By Cannon Fritz | Reporter
When people think about Baylor athletics, football is usually one of the first things that come to mind. McLane Stadium on a fall Saturday is one of the best experiences Baylor has to offer. From the Baylor Line to the sea of green and gold, football rightly occupies a special place in campus culture.
But students who limit themselves to football games are missing out on some of the most enjoyable experiences Baylor athletics has to offer.
A college career goes by quickly. Between classes, internships, jobs and social commitments, it is easy to settle into the same routines. However, one of the best ways to take advantage of the Baylor experience is to explore the variety of athletic events taking place across campus.
A night at the ballpark is a perfect example.
Both Baylor baseball and softball offer a different atmosphere from football. Instead of the packed intensity of a Saturday in the fall, there is a more relaxed environment where friends can gather, enjoy a spring evening and still witness high-level competition.
There is something special about sitting under the lights with a group of friends, watching a close game unfold one pitch at a time. The slower pace allows fans to appreciate the game in a different way while still being part of a competitive Big 12 environment.
Then there are the sports many students may never otherwise encounter.
Baylor’s athletic programs provide opportunities to experience competitions that are rarely accessible outside of college. Part of the value of attending a university is being exposed to things you may never see again after graduation. College provides access to unique events that many people would never consider attending on their own, and athletic competitions are no exception.
Sports like volleyball and tennis also provide opportunities to support successful programs while enjoying a different style of competition. Every athletic event has its own atmosphere, traditions, and fan experience. Part of being a college student is discovering interests and experiences that extend beyond what is most popular.
Attending these events is also about supporting fellow students.
The athletes representing Baylor across multiple sports dedicate countless hours to training, travel and competition while balancing the demands of being college students. Showing up to support them is one of the simplest ways to contribute to the Baylor community. A larger crowd can make a difference and help create an environment where athletes feel appreciated for their hard work and commitment.
There is also something to be said for the sense of community that develops at these events. While football games can involve tens of thousands of people, smaller sporting events often feel more personal. Students can sit closer to the action, recognize familiar faces, and feel more connected to the athletes representing their university. Those experiences often create a deeper appreciation for Baylor as a whole.
More importantly, these moments often become some of the most memorable parts of college life.
Years after graduation, many alumni remember the experiences they shared with friends more than the final score of any particular game. Sometimes those memories are made at football games. Other times they happen at a softball game on a Tuesday night, a track meet in the spring, a basketball game in January or an athletic event that wasn’t originally on the weekend schedule.
College is about more than earning a degree. It is also about trying new things, embracing opportunities and making the most of a limited amount of time. Students only spend a few years on campus, and those years pass quickly. The experiences that make college special are often the ones that were never planned.
Football may be the front porch of Baylor athletics, but it is far from the whole house.
Students only get a few years to experience everything Baylor has to offer. They should make the most of it by stepping beyond the football stadium and discovering the rest of the athletic programs that help make Baylor special.
