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Opinion | 2 Arts & Life | 5 Sports | 7 Public Access Loud Words Legendary Board of Regents Common Grounds Coach Mulkey is a finalist meetings should be open hosted a slam poetry for the Naismith Hall of to the public. event. Fame. Death to Life Former student now faces life prison sentence

DIDI MARTINEZ Digital Managing Editor

With the fate of an inmate on death row in his hands, Gov. Greg Abbott has decided to grant clemency to Thomas “Bart” Whitaker who was scheduled for execution Thursday.

Lariat Archives LOOKING BACK When Billy Graham spoke at Baylor in 1962, classes were dismissed from 9:40 a.m. to noon so students could attend. The service was held in Marrs McLean Gymnasium because it could hold 1,500 more people than Waco Hall, but it still filled to capacity.

Thomas “Bart” America’s pastor left big impact on BU Whitaker

The governor’s decision THOMAS MORAN died from natural causes in his home said. “He spoke of the University’s with whom he would have five was made at 4:55 p.m. Staff Writer in Montreat, N.C. commitment to faith and learning and children. Graham pastored several yesterday — almost one Baylor President Dr. Linda to helping our students understand different communities and began to hour before Bart Whitaker’s After humble beginnings growing Livingstone released a statement, their responsibility to be the hands gain momentum as an evangelist, execution via lethal injection up on a dairy farm in Charlotte, N.C., sharing her condolences with and feet of Christ and serve others preaching throughout the United was scheduled to take place. no one could have predicted that Graham’s family members and throughout the world, a commitment States and in Europe. The decision was placed on William “Billy” Franklin Graham Jr. highlighting the close relationship to which Baylor remains faithful.” In 1949, Graham led a revival the governor after the Texas would become the most influential between the university and the According to his website, Graham in Los Angeles that would launch Board of Pardons and Paroles Christian evangelist of the 20th notable religious figure. first felt called toward evangelism his ministry toward unprecedented unanimously voted in favor century. Remembered fondly by “We are deeply grieved to learn at the age of 15 after attending a success. Now called “The Los of clemency for the 38-year- the Baylor community and millions that the Rev. Billy Graham has series of local revival meetings lead Angeles Crusade,” the meetings were old inmate. At the time, Bart of followers, Graham passed away passed away, yet we rejoice that by traveling evangelist. After being originally scheduled for a span of Whitaker’s attorney, Keith Wednesday at the age of 99. he has been called home as a good ordained a Southern Baptist minister three weeks but a nightly overflow Hampton said he feared Graham’s health had been and faithful servant of our Lord and and completing his education, of crowds filling the tent motivated the opportunity to spare declining for several years and he Savior Jesus Christ,” Livingstone Graham married his wife Ruth, Whitaker’s life would “close GRAHAM >> Page 4 rapidly” should the governor deny the move but was “hopeful” that Abbott would rule in favor of the board’s recommendation. Bart Whitaker was initially sentenced to death after it was revealed that he planned to have his family killed through a staged burglary and murder-for-hire scheme in order to receive a $1.5 million inheritance, according to court documents. The Lucinda Yang December 2003 incident Sadie Perry Kayla Kemp Elijah Tanner, took place after the family Charleston, Tenn., Niwot, Colo. sophomore Copperas Cove senior Keller theology student had returned home from doctoral candidate celebrating Bart Whitaker’s graduation from Sam Houston State University — the school he had transferred to after The only thing that I heard I got the chance to go to his legacy I think his death is a great time for He really impacted my parent’s attending Baylor University “about his passing was in a quote on “museum, and I think it’s a testament “the newer generations to pay respects generation.“ My whole family was in 2011, but never actually Instagram about living on in heaven to his impact on the world and just to his legacy. Graham is one of the talking about [Graham’s passing], graduated from. At the house after death, and I thought that related how much God was able to use him. few people in popular culture who and my mom sent me a text and a two of Bart Whitaker’s to him and was really impactful It’s a different time, and I don’t think was really devoted to living a life of link to an article about it. I grew up friends, Chris Brashear and because he really tried to point out we’ll see someone who had such an integrity. In his 99 years, there was no hearing about Graham, but I’m not Steve Champagne, staged the through his life that we’re alive impact on the world in an honorable scandal or drama. He just really lived really familiar with his sermons.” robbery and Brashear opened eternally through the lord.” way like he did in our lifetime.” life for the Lord.” fire, killing Bart Whitaker’s 53-year-old mother, Patricia Whitaker, and 19-year-old brother, Kevin Whitaker. Only Bart Whitaker and his father Kent Whitaker survived the attack. 16 defendants added to fraternity lawsuit But around 5:20 p.m. today, Hampton got the call that he had been waiting for, MICAELA FREEMAN local and national chapters allowing Donna Doe to be arrested and later indicted on and therefore the university and said he was the first person Staff Writer of the fraternity and students drugged, “failing to discover, four counts of sexual assault declines to comment. to deliver the news to the who were officers of the develop and/or implement and is awaiting trial. He is The McLennan County convict’s father, who has been Sixteen defendants have Baylor chapter. basic safeguards designed currently out of jail on a District Clerk’s office has at the forefront of the battle for been added to the lawsuit According to the arrest to prevent and/or minimize $5,000 bond. not been notified that any of his son’s life. against a Baylor University affidavit, the victim, called incidents of sexual assault,” In May 2016, Phi Delta the defendants have hired “I’m glad the governor fraternity regarding an Donna Doe in the civil suit, and “failing to have adequate Theta suspended its Baylor attorneys at this point. followed the recommendation alleged rape that occurred said a man took her “to a policies and procedures in chapter after the indictment The Lariat reached out and did the right thing,” at an off-campus Phi Delta secluded part of the grounds place to prevent the provision of Anderson and the incident. to Phi Delta Theta’s national Hampton wrote to the Lariat Theta party in February behind a tent in order to get of alcohol to persons under University Spokeswoman chapter for a comment and via email. 2016. some air ... once away from the age of 21.” Lori Fogleman said six of was not able to receive one As for the inmate, Bart The civil lawsuit, which everyone else attending the One of those named as the 16 new defendants are by the time of publication. Whitaker told prison officials now includes a total of 24 party” and sexually assaulted a defendant is Jacob Walter current Baylor students, nine The lawsuit is asking he is “thankful.” Phi Delta Theta affiliated her. Anderson, a former Baylor are Baylor graduates and one for more than $1 million in “I’m thankful for this defendants, was filed in the The suit alleges the student who was president of is a former student. damages for physical injury, 414th State District Court on fraternity’s members at the Phi Delta Theta at the time of Fogleman said Baylor mental anguish and pain and CRIME >> Page 4 Feb. 8. That list includes the incident were negligent, the incident. Anderson was is not a party in the suit suffering.

