University of Oklahoma Athletics
Three Stars, One Oklahoma
April 07, 2009 | Athletics
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That's what we've been spoiled with at Oklahoma over the past year.
No other college athletics program has ever produced the Heisman Trophy winner and Naismith Trophy winner in the same academic year or had a four-time AP All-American in women's basketball. And while we could go on and on with a list of their individual athletic accomplishments, even more impressive is how they represent themselves in and away from the competition arena.
Upon the announcement that Griffin had won the 2009 Naismith Trophy, men's basketball coach Jeff Capel had this to say: "More impressive than his basketball ability is his life approach and how he carries himself off the court. Blake is a much better person than he is a basketball player."
The same sentiment has been heard from Bob Stoops and Sherri Coale regarding their star players on numerous occasions as well.
We don't need validation from their coaches, however. The proof has been evident in their actions.
How gracious was Bradford's speech at the Heisman Trophy presentation? How many times did Griffin turn the other cheek when lesser men would have lost their cool? And Paris' declaration... not an arrogant guarantee but rather a testament to the debt of gratitude she feels toward the University and all the fans who have provided her with such overwhelming support over the last four years.
Bradford, Griffin and Paris are the faces of their respective teams, but none have become bigger than the program. And while flattered by all the recognition they have received, none have sought the spotlight. Through all of their successes and similarly in moments of defeat, they have carried themselves with a level of respect, integrity and humility one can't help but admire.
Not disregarding the countless number of other student-athletes who represent the department in a positive manner, we simply could not ask for three better ambassadors for the University of Oklahoma.
We may never see another trio of student-athletes with the same level of esteem who also display such genuine class all on campus at the same time. Their legacies will surely live on for a long time and will go far beyond what they accomplish on the field or in the arena.
So while Paris' career is complete and time may be short on Griffin's and Bradford's, let's celebrate an unprecedented era in college athletics, one we have had the pleasure of witnessing right here at OU.
Boomer Sooner!
Tuesday, June 09
Monday, April 13
Monday, April 13
Monday, April 06
