Dear Varsity O Association Member,

I’m sure all of you remember the precise moment you became a Sooner.  As a high school senior being recruited by the University of Oklahoma, I had the feeling early on that this was going to be a special lifelong relationship. As you know, there is something very special about being a “Sooner.”  

I can vividly recall the tremendous feeling of pride and passion that was alive on campus during my visit to Norman.  It was something that I wanted to be part of as both a student and as an athlete.  I still remember the excitement of my first days on campus and the thrill of breaking a long run down the sidelines at Owen Field. Like many of you, I still cherish these moments and get that feeling when I set foot on campus today.

It doesn’t matter the sport or the era – all of us share the special bond and tradition that comes from wearing Crimson and Cream.  When you put on a Sooner uniform and represent the University of Oklahoma, you become part of a something special – you immediately become a member of the extended Sooner family.

When I was a player, I was fortunate to be on some of the best teams that OU has produced.  And just like those days, I will be running behind a “team” of outstanding players in my new position.  Our Director of Athletics, Joe Castiglione and his staff has consistently made it a priority to reconnect with former Sooner student-athletes through reunions and special programs of the “O” Club.  His vision and enhanced approach will also create new programs to promote mentoring of student athletes and post-eligibility scholarships.  We will build a letterwinners’ association that has no equal.  Also, it will be a top priority to actively involve all former letterwinners from every sport, every era, and every background.  The variety of special events and reunions will most certainly continue, and increase, to create “tangible” connections to campus. The men and women who have represented the University of Oklahoma deserve nothing less.  I am honored to be selected to help lead this effort.

It is my goal to create an atmosphere and establish a structure whereby OU letterwinners become lifelong members of the University of Oklahoma athletics family – where all are welcomed, involved, and encouraged to participate during and after their college tenure. This is the true meaning of “Sooners for Life”.


Boomer Sooner!