Vol.118 No. 38 © 2018 Baylor University Friday, February 23, 2018 2 The Baylor Lariat

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EDITORIAL True Transparency Baylor Board of Regents should adopt an open meetings policy

As a private institution, Baylor’s obligation to Texas law differs from that of a public university’s concerning the rules and regulations that govern open meeting policies. This directly relates to Baylor’s Board of Regents, which to this day conducts its meetings behind closed doors. Just because Baylor’s Board of Regents is not strictly bound to Texas’s open meeting laws does not mean Baylor should not adhere to them, anyway. The Board held its first meeting of the year last Friday in the Hankamer/Cashion Academic Center. Behind closed doors, the Board discussed the implementation of Phase II of Baylor’s Pro Futuris vision, which included the Academic Strategic Plan called “Illuminate” and President Dr. Linda A. Livingstone’s future goals for the university. In contrast, a Baylor Magazine article outlined the Feb. 17, 2017 Board of Regents meeting, claiming the Board approved multiple measures for increased transparency: “The Baylor Board of Regents adopted new bylaws at their February meeting that will improve University governance by increasing diversity among the Regents, provide voting privileges to a second-term student Regent and give the public a more complete view of Board operations and decisions.” A statement from then Board chair Ronald D. Murff further captured the regents’ vision. “Combined with the changes we’ve already made, these actions today will make Baylor’s governance model one of the most responsive and transparent of any major private university,” it read. In years prior, the transparency of the board was a hot topic of debate. In 2016, nearing the climax of Baylor’s sexual assault scandal, a perceived lack of transparency among the governing board motivated individuals to build a platform equipped to tackle and inspire change. The “Bears for Leadership Reform” organization, which generated a large following of Baylor alumni, donors, faculty and students in 2016, set out to “cure the culture of secrecy that surrounds the current Board,” stating further that, “There has been too much secrecy and innuendo. We do not fear the truth and demand that the Baylor Board of Regents and administration provide total transparency about these issues.” Since BLR’s foundation, the Board has increased its transparency as a governing body, at least to a certain degree. Beginning Feb. 17, 2017, the Board began to record and release the minutes of the board meetings on Baylor’s website, in addition to releasing agendas prior to meetings. The Board also began to host news conferences after each meeting, and, according to the Lariat’s coverage at the time, designated that of the two student regents, the one serving the second year of the two-year term would serve as a member of the board with full voting rights. The minutes of the board meetings, however, are disappointingly vague. Outlined in numbered bullet points, each category features a generalized and condensed version of that Rewon Shimray | Cartoonist which was discussed. This is evident in, for example, the minutes for Oct. 20, 2017’s meeting, which states the meeting was called to clear terms: “The Open Meetings Act (Texas Government Code, public witness. order at 8 a.m. and later adjourned at 11:50 a.m. With only eight Chapter 551) provides that meetings of governmental bodies must Even Randy Ferguson, co-chair of BLR’s research and policy bullet points highlighting the topics discussed in a nearly 3-hour be open to the public except for expressly authorized executive committee and former regent, told the Lariat in 2017, “We are not time span, the lack of transparency is evident. Even if the Board sessions.” Baylor is conveniently exempt from these laws, as the proposing to follow the open meeting pact that public universities adopted an open meetings policy, regents would still have the act is “premised on providing full notice of public business.” have to follow.” ability to go into closed executive session, as they do now when Baylor, a private institution, can thus construct its guidelines for Interestingly, “confidentiality” is listed under the Board of documenting minutes, meetings according mostly Regents’ statement of commitment and responsibilities for each in order to maintain to its own standards and of its members. a balance between values for transparency. After the February 2017 Board of Regents meeting, the transparency and Compared to UT, president of Bears for Leadership Reform, John Eddie Williams, efficiency. Baylor lags far behind the released a statement expressing his dissatisfaction with the The minutes of the standards for transparency regents’ application of the governance recommendations. February 2017 meeting “The minutes of the board demanded of public “We are deeply disappointed that the Baylor Board of Regents did not mention an institutions. Section one did not adopt more comprehensive reforms,” Williams’ statement increased intention to meetings, however, are of Rule 10403 of the read. “These changes are baby steps, not the real reform the improve the public’s disappointingly vague. UT Regents’ rules and Baylor family wants or deserves from its leadership in response view of the Board’s regulations, which was to this crisis.” operations despite Outlined in numbered approved 14 years ago Baylor has improved in recent years, given a number of a clear correlation in 2004, declares that influential factors, including an increased level of concern among between changes to the bullet points, each “Meetings of the Board of Baylor affiliates. In large part, when the people raised their voices Board and discontent category features Regents shall be open to in 2016 and 2017, Baylor heard them out. from Baylor alumni, the public, unless otherwise It is now February 2018, and little has changed since faculty and students. a generalized and determined by the Board, improvements were made nearly one year ago. The changes However, the minutes in accordance with law.” In established in February of last year are not far-reaching enough did address “the condensed version of that addition to mere openness when it comes to affirming true transparency. Governance Task Force which was discussed.” and transparency, section The Lariat does not intend solely to criticize the institution recommendations from three of Rule 10403 allows which it ultimately relies upon and cares for. If a person truly cares a student standpoint, in members of the public to about something, they will want that something to be the best it particular the omission exercise their voice and can be and to live up to high standards. Care about Baylor we do; of the student Regents express their opinions therefore, we call upon its leaders to raise the bar of transparency being given a vote on during UT’s meetings: and to a higher degree than once was — than currently is. t h e B o ard .” “Members of the public are allowed to present written and oral As a publication, we simply wish to exercise our freedom to Moving forward, the Board should make every effort to testimony, for a reasonable amount of time as determined by the call out governing bodies by means of the press, on behalf of the promote complete transparency by opening its doors to the Chairman of the Board, on any topic listed on the agenda for a voices of the general public. To demand better of our leaders, public in a similar manner to that of a public university, such as Committee or Board meeting that is open to the public.” especially given the failures and missteps of recent years, is not the University of Texas at Austin. This contrasts greatly with Baylor’s policies. Even with only justifiable, it is for the greater good of a people and of Baylor The University of Texas Systems website, which outlines UT’s increased efforts to appease frustrated individuals in 2017, the Nation. Transparency is not just the cry of the press; it is the cry guidelines for open meetings for governing bodies, states in Board stands firm in its decision to operate in a manner void of of the public.

Meet the Staff Contact Us Opinion EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SPORTS EDITOR BROADCAST REPORTERS Bailey Brammer* Nathan Keil Elisabeth Tharp General Questions: The Baylor Lariat welcomes reader viewpoints through letters to the editor and Rylee Seavers PRINT MANAGING EDITOR MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Meredith Aldis [email protected] guest columns. Opinions expressed in the Lariat are not necessarily those of Molly Atchison* Jessica Hubble Branson Hardcastle the Baylor administration, the Baylor Board of Regents, the student body or the 254-710-1712 Student Publications Board. DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR OPINION EDITOR MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISTS Didi Martinez McKenna Middleton* Baylee VerSteeg Josh Aguirre SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR CARTOONIST MJ Routh Sports and Arts: Kaitlyn DeHaven Rewon Shimray* Ryan Barrett Editorials, Columns & Letters [email protected] NEWS EDITOR STAFF WRITERS AD REPRESENTATIVES Kalyn Story* Julia Vergara Josh Whitney [email protected] Editorials express the opinions of the Lariat Editorial Board. Lariat letters and Micaela Freeman Evan Hurley columns are the opinions of an individual and not the Baylor Lariat. ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Thomas Moran Sheree Zou Adam Gibson Quinn Stowell SPORTS WRITERS Advertising inquiries: DESIGN EDITOR Ben Everett MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE Penelope Shirey Max Calderone Luke Kissick [email protected] Lariat Letters Caden Bell 254-710-3407 COPY EDITOR COLUMNIST To submit a Lariat Letter, email [email protected]. Letters should be a Brooke Hill Collin Bryant* DELIVERY DRIVERS Cayden Orred maximum of 400 words. The letter is not guaranteed to be published. ARTS & LIFE EDITOR BROADCAST MANAGING EDITOR Alexis Whiteford Meredith Wagner* Christina Soto Friday, February 23, 2018 The Baylor Lariat News 3 Global Baylor plan aims to encourage worldly students

