Big 12 relief

Just a few short days ago, Baylor could have become a university without a conference. As a 1966 Baylor graduate and former Baylor football player’s wife, I believe we have been given a great second chance. We should feel blessed to have the extra TV money, and we shouldn’t be concerned about what other schools will do with theirs.

I commend the city of Waco for the increased support that businesses have shown over the past couple of years. Now we need to put our support in Baylor football coach Art Briles and President Ken Starr. The timing of having both of these men on our side is not by accident.

Alumni also need to support our school’s athletic programs. We are a key part to furthering respect for our programs. And students need to show up and stay at games until the final whistle blows — win or lose.

Let’s all do our part.

Pam Pittard

Bedford

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Like many others, I was holding my breath this week as the final countdown was under way for the Big 12. And like many others, I was pleased that the southern division schools held their ground and decided to stay.

But I wonder what will happen now. Will the conference add two more teams to again have 12? Why don’t we add the University of Houston and Texas Christian University to the Big 12 and move Oklahoma and Oklahoma State to the North Division?

I do wonder, if the Big 12 commission had brought the TV contract to the table a few months ago, whether the University of Nebraska and University of Colorado would have bolted?

Darren Burrow

Woodway

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Many people in the Waco area have been praying that the Big 12 would remain intact and that Baylor University would continue to be a big-time player in college athletics. Well, our prayers have been answered, and we need to thank God.

The University of Texas overplayed its hand with the Pac-10, and Texas A&M University bluffed with the SEC offer. This allowed the networks and Texas to re-evaluate their fortunes. With its vast resources, UT will always control the money fortunes of all Texas schools. However, the real problem with Baylor and any major conference is the lack of attendance and support of the teams by Waco residents.

How can we not fill up the small Baylor stadium during games? If we truly want Baylor to survive long-term, we must go to games, fill every seat and demonstrate to the conference that we are a market, community and university that bring value to the table.

Troy Williams

Robinson

Addicted to oil

Thomas Friedman’s column in Thursday’s Tribune-Herald was right on target. Americans are not going to make the changes necessary to rid our country’s dependence on oil.

I drove past a local carwash this week and saw a bunch of gas-guzzling, huge pickup trucks sitting out front being polished.

Yes, this is Texas. And it seems these guys aren’t giving up their trucks for anything.

Lola Hopper

Waco