Submit your questions for Ian now!
Ian,
I really enjoy watching Inside Baylor Sports each week. It is a great show. Can you tell me why the out-takes at the end of the program were eliminated. Keep up the good work!
Chris
Waco, Texas
Chris,
There was a feeling among a number of us that the out-take segment at the end of the Inside Baylor Sports program negatively reflected upon both the quality of the broadcast and the talent. We are very pleased and proud of the outstanding work that goes into developing such a comprehensive magazine format show on Baylor Athletics and believe that our fans enjoy this program. This was a relatively minor change, however, one that we feel better represents the high standards that we hold for this show and the athletic program at Baylor.
Thank you for the observation and excellent question.
Ian
Ian, Thank you for providing this opportunity for fans to ask questions. I look forward to it each week and I know others do, too. I was wondering if you could provide an update on the installation of the new playing surface at Floyd Casey Stadium. Will photos be available on the web site in the near future?
Jerry
McGregor, Texas
Jerry,
The project involving the installation of the new synthetic surface is on schedule. The sub-surface work has been completed and the "beige surface" on the exterior has been reduced to the extent possible without affecting drainage.
The new synthetic surface will begin to be installed next week. We will post photos showing the installation process on www.BaylorBears.com very shortly. Once again, this project will be completed in time for spring practice.
Thanks for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoy reading this column each week.
Ian
Ian, Please help me understand something. If a father commits a crime, wouldn't the punishment rest upon him and/or his accomplices rather than on his children and immediate family? This is the picture I see as the sanctions against the Baylor Basketball program unfold. I feel like Baylor is punishing the basketball players, basketball program, and the Baylor college community for the improper behavior of the coach and those who had responsibility for the program.
I am not questioning the authority of the University, but I truly do not understand. There are so many innocent victims. It just makes me sad. Thanks for listening to a mother of a student who totally loves and supports Baylor.
Nancy Hewes
Arlington, Texas
Nancy,
We are pleased that the internal investigation has been completed and the report is being filed with the NCAA. This is an important step in moving the process toward closure. The sanctions are severe, however, we are encouraged that no further post-season penalties were recommended.
We have implemented a series of corrective measures to increase safeguards and protect Baylor against rules violations including expanding the compliance staff, increasing NCAA rules education, scheduling a NCAA compliance review by the Big 12 Conference and changing the student-athlete drug testing protocol.
I feel very fortunate to serve a President and University that has demonstrated such a high level of integrity in addressing the disgraceful behavior exhibited in this scandal.
Moreover, I am increasingly confident of the bright future of the men's basketball program under the leadership and integrity of Scott Drew.
Ian
Ian, I understand why you left UMass to go to Baylor. It's freezing up here.
My question is this: You launched 5 year plans at both Northeastern and UMass that were wildly successful. Do you have any such plan for Baylor? If and when you form one, how can we alums get a copy?
Sic'em
Ben Johnson
Boston, Mass.
Ben,
Sorry about the weather in Boston. You would not be pleased with me if I gave you a weather report from Texas!
Thank you for the question about the strategic plan. We are moving forward in the process and will have a working draft completed in short order. In the meantime, we have already begun to implement some of the action items and strategies for improvement including the compliance measures that were referenced in the question from Bill.
Once the strategic plan is completed and approved by Dr. Sloan, we will consider posting much of the information on the BaylorBears.com website so that fans can learn about our goals, vision and action items in order to enhance Baylor Athletics!
Ian
Ian, In his chat wrap the other day Guy Morris stated that the Big Boys in our conference outspend Baylor as much as 3-4 times. What are you doing to ratchet up the giving process to the football program so that we can start to close this gap. A lot of people are frustrated with the academic side of things right now and the leadership there. They refuse to give until they are confident their funds will be spent wisely. This WAS true of the previous leadership in the Athletic Department. Now that you are here that has changed. They are very optimistic about your leadership and the athletic side of Baylor. I ask b/c you seem to be a very smart guy. I am sure you have a great plan.
Dusty McGinty
Houston, Texas
Editor's Note: A similar question was recently received from Steve Jordan (Waco, Texas).
Dusty,
Thank you for the kind words and questions.
Baylor's athletic budget is toward the bottom of the Big 12. With that, it is fair to say that many institutions in the conference spend more than double the amount that Baylor expends annually. However, that does not mean that we cannot be successful. It is imperative that we enhance our revenue streams and identify operating efficiencies. Moreover, we must make very wise business decisions and be good stewards of our resources. We simply don't have the virtually unlimited resources that some state institutions are afforded.
We can assure all Baylor fans that your contributions to the Bear Foundation, sport excellence funds, capital projects and the athletic endowment will be allocated where they are designated and utilized wisely.
This weekend we are kicking off the Baylor Bear Foundation fund drive, so if you have not already joined the BBF, please make your contribution today and also join our Bear to Bear program by asking a friend to join you in supporting Baylor Athletics! For more information, contact the Bear Foundation at 254.710.2582.
Ian
Ian, On a recent Ask Ian, you mentioned the possibility of developing a new bear logo. I think I can speak for many alumni when I say this is a great idea. I think if you conducted a poll on baylorbears.com, the support would be overwhelming.
Matt Measley
Waco, Texas
Matt,
Thank you for the question about the Bear logo.
We have recognized that there is limited enthusiasm for the current Bear logo. That is not helpful in our efforts to increase licensing royalties and merchandising revenues. In turn, we are visiting with the campus graphic standards committee, the licensing office and Collegiate Licensing Company about the possibility of developing a new Bear logo.
We are interested in fans opinions of the Bear logo and will conduct a poll on BaylorBears.com to solicit feedback about this subject.
I appreciate your support and ideas!
Ian
Hello Ian, My question was about the Diamond Girls. My girlfriend was interested in becoming one. She absolutely loves baseball and loves going to watch the Baylor baseball team. How could she go about joining this group?
Thanks for everything you do!
Kevin Barrera
Waco, Texas
Kevin,
Thank you for the question about the Diamond Girls.
They are a group of approximately 20 Baylor students who are dedicated to assisting the baseball program in a variety of areas both on and off the field. Among the areas they contribute are with administrative tasks in the baseball office, game operations, marketing and promotions.
We appreciate the terrific support that they afford Coach Smith and the baseball program. Baylor students interested in joining the Diamond Girls can contact Margaret Smith at 710-3029 for more information.
Ian
Ian, Hello. Thank you for doing a great job. My question is about the men's basketball program. Are there any plans for an "appreciation" game for the athletes (scholarship, non and walk-on) who did such a great job in a difficult year? Or is there a way for alumni to let them know that we appreciate their effort? I believe that they played (and practiced) in a manner that deserves recognition from the school.
Crystal Sanders
Tulsa, Okla.
Crystal,
Thank you for the kind words about the men's basketball team and your appreciation for how well they have handled adversity. Virtually every Baylor fan who I speak with expresses similar sentiments about the tremendous attitude and effort that this team exhibits every time it takes the floor.
We will have special tributes at the final home games for both the women's team (Saturday, Feb. 28 versus Texas A&M) and men's team (Wednesday, March 3 versus Kansas State). In addition to recognizing the seniors, who have accomplished so much during their careers, we will have a recognition of each team where fans can express their appreciation to our outstanding coaching staffs and student-athletes!
Let's fill up the Ferrell Center on these two nights and let these two programs know how much we appreciate what they have accomplished this season!
Ian
