Equestrian Program Begins Rebuilding Process
5/2/2006 12:00:00 AM | Equestrian
May 2, 2006
WACO, Texas - Saturday morning's tornado left a wake of disaster across southeast Waco as Baylor's temporary equestrian facilities were leveled by the winds. Head coach Ellen White's house, barns, and arena were all destroyed by the F1 tornado which brought winds estimated between 100-110 mph, number that were provided by the National Weather Service.
Baylor's coaches' offices were located in White's house and are a total loss as well - computers, printers, copy machines, etc. Most of Baylor's team apparel and horse equipment (saddles, bridles, jumps for English team, etc.) was also destroyed. In addition, two horses died in the disaster while a number required medical attention, and the program will incur significant expenses to house the survivors temporarily at McLennan Community College. Baylor also lost all the hay and feed that been purchased for the 20-plus horses at the facilities.
White's daughter, Shelby, a freshman English rider on Baylor's team, was in her bedroom about to go to bed when the wind began to destroy her house. S. White's bedroom was located in the front of the house on the second floor. The 19-year-old was nearly asleep when she started to hear the wind rattle her surroundings.
S. White was able to walk out of her bedroom window uninjured once the tornado had passed.
The White family and Baylor Athletics deeply appreciate the outpouring of support from friends, the community and fans. As many people have expressed interest in helping, White and her husband Greg encourage Baylor to accept donations to benefit the Equestrian program via the Equestrian Excellence Fund or the Equestrian Facility project. These donations will be used to help build Baylor's new facility, the Willis Family Equestrian Center, and replace everything that was destroyed at White's temporary facility.
