Lynchburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Flames Football Through the Years
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 14, 2024
1. Flames Football Through the Years Marker
(Panel 1)
AUGUST 1973
Two years following the University's founding, Lynchburg Baptist College fielded its first football team. Lee "Rock" Royer was named the program's first-ever head coach. The team began practicing on Treasure Island and played its games at Lynchburg's City Stadium.
SEPT. 27, 1973
The Lynchburg Baptist Football team faced their first opponent: Massanutten Military Academy, losing the game 42-32.
OCT. 25, 1973
Lynchburg Baptist picked up the first win in program history when the Flames beat Ferrum College 29-7. The victory started a string of three straight wins to close out the program's first year with a 3-3 record.
NOV. 20, 1973
Lee "Rock" Royer tragically died in a plane crash. John Cartwright, an assistant coach on Coach Royer's staff, was named Lynchburg Baptist's second head football coach.
1975 SEASON
Lynchburg Baptist College was renamed Liberty Baptist College. Liberty Baptist changed its school colors from green and gold to red, white, and blue. The Flames also joined the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as an associate member. Liberty Baptist
this page online
1977
Tom Dowling became Liberty Baptist's third head football coach.
1980 SEASON
Liberty Baptist joined the National Collegiate Athletic Association at the Division II level as an associate member. An eagle was chosen as the school's official mascot.
Erected by Liberty University.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Education • Sports. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1973.
Location. 37° 21.221′ N, 79° 10.487′ W. Marker is in Lynchburg, Virginia. It can be reached from the intersection of University Boulevard and Williams Stadium Drive, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located in the concourse of Williams Stadium on the campus of Liberty University and is most easily accessed by entering at Gate 2. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lynchburg VA 24502, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 14, 2024
2. Flames Football Through the Years Marker
Marker is located on the left at Cabana 10.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Flames Football Through the Years (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Flames Football Through the Years (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Flames Football Through the Years (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Flames Football Through the Years (a few steps from this marker); FBS Power 5 Win (within shouting distance of this marker); Montview (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The George Rogers Champion of Freedom Award (about 400 feet away); Al Worthington (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lynchburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 241 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 20, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
