Hoop It Up

Baylor University describes the Lt. Jack Whetsel Jr. Basketball Practice Facility as a "powerful signal" of Baylor's commitment to its basketball programs. 
The $8 million, 42,990-square-foot practice facility, attached to the Ferrell Center, went up in only 10 months and ends the displacement of practicing players by graduation, concerts and other events at Ferrell Center. 
Its features include: 
• The J-Hawk Limited and Nell Hawkins Practice Courts.
• Wall-mounted video equipment to provide coaches more information.
• Coaching suites with a second floor, end zone view of their respective team's court, and the head coaches' offices with private viewing balconies over each court.
• Gray's Gym, a strength and conditioning center big enough for both teams to use simultaneously.
• The Basketball Hall of Honor
• The Stone Reception Room
Kim Mulkey calls her Lady Bears' 2005 national championship "old news," but said the championship trophy that belonged to all of Baylor sent a message "loud and clear" that the University's athletics program was a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12. "We were going to make a statement in athletics throughout the country, and the way you do that is to win," Mulkey said. 
The day after the national championship, she said a group of individuals interested in building a practice facility raised $3.3 million in only 30 minutes. 
Men's coach Scott Drew said he was excited about the new practice facility allowing his players the "opportunity to reach their full potential" and that when they complete their years at Baylor, "they know they had the best possible experience and had the opportunity to become the best basketball players that they could." 
Baylor President John M. Lilley, who called the facility a "knockout," recognized the major donors to the facility, including: 
• Rondy T. Gray -- Gray's Gym
• Jay and Jenny Reid Allison -- Basketball Hall of Honor
• Dary and Lindy Stone -- Stone Reception Room
• Ted and Sue Getterman -- Getterman Office Suite (Men's Basketball)
• Howard Dudgeon -- Dudgeon Office Suite (Women's Basketball)
• Mr. and Mrs. Drayton McLane Jr.
• Julie and Jim Turner 
Lilley said that Baylor owes a "special debt of gratitude" to Jim and Nell Hawkins of Waco and Mr. and Mrs. Jack Whetsel of Georgetown, who made the lead gifts for the facility. 
"Jim and Nell Hawkins are ardent supporters of Baylor athletics, and they provided funds to name both of the practice courts [J-Hawk Limited and Nell Hawkins Practice Courts]," Lilley said. "We are especially grateful to the Hawkins family for stepping up and making one of the first commitments for this project."
Lilley then told the story behind the name of the Lt. Jack Whetsel Jr. Basketball Practice Facility. 
"Jack and Martha are both Baylor alumni and their son, Jack Jr., attended Baylor for one year before he left to serve in the military in Vietnam where he sacrificed his life. This is just their way of saying Jack did come back to Baylor. Thank you for your generosity with this honor that you've shared in Jack Jr.'s good name." 
Lilley said one of the most exciting aspects of the fundraising campaign was the level of participation by Baylor alumni and friends. More than 300 additional donors gave to the facility.

Pavers & bricks
Baylor basketball supporters can purchase engraved pavers or bricks on the walkway leading up to the practice facility. Twelve-inch square granite pavers are $5,000 each and may be personalized with up to three lines of text. Also available are 12-inch-by-6-inch granite pavers for $2,500 that also can be personalized, or engraved bricks for $500 each. Contact Cindy Dougherty at (254) 710-8642 for more information.