OU Officials Call for Patriotism Over 2 Sooner Game Traditions

Two standing traditions during Sooner football games have been declared unpatriotic by some, and with the Sooners set to play the Air Force Academy this Saturday, OU officials are asking fans to show respect to the cadets and the to rest of the nation's military members.

Tuesday, September 14th 2010, 4:01 pm

By: News 9


By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- Two standing traditions during Sooner football games have been declared unpatriotic by some. And with the Sooners set to play the Air Force Academy this Saturday, OU officials are asking fans to show respect to not just the cadets as they enter the field but to rest of the nation's military members.

On Tuesday, University of Oklahoma Head Football Coach Bob Stoops added he only wants to hear the traditional ending to the National Anthem before Saturday's game.

"Hopefully the people who are singing "home of the brave" can surely be louder and stronger than anybody singing the Sooners," Stoops said.

In a statement, OU President David Boren agreed, saying "the word 'brave' should be sung because it is a reference to those who have fought and given their lives for our country."

As for booing, OU Air Force ROTC students said they believe the fans will show the Falcons respect.

"I think the people here are aware of the military and stuff that I don't think they'll boo the Air Force," said Sal Mansemy, OU Air Force ROTC student.

But many of the Air Force ROTC officers and students at OU said they are torn over who to root for during the game.

"I can't wait for them to come and just be able to see the whole visitors section just filled with everybody hopefully in their blues, I'm assuming," said Megan McGeary, an OU Air Force ROTC student.

For the occasion, the ROTC building is getting a new coat of paint and the new ROTC Commander is hearing from friends from long ago.

"Probably about 20 to 30 friends of mine starting calling, many of whom I hadn't heard from for years saying 'Eric, congratulations on the job. Oh by the way can you get me tickets for the game?'" said Col. Eric Wydra, the OU Air Force ROTC Commander.

OU plans to honor the U.S. military with a flyover Memorial Stadium just before the 2:30 p.m. kickoff. Stoops will also welcome the cadets with a video message airing on the jumbotron.

At halftime of Saturday's game, the OU and Air Force bands will join with the 200 member OU choir in a performance of patriotic songs.

The OU Air Force ROTC will also hold a cookout after the game for all the visiting cadets from the Air Force Academy.

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