Sooner Tradition: The Sooner Schooner

OU's Sooner Schooner - much like Purdue's Boilermaker Special or Georgia Tech's Ramblin' Wreck - is a highly recognized symbol of school spirit has been the official mascot of every sports team at the university since 1980.  Matching white ponies named Boomer and Sooner pull the Schooner, which is modeled after the Conestoga wagons that brought settlers to Oklahoma Territory.

In 1965 Dr. M.S. Bartlett and his brother Charles "Buzz" Bartlett donated the original "Sooner Schooner" and the ponies, Boomer and Sooner, to circle the field on home game days and at bowl games. After several groups passed on the care-taking of the Schooner, the RUF/NEKS, the oldest male spirit group of any college in the country, took the reigns. In 1980, the University of Oklahoma officially named the Sooner Schooner as its mascot. Today the Schooner is kept in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, at the Bartlett Ranch. The RUF/NEKS are still the official caretakers and drivers of the Conestoga wagon and each year one member is selected to become a Schooner Driver.  These well-trained young men are responsible for driving the Schooner out onto the field after OU touchdowns.

It's also tradition for the RUF/NEK queen to sit beside the driver and a young member of the RUF/NEKS usually hangs by his legs off the back, waving the university's flag as the Schooner is driven out onto the field and then back into the tunnel.

To honor the tradition, a retired Schooner has been placed in the student union in the Clarke-Anderson Room, adjacent to the union food court.

The Sooner Schooner...just one more reason there's only one Oklahoma!  Boomer Sooner!

Valentine's Day Sooner Style

As January draws to a close, that means Valentine's Day is almost here!  If you're looking for something unique and beautiful for the Sooner fan, alumni or friend in your life, do we have a deal for you!

FTD University of Oklahoma Sooners Rose Bouquet

FTD proudly presents the University of Oklahoma Sooners Rose Bouquet.  Show your colors and pride with this unique rose bouquet celebrating the spirit of a university that rises to every challenge!  These remarkable roses display the bold colors of red and white, and arrive accented with lush greenery.  Presented in a memorable gift box displaying the colors and logo of the University of Oklahoma - as well as "SOONER NATION" inside the box - the bouquet is available in a vase etched with our school logo.  It is a wonderful way to celebrate any occasion, especially Valentine's Day!

These beautiful arrangements are available through the OU Alumni Store.  Click here or go to www.oualumnistore.com.  Your Valentine will be thrilled to receive such a unique gift with just the right amount of Sooner Nation flare!

FTD University of Oklahoma Sooners Rose Bouquet and Packaging

Last semester we arranged almost 75 of these for a reunion banquet and Boomer Bash.  Attendees loved them and jumped at the chance to take them home.  They are a wonderful gift to give and exciting to receive.  Don't wait until the last minute!  Check it out now and, this year, you'll be prepared.

FTD University of Oklahoma Sooners Rose Bouquet on the front desk at the OU Alumni Association

Also remember, Caravan to Norman is this Saturday, February 4 and registration ends tomorrow!  If you'd like to attend two basketball games (the Sooner Women hosting OSU, and the Sooner Men facing Iowa State), have lunch and tour the Barry Switzer center all for ONLY $25 per person, don't hesitate to register now!  For more information or to sign up, click here or go to http://www.ou.edu/content/alumni/home/events/caravan.html.  You can also call the OU Alumni Office at (405) 325-1710.  We hope to see you there!

Caravan to Norman Details

Alumni Club Scholarships

The OU Alumni Association has been buzzing with excitement yesterday and today as we hand out Alumni Scholarship checks to well-deserving students!

If you're interested in learning more about how this process works, see below:

The clubs have done an outstanding job raising money and making generous donations to reach such an incredible total!  To locate a club near you, please click here for our alumni club directory.

If you need further assistance, please email alumni@ou.edu or call (405) 325-1710.

And if you'd like to join the OU Alumni Association, please click here.

Boomer Sooner!