As a former member of the Baylor Lariat staff and a proud graduate of Baylor University, I am writing this letter to all members of the Baylor family. Today will be one of the biggest moments for our university in a long time, and thanks to ESPN, we will have a national audience. With our friends 90 miles down the Brazos making a decision that could affect all of us, our administration is working tirelessly to ensure the long-term vision and mission of Baylor University.

We must also do our part, and I am not talking about lobbying or contacting your representatives. This Friday each and every person on this beautiful campus has an obligation to show our national audience exactly who we are. Every student, faculty member and campus organization needs to be at Floyd Casey Stadium in full force. We all need to show up early, stay late and make a lot of noise. President Ken Starr, Ian McCaw and their administration have made every effort to positively change the atmosphere surrounding game day. I have seen Baylor Nation support all of our athletic programs, and this week you can show the nation.

Tonight we will be hosting one of our oldest rivals, the TCU Horned Frogs. They will be coming into Waco as a ranked team looking to make a statement, and they will have their purple-clad fans with them. Coach Art Briles and his staff have been preparing all year for our team to take the next step. The student athletes have been working hard and pouring their hearts and souls into Baylor University, and it all comes together today.

There should not be an empty seat in the house for this game as we showcase our university to the nation. We need to show the passion, pride and love we have for our university, chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas. For more than a century we have played the game of football, our history is impressive and this is an exciting chapter. With enrollment growing, there are more Baylor Bears out in the world than ever before, and that should translate to more people in the seats and one intimidating crowd.

Before you make plans for Labor Day weekend, make sure that you take the time to show everyone who we are. We are Baylor Nation, and we will fling our green and gold afar for all of this great country to see. Many alumni will come from all over the country to show our support, and we cannot wait to see how great our beloved Baylor is in your hands. This is a chance for your parents and friends to see you on national television in the Baylor Line, in the student section or in your season seats. This is a chance to see Baylor, and I hope to see all of you there.

— David Correa
B.A. 2004

Kickoff for Friday’s game is 7 p.m., and the Touchdown Alley tailgaiting area opens at 4 p.m.