Baylor Plans Ceremonial Running of the Line for Texas Game

In 1994, the Baylor Line, then an all-male organization, officially merged with Baylor Sidelines, the all-female “companion” organization of the all-male Line. The thing was, Baylor Sidelines didn’t wear Line Jerseys and they didn’t get to run the Line before the game. So, with the merger, freshmen women would for the first time be able to participate in the Running of the Line, one of the greatest traditions in college football. The only problem was, if you were a woman who was a member of, say, the 1993 freshman class, or any other between the years of 1970 and 1994, you were simply out of luck. There wasn’t any chance offered for those that had missed out on their opportunity to participate in the tradition.

On October 28, they will finally get their chance to run.

Baylor has announced the Ceremonial Line, inviting women who were a part of the student body between 1970 and 1994 to participate in a ceremonial Running of the Line on October 28 before the Bears face Texas. The Ceremonial Line’s page on the website reads:

Baylor University invites all alumnae to join other women who were a part of the student body between 1970 and 1994 to participate in a ceremonial running of the Baylor Line on Saturday, Oct. 28 when the Baylor Bears take on the Texas Longhorns at McLane Stadium. Game time will be announced at a later date.

This. Is. Huge.

Prior to this game, there’s never been an opportunity for a significant, devoted section of our fanbase to experience the thrill of racing across the field to cheer our players onto the field. This invitation finally allows these fantastic women to do just that.

Any alumnae that was a member of the student body between 1970 and 1994 are encouraged to sign up. The deadline is October 16, and you have to have a ticket to the game in order to participate in the Ceremonial Running of the Line. You’ll also have to buy a Baylor Line Jersey for $25.

But this is cool. When you sign up, you’ll get to choose a nickname for your jersey, just like freshmen get to. Your jersey will also be made with the year that would have been on the back of your jersey had you gotten one back then. So not only do you get to run, you’ll get your own Line Jersey. Of course, if you don’t want to run, or won’t be able to attend the game, you can order your own commemorative Baylor Line jersey anyway.

There are some other requirements. Here they are from the website:

What Do I Need to Know to Run the Baylor Line

• Participants will gather 1 ½ hours prior to the game in the HEB Tailgate Zone near the stadium’s South Plaza where pre-ordered jerseys will be distributed and a complimentary meal will be served.
• Participants must have a valid ticket to the game in order to enter the stadium and must follow all stadium guidelines in order to pass through the secured entrance.
• Participants must have a Baylor Line Jersey.
• Participants must wear closed toes shoes and be able to jog or run in the Baylor Line

Here’s the link again to get all the details and sign up.

This is incredibly personal for me. My sister is the original passionate Baylor fan in my family. I was 14 years old when she entered Baylor as a freshman; I remember visiting her for parents’ weekend and Homecoming, attending the parade, and then the football game. I remember seeing the Baylor Line run the field, climb into the stands, and do cheers, all while my sister stood next to me, cheering along but unable to participate further. It frustrated me then, and has ever since. I’ve had numerous conversations with passionate fans that haven’t ever been able to run the Line, since, and that Baylor is finally inviting them to participate is thrilling. I credit my sister’s passion for Baylor football and Baylor sports in general as the inspiration for my own. Watching her excitement and our conversations afterwards are a big part of what turned me into the Baylor fan that I am today. I am over the moon excited for her, and for all women who never got the chance to participate in this fantastic tradition.

If you didn’t get the chance to Run the Line or get your own Baylor Line Jersey, now is finally your chance. Do not miss out on this incredible opportunity. Get your tickets, get your jerseys, and sign up to run!