Submit your questions for Ian now!
Ian,
Any chance we could get a small traditional interlocking BU on each side of the word "BAYLOR" in our end zone? The logo that was painted on the track scoreboard is outstanding.
Thanks for your excellent work.
David Gibson
Waco, Texas
David,
Thanks for the kind e-mail and question. The design of the synthetic surface at Floyd Casey Stadium is complete, so what fans saw at the Spring Game is the final product. However, we are reviewing various design options and treatments for the beige surface surrounding the field.
I agree that the Hart-Patterson scoreboard looks terrific including the Baylor and new Big 12 logos. We are especially excited about the outstanding performance of both the men's and women's teams over the weekend at the Michael Johnson Classic. Clyde Hart has put together another exceptional outdoor track and field team!
Ian
Ian, I saw on the website that you had a poll going to determine the fan favorite logo. I believe a very important and loved logo was left off. I am a big fan of sailor bear and judging by the number of articles of clothing I see with him on it, so are a lot of the current students. Why not look at bringing him out of retirement?
Trent Collier
Waco Texas
Trent,
The Sailor Bear is very popular and certainly a student favorite. It will continue to be able to be used by student organizations and does not require retirement. Unfortunately, the sailor bear mark is used by a number of different institutions. As a result, it is not able to be federally registered and properly managed within a licensing program.
The BaylorBears.com poll and general feedback suggests that none of the previous Bear mascots has significant appeal. With that, we are beginning to look at the development of a new Bear mascot that can garner the widespread appeal that we desire.
Ian
Ian, I want to congratulate our three time consecutive Big 12 champion men's tennis team. This means a (3-Peat) like UConn's women's basketball team. We need to publicize Baylor accomplishments more like this.
Dale Williamson
Missouri City, Texas
Dale,
Congratulations on certainly in order for head coach Matt Knoll and our outstanding men's tennis program. The team is 23-2 on the season and ranked second in the nation having just clinched its third consecutive Big 12 regular season title.
We are looking forward to following the team as it advances to the Big 12 tournament and NCAA post-season play!
Several local media outlets have provided excellent coverage of men's tennis and our media relations staff has been pitching stories to the other in-state and regional media. This team deserves everyone's attention and support!
Ian
Ian, Can we expect to be able to watch football games as a live stream? What about being able to go back and watch games we missed?
Brandon Avants
Atlanta, Ga.
Brandon,
This is an excellent question.
As many of you know, we added video streaming at Baylor this year for men's and women's basketball and baseball. The fan response has been very positive and we will look to expand our video streaming offerings for next year.
Unfortunately, due to Big 12 Conference television contractual requirements, we are unable to provide video streaming for the sport of football.
Ian
Ian, No question, I just wanted to say that I appreciate your willingness to conduct the poll concerning the Baylor Bear logo. I truly believe that a new design is in order (perhaps something similar to Cal's). However, in order for the poll to be accurate, pictures of each logo should also be posted. Thanks for your hard work.
Jeremy Johnson
Philadelphia, Pa.
Editor's Note: Similar logo questions were received from Chuck Calvit (Cypress, Texas), Matt Burchett (Nashville, Tenn.), Derek Tonkin (Waco, Texas).
Jeremy,
Thanks for the kind words and comment.
We are in agreement that a new Bear design is in order and I like several of the elements in the Cal bear as well. As we progress in the study of a new Bear logo, we will want to have the involvement of all Baylor constituencies and will plan on providing fans an opportunity to provide their input.
We appreciate your interest and support.
Ian
Ian, Once again I would like to commend you on a great job as athletic director. My question was regarding the current Dr Pepper "Be You" commercials. I have read that "Be You (BU)" is also a hidden reference to Baylor because of CEO Jim Turner's long affiliation with the university. Is there any truth to this?
Fahad Amin
Austin, Texas
Fahad,
Baylor is proud of its strong relationship with Dr Pepper and the Turner Family. We count Dr Pepper as one of our anchor corporate partners and we maintain product exclusive relationships with their products.
We are fortunate to have many successful marketing relationships with businesses throughout the state of Texas and regionally. Baylor's emerging athletic program affords growing businesses tremendous visibility along with exciting corporate and hospitality benefits.
Ian
Ian, As you suggested, I walked on the new football surface and am impressed with its texture and make up. My question is what is going to be done to aesthetically improve the end zone area? Surely it will not be left looking as is.
Clif Wigley
Robinson, Texas
Clif,
You were among several hundred fans who took a walk on the new synthetic surface at FCS after the Spring Game. The fans who commented to me were very impressed with the state-of-the-art surface. However, we were especially gratified to hear such overwhelmingly positive comments from our student-athletes.
We do plan to paint the area behind the end zone and add some graphics to make the facility more aesthetically attractive before the start of the 2004 season. As a reminder, football season tickets are on sale now, so call 1-800-BAYLORU or 254-710-1000 to order your tickets today!
Ian