On this week’s Flames Central, Emily Austen and Matt Warner break down Valentine’s week with Liberty Football Spring Ball beginning, an exclusive interview with LIV Golf’s Kieran Vincent and a chance on the Hot Seat with Liberty Athlete’s best pickup lines!
0:00 Flames Central Recap
1:15 Kaidon Salter hungry to improve in 2024
2:45 X’zauvea Gadlin invited to NFL Combine
3:40 Liberty Baseball Trailer & Podcast
6:37 Dot Richardson and softball vs. UCF
7:15 Kieran Vincent & LIV Golf Pro
16:00 Joseph and Daniel Venzant
18:55 Valentine’s Day for Athletic Staff
20:25 Warm, Hot EnFuego — Rachel Roupe, Desmond, Coleman, Kaden Metheny
25:33 HOT SEAT: Athlete Pickup Lines
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On this week’s show, Kaidon Salter in the Flames are back on the field and we get you ready for baseball season. We talk to Liberty Golf alum Kieran Vincent about his rise to the LIV tour. And liberty athletes celebrating Valentine’s Day by giving back. It’s all straight ahead. You’re watching Flames Central.
Love is in the air and on my tie this week. Welcome to Flames Central. Thanks for getting in on the festivities. Finally, the Grinch celebrates one holiday and now I’m getting well, some of us celebrated Valentine’s Day. Hope you had a great one. She■s Emily I■m Matt.
And we’ll show you how some Liberty student athletes celebrated the holiday in just a bit. Believe me, you’re going to want to stick around for that. But with spring football getting under way, plus our genuine love for the game, we start things off on the gridiron. Yeah, You know, fresh off a conference
USA championship and a 13 to 1 season. Not much to complain about in regards to Liberty football right now. So as spring ball begins, the Flames coaching staff is focused on making sure last year’s success doesn’t lead to complacency. Take, for instance, quarterback Kaden Salter. It’d be easy after last season
For the quarterback to think he’s arrived. I mean, all he did was put together the greatest season by any quarterback in flames history 32 passing touchdowns, another 12 on the ground, rushed for over a thousand yards, threw for nearly 3000. But according to Co-offensive coordinator Willie Corn and the quarterback himself,
There’s an awareness that he can still be even better next year if he attacks the opportunity with the right mindset. I texted Kaidon before we started up this spring, like I want to see. Like, you are extremely hungry to prove yourself and win the job.
Like, you were foaming at the mouth to win this job. Now that you won the job and now you’re the guy and all eyes are on you. It has to be that and more. He■s still scratching the surface as great of a year as he There■s still some little technique things
That he can continue to improve upon. But of course I know the plays and this games, but like I said, it’s just the little things that I got to get better at. Knowing the protections. Knowing to pick up the blitzes, knowing which way my lines slide, and when I do
Make the protection and just things like that. So I mean, there’s always things to get better at and just with this type of offense you can learn something new about it every day. If you want to see Kaden Salter and the rest of the flames in action,
Come on out to the Liberty Football spring game on March 2nd at Williams Stadium. There will be inflatables. There will be autographs. And most importantly, there will be a look at what’s to come in the 2024 season. So come on out to the spring game March 2nd. Sounds like a great time.
Another quick update from the gridiron. Do you guys remember X■Zauvea Gadlin? Yes. How do you not I mean, how do you forget that guy? The offensive lineman had an all conference season with the flames and impressive performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl. And now he’s been invited to the 2024 NFL combine.
Gadlin is among 321 prospects, 70 offensive linemen who were invited to Indy the annual workouts are set for February 26 through March 4th. Not sure if there is like a band playing at the combine, but if so, I have a feeling Gadlin will find a way to direct it. But really,
We all know he deserves to be in the spotlight. So looking forward to his shot at the next level. To the diamond. Baseball season is officially here in their first year in Conference USA, the flames are projected to finish second. While we’re still about a month away from seeing CUSA competition,
We wanted to give you a quick season preview of what to expect from this year’s team before Liberty takes the field to host Quinnipiac this weekend. This group’s fun to coach and it gives me energy and gives them the energy and all those things that you want to be
There are certainly there for us in the preseason. I feel like we got a little bit of everything this year, so I mean, everyone’s going to get all we have. This team’s very gritty and just wants to compete and win so I’m excited to see what we can do.
I think the expectations are that we come out and be better than we were last year. We want to grow, we want to be good. And with the team that we have this year, there’s no telling how far we can go. I think we have a really good chance
To do something special this year. I know that we’re going to have a great time letting everybody know who we are. Any team playing against us, they’re gonna have a tough time beating us. It’s a great group. I’m looking forward to the ride with them.
