Nov. 18, 2004
Ian,
Samford is now on the schedule for 2005 in football. A lot of folks were hoping we'd schedule a team that is closer to home so it would help recruiting and attendance.
Earlier this year, your "Ask Ian" column made reference to the possible addition of a 12th game (pending NCAA approval). Can you tell us when the decision is expected to be made? Also, any idea of potential opponents and dates?
Andy Pennington
San Antonio, Texas
Andy,
Thank you for the question.
We have now completed the 2005 football schedule with the addition of Samford. We had conversations with a number of institutions regarding this date and Samford was determined to be the best alternative available. Regrettably, even with this addition, we have an imbalanced schedule for next year based upon existing contracts and an unusual Big 12 schedule.
There is a proposal in the NCAA legislative cycle that was sponsored by the Big 12 Conference to allow for 12 regular season football games each year beginning in 2005. There seems to be growing support for this proposal, however, a large portion of its support is from institutions and conferences that favor implementation for 2006. This legislation will be voted on this April, and my sense is that the majority will favor going to 12 games beginning in 2006.
We are in conversations with institutions about future contests, however, we are awaiting the resolution of the 12th game issue before moving forward with agreements.
Ian
Ian, Well, it was a tough loss to Texas Tech this past week, but I thought the team played extremely well in the first half. With the season almost over, I was just wondering if you tell us how recruiting is going for next year, not only in football, but other sports, too.
Randy Gonzalez
Waco, Texas
Randy,
Thank you for the e-mail.
There has been a great deal of positive media attention and excitement following the announcement of Baylor's recruiting classes in several sports this past week. All of our coaches are recruiting at a very high level and selling the high quality student-athlete experience that we offer at Baylor: opportunity to compete alongside and against the best competition in the nation; the Big 12 Conference; outstanding education at a private institution; Christian environment; terrific campus life and exceptional people.
In addition to the signings that were announced last week, we do have a number of verbal commitments in other sports including football. Unfortunately, NCAA rules to not permit us to announce recruits until they sign a National Letter of Intent. You can follow recruiting information on several unofficial websites including rivals.com, Baylorfans.com and through several other media sources that cover Baylor Athletics on a regular basis
Ian
Ian, I don't know who deserves the credit for the decision, but adding J.J. Joe to the radio booth has improved the broadcast tremendously. His insight, in only his first year as a commentator, is always on-point. I hope he will be convinced to return in that role next season and for many to come.
James E. Perry
Dallas, Texas
James,
I appreciate your e-mail and kind words about J.J. Joe.
I agree that J.J. has been a terrific addition to our broadcast team and he has clearly been well received by Baylor fans. Much of the credit for his inclusion on the broadcast team goes to John Morris who recommended J.J. We have received very positive feedback about J.J. and his work alongside John Morris and Ricky Thompson.
Ian
Ian, Thank you for asking for input from local fans on the new bear logo. My only disappointment is in the fact that you scheduled the focus group for a Wednesday night when many fans are active in their local churches. Will you be hosting another focus group in the future on a different evening?
J.B. Owen
McGregor, Texas
J.B.,
Thank you for the e-mail regarding the logo project. We were constrained to holding the focus group sessions on Wednesday based upon travel schedules and athletic events. The following is an update on our progress.
We completed a second round of focus group meetings last week wherein a number of new and revised illustrations were reviewed. Once again, these focus groups consisted of staff, alumni, coaches, students and student-athletes. A high percentage of the participants favored one of the Bear heads that was presented. There was a general feeling that some more work was necessary in developing the body within the control shape and that is now being undertaken.
Bottom line: we are making progress in the development of the new identity system and looking forward to a final product that will be appealing to the Baylor family and generate increased sales of Baylor merchandise.
Ian
Ian, First of all, Ian, I would like to say keep up the good work! In regards to the "Gold Rush" question this past week, I had discussed this with a few of my fellow students after the Texas A&M game and we all agreed that it is difficult to get fans excited about wearing bright yellow, especially to a football game. We thought that if Baylor produced green shirts that were to be worn to football games, the results would be much better. Is this idea a possibility?
Jamie Norman
Waco, Texas
Jaime,
Thank you for the e-mail and it is timely as we have had internal discussions about this issue in recent weeks.
I have been incredibly impressed over the last several weeks in watching how fans from other Big 12 schools support their team by wearing the designated school color. Nebraska fans were a sea of red when we played in Lincoln; A&M fans were easy to distinguish at Floyd Casey wearing maroon; Texas Tech fans seemingly wore nothing other than red and black; and one member of our staff remarked that Oklahoma State fans (wearing orange) appeared to be holding a hunter's convention.
We need all Baylor fans showing up in large numbers and wearing gold to create the same type of atmosphere and support that these other Big 12 schools enjoy. This is really not about making a fashion statement! It is about showing your pride in Baylor and supporting our team!
We have many of our fans wearing gold to games and are appreciative for their support. Now we need the remaining fans to join them in order to turn our stadiums and arenas gold!
Ian
Ian, What are we doing to make sure that KMR never even thinks about going to another school?
Brandon Avants
Atlanta, Ga.
Brandon,
The best way for Baylor fans to express their support of Coach Mulkey-Robertson and the Lady Bears is to buy season tickets, join the Tip-Off Club and come out to support the team at the Ferrell Center. We have one of the nation's best women's basketball programs thanks to Coach Mulkey-Robertson, her staff and student-athletes. We need the greater Waco community and Baylor alumni and friends to be a part of this outstanding program by calling 710-1000 and ordering your tickets today!
Also, I want to offer my special appreciation to the Baylor band along with the thousands of Lady Bear fans who traveled to Austin on Sunday to support the team in the State Farm Tip-Off Classic.
It was a terrific game featuring two of the top 10 teams in the nation and an equally outstanding atmosphere for women's college basketball. I had the opportunity to watch some of the coverage on ESPN2 and Baylor fans certainly made their presence felt on national television as they did in the stands! Great job!
Ian
Hi Ian, I saw that the Oklahoma game is televised. I think the exposure is great for our football program especially with the momentum they've generated lately. Anyhow, since we are coming up on the holiday season, many people put in extra hours at work where maybe we have online access but not TV. Is there a way to catch the game online live either on a pay per view basis on Fox Sports or at BearCast?
Thanks for your time & keep up the great work!
Elia
Dallas, Texas
Elia,
Thank you for the e-mail and your strong support!
We are excited about the final home game on Saturday's against No. 2 Oklahoma. The game will be a split national television broadcast on Fox Sports beginning at 11:00 central time. However, we want all of our local fans in attendance to cheer on the Bears and appropriately send off this senior class.
While we are unable to provide a live web cast since the game is being telecast over the air, we'll have complete game highlights in our BearCast and you'll be able to listen live on the web at www.baylorbears.com to the radio broadcast of Saturday's game.
The 19 seniors who will play their final game in a Baylor uniform on Saturday have done a great job in laying a solid foundation for the future of the football program. The have represented the program and university in a first class manner, and will be well remembered for playing a large role in Baylor's exciting 35-34 overtime win over Texas A&M three weeks ago.
Please join me at Floyd Casey Stadium for senior day and Baylor versus Oklahoma on Saturday!
Ian
Final Thoughts Please keep assistant football coach Tom Adams in your prayers as he undergoes medical tests. Coach Adams is an outstanding coach and person, and we wish him the very best.
I had the privilege of attending a memorial service for former Baylor Regent Dale Jones last Friday. Dale was a great friend to many of us associated with Baylor Athletics and a strong supporter of our programs. His was a life well lived and he will be deeply missed.
Finally, best wishes to you and yours for a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday season.
Ian
