Four Stars At Baylor

In recent years I have often written critically of decisions made by Baylor University's Board of Regents. In doing so I have often stated that I am a big fan of Baylor in many ways. At the present tome Baylor is blessed to have many good attributes, but four stand out to me. I list them here in no particular order.

It is my considered opinion that Baylor President Kenneth Starr is a huge asset to Baylor. Yes, I hear the snickers out there, asking how long the regents will allow him to stay as president, since they have famously fired other good men with whom they got impatient. I have said it before and I will say it again, Ken Starr is a man of high ethical standards, maybe even too high for a couple of those regents. If allowed to stay in place I think Starr will lead Baylor to the heights of academic achievement they have long desired. I also think he will balk at any attempt for Baylor to surreptitiously change their current agreement with the BGCT without negotiating with convention leaders. We all know Baylor's record on that score. However, I do not believe Ken Starr would allow such to happen again. He is a true man of integrity. Baylor is lucky to have him.

Currently, Baylo0r is also blessed to have another on campus that emulates the best of what we expect from young men. I speak of Robert Griffin III, the current quarterback of the Baylor football team. To ay that RGIII is the best ever at B.U. would be a gross understatement. No one has ever played the position as well at Baylor and few have played it as well anywhere. Not only is he a gifted athlete with a future in professional realms, but he appears to be an upstanding young man. Raised in a military home, respectful of others, and disciplined in his life, Robert stands to be highly thought of in this year's Heisman Trophy discussion. In fact one ESPN analyst lists him as number 1 on his list. While early favoritism was placed in Andrew Luck of Stanford, it now appears Robert Griffin will be seen as the nation's best quarterback and perhaps even its best football player. Good for Robert, and good for Baylor in recruiting him.

Another star in Baylor's heaven is its women's basketball team, currently ranked number one in the country, almost unanimously. There are a lot of things I really like about this team, not the least of which is its coach, Kim Mulkey. I love her outspoken demeanor. She has no unspoken thoughts, apparently, and that is something I cherish. She has molded a group of young ladies into a virtual machine of efficiency on the basketball court. While they do have one outstanding superstar in Brittany Griner, the team has four other starters who give Griner the opportunity to be great. She might end up the greatest women's player of all time. In any event, many of us thought they would win the national title last year, but most of us feel they will win it this year, barring any unforeseen tragedy. They are truly another star in Baylor's crown.

Finally, star number 4 is perhaps the most underrated of all. I am referring to Head Football Coach, Art Briles. From the day Coach Briles set foot on the Baylor campus the program has been moving upward. I have watched this man's career for many years, in High school, in college at Houston, and now at Baylor. Briles is not just a good coach, he is a good man, someone any parent would love to have their son playing for. His offense mind for the game is genius. His values are admirable and he makes Baylor a place young men want to come and play.

All Texas Baptists should be pleased with these four stars at Baylor. Now, I know there are other things about Baylor that many of you would have liked for me to mention and I acknowledge that my list may not be your list. But, this is my blog, so I list what I want to list. Good for you, Baylor.