Saturday, October 17, 2009

ANOTHER BEAR-IN-CAR STORY

That car burgling bear in Colorado reminded me of an incident that took place many years ago, shortly after WWII.

On the eve of a football game between Baylor and Texas A&M, three or four enthusiastic Aggies drove over to Waco in a nice convertible. During the middle of the night they broke into the cage holding Baylor’s mascot, a real live bear, and managed to lead the beast away.

Now around the State of Texas, Aggies are known for a certain type of brilliance. I’m sure you’ve heard a lot of Polish jokes, especially if you live back East and around the Midwest. In Texas, we just substitute the word “Aggie” for “Pollack” and that should give you an idea as to what kind of brilliance Aggies are known for.

The Aggies put Baylor’s bear into their convertible and drove merrily back to College Station. Apparently the bear was not too comfortable in the back seat because by the time they arrived at Texas A&M, the convertible top had been completely shredded and much of the upholstery had been ripped apart. Or maybe the bear was just plain pissed off at his kidnappers.

You would think that the near totaling of the convertible would have been punishment enough. Nope, it wasn’t. After the kidnapping Aggies obtained some medical attention for numerous scrapes and bruises, they were suspended from school.

A&M's president telephoned Baylor's president and apologized profusely. The bear, which was none the worse for wear, was held at A&M's veterinary school until its keepers arrived to take charge of their mascot. Baylor authorities declined to file any criminal complaints.

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