Aug. 10, 2005
Ian,
Do you think the fans and the general public will ever know the real reason why Emily is leaving Baylor? Does Emily realize that by not talking the rumors run wild and this does not do Emily any good with her future?
David Clark
Waco, Texas
Editor's Note: A similar question was received by Michael Grady (Midwest City, Okla.)
David,
Thank you for the question and the concern that you and many other Lady Bear fans have expressed regarding Emily Neimann. I do not believe that the general public will know all of the factors that contributed to this decision. I am hopeful that the rumors and speculation surrounding this matter will cease and that the focus will soon turn to supporting the 2005-06 Lady Bears.
Ian
Ian, This concerns future scheduling. In the past, the general rule of thumb was the attempt to set up future schedules advantageous to Baylor players and fans by playing as many home games as possible.
This meant that:
With an 11-game schedule, Baylor would always play six home games, and
With a 12-game schedule, Baylor would always play seven home games.
Is Baylor going to continue this scheduling approach in deference to Baylor fans and players by providing optimum home base support to the Bears as they improve Baylor's football fortunes?
Thank you,
Wayne Peterson
Etoile, TX
Wayne,
We are currently building future football schedules that we believe will be conducive to both our fans and the team. As you know, the NCAA has approved 12-game schedules beginning in 2006. In constructing these schedules, we project to have a number of years with seven home games. There are also some years, due to existing contracts that are in place, where it appears that we will have six home games. We will announce new series and contracts once they are executed.
Ian
Ian, I have more of a comment than a question. A group of posters on BaylorFans.com are committing to donate $100 per conference win towards the football indoor practice facility.
It is a wonderful opportunity for the Baylor family to come together and make a difference $100 at a time. It would be great to get the word out to all of the Baylor family to gain more support for the football program.
Sic'em Bears!
Matt Collins
San Diego, Calif.
Matt,
Thanks for the comment and your support of Baylor football. I am familiar with the support from the posters on Baylorfans.com and appreciate everyone's interest in supporting the on-campus football practice facility project.
As you know, this is vital to our continued progress in football under Coach Morriss and we are grateful for this expression of support. Hopefully, each poster will be paying many times the pledge amount as we compete for a bowl berth and Big 12 championship this season!
Ian
Ian, This is a follow-up to a previous Ask Ian question about new football uniforms. I was wondering how soon the new uniforms would be available in replica form on the online store. I was going to purchase the uniform that currently exists on the site, but when I heard the team would have new uniforms this season, I decided to wait until they're available.
Thanks for all you've done for the athletic department! Our alumni have never been prouder to call themselves Baylor Bears!
Adam Kaye
Katy, Texas
Adam,
Thank you for the excellent question and kind words. It is a great time to be a Baylor Bear!
We are working with the new manager of the Baylor Bookstore to ensure that we have a wide variety of merchandise available for our fans including replica jerseys when the season begins.
Ian
Ian, Will there be any travel packages to the West Point game?
Brian Allison
Mobile, Ala.
Brian,
There are many different travel packages available for Baylor fans who want to attend the Army game at West Point, New York. There has been overwhelming interest from alumni and fans who want to be a part of this event. More information about travel packages in available by calling the Baylor Bear Foundation at 254-710-2582.
Ian
Hi Ian, A few questions regarding our men's basketball program.
First, in years past, we have had some sort of "showcase event" for our basketball program, such as Midnight/Moonlight Madness.
Second, it has been discussed that there would be an attempt to have one of our conference games moved to December.
Thanks!
Ty McNeely
Waco, Texas
Ty,
Thanks for the questions.
We are working on an event to showcase the start of the men's and women's basketball seasons so keep watching BaylorBears.com for information on this special event.
We are seeking to move a men's conference basketball game into December. First we need to have a conference opponent willing and able to move to December. The date will be dependent upon available dates from this opponent.
Ian
Ian, With regard to the Baylor/ISP marketing partnership? Does this mean that we will now be able to have a selection of merchandise such as hats and shirts and other garments to buy in the major metropolitan areas of Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, San Antonio, etc.?
Joe Ratliff
Arlington, Texas
Joe,
Thank you for the question about the Baylor/ISP relationship. This partnership does not include merchandising.
ISP Sports is Baylor's corporate marketing and sales partner. ISP works with businesses who desire a marketing relationship with Baylor Athletics. They are doing terrific work and have already surpassed our corporate sales revenues from last year.
In addition, ISP has worked with our staff to develop the new Baylor-ISP Sports Network. Thanks to their efforts, coverage of Baylor Athletics will be better than ever. There will be a strong affiliate in the Houston market and a return to the airwaves in San Antonio.
For opportunities to partner with Baylor Athletics, Shawn Becket of ISP Sports can be reached at 254-710-3076.
Ian
Ian, Are there any plans (either with the BBF or the Alumni Association) for making the trip to SMU for the game? I was wondering if there would be a chance to take some buses up there. Parking looks pretty sparse and this could help some folks. If not, could there be an information notice on parking and what are the best methods for getting to and from the game there?
Bill Whitmire
Cameron, Texas
Bill,
There will be a strong Baylor presence at the SMU football game. The Baylor Network will be hosting a pre-game rally beginning at 5:00 p.m. at a location yet to be announced. We are looking forward to the start of football season and I hope that you will be able to join us in Dallas on September 3.
Ian
Closing Comments I hope that everyone has had a chance to read the recent release about the record licensing royalties this past year. I appreciate the tremendous support that we are receiving from all of our fans in terms of purchasing and wearing officially licensing Baylor apparel. We need everyone in the stands and wearing gold when we open the football season at home versus Samford on September 10.
The Grant Teaff Plaza project is coming along well and will be completed in time for the 2005 season. We will be posting some photos later this week to show the progress to date to our fans. We will also be making some additional improvements at Floyd Casey Stadium in advance of the season that I am certain you will appreciate.
If you have not renewed your season tickets, please do so by calling the Bear Foundation at 254-710-4214, or the ticket office at 710-1000.
Thank you for your incredible support of Baylor Athletics!