THOMAS MORAN opportunities and innovative understanding. Enhancement Program plan of Colleges and Schools fact that the world is complex. Staff Writer models for international Global health will be the during the 2015-16 school reaffirmation of accreditation. There are different cultures, experiences will support the primary focus for the next year. The first draft was later Global Baylor is one of different languages. The world Exciting initiatives initiative. four years, Hamilton said. made public to gain input many factors that Null helped isn’t going to adapt to you. designed to enhance Baylor’s Global Baylor, the final Whatever pertinent issues and hear critique from the develop and coordinate in You have to adapt to it. But global engagement will begin initiative in the new Quality are present at the end of that larger Baylor community. In preparation for the Southern by doing that, you’ll become a this spring through a new Enhancement Program, period will be considered for December 2017, the Provost Association of Colleges and stronger individual in a variety Quality Enhancement Plan. is geared to highlight the next emphasis. endorsed the proposal and Schools review. of ways academically, socially, Dr. Wesley Null, vice international events and The new Quality Global Baylor has now been The lengthy process will spiritually.” provost for undergraduate opportunities on Baylor’s Enhancement Program has submitted to the Southern ultimately provide a more Null and Hamilton hope education and institutional campus while supporting a been under development for Association of Colleges and transformational education that Global Baylor will have effectiveness, said Baylor is more consistent narrative of the past several years. Once Schools’ for their on-campus for students who are actively a lasting impact on Baylor evaluated and reaccredited global engagement throughout the Office of Intellectual review in April. engaged in the Global Baylor University and that global through the Southern the community. Global Effectiveness chose Global Null was integral to initiatives. engagement will become Association of Colleges and Baylor will help promote Baylor the topic, Hamilton the broader, campus-wide “We want to provide a more integrated part of Schools every 10 years. speakers and events coming headed the process of evaluation process and educational experiences that go Baylor’s identity. “They look at to campus to advocate for gathering a steering committee helped plan campus reports beyond academics,” Hamilton approximately 100 different inter-cultural competence and and drafting the Quality for the Southern Association said. “You do have to face the areas that all accredited institutions to uphold, “principles of accreditation as they’re called,” Null said. One of the principles that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools evaluates is new creative ideas and programs the school is working to implement. To fulfill this standard, Baylor’s What’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness announced this 10-year cycle’s Quality Enhancement Program, “Global Baylor: Addressing Happening Challenges to Human Flourishing.” The Global Baylor Quality Enhancement Program was designed to promote internationalization and on Campus? global engagement among the Baylor community. Global Baylor looks to reach these goals through four primary Monday, Feb. 26 initiatives: Global Challenges, Movie Mondays: I, Tonya Enhanced International Travel Sundown Weekend Experiences, Diversity Abroad 7 p.m. Visit the downtown Waco Hippodrome for a and Global Baylor. free screening of the Oscar-nominated film, I, Tonya. The first initiative, Global Friday, Feb. 23 Tickets are required for entry and can be picked up Challenges, seeks to increase Sundown Sessions: Thor: with a student ID at the Hippodrome Box Office or student exposure to and Baylor Ticket Office. understanding of global equity Ragnarok, Blacklight Bowling and human flourishing. The 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Join Student Activities in Barfield Quality Enhancement Program Drawing Room for showings of Thor: Ragnarok at Monday, Feb. 26 will focus on particular world- 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Enjoy Blacklight Bowling all Women’s Basketball v. wide issues to promote student evening in the Baylor Gameroom. engagement with global West Virginia challenges, starting with Saturday, Feb. 24 8 p.m. The Lady Bears will shoot for an undefeated global health. conference record as they take on West Virginia for Dr. Jeffrey Hamilton, vice Sundown Sessions: Western Mini the last home game of the season at the provost for global engagement, Golf, Blacklight Bowling Ferrell Center. was closely involved with the 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Bring your putt-putt skills to Barfield process. In his view, global Drawing Room for Western Mini Golf. Blacklight health is a pertinent topic Tuesday, Feb. 27 for all academic disciplines Bowling available all evening in the Baylor Gameroom. Anna Villarreal, LifeStory Health and will hopefully promote 3:30 p.m. Anna Villarreal, founder and CEO of student involvement in every LifeStory Health and strong advocate for women’s department. healthcare, will present “Novel Approaches to “In fact, there were Saturday, Feb. 24 discussions that started Soccer Season Opener Diagnosis and Treatment of Women’s Disease” in initially with deans across Room D109 of the Baylor Sciences Building. The Lady Bears are back for their spring campus, faculty senate and a 2 p.m. lot of different constituencies opener against the Houston Baptist Huskies at Betty Tuesday, Feb. 27 about what would be Lou Mays Field. something that fit into Bella Voce with Men’s Choir Baylor’s mission and enhance Saturday, Feb. 24 7:30 p.m. The Bella Voce women’s ensemble will academics and learning on perform alongside the Men’s Choir, in preparation for campus,” Hamilton said. No. 1 Acrobatics and Tumbling v. the upcoming ACDA Southwest Division Conference, Enhanced International No. 2 Oregon in Jones Concert Hall, Glennis McCrary Music Building. Travel Experiences, the 7 p.m. The reigning national champion Acrobatics second initiative, will provide and Tumbling team will host the Oregon Ducks at the Tuesday, Feb. 27 more travel and missions Ferrell Center. opportunities with a greater Men’s Basketball v. Oklahoma emphasis on experiential 8 p.m. The Bears will make a push for the NCAA learning and for now, global health. tournament as they take on the Oklahoma Sooners at For example, Hamilton said the Ferrell Center for their last home game. the anthropology department Celebrate Black will lead a trip to Chiang Mai, Wednesday, Feb. 28 Thailand this summer to study Federal Day illnesses that can transfer History Month between animals and humans, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Learn about career paths with also called zoonotic diseases. Monday, Feb. 26 the federal government and network with agency The group will focus primarily professionals in the second-floor lobby of the BDSC. on elephant populations. “My Encounters with Martin Students who attend Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X” Wednesday, Feb. 28 any study abroad trip will 3:30 p.m. The Department of History presents Liberated: The New be required to take a one John H. Bracey Jr., PhD, University of credit hour on intercultural Sexual Revolution Massachusetts at Amherst, in Kayser Auditorium, competence during their Attend a showing of this documentary film Hankamer Academic Building. 7 p.m. program at no additional cost that explores attitudes about dating, the “hookup to them, Hamilton said. culture” and interpersonal violence. Screening will “The idea is that while Tuesday, Feb. 27 take place at the Waco Hippodrome, followed by a you’re abroad, whether it’s The Lost Tapes: Malcolm X your whole semester or a panel discussion with the film’s producers, including faculty-led program in the 4 p.m. This Smithsonian Channel film tells the associate professor Sarah Jane Murray, PhD. summer, we want you to be story of the man who, by any means necessary, processing your experience willingly put his life at risk to bring change and Thursday, March 1 while it’s happening,” equality to black America. The preview screening Sam Houston the Texas Legend Hamilton said. “We want them will take place in Kayser Auditorium, Hankamer to be thinking about what’s 11 a.m. Celebrate Sam Houston’s 225th birthday and happening while they’re there. Academic Building. A Q&A will follow. Texas Independence Day at the Mayborn Museum What’s happening to them in as history enthusiast Clifton Robinson educates and terms of, perhaps, their career For a full schedule of events, visit entertains with stories of the Republic of Texas. choices? What’s happening to baylor.edu/multicultural. them in their understanding of other cultures and their own culture?” The third initiative, Diversity Abroad, will make For more, join Baylor Connect at travel and mission trips more accessible to first generation baylor.edu/baylorconnect students, students of color and students from other Follow @BaylorStuAct, @BaylorMA and diverse or underrepresented @BaylorUB on Twitter. backgrounds. Scholarship Friday, February 23, 2018 The Baylor Lariat 4 News

