Baylor Torch Passes to Class of 2012 at Annual Traditions Rally

by Lauren Venegas, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

Media contact: Paige Patton
Baylor University Media Communications
(254) 710-3321 or Paige_Connell@baylor.edu

In one of their first acts as a class, the Baylor Class of 2012 will receive the torch that signifies their role as bearers of the Baylor Spirit and legacy at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, in the SUB Bowl on Baylor's campus.

Each year before the first football game of the season, students gather to celebrate the athletic and spirit traditions of Baylor's rich heritage. The torch is officially passed from returning students to new students as bearers of the Baylor spirit.

"We hope to engage the student body in some of the traditions of Baylor at the onset of the school year and allow excitement to build as we enter into the football home opener," said Molly Borgmeyer, the graduate assistant for campus programming in student activities. "This is also a wonderful way to build community among students as everyone comes back onto campus after a long summer."

The Traditions Rally will feature a pep rally with a welcome statement by Dub Oliver, vice president for student life; a touchdown alley complete with free ice cream, refreshments, and a band. The event begins when freshmen walk together through the heart of campus on Fifth Street wearing their Baylor Line jerseys and slime caps.

The long-standing tradition of slime cap signing will also take place at the Traditions Rally. At one time, slime caps were worn so that upperclassmen could easily identify the new students on campus with their name and hometown on the inside bill. Although today they are only worn at special spirit events, the caps are still a symbol of each freshman's journey at Baylor, and the slime cap signing will always be regarded as a special tradition.

Borgmeyer said that the athletic department will attend with members of the football team and the spirit squad as well as members of the Greek community playing volleyball and grilling food. "We hope that the community aspect of the Traditions Rally will allow for an overall understanding of the importance of tradition here at Baylor."

The Traditions Rally is presented by New Student Programs, Student Activities, Baylor Athletics and Greek Life. For more information, visit www.baylor.edu/student_activities.