Submit your questions for Ian now! Editor's Note:
We appreciate the overwhelming response we have received to our new feature, Ask Ian, and encourage Baylor fans to continue forwarding their questions and comments. Because of time constraints and the heavy volume of feedback, Ian is not in a position to answer every email. Your ideas are important, though, and all questions submitted are read by Ian. He then selects the questions he wishes to answer in a given week, and prepares his responses which are then posted at baylorbears.com.
Ian
What is your stance on the Bear at the games issue, and how soon until we stand up for our university and get our proud mascot back to FCS? Chris Wyatt
Dallas, Texas
Chris,
As you may know, one of the Baylor Bears made an appearance at the Homecoming game versus Texas Tech. This is a complex issue; however, in my view we need to work with the veterinary experts and our Student Life staff to create appropriate opportunities for the Baylor Bears to participate at home games and at the same time insure their health and welfare.
Thanks for your interest and support of Baylor Athletics!
Ian
Ian
Now that you have had an opportunity to meet and see Coach Drew in action, what are your initial impressions? As a coach and as a person? Thanks,
Tom Demark, Jr.
Kansas City, Mo.
P.S. Go Valpo, Go Baylor!!
Thomas,
I have been incredibly impressed with Coach Drew and his staff. Coach Drew brings tremendous energy, enthusiasm and passion to his work. He has done a remarkable job pulling together this team under most difficult circumstances.
He is a talented bench coach, exceptional recruiter and represents the basketball program and university in an exemplary manner. Coach Drew is a man of tremendous integrity and represents an outstanding fit for Baylor University and its mission. We are indeed very fortunate to have him leading our men's basketball program!
Sic'em Bears!
Ian
Dear Ian
Would you consider the athletic department making a relatively small investment in order to significantly increase the visibility of Baylor in the large population centers of Texas? Simply mail to each of our alumni a simple, classy looking Baylor window decal (maybe 2) along with a letter explaining that putting the decal on their vehicles will increase the profile of Baylor in their community, and increase the comraderie amongst Baylor alums showing their support together. The decal should be small, uniform, and something that would look nice on any color vehicle (a small interlocking BU in white or gold, for example). This should be a non-political matter, simply encouraging support for what their Baylor experience meant to them, or just to support the value of their diploma.
Sounds simple, but I think it would make a positive difference. The vehicles of alums could be used for cheap advertising.
What do you think?
Jeff Taylor
Grapevine, Texas
Jeff,
Thank you for the idea. We will be implementing a number of initiatives to reach out to Baylor alumni and friends and encourage their support of Baylor Athletics.
One area that requires attention is that of our licensing and merchandising. We need to increase the distribution and sales of Baylor apparel. Baylor shirts, caps and decals serve as moving billboards that dramatically enhance our marketing efforts.
We appreciate your strong support!
Ian
Ian
WELCOME TO BAYLOR! Is there a possibility of developing a "more fan friendly ticket policy for football when we go on the road to support the Bears? The old SWC had a policy that the visiting school must be given a certain number of tickets on the 40, 30, 20, etc., yard lines. The current locations given to us by the hosting schools are terrible and are about to kill my desire to see the Bears at A&M and UT. Nick Nichols
Richmond, Texas
Nick,
Thanks for the e-mail and I enjoyed meeting you at our Houston gathering last week.
Unfortunately, the Big 12 does not guarantee visiting fans seating in any particular location and it is largely subject to the availability that is provided by the home team. Seat locations will vary based upon opponent.
Thank you for your strong support!
Ian
Ian
We are happy to have you and your family as a new addition to the Baylor family. We appreciate your enthusiasm and the sense of urgency you bring to improving our athletic program. Baylor in the past and especially currently has done a terrible job selling and marketing the sports programs to both students and the community of Waco. A key to improving the performance on the playing field will require Baylor to do a better job effectively selling the public on Baylor sports. Good Luck,
Colby Munoz
Waco, Texas
Colby:
Thank you for the warm greeting.
The target audiences for our marketing efforts in order will be Baylor students, the Baylor/Waco community and out-of-town alumni and friends of Baylor. Marketing to students is a priority due to the fact that they bring such energy and enthusiasm to our contests.
Beyond that, we will focus attention on three critical areas in our marketing effort. First, we will craft a consistent message to market Baylor Athletics. Second, we will strive to enhance all aspects of the fan experience. Finally, we will create a personal sales and customer-service-based outreach effort to maximize ticket sales and relationships with our customers.
We are looking forward to expanding the base of support for Baylor Athletics!
Ian
Dear Ian
Welcome to Baylor. I feel this is the beginning of a new and exciting era and we look forward to your leadership of the Athletic Department. A big part of the college experience is the traditions. I followed along on your last chat session and was happy with your point of looking into finding a common ground to have the bears back at the games. What are your thoughts about having a live intermittent TV feed from the Bear Pit to bring the bears to the games via video on the scoreboard screen?
On another note, there have been a high number of questions about Guy Morriss taking the team off the field immediately after the home games and not staying for the Baylor Line. He has mentioned a Big XII rule about security; however, he is the only coach complying. Mack Brown and his players stayed for their school song AT FCS. It was tough enough standing up to the UT fans in the stands much less having to endure their team and Bevo on the field after the game.
Many of us stay for the Baylor Line along with BUGWB ; it would be nice if the team did the same. Can you help?
Regards,
Albert R. Alvarado
San Antonio, Texas
Dear Albert,
Regarding the Baylor Bears, it is important that our mascots have a strong presence at home games and we find a way to insure that we accomplish this goal.
I realize that there have been some comments about the team departing the field immediately after the game. I have not had a chance to visit with Coach Morriss on this issue yet, however, it will be something that we discuss after the season. We certainly recognize that this is a tradition that many Baylor fans appreciate.
Thank you for the questions and your support!
Ian
Greetings, Ian, and welcome to Baylor. There are many rumors about a new on-campus football practice facility circulating amongst alumni. One rumor has the Board of Regents approving the facility last Friday (before Homecoming). Is that true (I hope so)? And if so, when will there be an official announcement? Many thanks and best of luck.
Steve Hunter
Katy, Texas
Steve,
Thanks for your question.
There has been considerable discussion regarding an on-campus football practice facility. This is an initiative that Coach Morriss brought forward over the summer and it has been met with enthusiasm and various expressions of support.
At present, the university is studying this project within the context of its master planning including reviewing the scope and cost estimates for the project.
We will keep you posted as this project progresses.
Ian