GRAHAM from Page 1

Graham to continue the revival for a total of eight weeks. From that point on, his success in spreading the Gospel grew exponentially until the end of his career as an evangelist. Before his retirement, Graham is estimated to have preached live to around 215 million individuals in more than 185 countries and territories around the world. He reached hundreds of millions more through his presence on television and his authorship of countless books and publications. Dr. Todd Still, a Christian Heritage professor for Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary, said he remembers Graham’s rise to world renown. “I remember as a young child hearing Billy Graham on television and found his message magnetic,” Still said. “I remember from my earliest days to his dying day thinking how grateful I was for someone who preached the gospel so clearly, so simple, so accessibly, so faithfully and so impactfully.” Lariat Archives In Still’s view, it was Graham’s unmatched DYNAMIC EVANGELIST Billy Graham spoke at chapel in 1951 as part of a tour of Texas towns sponsored by the Baptist General Convention of Texas. accessibility and conviction of speech that made him Graham’s anti-racism efforts educational institution without such an effective preacher and credited him with helping spiritual emphasis.” Graham and revivalist — a skill that reduce racial tension in the said during the convocation. would eventually allow him South. “That is one thing we’ve got to influence some of the most “Christianity is not a white that makes us unique. That powerful individuals in the man’s religion and don’t let is why there will always be a world. anybody tell you that it’s white Baylor … Blessed is the man After his first meeting or black,” Graham said during who stands with the gospel with President Harry Truman, the Civil Rights Movement. of the Bible in one hand and Graham would go on to “Christ belongs to all people; social concern in the other.” counsel and minister to several He belongs to the whole In his youth, Dr. William presidents of the United States, world.” Pitts, Baylor professor of including former Presidents Graham spoke across religion, had the opportunity Richard Nixon, Jimmy the globe and filled notable to hear Graham speak and Carter and Ronald Reagan. venues like Yankee Stadium. remembers his unparalleled Graham’s lasting impact on Despite his high demand and ability to connect with the the presidents is reflected in colossal following, Baylor audience, regardless of size. their statements released since University hosted him on “There was a clear his passing. multiple occasions, according conviction,” Pitts said. “Tirelessly spreading a to a statement released “He conveyed his message message of fellowship and Wednesday. urgently. He wanted people hope, he shaped the spiritual During his first visit to follow Christ. He made lives of tens of millions of in 1951, Graham spoke to his sermons very simple and people worldwide,” Carter students during Chapel and easy to understand so from a said in a press release. “Broad- preached at the First Baptist rhetorical point of view, his minded, forgiving, and humble Church of Waco later that simplicity was really what in his treatment of others, he evening. allowed him to connect with exemplified the life of Jesus “A general awakening so many people.” Christ by constantly reaching is occurring on college Graham emphasized the out for opportunities to serve. and university campuses importance of encountering He had an enormous influence throughout the country,” Christ and, unlike other on my own spiritual life, and I Lariat Archives Graham said during his preachers of the time, was pleased to count Reverend speech in Waco Hall. “College denominationalism was not ONERY MEMBERSHIP After Billy Graham spoke at Baylor in 1954, the Noze Brotherhood Graham among my advisers awarded him honorary membership, Noze brotherhood pins and certificates. students are hungry for God.” his priority, Pitts said. This and friends.” He would return to campus gained Graham popularity President Donald Trump three years later to participate and credibility across many lot of people’s lives to where his legacy and continues to evangelist. called Graham “God’s in Baylor’s second Conference denominations. they could accept Christ and influence Baylor today. “Billy Graham was a Ambassador,” offering his on American Ideals and However, Graham’s live their best life. It makes me Dr. Burt Burleson, connection to vibrant faith,” condolences to the Graham received an honorary doctoral influence is not limited to want to do good things in the Dean of Spiritual Life and Burleson said. “He was family. This is just one of degree from Baylor. During those who were able to see world and try to do what he did Missions, said the Graham someone who introduced the many titles and labels that same trip, he recieved and hear him during the peak as much as I can.” was undoubtedly the most millions of people to the Graham earned throughout his honorary membership to the of his life as an evangelist. His Graham’s connection to impactful modern day gospel.” remarkable life. An impressive Noze Brotherhood. In 1962, conviction has transcended Baylor has continued through 55 times, Gallup Organization Graham visited Baylor a third generational boundaries and his daughter, Anne Graham counted him among the “Ten time as a featured speaker for influenced the current youth Lotz, who served as a Baylor Most Admired Men in the “Baylor’s World Emphasis generations. Regent from 2005-2008, and World.” Graham earned other Week.” Nash, Okla. freshman three of his grandchildren, who unofficial label and titles In February of 1970, William LeForce inherited an graduated from Baylor. The through his ministry, not Graham made his last visit affinity for Graham’s sermons Baylor community mourns the least of which was as an to Baylor and addressed and writings from a young age the death of the modern day advocate for racial equality. 10,000 people for the “125th and upholds Graham as a role Christian hero. Graham, who considered anniversary convocation.” model. Graham’s work destroyed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a Graham affirmed Baylor’s “He was a big influence racial barriers, surpassed close friend, was open in his Christianity, highlighted on my grandparents’ lives and international borders and opposition to segregation and Baylor as an exemplary that of course translated to my overcame denominational racism. Graham lead a series Christian collegiate institution parents lives and that then had differences. Graham’s of crusades in Alabama and and urged the community an impact on me,” LeForce powerful commission remains emphasized the importance toward social advocacy. said. “He just opened people’s of racial equality throughout “There is no reason for mind and people accepted the meetings. King praised Baylor’s existence as an what he said. He changed a

Truett Seminary to host memorial pizza lunch honoring Billy Graham’s life and ministry Friday at noon in the Truett Seminary Great Hall

