Submit your questions for Ian now!
Ian,
Why does the NCAA not reward the higher seeds with home court in the tournament's opening rounds? Whose idea was it to make this change? I don't like it and hear the coaches don't either.
Jenna
McGregor, Texas
Jenna,
The NCAA women's basketball committee implemented a process to select pre-determined sites for its first and second round competition two years ago. They identified benefits as being more advantageous for television and competitive equity (high seeds at home were deemed to be almost unbeatable). However, there has been considerable opposition and concern expressed by coaches and administrators about a competitive advantage now being given to lower seeds who are less deserving.
This discussion will continue to rage on and in my view a model similar to baseball would make sense wherein a handful of sites are pre-selected weeks before the championship based upon being high seeds and suitable host facilities. Additional sites will be chosen on selection Sunday to complete the field the host locations.
This is an excellent question.
Ian
Ian, I understand that Baylor may be adding another women's team in the future. Can you provide any more information?
Keep up the great work.
Richard
Waco, Texas
Richard,
We are in the process of conducting a student interest survey which is done once every three years to determine the interest or viability of additional programming. Upon completion and review of this survey and an analysis of other pertinent information we will develop a gender equity plan for Baylor Athletics.
This will be a component of the athletic department strategic plan that will be presented to President Sloan in the late spring or early summer. Also, the gender equity plan will be a centerpiece of the materials that we will present as part of the NCAA certification process that begins next academic year.
Ian
Ian, I was impressed by the performance of our men's track and field team last weekend at the NCAA Championships. Can you comment on the team's effort, especially given that they have no indoor training facility?
Will
Waco, Texas
Will,
Congratulations are in order for Coach Hart, his staff and especially the student-athletes who represented Baylor in outstanding fashion at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships last weekend in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
The performance of Jeremy Wariner and the 4x400 relay team put Baylor in the national spotlight, garnered widespread media attention and accolades from the track and field community.
It is especially impressive given that Baylor does not have an indoor track and field facility for these student-athletes to regularly train upon.
Ian
Hey Ian, I just had a question regarding the new football practice facility that has been talked about a lot recently. With the success of both track teams recently, would it be possible to somehow incorporate an indoor track and additional weight training facilities so that both the track and football team's needs are met? Thanks for your willingness to answer these questions.
Jeremy Johnson
Philadelphia, PA
Editor's Note: A similar question was received from John Ferrell (Hurst, Texas)
Jeremy,
Certainly there is always a possibility of developing a multi-purpose facility to accommodate football and track. However, my sense is that there are not necessarily any efficiencies created by attempting to combine these two programs in one facility.
If private funding and Regent approval are forthcoming, we are interested in considering virtually any facility project that positively impacts Baylor student-athletes and the athletic programs.
Thank you for your support!
Ian
Ian, I was wondering if BU could use a sound bite of a bear growl during sporting events similar to the way Penn State uses its Nittany Lion growl. We could use it for effect on key plays to really get the crowd going. I believe this would be a tremendously intimidating tool in both Floyd Casey and the Ferrell Center.
Thanks for fielding my question.
Trent Collier
Waco, Texas
Trent,
This is an excellent idea and one that has been discussed previously. As you point out, there is usually a tradeoff between those who want to add to the noise level and atmosphere versus others who prefer a more balanced entertainment experience.
I will run this past some of our marketing folks and we will give this serious consideration.
I appreciate your idea and interest in Baylor Athletics!
Ian
Ian, I've got a question and a request for you:
(1) When will our men's basketball team be able to participate in post season play again?
(2) In Floyd Casey, either on the turf or on the press box, please consider painting "Baylor University, Chartered By The Republic of Texas in 1845".
Thanks
Dan Mullins
San Antonio, Texas
Dan,
As you know, Baylor self-imposed a postseason ban for this year only based upon the internal investigative committee's recommendations and consultation with the NCAA. In turn, we look forward to participating in postseason competition beginning next season.
I appreciate your comments about the added d?cor to Floyd Casey Stadium. We are in the final stages of completing the installation of the new synthetic surface (please see photos on BaylorBears.com main page). Once that is complete, we will consider making some aesthetic improvements as well.
We appreciate your question and support!
Ian
