By Abby Roper | Photographer
If you have not yet done so, this is your sign to run the Baylor Line.
Despite what you might hear from your other classmates, it is worth it. If you are presented with the opportunity to run, do it. You won’t regret it for a second.
Some of my new friends said I was crazy for making the choice to run right away when I could do it later in the season. But I always had my heart set on running the first game in an effort to encapsulate the whole experience at my very first football game. Due to it still being September in Texas, the heat had not yet subsided.
True, waiting for three hours in the sweltering Texas heat is not everyone’s idea of a good time. But the first football game was so exciting, and I felt like it was a rite of passage. Trust me, there were moments when I asked myself, “Was it worth it?” or “Did I lose my mind in the heat?” Short answer: no. And here’s why.
Nothing compares to the moments right before Baylor Chamber releases the Line, watching the hype video and feeling the adrenaline rush through my veins. Thankfully, I was not involved in any pileups. I stayed toward the back and ran on the side of the crowd. My heart was racing, and I will never forget being enamored by the fact that I was a part of something so much bigger than myself. I completely forgot about the running part — just looking up into the stands, feeling so small yet being such a big part of the Baylor family.
The roar of the crowd, the wave of yellow Line jerseys and the sheer joy of being a part of such an iconic tradition made every second of the scorching wait worthwhile. This day served as an adventure of a lifetime — not just a sprint, but a defining moment in my Baylor journey.
Running the Line creates the special reality of being a part of the spirit and camaraderie of Baylor. You see plenty of posts and videos attempting to do this tradition justice, but nothing can live up to the sensation of being there in the moment.
So, was it unbearably hot? Absolutely. Did I wait for three hours? You bet. Was it worth it? Without a doubt. The Baylor Line is not just about running to hype up the football team; it’s about camaraderie, tradition and the unforgettable memories and friends you make along the way. Every first-year student needs to experience this feeling for years to come. It’s a real gateway to Baylor becoming home.