CRIME from Page 1 decision, not for me but for enforcement and the jury executions,” Abbott wrote in a my dad. Whatever punishment system. statement. “I have not granted I might have received or will “They [the board] also a commutation of a death receive will be just,” Bart ignored the Bartlett family, sentence until now, for reasons Whitaker said in his statement. Patricia’s side of the family, I here explain.” “I deserve any punishment for who wanted him executed, In his statement, the my crimes, but my dad did who feel threatened by him governor cited the “totality nothing wrong. The system and scared of him,” Felcman of circumstances” in the case worked for him today and I told the paper on Tuesday. such as the father’s pleas will do my best to uphold my The decision to commute for his son’s life, the fate end of the bargain.” the sentence was an unusual of the shooter in the case But not all were in favor one for the state of Texas and the board’s unanimous of commuting his sentence to given the board’s clemency recommendation as reasons a life in prison. Fred Felcman, recommendation — a move for his decision. the original prosecutor on that hasn’t been done since As part of the commutation, the case, told the Houston 2009 — and Abbott’s track Bart Whitaker agreed to spend Chronicle that he opposed record with death penalty the rest of his life in prison the board’s recommendation. cases. without the possibility of Felcman said the board “In just over three years as parole. undermined the work of law governor, I have allowed 30 Friday, February 23, 2018 The Baylor Lariat 5

arts&baylorlariat.comlife REVIEW OF THE DAILY I think it’s really OBAMA PORTRAITS CROSSWORD powerful when people Find out why the iconic Answers can be share their stories.” paintings deserve praise, found under “Puzzle not criticism on pg. 7 Solutions” at “ Liv Nortello | Slam Poet pg. 5 baylorlariat.com FOLLOW ARTS & LIFE ON TWITTER >> @BULariatArts \ READ MORE ONLINE AT BaylorLariat.com Young student launches slam poetry club

MICAELA FREEMAN Staff Writer SLAM!The dreary weather did not stop performers from getting on the Common Grounds stage for open mic night on Wednesday. Despite being relocated to the side patio, Common Grounds’ open mic night proved to be a suitable atmosphere for Chicago native Liv Nortello, who performed spoken word on behalf of her newly-founded slam poetry group, Ivory Lion Poetry. Upon completion, Nortello’s passionate performance warranted a lengthy applause, compelling many to react approvingly throughout the performance as well. Nortello said she founded Ivory Lion Poetry to allow people to come together and talk about spoken word and the effects it has on their lives. Nortello said she wants this group to not only gain an interest among Baylor students, but the Waco community as well. “That’s what this is for, and I’m hoping that people will want to join to share their personal stories,” Nortello said. Nortello said she wants the slam poetry group to be grounded in Christian-based principles — a reason for people to come together to share their stories, as well as their love for God. “I think it’s really powerful when people share their stories,” Nortello said. “I believe that the hard things in life don’t negate the goodness in God.” Ivory Lion Poetry meets weekly at Common Grounds to discuss its group goals. Nortello is the only member that consistently performs at Common Grounds open mic night, but she said the members of the group will perform in the future. Nortello said she hopes her performances inspire listeners to know the truth about their identities and their worth. “For me, it means the opportunity to speak truth to places Baylee VerSteeg | Multimedia Journalist where people have heard lies about who they are or what is SLAM Chicago, Ill. native Liv Nortello performs spoken word at Common Grounds’ open mic night Wednesday night. Nortello possible for them,” she said. recently founded the slam poetry club Ivory Lion Poetry. Waco senior Dakota Henry said Ivory Lion Poetry encourages Baylor students to take advantage of the opportunities it offers Moldovan said that he enjoys the passion Nortello expels in they feel the opportunities it brings are applicable to their lives. as a group, and said the club has given him an outlet from his her performances and that her poetry speaks volumes to him “Her poetry meant a lot,” Moldovan said. “But, the way she regular Baylor activities. personally. takes it and makes it applicable is what makes it great.” “For me, Ivory Lion Poetry has been an opportunity to have “She’s very impassioned in what she believes, in the poetry Nortello said she encourages anyone who enjoys writing about a more intentional platform to really hone in on my writing. It’s she writes. She just found that space and that Savior and, at the their passion for Jesus to join the Waco club and to find Nortello something I really enjoy,” Henry said. end, she offers that,” Moldovan said. “She would ask questions at Common Grounds because she “practically lives there.” Waco native and Texas State Technical College graduate that would make you feel kind of special.” Aaron Moldovan is also passionate about Ivory Lion Poetry and Moldovan and Henry both said they are grateful that they are attended Wednesday’s open mic night at Common Grounds. involved with Ivory Lion Poetry and with Nortellom, because

