Waking up in the SEC

Times are definitely a’changin’. In summer 2024 we find ourselves easing into an era where many things may remain the same while simultaneously become quite different. Yes, Oklahoma Football will still be the most popular sports attraction along this stretch of Old Route 66. However, its affiliation just made a huge move to arguably the most competitive league in college athletics. It may be more about the money than the level of competition even though each are so closely intertwined, but the University of Oklahoma became an official member of the Southeastern Conference as of 12:01 AM, July 1st. This was a cause for celebration as it is not often that the state’s flagship university involves itself in a business realignment of such magnitude. Many of the local contingent of OU alumni and Sooner fans turned out to celebrate the occasion of the big move southeast on a beautiful July Monday morning. Several local dignitaries were also on hand for the festivities from Tulsa’s mayor and mayoral candidates to officers of OU Tulsa. Being both a fan and alumni of the University of Oklahoma, Yours Truly certainly did not miss this opportunity to join in the festivities.

On a quiet Monday morning, Mother Road Market took on the ambiance of a pep rally. Even a little bit of the pageantry common to the Norman campus made the drive up the turnpike. The Sooner Schooner complete with the Ruf-Nex wrangling Boomer and Sooner (the two Shetland Ponies who pull the thing), a small pep band and even SOONER the Horsepig posing for selfies with the attendees elevated the atmosphere.

The highlight of the morning was the presence of Sooner coaching staff both past and present. Women’s basketball coach Jennie Baranczyk along with baseball coach Skip Johnson were a nice touch alongside of the legendary Barry Switzer. The Switz, now well into his 80s, still displays his characteristic swagger. The main attraction was OU’s head football coach Brent Venables. It is very telling when the program (Clemson) BV left to come back to OU as head coach is on a much different trajectory. Same for the program his predecessor left for (USC). Coach Venables’ teams have shown consistent improvement since his arrival back in Norman in December 2021. One thing difficult to miss about Brent Venables is the fact he exudes confidence. In a business where winning is an imperative and losing isn’t tolerated for long, Brent Venables is definitely the right man in the right place at the right time.

The entire event lent to a feeling that the Sooner Nation and the OU Athletic Department is on the precipice of a wild new chapter in its storied history. I am curious how well this new 16-member superconference is going to fare. With kickoff time slated for 6 PM Friday, August 30th, Sooner and SEC Football will be upon us with enthusiasm and a new sense of purpose. The proof will be duly noted on the scoreboard. BOOMER SOONER!!! Thanks for reading.