About UsI. MISSION STATEMENT
The mission statement of the Varsity “O” Association is to build and maintain a spirit of loyalty to and pride for the University of Oklahoma whereby OU student-athletes become lifetime members of the University of Oklahoma Athletics family, and are welcomed, involved, and encouraged to participate during and after their college tenure.
II. VARSITY “O” ASSOCIATION GOALS
• To advance and nourish the special spirit of regard for the Varsity "O" Association and its traditions and values of sportsmanship and excellence.
• To bring all letterwinners, both graduate and undergraduate, into closer relationships.
• To foster a spirit of loyalty in the hearts of those who uphold the athletics prestige of the Crimson and Cream.
• To promote in every proper and constructive way the athletics interests of the University of Oklahoma among its students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends.
• To encourage scholarship.
• To develop sportsmanship by both example and precept.
• To develop social activities and to maintain, through mutual understanding of objectives, a more complete relationship with members of the coaching staff.
• To take an active interest in campus activities.
• To help orient freshmen athletes at the University of Oklahoma.
III. HISTORY
In the Beginning
The University of Oklahoma "O" Club was founded in 1925 as the Letterman's Club. It was as much a social organization as it was an athletics club. At that time, there weren't many opportunities for athletes to enjoy all the social aspects of college.
To meet this need, the Club was established and opened to all OU lettermen and their guests. They could get together and share the various experiences of student life beyond their particular sports. They sponsored dances and involved themselves in other campus activities in which other social groups participated. Funds were limited, particularly during the Great Depression years, and the club's existence was pivotal to some athlete's enrichment.
After World War II
Port Robertson, legendary wrestling coach and assistant athletics director, was the sponsor of the early Lettermen's Club and collaborated with Shocky Need, assistant baseball coach, to formalize the club by writing its original rules and bylaws. Robertson also worked to find funding sources for the club. His efforts eventually resulted in a dedicated place for student-athletes to study as well as a place they could host Thursday night dances.
As the years progressed, Robertson found additional funding for an "O" Club tutorial program to complement the mandatory study halls he proctored. All of this was designed, of course, as a service support element for the athletics department.
Now and Forever
The Varsity “O” Association’s appreciation for the importance all athletic programs and athletes has transformed the original vision of the “O” Club. This vision parallels the commitment of the athletics directors through the years and is why the overall athletics program at the University of Oklahoma is held in the highest regard nationally.
Robertson retired in 1985, but his leadership qualities and shared passion for the support of University of Oklahoma athletes and athletics programs are visible today. The list of "O" Club presidents since 1985 reflects the broad cross section of sports and support of the club's goals.
IV. TRADITION
Sooners For Life
The University of Oklahoma is home to one of the most storied athletics programs in the nation. The Sooners boast 25 national championships in men's and women's sports, more than 225 team conference titles and more than 700 All-Americans.
The success of Oklahoma’s teams contributes to a sense of pride in the community and across the state. The very mention of the word "Sooners" evokes a sense of history, tradition and championships. Nationwide, OU is synonymous with winning.
The pride in our program goes beyond the trophies and victories to the very things for which we stand. Those values include respect, accountability for self and others, service to community, passion for excellence, and the celebration of diversity and integrity in all our affairs.
It's hard to believe the Varsity “O” Association's roots are more than 80 years deep, but they are as firmly planted in our rich Sooner soil as the tradition of excellence in our athletics program. We continue to sow seeds to lay a foundation for those who follow to experience and cherish the same memories and successes we share and to honor those who have come before us with great pride.
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