REVIEW Famous animator welcomed to Waco JP GRAHAM Reporter

What do Scooby-Doo, the Rugrats, Winnie the Pooh, the bringing with him the cartoons “Krazy Kat” and “Beetle Bailey” Flintstones and George of the Jungle all have in common? in hopes of producing them locally. Campbell said he was Animator and cartoon director Ron Campbell helped create one of the only animators in Australia, which made it easy for each of these cartoons throughout his 50-year career. Campbell Brodax to find him. Not long after Brodax arrived, Campbell frequently tours the country to exhibit his work and meet his was working as an animator for the aforementioned cartoons. fans, and his collection is currently on display right here in Brodax liked Campbell’s work on “Krazy Kat” and Waco. “Beetle Bailey,” so he brought “The Beatles” television series “The Beatles Cartoon Show,” Campbell’s one-man traveling to Australia for Campbell to work on, shortly followed by exhibition, is a collection of Campbell’s work throughout his “Yellow Submarine,” an animated motion picture. These career. The Beatles Cartoon Show travels every other month commissions received attention from Bill Hanna of Hanna- and visits two cities during each respective outing. Barbera Productions, an American animation studio, who Campbell planted himself and his work at downtown art relocated Campbell to Hollywood, Ca. to work on shows like gallery and event space Cultivate 7twelve Tuesday afternoon for the Flintstones, the Jetsons and Scooby-Doo. the first of a two-day-long event appropriately titled “Meet the In 1971, Campbell opened his own animation studio, Ron Artist.” In addition to being able to purchase his work, visitors Campbell Films Inc. Campbell would later direct and produce are invited to meet and interact with Campbell. the Emmy and Peabody award winning children’s shows “The Campbell’s manager and agent Scott Segelbaum initially Big Blue Marble” and “Sesame Street.” Despite owning his came up with the idea for The Beatles Cartoon Show. Segelbaum own studio, Campbell continued to animate for Disney and began his “Rock and Roll Art Show” working at a radio station Nickelodeon throughout his career. and later quit his job to pursue this opportunity with Campbell. After directing the final scene of the final episode of Ed, “At some of [the rock and roll art] shows, I would sometimes Ed and Eddy in 2008, Campbell retired and faced the new ComicBook.com have Ron Campbell come in as a special challenge of staying busy. guest,” Segelbaum said. “What I “I put my pencil down and said ‘What the hell am I going started to realize is, when I have to do now?” Campbell said. “I knew if I retired, I’d melt into Ron there, everyone wants t o my easy chair watching the golf channel, so I thought I’d do Black Panther meet Ron. Everyone buys paintings.” Ron. So why am I bringing Campbell said he insists on touring with his art work 200 other pieces of artwork?” instead of selling his work online, because it takes away from Throughout Campbell’s the mutually beneficial experience of meeting fans. breaks box office 50-year career, he animated, “The pleasure for the person buying directed, storyboarded, the painting is actually not only the DIDI MARTINEZ produced and wrote scripts for purchase and the nostalgia, but Digital Managing Editor numerous cartoons. Originally also meeting the person who from Australia, Campbell helped make the film they liked *This review contains spoilers graduated art school just so much as a child,” Campbell The box office numbers are in, and “Black Panther” has as television began said. “I never really intended or already earned its place among the second largest four-day to gain popularity. anticipated it, but it’s one of the gross in history, raking in $263,013,041 domestically. His career in pleasures of my old age.” Studio earnings, however, are a mere afterthought cartooning took compared to the social buzz the film has created prior to off in 1958 when and after its release. Featuring a primarily black cast, this he began to animate superhero movie was faced with high expectations by crowds commercials to be who saw it as the first film of its kind. aired on Australian True enough, on opening night, many black moviegoers television. arrived wearing African or African-inspired clothing, A few years positioning “Black Panther” as more than just a movie, but later, television part of a cultural moment. producer of “King For those who have yet to see the film or unfamiliar with Features” Al Brodax arrived in Australia, PANTHER >> Page 6 Friday, February 23, 2018 6 The Baylor Lariat Arts & Life REVIEW The Portraits of the Century MEREDITH WAGNER atypical in many respects, and the originality Arts & Life Editor of his portrait will set him apart from past presidents on the museum wall, and in history Former President Barack Obama selected books, for years to come. artist Kehinde Wiley to paint his presidential portrait over one year ago at the same time Sherald’s Portrait of Michelle Former First Lady Michelle Obama selected One of the pertinent questions being raised Baltimore-based artist Amy Sherald. Extensively is whether or not the portraits accurately reported by news outlets at the time, the media captured the leaders’ personalities, presence soon fell into a spell of silence regarding the and positions in American history. Criticized portraits and their creators. The artists worked more than Wiley’s depiction of Barack Obama, devotedly for over one year to create what likely Sherald’s portrait has been especially ridiculed would be the highlight of their careers. After for failing to capture the first lady’s warm the reveal of the portraits over one week ago persona, turning a light-hearted, fun Michelle on Feb. 12, the silence was broken and the buzz Obama into a gray, lifeless figure. surrounding their names reemerged, this time The Baltimore Sun stated otherwise, much louder than before. claiming that the application of monochrome Wiley, 40, who painted the portrait of hues for Michelle’s skin “doesn’t so much erase Barack Obama, grew up in South Central Los her subject’s race as declare its irrelevance.” Angeles during the ‘80s. His knack for replacing Perhaps off-putting at first glance, her toned- historically significant figures in his paintings down radiance is actually a powerful statement with stylized, young and modern African by the artist, which is evident in the style of her Americans propelled him into the spotlight Associated Press previous paintings, and which Michelle Obama some years ago. Before being chosen to paint the was likely aware of in selecting this artist in Barack Obama portrait, Wiley was awarded the OBAMA DRAMA Left: Kehinde Wiley’s portrait of Barack Obama, Right: Amy Sherald’s portrait of Michelle Obama. 2017. U.S. Department of State Medal of Arts in 2015. Among other topics of debate is whether Sherald, 44, who was raised in Columbus, political topic. Be they art historians or average Beyond hidden messages, Wiley’s realistic or not Sherald’s portrait depicts Michelle Ga., harnesses a creative use of color to people, it seems almost everyone has formed precision in his rendering of Barack Obama realistically. Critics claim that, though perhaps depict everyday, modern African-Americans, an opinion about the arguably revolutionary establishes a clear message for the viewer. executed well in general, the resemblance ultimately, according to the National Museum depictions of the Obamas. Contemplative and lost in thought, Barack between the portrait and its subject is far from of Women in the Arts, “challenging the concept And yet, the Obama portraits pose somewhat Obama’s face is a near-perfect adaptation both similar —­ an unforgivable disparity albeit a of color-as-race.” Before winning the National of a mystery to the general public. A surprise to of his philosophical tendencies and his real-life fairly original composition. But, in the words of Portrait Gallery’s Outwin Boochever Portrait those uninterested in art history or the study facial features. a tweet from CNN White House Reporter Kate Competition, which landed her the commission thereof — and even to some knowledgeable art The glow in his skin tone and the greens of the Bennett, “It’s not supposed to “look like her” for Michelle Obama’s portrait, Sherald’s enthusiasts — these portraits stand tall, both background create a sense of lightheartedness in the traditional sense of portraiture. These subsequent work was hardly familiar to the literally and symbolically, as a symbol for a new despite his serious gaze and posture, capturing portraits break the mold of how we as the viewer average person and the art critic alike. era in art, in politics and in portraiture. well the essence of his contemplative and consider the depiction of a person.” An unknown name to the gallery curators compassionate personality amid the heaviness Just as art has evolved in waves of style before the selection process began, Sherald’s and seriousness required of his position as and execution, the portraiture of this century, prior work served as a strong and sufficient Wiley’s Portrait of Barack president. captured through these historic paintings, testament to her artistic abilities. According to Placed in front of a collection of symbolic, Critics claim that, though impressively will be remembered as one of a turning a 2017 article from the New York Times, “The brightly-hued flora, Barack Obama sits detailed, Barack Obama appears to be floating point, representing the dramatic societal, choice of Ms. Sherald adds a tantalizing element comfortably in a vintage-carved wooden chair. in front of a wall of leaves, lacking depth and, technological, political and economic shifts of of risk to the commissions by virtue of her The exhibition label in the gallery defines the to some, sophistication. Jokes and memes about the twenty-first century. relative obscurity.” symbolism of the flowers for in-person viewers: Barack Obama emerging from a bush have The Obama portraits will be featured in the Much of the general public has no doubt at “The chrysanthe­mums, for example, reference circled the internet since last week’s reveal; exhibit “America’s Presidents” at the National least witnessed the portraits, whether in passing the official flower of Chicago. The jasmine whether in a spirit of play or of seriousness, Portrait Gallery, which is the only place, aside or in study. The dissemination of snapshots evokes Hawaii, where he spent the majority of this criticism missed the overarching point of from the White House, that houses a complete of the artist’s respective works have sparked a his childhood, and the African blue lilies stand the portrait. Barack Obama’s presidency was collection of presidential portraits. frenzy of discussion, much like a controversial in for his late Kenyan father.”

