Driving History: The Sooner Schooner's Milestone Moment with Brianna Howard
The University of Oklahoma's iconic covered wagon mascot, the Sooner Schooner, made history as it was driven by a Native American woman for the first time in its 60-year existence. Brianna Howard, a junior at OU and a member of the Choctaw Nation, took the reins of the Schooner during the football team's season opener against Illinois State. The Schooner is typically cared for by the RUF/NEKS and Lil' Sis spirit groups, who also take turns driving it during games. The wagon, pulled by white ponies named "Boomer" and "Sooner," has been a symbol of the university since 1964, evoking the pioneer spirit of settling Oklahoma Territory in the late 1800s. Despite some viewing the Schooner as a symbol of oppression against Native people, Howard sees driving it as a way to reclaim and empower her culture.
The tradition of the Sooner Schooner, with its unique post-score pony run across the field, is considered one of college football's most distinctive rituals. Jack Roehm, president of the RUF/NEKS and a senior at OU, drove the Schooner during a recent game against Missouri, highlighting the significance of the tradition in the college football landscape. The Schooner's presence on the field is a nod to Oklahoma's history and heritage, with each drive symbolizing a connection to the state's pioneering past. As the Schooner continues to be a beloved symbol of the university, its recent milestone of being driven by a Native American woman adds a new chapter to its storied legacy.
In conclusion, the Sooner Schooner's historic moment of being driven by Brianna Howard, a member of the Choctaw Nation, marks a significant milestone in the mascot's legacy. The tradition of the Schooner, with its symbolic ties to Oklahoma's pioneer history, continues to captivate fans and players alike, showcasing the university's rich heritage. As the Schooner rolls onto the field, driven by a diverse group of students, it embodies the spirit of unity and tradition that defines the University of Oklahoma's game day experience.