Nov. 9, 2001
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TOKIO, Texas - Paula Young, the Athletic Department Events Coordinator for Baylor University, is still thanking her lucky stars after family members escaped injury when a tornado touched down near her residence in northwest McLennan County on Oct. 12.
She's also thanking a lot of her Baylor co-workers and friends.
Young, who lettered in both softball and basketball at Baylor during the late '70s and early '80s and then went on to coach the Lady Bears in softball and golf, was on campus for a soccer match when the twister briefly touched down near Young's farm in Tokio, just outside of West.
Paula's mother and twin sister Pam, a Baylor letter-winner in softball and basketball and now a coach at West High School, were at home and sought refuge in a closet as the tornado touched the ground for about 10 seconds, missing the house but destroying a number of nearby buildings, sheds and trees.
"Fortunately," Paula says, "my horses also came through the storm without injury."
Within days numerous members of the Baylor Athletic Department - coaches, administrators and players - all showed up at the Young farm to help clear the debris.
"Mom, Pam and I would like to thank all of you who helped us clean up after the tornado," Pam wrote in a recent letter. "I hope you realize what an impact you made on our entire family. You have been very generous with your time, labor and assistance in picking up the slack at the office - along with your thoughts and prayers."