PANTHER from Page 5

the series, the movie tells the story of include moments of reality, but clearly hinge on received for bringing black people greater Killmonger repeatedly alludes to the injustices T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) who assumes the suspension of disbelief for most of the film. prominence on screen, also elevates women faced by black people within the country — a the kingship of the technologically-advanced “Black Panther” is different because in order to in a big way. Women drive the film’s action fact that T’Challa and company seem less than African country of Wakanda following the understand the characters and the problems in various moments throughout and serve as interested in empathizing with. death of his father. Shortly after assuming presented in the film, the viewer must be able T’Challa’s primary allies when he returns to This is mostly problematic because the film’s the throne, T’Challa’s reign as king and Black to draw on their own knowledge of colonialism, fight Killmonger. Characters like Okoye, who very premise lies in a sense of pan-Africanism Panther is put in jeopardy by his cousin, who regime overthrows and racism. leads an entire tribe of female warriors, and – that black people around the world are tied has discovered the death of his father at the Early film critics have called the movie Shuri, who is the mastermind behind Wakanda’s by a claim to Africa and therefore, can share hands of former King T’Chaka (John Kani) “unapologetically black,” and that is exactly latest technology, give women significant screen a bond regardless of experience. T’Challa and is now seeking revenge. Picking up on his what it is. Applying lighthearted cultural time and character depth. Even T’Challa’s love denies Killmonger’s demands because it father’s mission to disperse weapons across the references like Shuri’s (Letitia Wright) “What interest, Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), is primarily could destabilize peace in the region, but it’s world, the film’s antagonist, Erik Killmonger are those?” line and Killmonger’s “Hey, auntie” portrayed as the king’s friend and partner, not clear that T’Challa never fully understands (Michael B. Jordan), overthrows T’Challa and greeting, the film doesn’t shy away from letting their former romance get in the way of the motivations behind Killmonger’s call attempts to kill him. T’Challa and his allies then references that only a portion of the audience their mission to save Wakanda. for revolution. One of the most memorable battle to halt Killmonger’s plans and reclaim the would understand. But there are also moments No movie is perfect, and there is definitely lines of the film was Killmonger’s final words throne. when the film pulls no punches at critiquing one aspect of “Black Panther” that lacks a following T’Challa’s offer to save his life: “Bury Over the course of its two hour-long run, aspects of the black experience today, such as sense of resolution. Namely, the treatment me in the ocean with my ancestors who jumped “Black Panther” was able to build a fantastical Okoye’s (Danai Gurira) rejection of the wig she and ultimate death of Killmonger. The film’s from ships, ’cause they knew death was better narrative founded on elements of reality. This must wear to blend into the “outside world” and antagonist, despite his plans to create a racial than bondage.” Even then, it’s unclear whether is perhaps the most distinguishing part of the Shuri’s insistence on calling white CIA agent revolution using Wakanda’s weapons, is a deeply T’Challa ever fully grasps the vast degree movie’s conception. Other Marvel Studio films Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) a “colonizer.” complex character scarred by both personal and of separation between his and Killmonger’s such as “Captain America” or “Iron Man” “Black Panther,” for all the praise it has social experiences. Growing up in America, experiences in the world.

INTELLIGENT LIFE Right A comic strip featured weekly on our pages. >> CROSSWORD PUZZLE Below Also featured on each issue of the Lariat is our weekly crossword puzzle. Answers can be found under “Puzzle Solutions” under the drop-down Arts & Life tab at baylorlariat.com.

NOTES: Friday, February 23, 2018 The Baylor Lariat 7

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On-The-Go >> Scores & Stats: @bulariatsports The Baylor Lariat @baylorlariat BaylorLariat.com Hall of Fame finalist Mulkey reflects on career

BEN EVERETT Mulkey said the Sports Writer expectations were at an all- time low when she showed up, Baylor women’s basketball but after a quick turnaround head coach Kim Mulkey is that included a 2005 National one of four women who are Championship, the fans finalists for the Naismith wanted more. Memorial Basketball Hall of “I came here with a vision Fame Class of 2018. to build a program,” Mulkey Mulkey, who boasts 532 said. “Little did I know that we career wins as head coach of would be able to build it as fast the Lady Bears, took a moment as we did and win a National to reflect on her career after Championship in five years. So Baylor’s 88-51 win over Kansas then we had to keep feeding on Saturday. that old monster.” Mulkey won the NCAA Mulkey and the Lady Bears Tournament title in 1982 as have continued to feed the a player for Louisiana Tech, monster, winning the 2012 and again in 1988 as assistant National Championship and coach. Mulkey said coming to winning the Big 12 Conference Baylor was a curveball at her eight times in a row. after Louisiana Tech did not Mulkey said she is not renew her contract. alone in making Baylor “I came to Baylor to get a powerhouse women’s a paycheck and to try to get basketball program. them out of the cellar of the Big “I couldn’t do it by myself,” 12,” Mulkey said. “Remember Mulkey said. “I’ve been blessed the story about how I got here with unbelievable coaches that and Louisiana Tech not giving have remained committed. Ryan Barrett | Multimedia Journalist me a 5-year deal? Life throws People see that this program you curveballs and you either is not going to go away. If I’m LADY LEGEND Lady Bears’ head coach Kim Mulkey, who was recently named as finalist for the Hall of Fame, watches as her team hit those curveballs or you ever fortunate enough to make executes against Kansas State on Jan. 20. strikeout, and I’m not one it in there, I hope Baylor helps that’s used to striking out.” me pay for every kid I’ve ever Hall of Fame selection, on Naismith Coach of the Year Mulkey said she isn’t sure if Baylor if I ever make it in the The Lady Bears were 7-20 in coached to go there because Wednesday Mulkey was award once before (2012) she’s deserving, but if she is, Hall of Fame. Baylor took a 1999-2000, the season before I’m only as good as they are. named one of 10 semifinalists and she also won AP College it’s because Baylor gave her the chance on me.” Mulkey arrived, and had never At the end of the day, they for the Werner Ladder Coach of the Year (2012) and opportunity to coach. Her players disagree, made the NCAA Tournament. make a coach. I’m humbled, Naismith Women’s College USBWA Coach of the Year “Am I worthy? I don’t however, as Senior guard Mulkey has led them to the I’m honored, all the things I Coach of the Year. twice (2011, 2012). know,” Mulkey said. “It’s a Kristy Wallace noted, “she’s NCAA Tournament every year c an s ay.” Mulkey has won the As for the Hall of Fame, Baylor deal. It belongs to w or t hy.” she since became head coach. In addition to her potential

Photo courtesy of Baylor Athletics Photo courtesy of Baylor Athletics

Jessica Hubble | Multimedia Editor ROAD TRIP Sophomore lefty Cody Bradford delivers a pitch in Baylor’s season opening 1-0 win over Houston Baptist. Bradford will need to be great again as the Bears battle UCLA. Baseball travels

Photo Courtesy of Baylor Athletics Photo courtesy of Baylor Athletics west to take on TAKING THE SWING From top left: Groves junior Braden Bailey, Austin sophomore Cooper Dossey, Southlake sophomore Colin Kober and 2017 graduate Hunter Shattuck track their shots during spring 2017 play. UCLA Bruins

MAX CALDERONE character and poise he has.” Sports Writer Bradford took a no-hitter Texas roots helps men’s golf into the seventh inning and Baylor baseball (2-1) got turned the ball over to senior off to a nice start in the 2018 closer Troy Montemayor in the season by winning a three- ninth with the Bears ahead 1-0 team grow closer together game series over Houston to shore up the victory. Baptist (1-2). Next up, they’ll “I peaked at the scoreboard head west to Los Angeles to the big cities of Austin and Dallas and the nearby suburbs of once or twice,” Bradford said MAX CALDERONE square off against the No. 11 Lewisville, Plano and Southlake. to reporters following the Sports Writer UCLA Bruins (4-0). Groves junior Braden Bailey said he was familiar with every game. “But I really try to push Sophomore left-handed When Mike McGraw took over as head coach of the Baylor player on the Baylor team before they all came to compete as that out of my head and just pitcher Cody Bradford threw men’s golf team, he set out to take the program to new heights. a team. focus on each batter.” eight innings of shutout After carefully constructing the roster, results on the links “I grew up playing junior golf with every single one of these The Bears will send baseball to give the Bears the have been astounding. guys, so I knew all of them before I even got to Baylor,” Bailey Bradford to the mound tonight win on opening day. Head In just three seasons, McGraw’s Bears have won nine team said. to face off against a Bruins coach Steve Rodriguez hopes titles and had four players named All-Americans. Because of that, both McGraw and Bailey said they have lineup that scored 35 runs in a his team gets more of the same There’s something special, however, about this year’s roster seen improvements in team chemistry, which translates to three game sweep of Portland this Friday night. that sets the team apart: all nine Baylor men’s golfers are from better results in team tournaments and events. Bailey said this last weekend. UCLA is hitting “It’s going to be a matter Texas. year’s team is unlike any other during his time at Baylor. .338 as a team through four of how he feels and what he’s McGraw said it was a purposeful effort to bring players “This is probably the closest team that we’ve had since games with four home runs doing,” Rodriguez said. “Being in that were familiar with the area and grew up competing I’ve been here,” Bailey said. “Everybody being from Texas and 33 RBI. able to come in off the starts he against each other. and knowing each other before they got here is great for the Rodriguez was more made last year and going out “It was very intentional,” McGraw said. “I’ve known that program.” focused on the Bruins pitching and doing what he did [against Texas is one of the greatest states for producing junior golfers McGraw said that recruiting locally has been a huge part of and defense, which has only Houston Baptist University], and has been for 45,50 years. Waco is in the geographical the team’s growing chemistry. surrendered six runs over its that’s really impressive. It center of Texas, so it made no sense not to recruit here.” shows you what kind of The team boasts players from all over the state, including GOLF >> Page 8 BASEBALL >> Page 8 Friday, February 23, 2018 The Baylor Lariat 8 Sports PyeongChang 2018 Track & field prepares for Winter Olympics USA Medal Count* Big 12 Indoor Championship old G 8

