Submit your questions for Ian now!
Ian,
I was just wondering if there is anything that Baylor can do as far as filing a complaint about the officiating crew in the Baylor women's basketball game against Tennessee. The controversial call at the end of the game was very upsetting to me as well as basketball fans across the nation. Is there any way to ensure that veteran referee crews are working such important games?
Thank you very much for your time. How about an extension for Coach Mulkey-Robertson? We all love her!
Josh Passauer
Dulles, Va.
Editor's Note: A similar letter was received from Sean Gardner of Chicago, Ill.
Josh,
Thank you for the e-mail and your thoughts are shared by many in the Baylor community. As you know, Baylor and the Big 12 Conference submitted requests to the NCAA Women's Basketball Committee to review and provide clarification regarding the events at the conclusion of the Baylor - Tennessee women's basketball game. We have received notification from the NCAA committee that the letters have been received and that we will be provided with a response.
Baylor is very fortunate to have such strong leadership in its women's basketball program from head coach Kim Mulkey-Robertson and we look forward to a long and successful relationship with her.
Ian, I just finished watching the Baylor women's basketball Sweet 16 game. As angered as I am, I want to congratulate Jessika, Dionne, and the rest of the Lady Bears! They played their hearts out. Got Mulk? WE DO!
I am pleased with all you have given to Baylor University Athletics.
Concerning the team do we know of any recruits the Lady Bears are getting next year.
Sic'em BEARS!
Andrea R. Thomas
Dallas, Texas
Andrea,
Thank you for the kind words.
It is hard not to be disappointed in the manner in which the Baylor - Tennessee women's basketball game concluded and certainly we have read and heard similar comments from national media covering the tournament. At the same time, I appreciate your affirming comments regarding the Lady Bears and the seniors who provided so many exciting moments for Baylor fans this year.
The Lady Bears have signed two guards for next season, Chisa Ononiwu and Angela Tisdale. In addition, another top prospect has verbally committed to Baylor and is eligible to sign a national letter of intent later this month.
Ian
Ian, Is there any truth to the possibility of an Ivy League South forming? Baylor, Rice, Vanderbilt and other like schools like this would form the new division.
Thomas R. DeGoey,br> Wildwood, Mo.
Thomas,
Thank you for the question about conference affiliation.
I have not heard any serious discussion about a "southern ivy league" forming and believe it to be highly unlikely. I believe that most of the schools that would be under consideration for such a league are fully committed to their current conferences.
Certainly, that is the case with Baylor. We are fully committed to membership in the Big 12 Conference.
Ian
Mr. McCaw, I would like to begin by saying that I am already very impressed what your program has done since your arrival and will continue to do.
I don't know that I actually have a question but that I would just like to let you know how impressed I was with the number of fans in New Mexico for the Lady Bears basketball game against Florida. I watched the game on ESPN2 and the atmosphere was like The Pit was the Lady Bears' home venue. I would like to see that kind of support everywhere they go...and at home.
Dunlap J. Wesley
Riesel, Texas
Dunlap,
Thank you for your comments and observations.
I want to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding support that the Lady Bears had in New Mexico and Oklahoma. There were several hundred fans in New Mexico including many who made the more than 10 hour drive from the Waco area. Baylor clearly had more fans in Norman than any of the other teams and we are appreciative to the approximately 2,000 fans who cheered on the Lady Bears!
I too look forward to the day when we can create The Pit-type of atmosphere in the Ferrell Center for our basketball programs!
Ian
Ian, Great job on the new field turf. From the pictures I saw, it really looks great. For some additional upgrades to the stadium, what about re-painting the old logo on the press box that was unique symbol of Baylor Stadium in the past: "This is Bear Country." As a kid, I really thought that added some personality and ownership to the stadium, plus it is a rather inexpensive "upgrade".
Chase Palmer
Marshall, Texas
Editor's Note: A similar letter was received by David Watts (Grapevine, Texas).
Chase,
We are very excited about the new synthetic surface that was recently installed at Floyd Casey Stadium. I encourage Baylor fans to come out and watch spring practice and take a walk on the new surface (you may even want to get some for your yard!). It was especially gratifying to hear so many positive comments from the players about the new surface.
We will be making some additional improvements at Floyd Casey Stadium. There has already been a significant amount of work completed on the roadways and parking areas adjacent to the stadium. In addition, there will be some additional graphic and aesthetic improvements inside the facility.
As an aside, spring practice is going extremely well and the attitude and effort has been impressive. Coach Morriss and his staff are making great progress and we are looking forward to the 2004 season with great anticipation. Season tickets will be going on sale shortly!
Ian
Dear Ian, I have followed Jim Barnes' career for several years and I can tell you, you've made one heck of a hire. Everyone involved in volleyball in the Houston area is rooting for Baylor volleyball now. He wins, his teams play hard and with class! How can someone like me donate funds to the volleyball program?
Don McFarland
Houston, Texas
Don,
Thank you for the favorable comments about Jim Barnes. We are very fortunate to have him at Baylor and I know that the volleyball team feels the same way. Jim has great relationships and contacts in Houston and throughout the state and we believe that will serve the program well in the future.
Don, you and other Baylor fans can make a contribution to the volleyball team or any other Baylor sports program through the Bear Foundation by calling 254-710-4214 or on-line at BaylorBearFoundation.com.
We appreciate your support!
Ian
Ian, So far Coach Drew has done a fantastic job of recruiting during the early signing period for the 2004-05 season, but no moves have been made lately. Do you know when the regular signing period begins? Also, are there any insights you might be able to give on the status of Tello Juan Palacios? Thank you very much.
Keith W. Prather
Waco, Texas
Keith,
I concur that Scott Drew and his staff have done a tremendous job recruiting and in all aspects of rebuilding the men's basketball program.
The men's basketball team signed two highly regarded international players in the early signing period in November. The late signing period begins April 14 and we can expect additional news about signees after that date.
Unfortunately, we are not permitted under NCAA rules to make specific comments about prospective student-athletes who have yet to sign a national letter of intent.
However, we can be assured that Baylor men's basketball has a very bright future under the leadership of Scott Drew!
Ian
Ian, I miss the days when the Baylor football team would come to Houston each year to play Rice or UH. Especially on those occasions when the bears were nationally ranked and BU fans would out number the Rice or UH fans. How do you feel about arranging future home and home series with Rice and UH?
Charles Paschetag
Houston, Texas
Charles,
Although I have been at Baylor just six months, I recognize the importance of the Houston market to Baylor Athletics. It is a prime recruiting location and we have many prominent alumni and strong supporters in the Houston area.
With that, it does make good sense to have a strong presence in Houston and regularly schedule competition in all sports including football.
The future football schedules do not currently have a Houston area game. However, we have had some preliminary discussions about playing a football game in Houston.
Great question and we appreciate our strong support in Houston!
Ian
