About Liberty Running Club
What We Do
Our Mission
Liberty Running Club is dedicated to fostering a community of runners who seek to glorify God through their passion for running. We believe that every stride we take is an opportunity to honor our Creator and inspire others.
What We Do
- Weekly group runs for all levels
- Social Events
- Participation in local and regional races through NIRCA
Competition
We compete in several local races including several comunity 5ks and trail races along with a few NCAA meets. Our main competitions are the NIRCA races. Please see that section for more details
Join Us
Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, we welcome you to join our community. Together, we can encourage one another, improve our physical health, and grow in our faith.
What is NIRCA?
The National Intercollegiate Running Club Association (NIRCA) connects running clubs nationwide through friendly competitions. NIRCA hosts a full cross-country season, a Cross Country Championship Series, the Road and Track Nationals, and all-club conferences. Athletes may participate in as many or as few meets as they wish. Race fees are paid on race day and refunded at the end of the season. If you wish to participate in NIRCA and have not already been onboarded, please fill out this form
Our Socials
Our Leadership Team
Cole Schwartz
Club President
Cole is a current Junior studying Applied Mathematics and Statistics at Liberty University. He has been a part of the Running Club for three years, having held leadership positions for two of them. He competed in Cross Country and Track and Field from 7th to 12th grade in the humble Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and recently ran his first half-marathon on the Liberty Mountain! His interests include running (duh), playing board games, watching Survivor and other reality TV, and totally nerding out about any of those topics.
Joshua Stepp
Vice President
Josh is a current Sophomore from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania studying Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Spanish. He ran track all four years of high school as well as cross country during his last two years. He specialized as a mid-distance runner but has now expanded his interest as a long-distance athlete as well. His hobbies include running, hiking, mountain biking, reading, and anything outdoors :)
Leah Kelley
Treasurer
Leah is a second-semester student from Richmond VA studying Business with a cognate in Nonprofit Management. She loves long-distance events and ran every distance event in high school, but especially loved the 4x800! She hopes to continue her passion for running in distance events with further half marathons and hopefully a full!
Collin Rose
Social Media Coordinator
Collin is a second-year student from Sunny Orlando, Florida, who loves middle and long-distance events, is a running shoe connoisseur, and a master on the Aux.
Jessica Dryer
NIRCA Coordinator
Jessica is a third-semester student from Virginia, studying Aviation Technologies. She enjoys hiking, hunting, fishing, kayaking, and of course-- running.
Jadyn Talley
Team Mom/Female Captain/Event Coordinator
Jadyn is a 3rd year student at Liberty University pursuing a B.S. in Exercise Science: Therapeutic Science with minors in Strength and Conditioning and Chemistry, and a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with focuses in Natural and Physical Sciences. Jadyn has the desire to become a Registered Sports Dietitian as well as become a Certified Strength and Condition Specialist once she graduates. Outside of running, she enjoys hiking, swimming, biking, dance, and anything artsy. She loves social event planning and making sure the team has what it needs to compete its best!
Matthew Petke
Webmaster
Matthew is a senior IT Web and Mobile Programming major from Lynchburg passionate about combining strategy and outdoor adventure. He is also an avid disc golf enthusiast, enjoying the sport for its unique blend of precision, strategy, and the opportunity to connect with others.
George Crowder
Director of Training
George Crowder is a sophomore at Liberty University from Winchester, Virginia. He is pursuing a degree in Exercise Science. George loves middle-distance events and enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing, and caving. George has been running since age 16 and has been all in ever since. He loves researching and applying training concepts to improve and, more importantly, help others improve.
Jill Crunkilton
Deputy Director of Training
Jill is a 2nd year student pursuing a B.S. in Zoo and Wildlife Biology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Jill loves to be outdoors enjoying God's creation, whether that be running, hunting, hiking, or fishing! Jill's future career goals include wanting to be a game warden/conservation police officer. She has been running since 9th grade starting with cross country and track, while continuing to grow in her running journey with her current training focus on running marathons. Jill also enjoys getting to help beginner to advanced runners to reach their training goals. Though Jill's favorite thing about run club is getting to share her passion and love for the sport of running with newer/beginner runners and helping them to grow in their running journey.
Evan O'Connor
Deputy Director of Training
Evan O’Connor is a second year student from upstate New York majoring in Accounting. He has been competitively running since he was 11 and has received many honors since then. Evan wants to help all athletes - no matter their experience - to make running an enjoyable sport for them.
Jacob Dryer
Advisory Board Member / Alumni Liaison
Jacob is a Liberty Law student who graduated from Liberty with Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice and Law & Policy in 2024. He serves the club as an alumni liaison by co-managing the Alumni page on the Liberty Alumni Community. He also serves the club in an advisory role. Jacob is a long distance runner. Outside of class and running, Jacob enjoys hiking, playing sports, and watching sports.
Angelo Cosentino
Alumni Liaison
Angelo is a member of the Class of '22 and works as a special mission pilot based in the Shenandoah Valley. A Pennsylvania native, he joined the Liberty Running Club in the Fall semester of 2021. During his time with the club, he served as the NIRCA/Special Project coordinator, helping the team plan their first semester competing as a club. He enjoys traveling the world, but loves coming back home to the valley. Angelo co-manages the alumni page.