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Photo courtesy of Baylor Athletics POWER RUN Baylor freshman Isaiah Cunningham and senior Malik Wilson compete in the 60 meter sprint against Miami and Michigan at the Power Five Invitational in Ann Arbor, Mich.

BEN EVERETT The Lady Bears are returning eight 7th: 5,000m). 7 Sports Writer All-Big 12 performers from last season, The men, who finished seventh last including first place finishers in senior season in Ames, return six All-Big 12 Baylor track and field heads north for Kiana Hawn and junior Kiana Horton. performers to the event. the 2018 Big 12 Indoor Championship Hawn and Horton teamed up to take first Junior Wil London is currently the today and Saturday in Ames, Iowa. in the 4x400 meter relay with Bennett and only Baylor athlete who has qualified for ronze For the first time ever, the women’s De Souza in both 2016 and 2017. Hawn national competition. London has the B team will go into the meet as defending added a first place finish in the 600 yard second highest mark in the Big 12 in the champions. race in 2017. 400m race, having posted a 45.95 at the Head coach Todd Harbour said he In addition to losing three key athletes Tyson Invitational on Feb. 10. still relishes the championship from last to injuries, the Lady Bears graduated their London and Harbour said they have season. top-three field event competitors in Annie not decided if he will compete at the Big “I’ve gone back and relived some of the Rhodes, Brianna Richardson and Cion 12 Indoor Championship, as he is battling moments from last year,” Harbour said. “It Hicks. a hamstring injury. was so much fun to experience that with a Horton said the Lady Bears are “Right now we’re just taking it easy,” great staff and great group of young ladies approaching the Championship like they London said. “I’ve already qualified for 6 that have worked so hard.” can win it all despite being shorthanded. nationals so we’re just going to chill The women have been ranked as high “We’re going in with confidence that out now. We’re doing everything we as No. 12 this season, but because of we can definitely do it again,” Horton can to make sure I’ll be ready to go [for Norway 13 12 10 injuries, currently sit at No. 74. said. “We lost a lot of seniors last year, nationals].” Injuries to junior sprinters Leticia but we haven’t let that stop us during the Other athletes who placed for the Bears De Souza and Taylor Bennett as well offseason.” last year include junior Caleb Dickson Germany 13 7 5 as sophomore distance runner Lindsey Among the others who placed last year (2nd: 4x400, 5th: 600m), junior Danny Bradley have put a damper on Baylor’s for the Lady Bears are sophomore Alison Leland (6th: DMR), sophomore TJ Sugg title hopes. Andrews-Paul (6th: 800m, 7th: DMR), (7th: Mile), sophomore Maxwell Willis Canada 10 8 8 Harbour said the injuries are part of junior Alex Lord (7th: High Jump), (1st: 200m, 2nd: 60m, 2nd, 4x400m) and the sport and the team must compete with sophomore Aaliyah Miller (4th: 1,000m), senior Malik Wilson (6th: 60m). *Medal count as of 10:30 p.m. Thursday who they have. sophomore Victoria Powell (7th: DMR), The Indoor Championship kicks off at “You go in with what you got,” Harbour sophomore Gabby Satterlee (7th: DMR) 10 a.m. today with the women’s pentathlon said. “You can’t feel sorry for yourself and and sophomore Anna West (4th: 3,000m, and runs through 5:25 p.m. on Saturday. you just got to do it. It is what it is.” GOLF from Page 8

“It’s pretty close,” McGraw “Being from Texas and having said about the bond his team the weather we have here, it has off the course. “Every just didn’t make sense to go to year we’ve added more and a northern school. With the more Texas players, so I think weather we have here in Waco that’s part of it. Chemistry has and the great facilities, it was a improved as we’ve continued no-brainer for me.” to recruit locally.” McGraw said having every After coming off playera being from Texas raises second-place finish at the the attention of the team All-American tournament because it’s a great talking outside of Houston, all seven point. golfers who competed got to “I think it helps when I’m see their parents. McGraw said talking to a donor or an alum, the support was helpful and just anybody who might be that he loves having so many thinking about finding out people come out to watch his more about our golf team,” team play. McGraw said. “If they’re all “All seven sets of parents from Texas, it’s a lot easier to were there, watching their kids talk about.” play,” McGraw said. “That’s a With the program’s success, big benefit. I would say Braden even more attention will be had about 25 people from his placed on the Bears as they hometown that were there last finish out their spring season. week watching.” Baylor will travel to Mexico Baylor often competes in from March 4-6 to compete at Texas or Oklahoma, making it the Querencia Cabo Collegiate a short trip for family members tournament before coming who want to come watch the back to the states for three Bears in action. Bailey said more events in preparation for the proximity of Baylor to his postseason play. hometown made it an easy The Big 12 Tournament will choice when deciding where be held in Tulsa, Okla. from he wanted to play collegiate April 23-25 as the Bears will golf. try to qualify for their third “That definitely was a consecutive NCAA Regionals pretty big factor,” Bailey said. appearance. BASEBALL from Page 9

first four games. including three home runs, “They’re going to compete one apiece. But the rest of the in the zone, throw all sorts batting order was fairly quiet of pitches for strikes. They’ve and will have to step up against made one error this year in a top opponent. four games which is really Rodriguez attributed the impressive. And this might be slow start to the early timing the best offensive team they’ve of the season, saying it always had in a while,” Rodriguez said. takes time for the bats to warm “On paper, they’re probably up. on of the most well-rounded “Pitchers are always ahead teams we’re going to play right of the hitters, just until they get n ow.” their timing down,” Rodriguez Baylor will need production said. “You just have to make from all throughout the sure you can make those lineup, but the combination of adjustments.” catcher Shea Langeliers, third Rodriguez, a California baseman Davis Wendzel and native, is excited for the team’s first baseman Andy Thomas first road trip of the season. He should spark the Bear’s bats. said traveling with a group of The trio of sophomores hit guys is the best time to get to a combined .484 in Baylor’s know what everyone’s really opening series against HBU, like away from home.