Well, if that doesn’t get you fired up for baseball season, then there’s no helping you. But if you are looking forward to this liberty season, you should check out this week’s Flame Central podcast, powered by Alcova mortgage. Our guest with Flames, baseball coach Scott Jackson.
And he talked about what’s on the horizon for his squad How excited are you about this season and what are what is the main strength for this team going in? Yeah, good question. I think the thing that I’m most excited about is, is like the journey with this group of guys.
Like, I don’t know what God’s got for us, but Richie McKay told me something when I first got here that’s always stuck with me. Get, get it, Get a bunch of guys you can lose with and go to war with. And that’s always just stuck with me.
And man, these guys are they’re going to be so much fun just the way that they’ve worked. And, you know, we’ve got some, some true, I think leaders on our team, some older players that are mature. So I think that’s what I’m looking forward to most. You know, it’s such a
I don’t want to say a grind, but it’s a long season. You know, we play 55 games and you just want to you want to do it with people that you enjoy being around, whether it’s your staff or your players. And we just had a blast with this group since the fall.
I’ve just I mean, it’s been awesome. to hear more from this interview, including Coach Jackson, Joe Jauch and Emily Austen sharing their personal stories about running marathons. Who doesn’t want to hear that. Check out this week’s podcast. We also cover the Super Bowl and more importantly, talk Liberty Hoops, The Flames
Central Podcast Powered by Alcova Mortgage. A new episode releases every Monday. You can listen or watch on the Liberty Flame’s YouTube channel. Matt Warner did not have a marathon story. Hey, we need to get Dot Richardson on the podcast soon. She’s always entertaining. And speaking of Dot
We all know how she really pushes her team in that non-conference schedule. The Lady Flames taking on UCF. Rachel Roupe already off to a hot start this season here, recording her 100th career RBI. But let’s go to the seventh The Lady Knights leading 7-2 Last chance for LU and Megan Fortner knows it
As she delivers a two run triple to deep center field. Time for a little two out rally maybe, and it’s an opposite field double for Haley Deeter. That brings the tying run to the plate. However, too little too late as UCF holds on for this seven five victory.
All right, let’s head to the links. We gave you an update on former flame Kieren Vincent last week. He’s been a busy guy since leaving the mountain back in 2022. Today, he’s playing on a LIV tour with John Ram■s Legion 13 team where they just picked up
Their first team win at LIV Mayakoba a couple weeks ago. And now let’s catch up with the former flame, Kieren It’s been an eventful year and a half since you left the mountain. What’s one word you would use to describe your journey so far? I would say adventurous.
I’ve gone to so many different destinations, so many different places, experience many cool people, you know, traveled the world and just have a blast while doing it. And so that’s been adventurous, to say the least. Yeah, it’s been so fun to try and keep up with what country you’re in.
But let’s go back to this past December. You had to win a spot in a playoff at the Liv Golf Promotions event. What was the pressure like in that situation? It was actually kind of surreal because it made the that chapter so important.
It was good to kind of be able to go through the long tiredness of that whole tournament, to be able to kind of reap the rewards of playing this year And so it was it was a long day. It was a hard day. It was a grueling test, both mentally and physically.
And, yeah, obviously going about it and playing that 36 holes in that final day, you know, coming down to the last couple of shots, it it was it was nerve wracking, to say the least. But I guess you can say the pressure paid off
Because then you found yourself on John Rohm■s Legion 13 team. How did you guys meet or get connected? Yes, actually, the the first time I ever met John was we had a photo shoot for the LIV golf teams and events. And so I got the call that I was on John’s team
On that Monday when I was down in in Miami for the photo shoot and about 2 hours later, John came in. And so that was the first time I met him. Super nice guy from the get go. Very warm, very welcoming.
And I just knew, like, wow, like this is this is really cool. Like, not only is an awesome opportunity, but like, this guy is just so down to earth, such such a nice guy. Obviously, the addition of the other two guys in our team, Turtle Hatton.
Caleb, it was just, it’s just been such a great time because we’re all new to LIV golf and we’re all new to like each other. And so we■re learning each other We■re learning like the ropes. And so, yeah, it’s just been a been an awesome time.
And obviously John’s just been a great part of that because he’s, you know, he’s just such a nice guy both on and off the golf course. And your brother Scott has been playing with LIV since 2022. How has it been playing on tour with him? Great. He is an awesome guy and
We’ve just obviously missed each other being, you know, from five years apart would be in high school or be it college golf or be it, you know, the beginning of his professional golf. Like we never really spend a whole lot of time together. And then I finally make it on
To Asian tour and he’s playing LIV golf. And then I was like, man, like, we just kind of missed each other so much. That is so special. Okay. Last question What has God taught you on this journey so far? Yeah, there’s he’s taught me so much.
