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Earlier this morning, Baylor announced officially the construction of the Beauchamp Athletic Nutrition Center, what they're calling the "BANC" for short, in the area directly adjacent to the Highers Athletic Complex and the marina. The new facility will house a dining hall for athletes to ensure proper nutrition and a one-stop shop for everything our football team, in particular, will need to continue being successful. The "lead gift" (in the parlance of fundraising) was apparently given by Robert Beauchamp, a 1982 graduate of the University of Texas who, according to Forbes, has made his millions as the head of BMC Software. Thank you very much, Mr. Beauchamp!
Though we didn't know it would have such an awesome acronym at the time, we knew when Briles signed his extension in November that building a dining hall for athletes was one of the express requests he made at the time. I've heard through various sources that Baylor's call for fundraising in response to that request was answered within hours, and thus the deal went through. Baylor's fans and boosters are no different than any other; they like winning and winning big. It's probably not a coincidence that Baylor announced the project now, in the midst of UT's coaching search while speculation swirled about Briles, either. Nor is it coincidence that Briles was quoted yesterday saying that with all of the recent facility updates/upgrades at Baylor, the "grass is green" here. Well-played, Baylor.
A rendering of the project from Briles' tweet this morning:
Much appreciation to Baylor leadership and Bob Beauchamp for making this state of the art dining hall a reality pic.twitter.com/W0IAS9yJIH
— Coach Art Briles (@CoachArtBriles) December 20, 2013
And the release:
Baylor Announces Beauchamp Athletics Nutrition Center - Baylor Bears Official Athletic Site - BaylorBears.com
Baylor University today announced a gift of $3 million from Bob and Laura Beauchamp of Houston that will establish the Beauchamp Athletics Nutrition Center (BANC), an on-campus facility formally approved by Baylor's Board of Regents on Dec. 19. The Beauchamps' gift will support the construction of a new 12,000-14,000-square-foot dining environment focused on the overall health and performance of student-athletes.
Now Everything Else!
Briles: 'The grass is green' at Baylor
Baylor's Art Briles doesn't seem interested in taking over the Longhorns.
Tevin Reese of Baylor Bears expects to play in Fiesta Bowl - ESPN
Baylor receiver Tevin Reese is getting the cast off his right wrist and expects to play in the Fiesta Bowl against No. 15 UCF.
Fiesta Bowl apparel in demand - WacoTrib.com: Baylor Bears Football
A run on green-and-gold merchandise has prompted the University Bookstore to open a temporary "Baylor Bowl Store" in the parking lot of the Ferrell Center on University Parks Drive.
Big 12 recruiting storylines December 19 holiday college football - ESPN
With the first day of the mid-year transfer signing period in the books, Big 12 schools managed to pick up some quality players.
Justin Gilbert, Jalen Saunders among Big 12 players to watch in bowls - ESPN
Here are five key players to watch from the Big 12 this bowl season.
Headlined by Tyreek Hill, Big 12 lands top junior college help - ESPN
Wednesday, several teams in the Big 12 added immediate help in the form of junior college signings. Texas Tech led the way with five juco signings, followed by Baylor, Iowa State and West Virginia with four.
Phil Steele's 2013-14 Bowl Confidence Picks
Are these Oregon's Oregon-iest uniforms yet? - SBNation.com
The Oregon Ducks will debut this getup in the Alamo Bowl because of course.
TWEETS TWEETS TWEETS TWEETS TWEETS:
Kaz Kazhadi speaking to media about Baylor's newly announced nutrition center. Says athletes will now have a one-stop shop for all needs.
— Craig Smoak (@CraigSmoak) December 20, 2013
So sayeth Kaz.
Baylor commits @SupermanEra_3 (Chance Waz) and @joshmalin44sk named 1st Team 5A All-State Defense
— Brian Ethridge (@TruthOrBear247) December 20, 2013
Two of our less-known recruits from this class. Congrats to them for the recognition.
Baylor RB @BU25_2Live has submitted his name to the NFL for draft evaluation but said he will not decide until after the @FiestaBowl .
— Kevin Lonnquist (@baylorrivals) December 20, 2013
Weekend TV schedule and @sbn_billc's four bowl game previews, collected right cheer: http://t.co/XtE9IyovAC
— SB Nation CFB (@SBNationCFB) December 20, 2013
Bowls start this weekend!
New Stadium - check New Track - check Contract Extension - check New Dining Hall - check Statue -
— Brian Ethridge (@TruthOrBear247) December 20, 2013
Big 12 Championship -- check.
Not good news on the OL front RT @baylorrivals We have the latest on Baylor news including injury updates at http://t.co/Ohid5AZRRg
— Jake Shaw (@SicEmSports) December 20, 2013
Phil Steele's All-Big 12 teams pic.twitter.com/OmQeJA0mRh
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) December 20, 2013
Per Stubhub, Fiesta Bowl is 10th most popular bowl via pageviews. 63% of traffic came from state of Texas. 4% from the state of Florida.
— Paul Tenorio (@osknights) December 20, 2013
