Sooner Saturdays: Bobby Nash

We're unveiling a series that highlights how unique "Sooner Saturdays" are at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. We'll hear from a wide variety of individuals who play a part in making "Sooner Saturdays" one of the most unique experiences in all of sports, including Jay Norvell and Zack Hedrick.

NORMAN, Okla. -- Bobby Nash is a member of the RUF/NEKs and serves as the driver of the famed Sooner Schooner on game day. Countless individuals make "Sooner Saturdays" at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium truly one of the most unique experiences in all of sports. There's only one RUF/NEK given the reins to the Sooner Schooner and Bobby Nash knows that there is only ONE Oklahoma!

According to Nash, the process of becoming a RUF/NEK is more involved than most individuals may think. There is an interview and an application process just to become part of this storied group.

"I think what really makes us special is the appreciation that we have for the University. There are 16 of us (RUF/NEKs) and I can assure you that we are 16 of the biggest OU fans on campus."

Renew Season Tickets | The Sooner Club | 2013 Schedule

But simply becoming a RUF/NEK didn't automatically entitle Nash to drive a world-famous contestoga across Owen Field.

"If you get selected to go down that path, then there is a year of training and learning the ins and outs of the Schooner and the ponies," he explained. "After that year you are ready to drive."

And drive he does, in front of more than 85,000 fans on every home football Saturday. According to Nash, there is a certain exhilaration that comes along with driving the Sooner Schooner out of the tunnel for the first time every Saturday that can't be matched.

"The first run is always the best run," he smiled. "It is the one where people aren't cheering because we scored a touchdown or someone broke a record. It is one where they are cheering for the Sooner Schooner and for us basically. It is awesome seeing 85,000 people cheering and going crazy when you are out there. It is surreal. It is a great way to represent the University and be a part of it."

But for those fans who think that driving the Sooner Schooner is just an interesting Saturday sidelight for Nash, think again.

"There is a lot that goes into it," he continued. "We get to the stadium about four or five hours before game starts depending on kickoff time. We get the Schooner ready and the ponies ready; we have to brush them down. We interact with the fans a lot and we are over in the parking lot taking pictures hours before the game. About 45 minutes before the game starts, we finally enter the stadium and sit and wait for the band to do their pregame. As soon as the band leaves the field the schooner goes down and we do our first run on."

Players and coaches are pouring blood, sweat and tears out onto the field. But "Sooner Saturdays" encompass much more than first downs and OU victories. It's the Sooner Schooner and The Pride of Oklahoma. It's the intro video and Sooner Magic. It's 86 straight sellouts, every game of the Bob Stoops' era to be precise. It's yelling "Boomer Sooner" at the top of your lungs and learning what it means to Cheer Like a Champion.

Outside of OU players, Nash is one of a select few individuals who know exactly what it feels like to have over 85,000 sets of eyes fixated on him as he guides the ponies across Owen Field. In a way, Nash likely shares many similarities to an Oklahoma quarterback before he steps out of the tunnel.

"There is a lot running through your head," he related. "It never becomes a routine and each time feels like the first time. There is so much anticipation and tension and you explode out of the gate. You are out on the field, and you don't realize how far you have actually gone until you're out there. It all moves really fast and then in that one second it goes really slow. You have time to look around at all the fans and appreciate where you are. It is unreal, a great tradition at the University, and a great way to be a part of the game."

And make no mistake, Nash has a great appreciation for the opportunity to be a part of an Oklahoma Football gameday experience that is much bigger than him or just any covered wagon.

"It means a lot to me," he concluded. "It has been who I am for the last three years and I'll forever be a part of the organization and this University. It is huge; the Schooner is a part of state history. You think about Oklahoma and you think about the land run and the American West. We are ingrained in the history of the school, the state and the country. It is a real honor to be a part of something like that."

"Sooner Saturdays" actually begin with the modern-day land run for prime tailing spots on Fridays. Tents are set up starting at noon the day before the game and campus comes alive with activity well before players make their final preparations in the locker room.

When fans arrive in Norman, they pass through a sea of tailgaters and fans. From Campus Corner to the Lloyd Noble Center, the breadth of excitement travels far and wide across Norman. TVs are on and grills are fired up, and no matter how early kickoff is, there is likely a refreshing beverage in a nearby cooler. And of course, all of the OU loyalists are sporting their favorite shades of Crimson and Cream.

Closer to the stadium, the sounds of The Pride resonate throughout various pregame events. The beat of OU's marching band echoes off the statues at Heisman Park and entertains fans well before The Pride enters the stadium for their pregame and halftime shows.

Once inside the stadium, and after you've sung along to "Boomer Sooner," "Oklahoma" and the OU Chant, it's time for the intro video. The much-anticipated video is played right before the team enters the field. It signals that it's almost game time. No Sooner football game is complete without it. Goosebumps and wows are sure to ensue as the film hits its crescendo: "There's Only ONE Oklahoma!"

The team exits the locker room and walks down the tunnel. The stadium gets louder and louder, as the Sooners prepare to touch the historic turf of Owen Field. Then it happens, and you can't hear yourself think. The players run onto the field with flags celebrating the seven national titles proudly waving. They jump and touch a banner with a simple, yet powerful slogan: "Play Like a Champion."

With seven national championships and 44 conference titles, plenty of Sooners have played like champions on this hallowed field before.

Both teams are on the field, and 15 to 20 "Boomer!" and "Sooner!" chants later, it's time for kickoff. Sure, the visiting team might be a little intimidated, but that's all part of the equation. And typically, there are millions of other fans watching on television whose pulses might quicken just a little, as well.

The OU Spirit Squad, RUF/NEKs and Pride of Oklahoma lead the OU fans and students in cheers throughout the game, creating an endless stream of excitement and energy.

When the Sooners score, one of college football's most unique traditions commences. Powered by two white horses, the Sooner Schooner exits the northeast tunnel and races across the field in celebration. Driven by the RUF/NEKs, this uniquely OU conestoga has traveled across Owen Field ever since 1964.

With another OU victory in the books, "Sooner Saturday" likely isn't complete without some form of postgame celebration as Oklahoma Football fans look forward to the next game and their next opportunity to participate in one of the most colorful and vibrant home atmospheres in college football.

There's only ONE Oklahoma! There's only ONE "Sooner Saturday!"

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors