Men’s tennis’ national runner-up finish sparks ‘Year of the Bear’ memories

Baylor men’s tennis reached the national championship match on Saturday before falling in the title round to No. 1-ranked Florida, 4-1. That the Bears did so in Michael Woodson’s first year leading the team says a lot about where the program is headed.

Woodson’s team came **this** close to bringing home Baylor’s third national championship this spring — which sparked some conversation among Baylor fans.

Many refer to 2011-12 as “the Year of the Bear,” as Baylor claimed two national championships (women’s basketball and equestrian) and three Big 12 titles (women’s basketball regular season & tournament, baseball regular season). Robert Griffin III won the Heisman Trophy, Brittney Griner was the WNBA’s No. 1 overall pick, and Baylor set an NCAA record for most combined wins between football, men’s and women’s basketball.

And yet… 2020-21 has given 2011-12 a run for its money.

Consider the numbers from the past year:

• Baylor has again won two national championships this year (men’s basketball and acrobatics & tumbling), and very nearly won a third (men’s tennis).
• The Bears and Lady Bears brought home five Big 12 titles this year: men’s basketball regular season, women’s basketball regular season & tournament, men’s tennis regular season & tournament.
• 14 of Baylor’s 18 varsity sports have reached the postseason (baseball is still TBD), with seven finishing in the top 16 and four reaching at least the Elite Eight.

Amidst the craziness of COVID-19, Baylor Athletics has certainly given BU fans something to celebrate this year — and it’s not done yet. Baylor baseball opens play at the Big 12 tournament on Wednesday, with the NCAA tournament bracket to follow on Monday. Stay tuned!

Sic ’em, Bears!