Sooner Saturdays: Jim Miller

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 co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Jay Norvell, drum major Zack Hedrick, Schooner driver Bobby Nash and photographer Stacey West.

NORMAN, Okla. -- In segment five of our "Sooner Saturdays" series, we'll hear from Jim Miller who serves as the external public address announcer at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. If you don't recognize Miller's name, you'll undoubtedly be able to recite his trademark line.

"It's football time in Oklahoma!"

On Saturday afternoons in the fall, these words resound throughout Oklahoma Memorial Stadium approximately 30 minutes before kickoff. More than just a statement, these words are an invitation, a proclamation, and a declaration. These words represent a call to action that brings over 80,000 football fans to their feet in preparation for another chapter in the rich history of Oklahoma Football.

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"Game day is a lot more like a game week for me," Miller explained. "I deal with a lot of preparation leading up to the game. I usually come in on Wednesday or Thursday and do voice overs for SoonerVision, and then I get the script for the game on Friday and go over it a lot. I spend quite a few hours prepping and preparing myself for the script by reading.

"On the actual day of the game I usually come to the stadium around two and a half hours before kickoff. I only live about a half a mile from the stadium so I usually just walk over, and come up and review everything. I am there plenty ahead of time just to make sure I am all set."

Miller acknowledges that his game day perspective is a unique one given his position.

"I see everything from my own little tiny world as the announcer," said Miller. "When I watch the game at home I get a lot more excited, as a fan. When I'm announcing the game I have the responsibility to announce first. I get to see everything as it evolves, but I don't see all the little things that are happening out there, so I do not see the whole perspective."

Since he began his current gameday duties 14 years ago, this Kansas native has gained a great appreciation of Sooner Saturdays, as well as the part he plays in the overall OU Football experience.

"What makes OU special to me is the fans," explained Miller. "We have a lot of fans and they are passionate and they are opinionated. It makes it special. To be able to be the singular the voice that people hear when they come to the game is a great honor, a privilege and it is great fun."

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.

"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!"

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