Babies to compete at home game
By Emily Baker
Staff Reporter

The tortoise and the hare have run their infamous race over and over in children’s stories for many years. And though some children may just enjoy the tortoise’s cunning or laugh at the hare’s goofy ears, the time has come for TCU’s youngest fans to apply all those lessons about “slow and steady wins the race.”

TCU’s first official Baby Crawl is scheduled to take place during the men’s home basketball game against Marquette at 1 p.m. Saturday.

The baby who crawls from the free throw line to half court the fastest wins, said Jason Booker, assistant director of sports marketing.

Athletic marketing is hosting the event in hopes of attracting more fans to the basketball game, Booker said.

“We want to try and develop some new TCU fans at a young age,” Booker said.

As of Thursday, 10 babies were entered, Booker said. A trial Baby Crawl took place at a women’s basketball game earlier in the season when parents and babies in the crowd were asked to participate, Booker said.

“That went over really well, and the fans were cheering,” Booker said.

Dolly Pierson, who works in the Scholarships and Student Financial Aid office, said she heard some discussion about the Baby Crawl and decided her granddaughter, 14-month-old Olivia, might enjoy it.

“I thought it would be fun,” Pierson said. “Olivia is real active, and we enjoy seeing the other babies.”

Financial Services cashier Shelia Montgomery said her family might have an advantage since they have two entries — Montgomery’s twin grandchildren, 13-month-old Courtlynn and Cole Montgomery.

Montgomery said she heard about the contest through co-workers who encouraged her to enter her grandchildren.

“This could be very interesting,” Montgomery said. “Courtlynn is learning how to walk.”

Neither grandmother said they were doing any special preparation for the contest.

“I don’t think there is a lot you can do,” Montgomery said. “There’s not an easy way to do that.”

Olivia will win, Pierson said. “But any grandparent would tell you that,” she said with a laugh.

Montgomery said she isn’t sure who will win. “I hope (Courtlynn and Cole) win,” she said. “They might get out there and surprise me.”

The winner of the Baby Crawl receives a free Junior Frog Club membership and a prize pack from TCU Athletics that includes T-shirts and other prizes, Booker said.

Emily Baker