Softball Kicks Off Season

The Oklahoma Softball team kicked off the 2004 season with its annual "Meet The Team" banquet at the Holiday Inn in Norman on Friday evening. Head Coach Patty Gasso emceed the event that included a special performance from Dean of Students Clark Stroud and his comedy group Baloney Rodeo.

Gasso began the evening by thanking her support staff for their efforts over the years and leading into the season. Gasso also introduced each of her players to the crowd of nearly 200, which included several local media outlets.

Stroud took the mic after the OU head coach and gave the fans a behind the scenes and comical look at a few of the players on the Sooner squad. Stroud and Baloney Rodeo closed out the evening with a trio of improv comedic performances.

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Below are a few of Gasso's comments from the evening:

"This team has an opportunity to win the national championship. I wouldn't say it if it weren't the truth. I sit in my office before practice and try to figure out what to do. They are ready. I am not saying they are going to begin the season 25-0, but they are ready. They are chomping at the bit to get out of town and play at LSU."

"The schedule this year features a lot of top-25 and top-10 teams. We are not afraid to play anybody, in fact we welcome the competition from teams like Arizona, DePaul, LSU and Florida State. We have Texas at home this season, which is great match up for all of Norman to come and see. We have to travel to Texas A&M and Nebraska in conference which will provide some excellent challenges."

"I have noticed a quality in this team that I really like. They don't panic. They haven't shown that quality yet. I may be panicing but they haven't shown that trait. It means fans shouldn't leave the OU Softball Complex early this season. We are going to fight until the very last out and I foresee a lot of dramatic wins from this squad."

"I have to thank our former Senior Woman Administrator Marita Hynes for all of her efforts over the years. She has been very instrumental in my career and the overall success of this program. This season we are playing on a brand new field with new dirt and a new name - Marita Hynes Field. Again we have to thank Marita for everything she has given to our program."

OU begins the season with a trip to Baton Rouge, La., for the LSU Tiger Classic. The Sooners will face No. 14 LSU, Illinois, Southeastern Lousiana and Centenary during the tourney which runs Feb. 6-8.

OU begins the home portion of the schedule against regional-foe Oklahoma Christian on Wed., Feb. 11 at 4 p.m.

Reserved season ticket packages for games at the OU Softball Complex are going quickly. A limited number of reserved season tickets are still available at $60 a seat. Interested fans are encouraged to contact the OU ticket office at 800-456-GoOU (4668). General admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children for all home contests.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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