Long before I was a “Bearette” or even a Lady Bear fan, I was simply a BAYLOR BEAR, growing up in the end-zone of Floyd Casey Stadium.  When I ran track at Baylor, Title IX was in its evolutionary stages and BU was just beginning to award female scholarships.  I know that the growing pains from this evolution dealt some challenges for the men’s programs, so it is with great appreciation that I have chosen to recognize some men in my life who have championed for betterment of women’s athletics.

Bill Bradley (my father and high school coach)—He, along with M. T. Rice at Midway HS, were instrumental in making girl’s Track and Field a U.I.L. sport in Texas.  As Suzie Snider Epper’s High School Coach, he pushed for Baylor to award its first female scholarship to this future All-American.

Dutch Schroeder—for negotiating that first female scholarship with the Baylor administration and never ceasing in his effort to research and verify female athletes who have previously lettered and deserved membership into the “B” Association.

Coach Clyde Hart—for taking the Women’s Track Program under his wing during my second year.  I appreciate him more now for making me feel as important as the Olympians he has coached.

Walter Abercrombie—for his earnest effort in the promotion of women’s athletic programs at Baylor.  One of the most humble athletes I’ve known… incidentally, as of this writing, still holds the Baylor career rushing record.

Finally, several “Newbies” are on this gratitude list: Don Trull (BU football All-American)—for leading the charge to get more women involved in the “B” Association membership; most recently, Billy Williams (former football player) and his wife—for giving the lead gift for the Williams Family Soccer and Olympic Sports Center; and of course, our formidable Athletic Director, Ian McCaw—for suggesting the direction of that gift and for all he’s done for men and women’s sports at Baylor.  Great things are definitely happening all around at Baylor University!

Without question we have come a long way in women’s athletics.  Certainly it is our right, but it is also a privilege.  With privilege, I believe comes duty.  It is now time to do a little “catching up” with our participation in the “B” Association events and supporting all of Baylor Athletics… We hope you’ll accept our invitation to a Baylor Women’s Letterwinner Reunion Event coming in January.  Watch for details coming soon!

Sic ’em Bears!

Debbie Mann
Baylor “B” Association President, 2015