NORMAN – The University of Oklahoma will honor the class of 2018 and the longest-tenured coach in college football and winningest football coach in Oklahoma history, Bob Stoops and his wife, Carol, during its annual Ring Ceremony scheduled for 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27, in the courtyard of Oklahoma Memorial Union, 900 Asp Ave. Bob and Carol Stoops also have been selected to serve as parade co-marshals for OU’s Homecoming Parade on Saturday, Oct. 28.
Bob Stoops, who announced his retirement in June, joined the Sooners as a rookie head coach in 1999. During his 18 seasons with the Sooners, he led them to a national championship in 2000, a school-record 18 consecutive bowl berths and 10 Big 12 titles, and 190 total victories. He is the only head coach in the Bowl Championship Series era to have won the Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl and Sugar Bowl.
Stoops was named Walter Camp Coach of the Year in 2000 and 2003 and was named Big 12 Coach of the Year six times. He also coached two Heisman Trophy winners: quarterbacks Jason White (2003) and Sam Bradford (2008).
In addition to his legendary contributions to the OU football program and to the university as a whole, Stoops has been a pillar in the Oklahoma community. Through his Bob Stoops Champions Foundation, he has raised more than $2 million to benefit children who are ill or at risk. The foundation has partnered with worthy causes such as March of Dimes, OU Children’s Hospital, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well as many other local charities.
During his tenure as head football coach, Stoops gave tirelessly of his time. He visited patients at OU Children’s Hospital frequently, forming personal relationships with the children and their families, and always welcomed them to practices and games. He also participated with Special Spectators to bring seriously ill children and their families to a game each season, fully immersing them in the Sooner football experience and welcoming them to the OU family.
His wife, Carol Stoops, recently retired from Mary Kay Inc., after 25 years with the cosmetic company. She joined the company in 1991 and became a national sales director in 2005. Together, they have three children, Mackenzie, Issac and Drake.
The OU ring was adopted because of a student initiative to create a symbol that would capture the true essence of the university’s history and tradition. The OU ring honors graduating seniors and alumni from all classes, highlights students’ commitment to higher education and recognizes the heritage of the OU community.
In the event of rain, the ring ceremony will be held in the Molly Shi Boren Ballroom in Oklahoma Memorial Union. For additional information or for accommodations, call OU Public Affairs at (405) 325-3784 or email specialevents@ou.edu.
