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.
Dear Ian:
I saw that you hired Jim Barnes as our new volleyball coach last week. Why did you select him and how will he improve the program?
Jenna
Waco, Texas
Jenna,
Thanks for the question.
We are very excited about the appointment of Jim Barnes as our head volleyball coach. Jim has demonstrated significant program improvement in both of his previous head coaching stops at Lamar and Wyoming. He is an excellent team builder, communicator, technical coach and recruiter.
Moreover, he embraces the mission and values of Baylor University. We look forward to great success in our volleyball program in the years to come under his leadership.
Ian
Dear Ian:
Is the new all weather field that we are putting in at Floyd Casey a mix of real grass and artificial? Is it state of the art? Why remove the real grass? I'm very concerned about this. Thanks.
Jerry A. Jarvis
Dallas, Texas
Jerry,
We are anticipating several facility improvements at Floyd Casey Stadium in advance of next season.
Our staff is studying options for improving the field surface at the stadium. We continue to have difficulties with large pieces of sod coming out of the field and in turn presenting unsatisfactory field conditions, particularly for games played late in the season. As a result, last week the grass was skimmed from the surface. One option that is being considered is to install a new synthetic turf surface that performs similar to natural grass. These products have recently been installed in several NFL facilities and a number of Big 12 stadiums. This surface has proven to perform better than grass, reduce injuries and is an asset in recruiting. Moreover, we are hopeful to be able to attract more users to the Stadium including high school playoff games.
In addition, we are in the process of planning for the second phase of the Grant Teaff Plaza project. It is our desire to complete the work that began last year on the stadium's west side.
Finally, with the strong support of Lindsey Construction we are addressing some of the paving and pot hole challenges that we face in the parking areas.
Individuals interested in supporting any of these projects may contact the Bear Foundation at 254-710-2582.
Ian
Ian:
Will Harvey Thomas be playing for the Bears this season? If so, when do you think there will be a final decision on his return? Thank you.
Fahad
Austin, Texas
Editor's note: Similar questions were received from Robert A. Schornack of Birmingham, Ala., and Stephen S. McIntosh of San Jose, Calif.
Fahad,
Thanks for your question about Harvey Thomas.
Harvey was reinstated by the Baylor committee working with the NCAA in time to participate in the Hawaii tournament. Based upon his 30-point, 10-rebound performance against Northern Illinois, his presence should make a tremendous impact on the team.
Happy New Year!
Ian
Ian:
Earlier this year there was a reference in The Sporting News that the Big 12 Commissioner had indicated it would take nine votes of Big 12 representatives to remove a school from the conference. If such a vote were to take place, which institutional representative would cast the vote for each school (President, AD, FAR)?
Sue Cox
Waco, Texas
Sue,
In my opinion, the Big 12 is the most stable major athletic conference in the nation. The 12 members have affirmed one another and there are no expansion plans in place at this time. While several conferences have been realigned in the past 12 months including the ACC, Big East and Conference USA, we are fortunate to be in a conference that has achieved a level of credibility and performance that others desire to reach. According to the Big 12 bylaws, should any vote be needed to change the membership of the conference in any way, the university president would cast the vote for each school.
I appreciate your question.
Ian
Dear Ian:
Coach Drew has dubbed the team of walk-ons "The Hit Squad." The story of Robbie McKenzie and the entire group of walk-ons is the kind of situation that traditions are made from. And I think this would make a good tradition, even if it only lasts for this season. What do you think about trying to promote this?
I believe you were at the Louisiana-Monroe game, you saw how the crowd reacted when they entered the game. It would really pump up the crowd (even more than they already do) if the announcer introduced them as "the hit squad" when they enter the game all at once, like they have been. Thanks for listening.
Matt Easley
Waco, Texas
Matt,
Baylor fans have been treated to an outstanding effort by the men's basketball walk-ons who Coach Drew has dubbed the "hit squad." These individuals are not on scholarship and truly are playing for the love of the game and their team. It is no wonder that the fans at the Ferrell Center have responded so overwhelmingly to the great effort and energy that they provide when called upon by Coach Drew.
Thanks for your support and the suggestion.
Ian
Ian:
I'd like to know the policy for cameras and camcorders at the various athletic venues. Are camcorders allowed and if not, why not? Also, what about high end SLR's. Thanks again.
Scott Lackey
Pflugerville, Texas
Scott,
Fans are allowed to bring still cameras into our venues at all times; however, flash photography is prohibited everywhere.
As for video recorders, personal video recorders are allowed in our venues. In the event of a televised game, Baylor event management staff will inform event associates as to whether games can be recorded. The rights to our contests are owned by our television partners, and in most cases, having individuals bring in their own cameras would cause a problem.
Thanks for your interest.
Ian
Dear Ian:
I am a baseball season ticket holder and cannot make some of the games. I would like to return my tickets to be sold again by the ticket office. In the past, I have been told that this is not possible. Can you assist?
Ken
Dallas, Texas
Ken,
This is an excellent question and something that Baylor fans do utilize on occasion. We have a number of out-of-town season ticket holders in football, basketball and baseball who are unable to attend certain games and donate their tickets back to the Baylor Bear Foundation. In turn, the Bear Foundation does not resell the tickets but instead uses them to cultivate prospective donors to the athletic program.
First and foremost, please know that we want our fans to attend as many games as possible, however, if you are unable to do so please contact the Bear Foundation at 254-710-2582 if you are interested in donating unused tickets.
Ian
Greetings, Ian:
Improving student attendance at athletic events seems to be a goal at many universities. Would it be possible (at BU) to give students a credit for attending an athletic event, similar to the one they receive for chapel? Second, could fraternities and sororities be given some type of incentive for achieving certain levels of game attendance?
On another attendance front, would it be possible to invite 10 or 20 alumni (who are not Bear Foundation members or season ticket holders) to games free of charge to remind them (hopefully) how much fun they can have?
Thanks,
Steve Hunter
Katy, Texas
Steve,
Thanks for your questions and comments.
I don't believe that the credit for chapel equates to attendance at an athletic event; however, we do encourage participation in both.
We are working with fraternities, sororities and other student groups to maximize attendance and create a more student and fan-friendly atmosphere at our home athletic contests.
We do regularly invite prospective donors and individuals who express interest in becoming involved with Baylor Athletics to games to become better acquainted and for them to learn more about the excitement of our teams and games. If you know someone who you believe would be interested in getting involved at Baylor, please pass the name on to the Bear Foundation at 254-710-2582.
Ian
