Originally published Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 5:50 PM

President Bush takes in Baylor women's game

Former President George W. Bush attended the Baylor women's basketball game against Oklahoma on Wednesday in one of his first public appearances since returning to his Crawford ranch.

WACO, Texas —

Former President George W. Bush attended the Baylor women's basketball game against Oklahoma on Wednesday in one of his first public appearances since returning to his Crawford ranch.

Bush and his wife, Laura, walked onto the court with Baylor coach Kim Mulkey after the former president addressed the team before the game. As soon as Bush and Mulkey emerged from the tunnel, without any introduction, the crowd stood and broke into loud applause.

The Bushes then took their seats in the first row behind the bench.

"This is our first outing since I left the presidency and I can't think of a better place," Bush said.

When the Bushes were introduced during the first timeout 4:03 into the game, somebody screamed "We love you, George Bush" and there was another loud ovation. He smiled and waved.

The Baylor campus is about 25 miles from the Bush ranch in Crawford, where the Bushes have been staying since last week when President Barack Obama took office.

When Baylor won the NCAA championship in 2005, Bush called Mulkey to congratulate the team and later hosted the Lady Bears at the White House.

"Most of all, I was excited to say hello to Kim. I got to know her when they won the national championship and came to the Oval Office," Bush said. "She is a dynamic person. She's really one of the country's great coaches."

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