University of Oklahoma Athletics
Vote for the #1OklahomaFan
April 22, 2020 | Athletics
Bring people together... that's what sports do, and that's what being an Oklahoma fan is all about. In these uncertain times, it's as important as ever that we stick together.
As we set out in search of the #1OklahomaFan this year, the stories that stood out the most were of those who cultivate the Sooner spirit in others. We're proud to present our three finalists, each who have their own unique way of bringing Sooner fans together. #TogetherAsOne
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Antonio Record
Antonio Record might set a record for OU fandom.
Since he was old enough to buy his own clothes, Antonio says has worn nothing but the Crimson and Cream, displaying his Sooner spirit proudly 365 days a year.
Record says he felt a calling to follow the Sooners wherever they go, so that's what does. He has a hard time sleeping the night before football games and rarely misses one, home or away. A Tulsa native, Antonio regularly makes the trek down the Turner Turnpike to frequent OU sporting events of every kind, including one weekend when he attended men's basketball, women's tennis, wrestling, lacrosse and rugby all in the same day.
And Antonio doesn't just blend into the crowd. You probably recognize him with his signature mohawk, OU chain, sunglasses and striped suit, and he can often be seen (and heard) passionately leading chants of "Boomer Sooner!" He doesn't do any of it for recognition, rather, he simply loves his fellow OU fans and wants to do everything he can to make them happy.
It's no wonder people call him "Mr. OU", and with the motto "Boomer Sooner for life", there's never a question where this fan's loyalty lies.
Bruce Burdette
To be an Oklahoma fan living in the heart of Alabama requires a very special lover of the Crimson and Cream.
Bruce Burdette, a.ka. "OU Bruce", a transplanted Oklahoman living in Birmingham, started the OU Club of Birmingham along with his wife more than 20 years ago. A true galvanizer of Sooner spirit, Bruce has led the Club to back-to-back-to-back-to-back titles for "The Most School Spirit" (making sure to note he's only one behind Lincoln Riley!) at the city's annual Tailgate Challenge, a charity event held to kick off the college football season.
Any time any Sooner team competes in Alabama, Bruce assures they are greeted with a spirited welcome, highlighted by his signature hat, custom-designed with speakers that play "Boomer Sooner!" The hat's most famous appearance came when OU women's gymnastics claimed its first national title in Birmingham in 2014, where Bruce was believed to be one of the rowdiest fans in the building.
A retired U.S. Navy veteran, Bruce proudly displays a retirement letter signed by Bob Stoops in his den, and his back deck is fondly referred to as Gaylord East, providing views of a 10-foot screen for any Sooner fan to join in on his watch parties. The Burdettes name their dogs after prominent OU figures including Boomer and most recently, Riley. And last but not least, Bruce drives a crimson and cream Thunderbird with the insignia "Sooner Edition" on either side.
Without a doubt, Bruce is a loyal member of the Sooner family!
Darla Cook
Nominated by her daughter-in-law, Annette, Darla Cook is one of the biggest OU fans around, though she experiences Sooner Magic in a much different way than most.
Blind from birth, Darla listens to every single OU game, whether in stadium, at home in Tulsa or even on her own wedding day, on her Victor Reader Trek. She has called in to many local sports talk radio stations over the years to celebrate victories and of course to offer advice after defeats. Some of her favorite moments include meeting Sooner voices Chris Plank and Toby Rowland, as well as the legendary Bob Stoops.
Darla developed a love for the Sooners when she was 12 years old through some friends at the Oklahoma School for the Blind. Every Saturday, a group would gather in the recreation room to listen to the games. She learned every player's name, listened to the play-by-play and did not turn it off until the very end of the broadcast. She practices the same dedicated ritual every Saturday to this day. In the words of Annette, "You don't dare bother her from the start of pregame until after postgame, or else!"
Except for maybe her children and grandchildren, nothing makes Darla smile bigger than a Sooner victory. Darla has been able to attend a couple of games in person and describes the smell of food, the hustle and bustle of the crowd and the sounds of The Pride of Oklahoma playing "Boomer Sooner!" Of course, it's her ringtone as well.
Darla references iconic plays and ecstatic energy when describing Sooner Magic, but in reality, the definition is found within people like herself.
Vote Now
Vote for your favorite now through Thursday, April 30. The winning design will be produced by Norman-based Top of the World as the official There's Only One Oklahoma fan T-shirt for the 2020-21 season.
Boomer Sooner!
