There's Only One
It’s (almost) football time in Oklahoma!
Behind new head coach Lincoln Riley and redshirt senior quarterback Baker Mayfield, a 2017 Heisman Trophy finalist, the Sooners will kick off the 2017 season this Saturday when they welcome UTEP to Norman.
“There is something so special about being surrounded by 85,000 fans who are equally passionate about OU football and share a love for this university that shines through on gameday and makes for a true football heaven,” Lauren Wilson-McGeough said.
Riley is taking over the helm of the program from the legendary Bob Stoops, who coached the Sooners for 18 seasons and led the team to numerous victories, including a national title.
"I'm sincerely honored to be given this opportunity to be the head football coach at the University of Oklahoma,” Riley said in a statement after being announced as head coach. “I want to thank Coach Stoops for bringing me here two years ago and making me part of the Sooner family. He is one of the greatest coaches in the history of the game, at any level. I'm absolutely thankful for our friendship and for the mentorship he has provided.
"Coaching at Oklahoma is a dream come true for me and my family. I am extremely grateful to President Boren, Joe Castiglione, Chairman Bennett, and the OU Board of Regents for believing in me and affording me this opportunity. I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that Coach Stoops and so many others before him have instilled in this great program."
Football season brings with it an excitement and energy in Norman and all around the rest of the Sooner Nation. This year, OU will be in pursuit of a 47th conference title, including its third straight Big 12 crown, and an eighth national championship.
“My favorite thing about football season is the overall magic that comes to life within the stadium,” said Lauren Wilson-McGeough, a public relations senior from Chickasha, Oklahoma. “It is unlike anything I have ever experienced, even being a huge sports fan throughout my life. Nothing can top the atmosphere the second you step foot in Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
“There is something so special about being surrounded by 85,000 fans who are equally passionate about OU football and share a love for this university that shines through on gameday and makes for a true football heaven,” Wilson-McGeough continued. “Even for those not so interested in the sport itself, the experience is engaging and interactive for fans who can all agree to celebrate a school rich in tradition and constant Sooner Magic.”
Want to know what an OU game day is like? Take a Virtual Tour.
After three seasons cheering on the Sooners from the student section, Wilson-McGeough is transitioning to the other side of gameday this year as an intern in the OU Athletics Communications office. Whether she is watching from the stands or gaining experience for her future career, Wilson-McGeough’s passion for OU football runs deep.
“I love OU football because it is more than the sport,” Wilson-McGeough explained. “It is the heart of this university – it continues to beat because students are filled with pride in their school and this team regardless of their love for football. They are filled with a copious amount of excitement as soon as the band makes their first appearance on the field, when the flag is unraveled on the field, the jets fly over the stadium, the bell rings, the intro video gives you goosebumps as soon as you hear ‘there’s only one,’ and when your raise your index finger in the air to sing the OU chant. OU football brings students together for an experience that simply cannot compare to any other and as a senior, I am living proof of the joy this aspect of college has brought to my time here at the University of Oklahoma.”
Want to be part of the sea of Crimson and Cream inside Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium once you arrive on campus? Season tickets for new students (freshmen or transfers) who have not previously attended OU go on sale each August, so keep an eye on SoonerSports.com for dates and more information.
