Nov. 16, 2001

Athletic Director Tom Stanton sat down Friday afternoon and chatted with fans online. The following is a transcript of the chat session.

For archived transcripts of earlier chats, click here.

Brian(Mpls): Are you worried about your job with Basketball and especially Football not being very good?

Tom Stanton: I'm not in the least bit worried about my employment, because of what it takes to build Baylor's athletic business and where we are in that process. If anyone reviews what has transpired in Baylor athletics over the last five years, they have seen changes which most believed they would never see. I'm priviliedged to have the opportunity to lead an outstanding team of individuals within the athletic dept. who are committed to an outstanding athletic program from top to bottom. Obviously, not all aspects of Baylor athletics have been fixed to an appropriate level of satisfaction or excellence, but our resolve to do so has and will remain unwavering. There is complete support from the administration and Board of Regents regarding our direction. We will do everything in our power and within the rules to make sure excellence is achieved, and that includes our football and basketball programs.

John (Waco): You've done a great job of hiring big-time coaches for our basketball, football, and softball teams! As a result these programs are getting better and representing the school well. My question is we had a big-time soccer coach and he left and the program has gone down hill under the direction of Nick Cowell. How much longer are we going to have to wait to get a new soccer coach and get back to our winning ways (Big 12 Champions)?

Tom Stanton: Coaching transitions are probably the most difficult to deal with. Circumstances regarding the reasons for coaching changes and team talent levels for the most part remain private by nature, due to the necessity for confidentiality. Our current soccer program has been retooled with a very different philosophy and has experienced a transition from an upper-class team to one with primarily freshmen and sophomores. Nick and his staff deserve the opportunity to fully implement their style of play and recruit to the needs of that style. We believe that positive results and competing for a Big 12 championship should ultimately be the result.

Matt McSweeney (Little Rock, AR): Do you think the Bears will be able to compete with the Longhorns, Aggies, Sooners, and Red Raiders in the Big 12 south in footbal in the future?

Tom Stanton: Our football program is obviously in the transition state, yet improving. Even though some of the scores have been disappointing to us all, the talent level of this year's team compared to Kevin's inaugural inherited group has improved. Many of the coaches in the league have made public statements to that effect, and the process need not be interrupted in terms of player recruitment by our existing staff and given the time to improve our talent level to the point where we have the ability week-in and week-out to compete and beat Big 12 opposition.

Waco: To what extent does the Corprate financial aspects of the Big XII control the pecking order in athletics.

Tom Stanton: The basic financial aspects of the conference have dramatically shifted from our days in the Southwest Conference. The most glaring example would be the handling of individual game-day receipts. In the SWC, there was a split-gate arrangement, in the Big 12, each team keeps 100% of their home gate. Television revenues are dispersed by a formula with a portion of the dollars being split between institutions with the balance being disseminated based on appearance fees. There are always constant and continual discussions regarding dispersement of TV revenues, but the prime goal of the conference is to have the most outstanding athletic conference in America. Obviously, the Nebraska gate is worth more than that of most institutions nationwide, yet we should not shy away from the attempt to build our football and other athletic programs, because the population of Baylor University and the Waco-Central Texas area may not have the same drawing capacity as other institutions. I still believe that if we use athletics as an economic development tool for Waco, and continue our quest for quality products on all fields of play, the financial aspects will be effectively maintained for the benefit of Baylor University and Baylor athletics.

R.W. (WACO): It appears that Steele has lost credibility with fans. I doubt he can recover. He has not shown the ability to turn the program around. Generally, if you do it will be evidenced within the first two years with a rare exception. I've never heard such disgust from so many long time supporters as now. Shouldn't we cut our losses and go another direction or are we going to ride this horse till it drops then wonder why we have no ride? You are paid well to make tough decisions. It's time to make one.

Tom Stanton: Many do not understand what Coach Steele inherited with the Baylor football program. The task of competing in this league with a destroyed program, internal attitude and limited talent was not the fault of Coach Steele. It's about building a foundation for the future, which everyone wants to have happen immediately. Let me give you some examples. Everyone refers to Lou Holtz's amazing turnaround at South Carolina. No one mentions that 19 of his current starters were not recruited by him, but were players he inherited. Others refer to the great job Bob Stoops has done at Oklahoma. He simply inherited nine starters from the sixth-best defense in America his first year. There are great coaches, yet the real question is, given our situation and circumstances, how well could they have done or what were their patience level have been toward building a program with the intent of maintaining it long term vs. having one or two good seasons and leaving Baylor high and dry. Patience is incredibly difficult in this process. We've even been impatient with our country in pursuit of Osama Ben Laden because we didn't defeat him within the first two weeks. Military strategies are not developed and implemented by whim, nor is the foundation for a quality football program, with the ability to win year-in and year-out in the Big 12. We all hurt when we don't win. That includes all of us in athletics as well as our current football coaching staff. But the time is to maintain that building process knowing that more wins should follow, and soon, than to throw out the "baby with the bath water". Period.

joy - missouri city: Kevin Steele's record is 0-23 in the Big 12. As a member of the BBF, Linebacker's foundation, and a fan who has only missed 3 home games since 1988, could you convince me why I should continue to drive over 200 miles to watch blowout loss after blowout loss? Because personally, I can think of many other ways to spend that time and money.

Tom Stanton: As I've said before, the losses are difficult for us all. For me personally, it's a matter of loyalty and wanting to be an individual who is willing to be part of the solution and supportive in the tough times. People all over this industry talk about support, which is not consistent. I actually remember in some of Grant's greater years there only being 35,000 in attendance during some of our greatest victories. What I would encourage you to do is stay involved, recognize the importance of your involvement and contribution to our student athletes, and know how meaningful it truly is to every member of our football team to come down that tunnel and see your face in the stands. Anybody can come to the games when we start winning and pretend to have been there during the tough times. Only the true champions like yourself and for those who have personally written me to convey their total support will be the individuals who have the greatest joy and satisfaction and "place at the table" as the wins materialize.

Kelly (Frisco): While I admire the progress of our Baseball and Basketball teams, when are you going to finally figure out that Kevin Steele is the worst football coach in college football history? When are we going to get a real coach in here who can turn this around? I am guessing that you will duck the real questions publicly, but I sure hope you realize that football is the only thing we Baylor alums care about, and how utterly disgusted and embarrassed we all are. Thanks for hopefully reading my question, even if you won't answer it.

Tom Stanton: Initially, let me say that football is an important piece that I'll come back to, but that it is not the only sport that Baylor alums care about. There has been close to $30 million raised from Baylor loyalists who support the total athletic dept. and have done so through massive financial contributions which have rebuilt our entire set of athletic venues. Your personal interest may without question and appropriately be football, but there are thousands of others who enjoy the efforts of Steve Smith, Clyde Hart, Dave Bliss, Kim Mulkey-Robertson, Matt Knoll, Dave Luedtke, Brian Hosfeld, Nick Cowell, Todd Harbour, Tim Hobby, Sylvia Ferdon and Glenn Moore. Now back to football. Again, we've got work to do, and we recognize the issues. Of all the great coaches that I mentioned before, none inherited a program in worse shape or face the sheer numbers necessary to turn around a program and compete in a league as tough as the Big 12 is in football. We'll see as our talent level improves whether Tom Osbourne, Bill Parcells and Dom Capers are incorrect about their endorsements of Kevin Steele's coaching abilities.

Mike (Austin): Tom, I am a former Baylor football player with great BU pride.(I still donate & make the drive every Sat.)I have a complaint that most likey won't make your top five. The play by play voice of BU University needs to be evaluated.(radio)I feel like I am listening to a Jr. High Football game with a carnival going on in the background. This is as small time as it gets and something that you can fix NOW. This man appears to have no passion for Baylor University and comes across like he could give a flip about the players, coaches or the program.Do we know how many people listen to this mess or do most people turn to the Aggie, Tech, Texas stations so not to endure the jokes. That being said I absolutely have the most respect and really enjoy listening to Walter and Ricky. They do a great job and I can tell they have dropped some sweat and blood for the Green & GOld. I think we can find someone to represent BU in a more professional first class manner. It's people like Ricky and Walter who make Baylor U. a great place to learn and compete. Who hires and fires the play by play man??? Thanks for taking the questions.

Tom Stanton: Mike - would you take the time to write me a personal letter as a follow-up regarding your specific thoughts and directions? John Morris has received numerous broadcasting awards and I believe has been recognized two of the past three years with sports broadcasting awards in the state of Texas. I would love your personal contact and private opinions. Thanks.

Dylan (Waco): Mr. Stanton, What is Coach Steele's situation after this season? He is without a doubt a class individual, but his record is somewhat lacking. He has only won 5 games total in, this, his third year. The biggest stat is that he has never won a Big 12 football game. I have attended all of BU's home games for the past two years and even travelled to College Station this year and Austin last year to witness games. The A&M game showed so much promise for the BU football team and really got me excited. However, the following games culminating with the Texas Tech Homecoming game have reassured me of the true football team we have. Coach Steele has had three years now to "make his mark" or at least win a football against someone besides small Div. I or Div. II schools. Time for a change? I think so. What do you think?

Tom Stanton: I've already addressed previously what Kevin inherited. I think the recruitment process to enhance our talent level is what allows a team in the Big 12 to be consistent week in and week out. Let me give you an example. Had Reggie caught the ball in the endzone against Texas A&M, or an A&M linebacker not recovered a fumble in the endzone against Kansas State, TAMU would be 5-5 going into their last game with the University of Texas. Point being, this is an incredibly difficult league. We all want instant gratification, but the recruiting cycle and the patience required to appropriately build a program are difficult for us all. The competitive nature of the TAMU game signifies what we can become. The inconsistencies of the TT game are what we must not let happen, but those are solved by players, not mirrors.