I think patience has been the big thing. It’s not necessarily my time or my, like course. Basically, yeah. Once I was done after college in five years, I thought I had a decent season and. And the world would unravel in front of me and it didn’t.
And so I’m scrambling around trying to figure out what to do and coach graciously, you know, had me back for another year. And then, you know, you look at how the season unfolded. I got to play in PGA Tour Canada thinking I’m going to stick around in in North America
Because I’m accustomed like I’m used to this. I don’t necessarily want to go over to Asia like it’s it’s a great spot but it’s not good for me. And now all of a sudden, I find myself playing a full year out there, like meeting some awesome people.
And I’m like, know what, this is actually enjoyable. And so it’s just been a whirlwind of like emotions from like, hey, I think this is this is something I want to do. And God’s like, actually, like I got, you know, bigger and better plans for you.
And so it’s basically just kind of understanding like, hey, like I’m like, he’s in control. You know, his timing is perfect. And so I’ve kind of been very, very fortunate with that, that he’s is, you know, had my had my back every step of the way. And he’s definitely, you know, been there
With me every step of the way. And so it’s definitely been more of a realization as I as I look back and I look at how the years have kind of unfolded of like, man, like, like it’s definitely his timing, like, let’s just believe in that and trust in that.
Kieran, you have such an amazing testimony. Thanks so much for your time. Hey, don’t get too big time for us here on the mountain. No. I’ll be back sooner probably than you even think. Obviously, Liberty■s been such a core place for me. I’ve grown and it’s shaped the person that I am today.
So the college, the coaches, the everybody that’s kind of been there for me. All right. Well, we’ll continue to be your biggest fans. Best of luck on the rest of the LIV tour. All right. Coming up, after a quick time out, see how Liberty student athletes are showing their love
And appreciation on Valentine’s Day. Plus, Rett McGibbon joins the show to name his top athletes of the week. It’s warm, hot en fuego when Flames Central returns Hey, welcome back to the show. The Liberty basketball program is one that preaches family. Now, that’s not unusual in college athletics, but what is more unique
Is how many actual family members they have within their program. That list includes the Venzant■s Joseph, who you probably know from his three years here at Liberty, and Daniel, his older brother whose time in the Flames family only recently began. Joseph Venzant is in the midst of his best collegiate season
To Venzant, take some contact bucket and the foul And he just so happens to be doing it with his older brother sitting courtside. Daniel Venzant was a college basketball player himself, playing at both Cal State Fullerton and St Edward’s University before playing professionally. But recently, Daniel had begun to think
About a different role within the game. And that’s where Liberty comes in. Things just start to change for me, like I kind of wanted something new and I called Coach McKay. It just so happened that a spot opened up and, you know, Coach
Felt led to offer him the GA job and that it’s just a great opportunity for obviously us to get closer. But for him to get closer and his relationship with the with Christ and everything. So it’s a great opportunity for him and I’m glad he’s here.
Every time I watch him interact with one of our players or do a workout with with Joseph, I was like, Man, this guy is really good. His voice is fabulous. Daniel Venzant is a life speaker Being that Daniel is four years older than Joseph. The two haven’t been able
To spend much time together in recent years, but this opportunity at Liberty is bringing them closer than ever. Since I’ve been here, we’ve got like we bonded like so much more, which I love because now he’s older and I’m older. Like, you know, I’m saying like, we can have
Serious talks about things like if he’s going through something, if I’m going through something. So like, that’s been big for me, just like building that stronger relationship with him because we weren’t able to have that. And while Daniel has helped Joseph’s game Joseph plays better.
When Daniel’s around, it’s off the court where the two are developing a new love and admiration for each other. Yes. On the court, you know, I’m. I’m proud of him But like, what I’m more impressed with is what he brings off the court and just speaking life and everybody.
And to me, like he’s my little brother. But like, honestly, like he’s kind of someone I look up to in a way because, like, he’s very wise and he’s very mature for his age. So it’s something that I’ve learned from him. He’s always been very disciplined and I think that’s his approach
To the game and to life I think I’ve always looked up to him like this, his ability to never give up, and he’s always been an overcomer. Having him here and having him being able to challenge me is something I need, he’s always challenging me to be better.
So I think it’s a great opportunity for him to be here. Thanks to Matt for producing that great piece. Brotherly love isn’t the only love in the air. With Valentine’s Day this week, Liberty student athletes wanting to make sure the staff members felt loved and appreciated
For all of their hard work and dedication. Here is a behind the scenes look at how they express their heartfelt gratitude. We’re sending Valentines to the staff at Liberty just appreciating them for all the support they give us. I think like focusing on loving others, is really cool.
