Liberty

Stafford, would you mind providing some additional details.  It's a university that I'd like my son to consider down the road, should things progress for him.

O.K., but I was there because my kid played in a tourney there, not a recruiting visit. But, I'll give it a shot. First impression is that the school takes up both sides of the highway and is the focal point of the town of Lynchburg. 

Sprawling campus that was very nice. Football field looked great in addition to the baseball field. Coach is a respected guy who, I believe, used to be an assistant at South Carolina... I think. They play in the Big South along with Coastal, Campbell, Gardner-Webb.... Field is all turf. Stadium has an overhang covering a good deal of the seats. Large press box area along with what looked to be private boxes.

Really cool... they've got a little ski slope for snowboarding up on one of the mountainsides overlooking campus. Grounds are well maintained and the overall impression is that the campus is very nice.

Liberty has long been known as being strict with what students can and can't do. I think they may have "loosened up" a little over the years, but I know a kid who is going there and he said that they have a 9 pm curfew. Some parents and students want the environment that Liberty provides. Be sure it is what you and your son wants first. I would not choose the baseball program unless I also wanted the college environment.

Oh yeah, I was able to get a glimpse underneath the stadium behind the home dugout. Indoor batting cages, locker rooms, and still to be finished athletic training rooms. Recruits will want to go to Liberty. 

Thanks Stafford.  You did a great job with the details.  

Liberty's facilities when finished will be second to none.  Huge dedicated weight room, large players lounge, 4 indoor cages, pro level locker room, the largest video scoreboard in D1 and hugh training area all in the stadium.  Plenty of activities to keep kids busy and out of trouble, 12 month ski/snowboard/tubing hill free to all students including free rentals ( however the ski hill is off limits to baseball players due to fear of injury), indoor ice rink, indoor skateboard park, lots of available gym space and intramurals, etc.  There are some rules that separate Liberty from other schools, no alcohol, midnight curfews, weekly convocations and a reasonable dress code (not uniforms or anything, just limits on wearing suitable clothes).  Nothing that's too hard to live with considering all the activities provided by the school for the kids, and do you really want to see your kid going to binge drinking partie anyway?  It's really not very restricted at all.  A trip around campus and you see students that look like the ones on the brochures, really good kids.  Be aware you have to take faith based courses to graduate which adds to the time it takes to finish your degree.  Religion is not forced down anyones throat, but you don't forget you are on a Christian school campus.

Baseball is very strong.  A number of players are drafted every year and do well in the pros.  Scouts are always around.  Last year they won the Big South Tournament and went to the NCAA South Carolina regional where they beat Clemson twice before losing to USC 6-4 in the championship game.  Players come from all over the country, it's a very interesting mix of kids.  Coach Toman was with Ray Tanner for years before leaving for Liberty.  My advice if you are interested is to get on their radar early.

Thanks can-o-corn, that's very good info on your part.