Jonathan, Tyler: I walked through the Tyler Mall today, 11-14-01, and saw lots of collegiate merchandise in various forms. There was Texas, A&M, Notre Dame, Michigan State, SMU, TCU, Stephen F. Austin, Clemson, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Oklahoma State ... but Baylor was conspicuous by its absence. Shouldn't we have more of a presence in Tyler, Texas, than Clemson or Oklahoma State? This situation has existed for several years, more than enough time to address it if we wanted to. Why haven't we? Also, can you point to any tangible evidence which would cause Baylor football fans to be hopeful for next year?

Tom Stanton: We have addressed the merchandising aspect in that most of the research reveals that most purchasers are acquiring their products via their national purchasing office, over which we have no control. I believe Scott Stricklin and his staff have a product-ordering mechanism on the website at GoBaylorBears.com. We should rely more on those vehicles of distribution, rather than assuming a national purchase order from a purchasing dept, in Deerborn, MI is going to purchase Baylor merchandise in any significant outlet.

Bart McKay (Dallas): Recently Coach Steele has publicly complained about a University academic policy that he says prevents an overwhelming majority of junior college players from being able to transfer and play here. His message has been that this policy puts his football program at a competitive disadvantage relative to the rest of the conference, because for every 10 JUCO transfer prospects, he says that any other Big XII institution would accept all 10 of them whereas only 2 would meet Baylor's elevated standards. As an aside, I would have thought Coach Steele accepted this job fully aware of this constraint and agreeable to working within it, but in any event I have two questions for you today about it. First, do you support or oppose this policy. Second, which Baylor administrator is responsible for this policy (so that we can know where to send our letters)?

Tom Stanton: Our current academic policies are no different than past policies of our Southwest Conference days. The intense competitive nature of college football and the Big 12 places more emphasis from other institutions on junior college recruiting. I am currently in the process of expanding my academic evaluation and recommendations assessment to the appropriate internal personnel. If you have any strong feelings, please send your letters to me or Stan Madden in University Admissions, or to President Sloan with carbon copies so awareness of your feelings are received at various levels of the university administration.

James (Dallas): Mr. Stanton: In the past, I have heard you say that hiring Dave Roberts was a mistake and you took responsibility for that. Similarly, I would imagine that you would agree that you were also responsible for firing Chuck Reedy and hiring Kevin Steele. While you may not be ready to admit that hiring Steele was a mistake, can you honestly say you still would have hired him had you known that Baylor would not win a Big XII game for at least 3 years and probably longer under his leadership? Baylor's football program is 13-51 overall and 3-44 in Big XII games under your tenure as Athletic Director. You are responsible for this. While it may be a "standup" thing to admit that you are responsible, there must also be consequences for you as Athletic Director since you are responsible for the current state of Baylor Football. Could you share with us what consequences, if any, you face in your role as Athletic Director as a result of your direct responsibility for the embarrassing state of our football program?

Tom Stanton: The only regret that I have is not bringing Kevin Steele to Baylor University two years earlier. My employment is the direct responsibililty of university administration, which understands where we are in the building process of our football program. I am a total believer in accountability, and I believe university administration is as well. I'm sure if the administration would not support me or my staff, they would effectively convey that information.

Tony Graham Chicago: We were hoping to see a swimming program (Men and Women) added to the athletic program. It would also be a way to reach out to the community for offering an age group and masters program. Are there any plans for the future? Please email reply.

Tom Stanton: There has been a complete Title IX/gender equity plan completed by the athletics committee, which has gained regent approval. This 15-20 year program would initially focus on women's crew or lacrosse, rather than swimming or diving. We continue to assess time frames as when the potential sport expansions receive appropriate approval and funding.

Five Ki (Columbus, OH): It was asked of you before in a chat concerning a on-campus football stadium, and you discarded the thought. It was then reported that you thought there may be a possibility. Any update on this?

Tom Stanton: There was much confusion regarding the on-campus football stadium in the initial draft of the 2012 Vision. Many thought there had already been regent approval, with Baylor moving to an on-campus football facility by 2012. That is not the case. What the athletics committee will pursue is a "feasibility" study. The "community aspect" of Baylor's student-athletes, interacting with their classmates in an on-campus environment, is a concept we wish to foster. Whether that ultimate evaluation yields an on-campus facility is far too early to predict by anyone.

Steve (Dallas): Any progress on fundraising for video boards (football and basketball) and the final phases of the tennis complex. Also, has the master plan for the football complex been completed. If so, any chance that it will be posted on the website? Thanks,

Tom Stanton: Jim Trego and an internal task force are working to complete the master plan for improvements around Floyd Casey Stadium. The design of the indoor tennis/sports facility is in bid stage. The Sept. 11 tragedy and stock market pressures of the last few months have made the financial pursuit of the $2 million necessary to build the video boards a slow process. Our goal is to have the video boards operational in all venues by next season, assuming we can attain appropriate funding.

Tom Stanton: Thanks, gotta run. Thanks for your continued support, and as always, we appreciate your interest as we continue to build Baylor athletics toward a brighter future. Sic 'em Bears!