Nov. 2, 2005

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  Ian,

What can be done about the officiating in the Big 12? I know they will not change the outcome of games, but what happens if the Big 12 finds egregious, game changing errors?

Jonathan Stinson
Cibolo, Texas

Jonathan,

I realize that there was a lot of frustration among Baylor fans with the officiating in last Saturday's game versus Texas Tech. The Big 12 has a process in place that allows each institution to submit plays that it believes were incorrectly called to the conference office for review. The Big 12 Supervisor of Officials and three evaluators review the videotape and will inform the institution of its findings. Coach Morriss and his staff have availed themselves of this opportunity each week.

As you know, we have implemented instant replay review in the Big 12 this season. Our collective goal in making this investment was to best ensure that the correct calls are being made. I strongly support the use of instant replay, however, I believe that the execution has not been ideal in our inaugural season.

Any determinations of errors by officials would be handled internally between the Conference's Supervisor of Officials and the game or replay officials involved.

Ian

I would like to begin by congratulating everyone in your department, as well as yourself for the excellent job you are doing at Baylor. Baylor athletics is doing an outstanding job and the student athletes at our University are also doing a wonderful job.

I attended the Tech game this past weekend and had one question. When I went to the concession stand I noticed that there were speakers hanging overhead but nothing was being played. I was wondering if it is possible to play the radio commentary those speakers? I'm sure this would help keep fans informed of the game situation while in line. Thanks for your time and keep up the good work. Sic 'em Bears!

Alfredo Salinas
Eagle Pass, Texas

Alfredo,

Thank you for the kind words and I am glad that you made it to the Homecoming game. We had a large crowd and festive atmosphere.

On the west side of the stadium we have speakers that broadcast of the game to fans in the concourse area. On the east side, due to some remodeling that has taken place, the speakers are not currently active. I appreciate your suggestion.

Ian

I was wondering if you had contacted the Big 12 about the fact that the head linesman for the Nebraska football game was a former Nebraska quarterback? Whether or not we had won or lost, that is still a huge conflict of interest.

Matt Easley
Richmond, Texas

Matt,

Thanks for the e-mail.

Yes, we contacted the Big 12 in advance of the Nebraska - Baylor game regarding the game official being a former Nebraska quarterback and expressed concern that this represented a perceived conflict of interest. The Big 12 officiating policy allows for alums to call games involving his/her institution and therefore this individual was on the field for the game.

Ian

You were recently asked about football ticket prices for the A&M game and commented that Baylor is having to increase its own prices to remain competitive in the Big 12. While I recognize that Baylor is trying to compete with UT, Oklahoma, etc., it also seems to me that Baylor needs to be reaching out to the Waco community to build its local fan base.

We are going to have an empty north end zone for the foreseeable future (except when A&M or UT come to town). Why not offer those seats at a nominal price to local residents? Seems to me that it would be better to get some revenue from those seats and fill them with warm bodies than to drape an attractive tarp over that section.

Thanks,

Alan Bennett
Waco, Texas

Alan,

Thank you for the question. It is one that our marketing staff thoroughly considers and debates. We decided to offer discounted prices for end zone seats for certain games this season including Samford, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. However, for the two premium games, Nebraska and Texas, we did not offer such tickets.

Our rationale is that we need to establish a value for premium games that is in line with Big 12 pricing in order to generate much needed revenue for our athletic program. In addition, we don't want to diminish the value of our season tickets and full price tickets by constantly offering discounted tickets.

At the same time, we must continue to build the fan base and encourage new fans including some who may not have the means to pay for season tickets or premium tickets to experience Baylor football. Bottom line: we believe that this is the best strategy at this time for our program.

Ian

I don't know if you can help with this, so I have sent a message to the Bear Foundation as well. The "Bear Zone" facility is great and I've enjoyed it for many years. The new metal structure is a wonderful addition and I appreciate everything that was done to upgrade the facilities.

Thanks for the great job you're doing at Baylor. You ARE appreciated.

Sandra Matthews
Waxahachie, Texas

Sandra,

Thank you for the e-mail. We have received a wonderful response to the new Bear Zone area behind the south end zone. This is a tremendous benefit available to Baylor Bear Foundation members at the $300 level. If you have not already done so, be sure to renew your membership or join the Bear Foundation to participate in this wonderful pre-game gathering each game.

I appreciate your support!

Ian

I am sure you have gotten this question all season, but maybe if I add to it it might finally get answered. When will the traditional gold football helmets come back? They are Baylor, green helmets are not.

Joshua Knudson
Chico, Calif.

Joshua,

Yes, this is not the first time I have had a question about gold or green helmets. You may have noticed that the gold helmets reappeared for the Texas Tech game. I expect that you will see them on a regular basis, although the green helmets will be used on occasion.

Ian

We are expecting another large crowd for the Baylor - Texas game on Saturday. We expect this to be our third consecutive crowd of more than 40,000. This will be the first time that we have had three consecutive crowds of over 40,000 since 1995.

In addition, this will be Baylor's sixth television appearance of the season including five of the last six games. This represents an incredible amount of exposure and is very beneficial in terms of revenue enhancement, recruiting and institutional marketing.

Congratulations to our five Baylor University Athletic Hall of Fame inductees: football standouts Ray Berry and Bruce Davis; two-sport star Luke Prestridge; women's basketball's Babette Metcalf Eikenberg; and track's Glynn Fields. David Alexander will join this group as he will be inducted into the Wall of Honor. The enshrinement activities take place beginning at 7:00 on Friday (Nov. 4) evening at the Galloway Suite in Floyd Casey Stadium.

As previously mentioned, ground has recently been broken for the new basketball practice facility. This will result in some reduction of parking and changes in traffic patterns at the Ferrell Center. Lady Bear fans should plan accordingly as the team opens with an exhibition game on Monday night at 7:00 p.m.