Baylor March Madness Dreams As Lady Bears Defeat OU

This afternoon, the Lady Bears of Baylor University, here in Waco, defeated OU by a score of 79-59. Most local residents remember fondly how the Lady Bears, coached by Kim Mulkey, won a national championship during March Madness a few years ago. Once again, Coach Mulkey has her Baylor Womens Basketball team primed to not only win a Big 12 championship – but also make another run at a national title. I have lived in Waco, Texas since 1983 and during that time local Baylor fans have had little to cheer about when it comes to playing in national championship games.

However, in recent years the powers that be at Baylor University have changed their previous views on paying for the best coaches in the country and that attitude switch has not only lead to a national title for the Lady Bears Basketball and Baylor Men's Tennis Teams, but also big improvements have been made in the Baylor Men's Baseball Program. From a little watched sport, a few years ago, to sell outs at most home games – Kim Mulkey has created a winning spirit not only with her Lady Bears Basketball program, but also with thousands of local residents that are season ticket holders.

It wasn't that long ago that season tickets to Baylor Men's Basketball games were more expensive than for the Lady Bears. However, with a wonderful win/loss record and a national title under their belt – the ticket prices have inverted at Baylor University to where it is now more expensive to purchase season tickets to Lady Bears' games than to the same sport played by the men. There is one person that should get all the credit for turning the Lady Bears program around at Baylor University and that person is Kim Mulkey.

I have often wondered what Kim Mulkey's former university thinks about her success at Baylor University? Without a doubt, Mulkey would have never left Louisiana Tech if that University had treated her with the respect that she had earned and deserved. However, Louisiana Tech's loss is our gain and from my own personal viewpoint – Kim Mulkey is paying back Louisiana Tech every time she wins a game as the Lady Bears head basketball coach. As the Lady Bears continue to win games, the idea of their return to March Madness in 2008 is starting to not only seem possible this year, but probable.

Here in Waco, Texas when the Lady Bears played in and won the national championship game a few years ago, the entire city pretty much shut down during that game. I am hoping for a repeat of that winning season and another exciting road to the Final Four with the Lady Bears leading the way.

Read more about Baylor University:

Treatment of Guy Morriss By Baylor Was Shameful
Lady Baylor Bears Lose To Maryland In Playoffs
Lady Baylor Bears Win Against Northern Arizona
Baylor University Has March Madness, Again
Congress Investigates BCS In College Bowl Picks