Sooners See Rosy And Rare Opportunity

Dec. 8, 2002

Rose Bowl Teleconference Audio

Norman, Okla. - With 35 previous bowl games, Oklahoma ranks among the nation's elite football programs. But don't try selling the current Sooners on the fact that post-season play is in anyway old hat.

In fact, with a first-ever ticket to the Rose Bowl now officially stamped, OU administrators, coaches and players are downright giddy.

"This is an extraordinary and very rare opportunity for the University of Oklahoma," said athletics director Joe Castiglione. "Other than in last year's national championship scenario, this is the first time since 1941 that a team from a conference other than the Big Ten or Pacific Ten has been invited to play in the Rose Bowl. We are extremely honored to be in this position.

"We have a wonderful opportunity to make a statement for our university, the OU football program and for college football in general. There is an incredible level of excitement building for a very special experience."

Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops played in the 1982 Rose Bowl and coached in the 1985 game, both in his connection with Iowa.

"It is an incredibly exciting game," Stoops said. "There is such great history and tradition associated with the game, and the Rose Bowl itself sits in one of the most beautiful settings you could find in all of college athletics."

Stoops said his team began to pick up on the possibility of a Rose Bowl trip after Saturday's 29-7 win over Colorado in the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship game.

"They heard some of the talk and really got fired up," he said. "I imagine our fans are pretty fired up, too. We've never been in this one and who knows when we might get the opportunity to go again."

Several other coaches also have previous experience with the Rose Bowl, again all in connection with Iowa. Associate head coach Mike Stoops coached in the 1990 game and played in 1982. Offensive coordinator Chuck Long played in the 1982 and 1986 games. Special teams coordinator and tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes played in the 1981 game.

Note: OU ranks No. 5 nationally with 22 bowl victories and No. 8 in bowl appearances.

Here are some additional quotes from Oklahoma personnel ...

Curtis Fagan, senior receiver "It's a privilege to be playing in the Rose Bowl and a BCS game. It's a great way to end the season and my career after winning the Big 12 Championship. I'm just real excited about it."

"It was exciting watching the announcement and hearing them call the Rose Bowl 'The grandaddy of them all.' It's a great feeling to know we're going to be playing there."

Tommie Harris, sophomore defensive tackle "It's a real honor to be selected by the Rose Bowl since its one of the premier bowl games."

"Its one of those games that you always watch and take an interest in growing up, so it will be a lot of fun to have the opportunity to play in the game."

"We had not heard much about the possibility of playing in the Rose Bowl until just recently, then when we heard, it was like, 'Oh, man, the Rose Bowl.' Every player on the team is excited about this. Some of that is because we were surprised it happened this way, but most of it was because it's the Rose Bowl. It's just such a huge game."

"We know Washington State has a very good team. When you're in the BCS mix all season you watch how the other teams are doing and we know all about their quality."

Kory Klein, senior defensive tackle "Its going to be real exciting to play in the Rose Bowl. It's located in such an awesome place and there is such history and tradition surrounding that game."

"It will be a good challenge to play a Pac-10 team and see what style of football they play rather than playing another Big 12 or SEC team with whom we are more familiar."

Head Coach Bob Stoops on Washington State "I've know Mike Price for quite a while. Mike and his staff do a great job. That's an excellent football program. We know they have a great quarterback, but we also there is a lot more to that team. We look forward to a great game.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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