Homecoming planning leads to recollection of 1977 Baylor/Star Wars ‘gospel’
Can you believe Homecoming 2011 is only a month away? Have you made your plans to attend yet?
Kathy Wise, BBA ’81, is one of many who has. Recognizing that her class, the Class of 1981, is one of many classes celebrating its reunion this year, she and some friends were discussing their plans for Homecoming 2011 and remembered the decorations she and others on the third floor of Collins put up to celebrate Homecoming back in 1977.
The Star Wars theme (the film had just been released that spring) attracted the attention of the Lariat, which reprinted “The Gospel according to Luke Skywalker” that hung on the door of one room:
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Abner Augustus that all the exes should come home. And all went to the game, everyone to his own seat.
“And Joe also went up from Arlington, unto Baylor which is called ‘Jerusalem on the Brazos’ (because he was of that good ‘ole Baylor line) to sit with Mary, his Athenian wife, being great with mum. And so it was, that while they were listening to the multitude of BUGWB’s, they pondered in their hearts where they would rest their heads, because there was no room for them in the Holiday Inn.
“And there were in Bear Country, freshmen abiding at the barricades, keeping watch over their campus by night; and lo, the freshman girls came upon them, and the glory of their lip gloss shone round about them, and they were sore-lipped and afraid.
“And Coach Teaff said unto them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all Bears. For unto you is won this day, in the stadium of Baylor, a football game, which is Homecoming ’77. And this shall be a sign unto you: you shall find the falcons wrapped in bandages, lying in a hospital.
“And suddenly there was Coach Teaff in a multitude of fighting Bears, lifting their golden helmets ‘star-war-d’ and singing ‘That Good Old Baylor Line.”
“And the force was with them.”
The Bears beat Air Force 38-7 that weekend.
A month from now, Baylor Homecoming 2011 will be underway. Reunion year classes (1966, ’71, ’76, ’81, ’86, ’91, ’96, ’01 and ’06) are invited to a special Reunion Buffet Reception that Friday, Nov. 4. Get your tickets here and join your fellow classmates in recalling such memories.
Sic ’em, Baylor Homecoming attendees!
[We learned of this story from a Bear who shared her Baylor pride. Do you know of an inspiring story, news item, or just a fun link that makes you proud of Baylor and the Baylor family? Let us know! Click here to submit your point of pride!]