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Before we begin this session of Ask Ian, congratulations are in order for Head Track and Field Coach Clyde Hart and his two outstanding student-athletes, Jeremy Wariner and Darold Williamson. Jeremy won the U.S. Olympic Trials and has qualified for the Athens Olympics in the 400 meters and Darold is expected to join Jeremy on the 4 x 400-meter relay team representing the U.S. Hey Ian,
Keep up the great work, you're doing awesome!
Some professional sports teams often do throw-back jerseys to celebrate an older era by wearing an older uniform. On a similar note, I know the San Diego Padres support the U.S. Marines every year by wearing a camouflage jersey.
Do you think it's possible to get the Baylor Bears' football and basketball teams to wear throw-back jerseys from older days (i.e. Baylor football jerseys from Grant Teaff era, and Baylor basketball jerseys from the 50s when we were in the national championship game, or at least something similar)?
Thank you!!
Clay M. Elswick
Arlington, Texas
Clay,
Thank you for the kind words and question.
We have discussed having a throw-back game when both Baylor and the opponent would wear jerseys from a past era. This does require a fairly significant up front investment from both schools, however, after the game the jerseys could then be sold to interested fans in order to cover the costs. My sense is that our fans would enjoy participating in a throw-back day.
At this point, we do not have anything scheduled but we will continue to investigate a throw-back game.
Ian
Mr. McCaw, First I would like to say that I was ecstatic to read the Coach Knoll will be remaining at Baylor; I believe that this will be great for the program. I was curious about the tennis facility, many times I have read that the indoor courts will be built when funds are available, do we know when "funds will be available"? It has been a while since phases I and II were completed on the complex and I was curious when the next to phases will be completed. Also, when the facility is completed what is the likely hood of Waco-Baylor hosting the NCAA championships? I personally feel that the Baylor facility is nicer than A&M's where next year's tournament will be held. Thank you for your time.
Wesley Dunlap
Riesel, Texas
Wesley,
Baylor is very fortunate to have an outstanding men's tennis coach in Matt Knoll. He has done a remarkable job building the program over the past eight years culminating in winning the university's first NCAA team championship this past spring.
We have plans developed for an indoor tennis facility and this project has been discussed with the Baylor's Board of Regents. However, all of our athletic facilities initiatives are dependent upon private financial support.
Due to the tremendous success of the team and strong support from several Baylor tennis enthusiasts, we are more hopeful than ever that this facility will become a reality. As you mentioned, an indoor facility is vital to a Baylor bid to host an NCAA Championship in future years.
Thanks for your interest and support of Baylor tennis!
Ian
Ian, I was wondering when the times for the football games are going to be announced... just trying to plan ahead so i can make it a few games.
Thanks.
Parker Willis
Houston, Texas
Parker,
We have announced the starting times for the first three football games. The UAB road game is currently a 6:00 p.m. kick. In addition, watch for an announcement shortly on BaylorBears.com for a special travel package that is available to fans who want to travel to this game.
The games against Texas State on September 11 and North Texas on September 25 are both set for 6:00 p.m., too. The Big 12 game times will be subject to television selection and are not yet available.
We are looking forward to a much improved football team as we enter Coach Morriss' second year. Fans can purchase season and individual tickets by calling the Baylor ticket office at 710-1000.
Ian
Ian, Do you feel that we have done enough to ourselves as far as probationary measures to avoid being hammered by the NCAA, or will they add to it? It seems to me that it will be a long two years for the basketball program. My thanks to the standards committee headed by Grant Teaff for the excellent work that they did, by the way. Also to you, Ian; you are doing a great job.
Michael Grady
Midwest City, Okla.
Michael,
Thanks for the question and kind words.
In my view, the Baylor investigative team has done a superb job and its recommended sanctions that were approved by President Sloan are appropriate. One of the addition measures was to implement the recommendations of the Task Force chaired by Grant Teaff. We believe that this model program will ensure that Baylor student-athletes succeed in their athletic pursuits, the classroom and the community.
Coach Drew and his staff have enjoyed tremendous success recruiting and the program is well on the way to recovery and a successful future.
Ian
Ian, On a recent camping trip to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, I noticed that at every gift shop, and amusement park, there was University of Tennessee merchandise. It was very basic, from T-shirts, caps, key chains, and other small items. I was wondering, since Waco has several tourist attractions, why can't we work with the city of Waco to get Baylor merchandise in these tourist attraction gift shops? Have t-shirts that support basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, football, track, etc. What would stop us from being able to do this?
Grady Crowson
Waco, Texas
Grady,
Are you available to work for us in our university's licensing area? That is an excellent idea!
With the help of Collegiate Licensing Company, our staff is implementing a retail partnership program designed to improve our distribution of merchandise. This will ensure that Baylor apparel is available in retail stores as well as local tourist attractions.
We are also partnering with manufacturers such as Nike to ensure that desirable apparel is available to our retail partners.
Ian
Hey Ian, I just wanted to express again how excited I am about Baylor Athletics. Like many other fans however, I would like to see Baylor strengthening its presence in Texas, particularly central Texas. That being said, would it be possible to create a program which recognizes and promotes the achievements of outstanding student-athletes from the high schools of central Texas. I feel that this would do much to create good publicity for Baylor and also help us in our attempts to recruit central Texas' finest student-athletes.
Thanks, and keep up the good work!
Jeremy Johnson
Philadelphia, Pa.
Jeremy,
We are in the early stages of planning a Baylor Day wherein the athletic department with partner with local school districts and invite students to the university to participate in athletic activities and academic instruction. We believe that this will provide an outstanding experience for the students and strengthen our relationships with the community.
Thanks for the excellent idea and your strong support!
Ian
