Softball Banquet Rings In New Season

NORMAN, Okla. -- Nearly 250 fans joined the Oklahoma softball team as it rang in the 2005 season with the annual "Meet The Team" banquet at the Kerr McGee Courtside Club on Friday evening.

"We're No. 4 in the polls, but that doesn't mean anything to us," said OU head coach Patty Gasso as she addressed the crowd. "We don't want to sound cocky or ungrateful, but what we want is the ring. The No. 1 ring. This is what this team is about. This team in 2005 can win the National Championship."

"This team can do it. They have all the ingredients. We'll need to stay injury free and we need our freshmen to step up for us and they are begginning to do that. We need leadership and perservance. The leaders need to lead by example and show our blue collar attitude, because that is who we are."

"Most of all this team needs to stick together because they are potent. We 'll be able to score a lot of runs in a short time but we have to stick to the plan from top to bottom. They are smart and I think they understand the focus they'll need. Their is a lot of trust on this team and I think that is going to be a good starting point and something that will carry us very far this season."

KFOR Sports Anchor and OU radio play-by-play man Brian Brinkley opened the evening and served as the night's emcee. He also helped Gasso welcome alumnus Katie Overton, Kelli Braitsch, April Valdez and Nicki Holt, as well as supporters Marita Hynes, Stephanie Rempe and Robert and Lindy Young.

Brinkley interviewed several players including sophomore Norrelle Dickson and senior Christina Enea, who shared Gasso's sentiments.

"We want a Big 12 Championship and then we are going to go after the National Championship," said Enea. 'That is all we want and we are ready to do anything it takes."

Gasso followed Brinkley by introducing the 2005 team and thanking her entire support staff.

The evening was closed with some improvisional theatre courtesy of Bologna Rodeo. The Rodeo, which is headed by OU Vice President of Student Affairs Clark Stroud, had the crowd rolling in aisles for the second consecutive year.

The preseason-No. 4 Sooners begin the 2005 season at the Clearwater Invitational (Fla.) where they will play Florida Atlantic and Appalachian State on Friday, Feb. 4.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors