Sept. 23, 2011

BIG 12 INSTITUTIONS 'RE-COMMIT THEMSELVES': What a crazy few weeks it's been, with all the conference realignment talk and what seemed to be an inevitable push toward super conferences. But on Thursday, the Big 12 presidents pledged to grant their television rights to the conference for six years. No contracts had been signed as of Thursday, in part because some schools have to get the approval of their governing boards, league spokesman Bob Burda said. Although Texas A&M is expected to leave next year for the SEC, the remaining nine members appear to be committed to strengthening the conference and looking to expand to 10 and possibly back to 12 teams. Here is the statement from Baylor University President Ken Starr:

"We are pleased that the Presidents of the Big 12 institutions have come together this evening to re-commit themselves to our heartland Conference. Our efforts are now focused on working together to make the Big 12, for the long term, one of the strongest athletic conferences in the nation. The actions taken this evening pay tribute to the needs of student-athletes and their families and preserve the storied historic rivalries so valued by our alumni and citizens of our stats. We are immensely grateful for the superb work of University of Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton in skillfully guiding this process. As a result of Chancellor Deaton's outstanding leadership, our member institutions are now focused on a vibrant future for the Big 12 Conference and moving ahead together."

For a message from Baylor Director of Athletics Ian McCaw, please read his open letter to the Baylor Nation below:

To the Baylor Nation -

Thank you for the incredible support that you have offered Baylor Athletics and our teams, coaches and student-athletes during the recent turbulent days of BCS conference realignment. We have been uplifted by the great attendance at Floyd Casey Stadium this season, constant affirmation of our position and steady stream of encouragement from alumni and friends.

We are greatly encouraged by the excellent work that is being done to stabilize and strengthen the Big 12, and are thankful for the leadership being provided not only by Baylor's Board of Regents, Judge Starr and his executive council, but our colleagues throughout the conference. While we are not yet at a point where we can declare stability, there is much progress to be celebrated.

We are pleased that the Presidents of the Big 12 institutions came together last evening to re-commit themselves to our Conference. Our efforts are now focused on working together to make the Big 12, for the long-term, one of the nation's strongest athletic conferences. These actions pay tribute to the needs of student-athletes and their families, and preserve the storied historic rivalries valued by our alumni and the region's citizens.

Big 12 membership is arguably one of Baylor's greatest institutional assets, and one that should not be taken for granted. Over the last 15 years, Baylor Athletics has produced many academic and athletic successes, and we believe even greater success is on the horizon for all of our programs. Baylor's 42 conference championships in eight different sports are 13 more than it won in 81 years of Southwest Conference membership, and our student-athletes continue to excel in the classroom evidenced by their combined 3.20 cumulative grade-point average during the 2010-11 academic year.

Numerous fans have asked what they can do to help Baylor and support its efforts. At the top of the list is purchasing tickets for any of the remaining home football games, including our game at Cowboys Stadium against Texas Tech, and cheering on our 17th-ranked Bears to victory. With excitement for the upcoming men's and women's basketball teams at an all-time high, fueled by pre-season rankings for both teams, there is no time like now to demonstrate your commitment by securing season tickets today.

Moreover, we need our alumni and friends to join with us as we continue to invest in our athletic programs and in support of our student-athletes who are achieving at such an extraordinary level. The future we envision requires both the commitment of the University and the support of our fans. Please make a gift - at whatever level you can - to the Bear Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund. This important fund provides scholarship support for student-athletes. Your gift joined with the gifts of others among the Baylor Nation will impact today's athletes and those to come. Please make a gift now.

Baylor Athletics is poised for a tremendous year and bright future, however, we need Baylor Nation to demonstrate its strength in a more powerful way than ever before. Please find ways to increase your support of Baylor Athletics and encourage others to do the same.

Thank you for all you are doing for Baylor.

Ian McCaw
Director of Athletics