department of Athletics. Robert is a fourth-quarter Doctorate of Chiropractic student from Savannah, GA., and a member of Life’s weightlifting club.

Spring Intramural Sign-ups Begin

If throwing a bright red ball 30 mph at someone's stomach will help take your mind off the stresses of school, or if you just want to get off the couch and head outdoors, Life's spring intramural sports are where you belong.

Sign ups are now starting for dodge ball and flag football for spring quarter. Games kick off week three and will be held during the evenings on weekdays. If you don't have a team in mind, we can create groups for you. That's a great way to meet new people! Sign up today in the Department of Athletics located inside the main gym.

For students new to dodge ball and flag football, rules are available for you to take home when you sign up. If you have any questions, contact Athletics@life.edu. Let's pack the dodge ball court and the flag football field this quarter! Sign up today!

Life Suffers Defeat Against #2 Team at National Tournament

On Wednesday evening Life University staff and students crowded into a classroom in Annex C to watch Life University’s men’s basketball team take on the second ranked team at the NAIA National Championship. The result wasn’t in Life’s favor, who suffered a 9-point loss to Oklahoma Baptist University, 90-81.

The Bison led 30-28 as the teams entered the second half. Oklahoma took off with a 14-2 run, shooting 43.3 percent from the field and out-rebounding Life 46-21. Greg Brown led the Running Eagles in scoring with 19 points, followed by Tay Barber who scored 17 and JaQuan Bray with 16.

“We were very excited to make the national tournament our first year back. It is disappointing that we didn’t play as well as we hoped, but we worked our way back into the game with great 3-point shooting in the second half,” said Life University Director of Athletics John Barrett. “It was a great effort, but we came up short.”

Life University earned a bid to compete among the top 32 teams at the national tournament in Kansas City, MO. after they swept the Association of Independent Institutions’ Regional Tournament on March 8. The national tournament is a single-elimination, seven-day event comprised of qualifiers from affiliated Division 1 conferences in the NAIA.

The NAIA national tournament is recognized as college basketball’s toughest tournament and the longest running national collegiate tournament in any sport. This is Life University’s tenth appearance and has three national championship wins.

For the season, Life’s record is 23-11. Three of the team’s players have consistently ranked nationally in the top five in individual categories. Point guard Tay Barber finished the regular season leading the nation in assists, along with Life’s Greg Brown who leads the nation in steals. Jonathan Johnson is ranked third in the country in blocks, and Ken Moore finished seventh in field goal percentage.

“We are excited about what we’ve done our first year back,” said Barrett. “We have all returning players next year and we look forward to another successful season.”

Life Rugby is SUPER... league

This weekend in Dallas, Life University's rugby team played their first game as a Super League team against the Dallas Harlequins in Texas. Life conquered the Harlequins, 24-3, who were previously undefeated at home for the entirety of last season.

Just one week later Life is taking on the current Super League champions, New York Athletic Club, this Saturday at home at 2 p.m. Admission is free.

Life Basketball Sweeps Regional Tournament - On to Nationals!

On March 8, Life University's men's basketball team won the final game of the AII Regional Tournament in Orangeburg, SC. In game three, the Running Eagles defeated Crichton College, 95-81.

Life's point guard LaAbrez "Tay" Barber won the most valuable player of the tournament award, and Head Coach John Barrett was recognized as the "Coach of the Tournament."

Life swept the single-elimination, three-day tournament after conquering Lambuth University, Mountain State University and Crichton College. By winning the regional tournament, Life has earned a bid into the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City, MO., March 18-24.

Their first game is against #2 Oklahoma Baptist University on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. est. The game will be televised on Life's campus in the College of Chiropractic, room C125.

LIFE Rugby Champs Receive SL Invitation

After winning the 2008 USA Rugby Division I National Championship last May, Life University’s rugby team received an invitation to join the USA Rugby Super League, the highest level of rugby competition in the nation.

Life Rugby will play their first game as a Super League team on March 14 against the Dallas Harlequins in Texas. After just one week in their new division, Life will take on the current Super League champions, New York Athletic Club, on March 21 at home.

The Super League is a 16-team league based in major cities around the country. Being a member of the Super League will increase the level of competition for Life Rugby, who have had a difficult time scheduling teams in the past due to their unrivaled success against the competition.

“Life University is proud to become a competitor in the Super League,” said Life University President Dr. Guy F. Riekeman. “After years of hard work and dedication to the sport, they have earned this opportunity to showcase their talents and compete among the top rugby players in the nation.”

In the Super League, Life will battle against many paid professional rugby players on opposing teams. So far in the 2009 pre-season, Life has already defeated three teams in the Super League, and their only losses in the past two years were against Super League teams.

Life University’s rugby team was one of the original, founding members of the Super League division in 1997, where they competed for four years and won the national title in 2000. This is Life’s first season returning to the Super League since 2001.

“Life Rugby’s entrance into the Super League displays the University’s revitalization and dedication to excellence,” said Life Rugby Coach Scott Lawrence. “We appreciate the support from the University’s administration as we venture into our next challenge.”

Life Basketball: a Winning Tradition

For the 2008-2009 season, Life University’s Head Coach John Barrett set out with one goal in mind: to unite a brand new basketball team with its winning tradition.

Life is excited to be back in the NAIA, and there’s no doubt that the basketball program is picking up where it left off.



So far, season highlights include defeating (then) #12 Union University and #25 Crichton College. Life is leading the nation in steals, and is among the top teams in scoring offense and turnover margin per game. In January, the Running Eagles’ point guard LaAbrez “Tay” Barber won the NAIA’s Player of the Week and the Association of Independent Institutions’ Male Athlete of the Week. Barber is definitely a crowd favorite!

Life consistently boasts three nationally ranked players in the top five of individual categories, including Barber, #3 in assists and #4 in steals, Greg Brown, who is leading the nation in steals, and Jonathan Johnson, who is currently #3 in blocks.

With a backbone of enthusiastic fans, dedicated players and experienced coaches, Life has only suffered two defeats on their home court this season. One of the losses was against revered #2 Mountain State University, 106-102.

“Our goal this year was to take the first steps toward rebuilding a basketball program with a winning record, and to claim 20 wins during our first season back will be an exciting accomplishment,” said Barrett, who was the Assistant Head Coach for the Running Eagles from 1991 until 2000 when he became the team's Head Coach.

Life University’s basketball history includes three NAIA national championships from 1997-2000, and competed in a regional or conference tournament every year from 1991-2001. At one point, the men’s basketball team had a winning streak of 99 consecutive home games.

Life's current record is 20 wins-10 losses, an amazing feat for a basketball program that's just getting started again. With his team comprised of mostly sophomores and juniors, Barrett expects to re-establish the winning team Life has always had and to continue the tradition of repeated success.

This week, Life is traveling to Orangeburg, SC. to compete in the NAIA Independent Tournament, to fight for a bid to the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City, March 18-24.