We share a great deal of sadness. Yesterday, 23-year-old Andrew Walker, a graduate assistant in football operations, went tragically. Andrew passed out while out for a run, and after being taken to the hospital, there were no successful attempts to save his life. We share this with heavy hearts. Yesterday, 23-year-old Andrew Walker, a graduate assistant in football operations, went tragically. Andrew passed out while out for a run, and after being taken to the hospital, there were no successful attempts to save his life.
When I witnessed this cute child smacking the animal, my heart melted. His neck was encircled by his arms. He kissed him on the mouth. He gave him another hug, this time encircling his stomach. And yes, they are real bear hugs.
The child ran down the steps once more an hour later, following Baylor’s defeat to the Zags in the second round. (Thanks to the security at the arena, he wasn’t sent back to his seat, which was roughly 15 rows away.) He had to bid his new Texas friend farewell. This time, as Bruiser makes his way to the locker room, the child reaches out to pat his paw while the battered mascot halts to take off his terrifying mask.
I felt a calling of my own as I returned to my seat to watch and write about the upcoming game between Kansas and Auburn. The boy who wants to see the bear is someone I want to meet.
I slid through the spectators on the steps to the middle row in the middle of the space behind the basket after asking a nice arena usher where Bruce and his cheerleading friends had camped out during games.
In Eagle, Idaho, I met the Walkers and their gorgeous youngster after introducing myself, and we had a short conversation.
11 years old is Andrew. He is incredibly generous. Math is his favorite subject. When you wrap your arms around him to take pictures, he gives you a tight hug, scratches your body, and laughs.