They do a lot for us and deserve to be able to just feel appreciated. So we’re making cards and letters for them to show our appreciation for them Just to be able to serve those who have served us and just give back to those
Who have given a lot to us throughout the years. Hey, it’s Valentine’s Day, so that means it’s delivery day. Let’s go Happy Valentine’s Day Actually, we have some gifts for you. Oh my gosh You know, I think it’s just. It’s awesome, you know, student athletes athletes, they have busy schedules.
You know, they’ve got classes, practices lift, things like that. And for them to just take the time to kind of give back to us. You know, a lot of times our work goes unnoticed. And so the little things, whether it’s candy or just, you know, a little note,
Something like this, it just it means a lot. Thank you. Yes ma■am. Y■all are so sweet. And it just kind of reminds me of why I do what I do. Thank you so much. Happy Valentine’s Day. Great to See our athletes giving back to the people
That are working so hard behind the scenes. Alright Rett McGibbons here you know what that means. Warm, hot en fuego top play player moment from the past. week in Liberty athletics now right around here. You’re known as Dr. Love. yeah. So it’s fitting with this being Valentine’s week, right?
You have a Valentine’s theme? I do. I you know, I’m just thinking about relationships as Valentine’s Day. Everybody wants to have that special someone saying, Yeah, for warm. I think you don’t want to focus on the here and now. You want to think long term the long game, right? That’s right.
Nobody here recently has been better at the long game than Rachel. Roupe. I see. Yeah, exactly. Two run home, run, walk off. Winner for Rachel Roupe versus St John’s. Overall, so far this season, it has been a tremendous start for this young lady.
Last week she is to see CUSA Player of the Week, right? She went ten of 14 at the plate, hitting 714. She had triple. 2 home runs, four RBI. She is the key cog in this very young softball team. I want to put that out there for people. Maybe like what’s happening.
They are playing a tough non schedule. They always do that. But when you look at the pitching, you know, I call her baby faced Bachmann. All right. Faced Bachmann is the main one in the circle this season. They have after that’s all newcomers to this team is going to take
A little time to gel, give them some time. At the end of the day, they’re going to be really tough to get out. And it helps if Roupe continues. Exactly. Yeah. From warm we go to hot. All right. Also in a relationship, you want somebody that’s going to carry their weight, right?
You kind of want that balance. You know, you do maybe you do obviously want to do more than 50%. You kind of I think Desmond Coleman, this guy weight throw. He’s he’s just throwing exactly 68 feet and a half an inch broke the Liberty program record by 11 inches at the Darius Dixon.
All right. He was in fifth place and all of a sudden he’s just like right here. You can see who he is. And then boom, he knew number one takes first place. He know when he lets it go, does he go, woo! I think, you know, if they really show
The little Ric Flair action to it number one in Conference USA this season. But Desmond Coleman, this is a guy that’s come on this season and has just every time he’s out there he’s doing something new and even better. And great to see him holding a Liberty Program record now.
Yeah, finally, en fuego. I hope the folks have been taking notes about these tips. Exactly. This is a, you know, key in my marriage. So the last thing you need is a little bit of excitement. You do you know, you just you need a little thrill here. You have it all the time.
But there are certain times in life when you just want that spark, right? Yes. Kaden Metheny, basketball, 2.1 seconds left. And what does Kaden do? He gives you that spark in the romance that you need with Liberty Basketball, the huge triple call him the clutch factor, whatever you want. But what a shot.
Knocking off number one in the conference and just a great play by him 21 points on the night and most of those coming up after the half as well they he knew that the flames needed him to produce offensively and comes up with that big shot a huge dub for the team
And setting them up nicely here on the back half of conference play. Doctor Love Rett McGibbon Helping relationships and showing us some great performances. Great job, as always. All right. Still to come, some of your favorite Liberty athletes celebrate Valentine’s Day in a hilarious fashion. You don’t want to miss this.
That’s when Flames Central returns. Hey, welcome back to the show. Maybe you were able to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year with that special someone, all because of a charming opening line you delivered that kicked off the relationship. You know how I picked up my husband?
How’s that? I asked him. Do you have a map? And he said, No. Why? And I told him I just got lost in your eyes. You think that’s bad? Take a listen. As some Liberty student athletes pick up lines. My favorite one, Reagan Underwood. The wi-fi signal. That was great.
That delivery is perfect. I like the tennis. Always be in love. Won. All right, we’re about out of time. But be sure you check out the Flames Central podcast. Powered by Alcova mortgage. We drop a new episode every Monday. Go to LibertyFlamesCentral.com. For any stories that you might have missed for Emily.
I■m Matt, thanks so much for watching. We’ll see you right back here next week.
1 Comment
I read "Gadlin's Road to Pro Baseball is Coming" on the thumbnail and was confused 🤣