The Sooner mascot is a beloved symbol of the University of Oklahoma, representing the athletic teams and the spirit of the school. The mascot, named Boomer and Sooner, consists of two white ponies that lead the football team onto the field before each home game. The tradition of having a live mascot at Oklahoma dates back to 1964 when the university decided to retire their previous mascot, a dog named Mex. The decision to replace Mex with horses was made in honor of the state's history and the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889, which sparked the settlement of the area. Boomer and Sooner are selected from a ranch in Oklahoma and undergo rigorous training to prepare for their role as mascots. They must be calm, well-behaved, and able to handle the noise and excitement of game days.
What is a Sooner?
At the University of Oklahoma, we seek to learn lessons from history. These lessons help us to create a fairer society for the future.
While many people know the nickname Oklahoma Sooners is uniquely linked to the University of Oklahoma and has become synonymous with excellence, some aren't aware of the roots, which reach to our state's Indian Territory origins.
Originally the home of several tribal nations of the Southern Plains, Congress set aside Indian Territory in 1830 as part of its forcible relocation of numerous tribal nations from their ancestral homelands via the Trail of Tears. Following the U.S. Civil War, some tribal nations lost portions of their new land in Indian Territory due to renegotiated treaties, which became known as the Unassigned Lands.
Pioneers, known as Boomers, vigorously campaigned to settle the Unassigned Lands, which were later incorporated into Oklahoma Territory. Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory became known as the Twin Territories.
Famously, Oklahoma Territory was opened for settlement through land claims races, or Land Runs, and in 1889, thousands made their way to the Twin Territories to participate in the first of these dramatic events. Each race began with a pistol shot, and those who jumped the gun were called Sooners. Later, Indian Territory was opened for non-native settlement, and in 1907 the Twin Territories were merged into one state ? Oklahoma ? which is the joining of two Choctaw words, "okla" and "homma," meaning "red people" or American Indian. Due to the enthusiasm of many pioneers and their descendants, "Sooner" came to denote energetic, "can-do" individuals.
The university embraces the complexity of our heritage. OU athletics teams were called either Rough Riders or Boomers for 10 years before the current Oklahoma Sooner nickname emerged in 1908.
Taken together, Oklahoma Sooners reflects our state's American Indian and pioneer heritage and, today, symbolizes a special university spirit that values resilience and perseverance as well as the inclusivity that unites all who are a part of the University of Oklahoma family.
What is a Sooner, and why is it Oklahoma's nickname?
Ahead of tonight's college football matchup between Ohio State and Oklahoma, fans may be wondering why Oklahoma uses the name Sooners for its nickname and mascot.
There's a lot of history behind that question and answer.
A Sooner, according to Wikipedia, was a settler who entered the area now known as Oklahoma before the official start of the Land Rush of 1889. "The name derived from the "sooner clause" of the Unassigned Land Act, which stated that anyone who entered and occupied the land prior to the opening time would be denied the right to claim land. The designation "Sooner" initially had a very negative connotation. However, the negative connotation began to change by the time of statehood, and is no longer considered negative by most residents."
How did the term become synonymous with University of Oklahoma athletic teams?
Oklahoma adopted the name Sooners name for its football team in 1908 after originally calling themselves the Rough Riders and Boomers.
While the team's nickname is the Sooners, it's actual mascot is the Sooner Schooner, a replica of an early 19th century wagon.
The school's costumed mascots, Boomer and Schooner, represent the team at sporting events and often accompany the Sooner Schooner. They were introduced to fans in 2005, according to the Oklahoma athletic website.
The school's fight song is "Boomer Sooner."
And what exactly is a Boomer? Well, it's tied into the history of land settlement in Oklahoma as well.
"The term Boomer relating to Oklahoma refers to participants in the "Boomer Movement," white settlers who believed the Unassigned Lands were public property and open to anyone for settlement, not just Native American tribes," according to Wikipedia.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
They must be calm, well-behaved, and able to handle the noise and excitement of game days. The selected ponies are cared for by a team of handlers who ensure their well-being and safety. On game days, Boomer and Sooner make their grand entrance onto the field, led by their handlers.
Disclaimer
Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 12/31/2023).
Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information
© 2024 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us).
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.
Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.
YouTube’s privacy policy is available here and YouTube’s terms of service is available here.
Sooner mascot
This is a sample widget published to the Sidebar Top position, using the "Sidebar" style. There is also a Sidebar Bottom position below the menu.
LoginThe crowd erupts with cheers as they gallop down the field, embodying the energy and enthusiasm of the team and the fans. The ponies are decked out in the team's colors and wear special custom-made saddles displaying the university's logo. Boomer and Sooner's presence at games has become a beloved tradition that adds to the excitement and pride of being a Sooner. They symbolize the school's connection to its roots and its strong athletic tradition. The mascots also participate in various university events, parades, and other special occasions, representing the university with pride and enthusiasm. In addition to their role as mascots, Boomer and Sooner also play a vital role in engaging with the community. They make appearances at local schools and events, promoting the university and spreading the Sooner spirit throughout the state of Oklahoma. Overall, the Sooner mascot represents more than just a symbol of the university; it embodies the pride, tradition, and connection to the state's history that is deeply ingrained in the University of Oklahoma. Boomer and Sooner continue to inspire and unite fans, students, and alumni as they proudly represent the university both on and off the field..
Reviews for "Sooner Legends: A Tribute to Past Sooner Mascots"
- John - 1 star
The Sooner mascot is absolutely ridiculous. I mean, what's the point of having an anthropomorphic horse as a mascot for a sports team? It just doesn't make any sense. Plus, the costume is poorly made and looks cheap. Overall, I find the Sooner mascot to be quite embarrassing and it definitely doesn't add anything positive to the game experience.
- Sarah - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with the Sooner mascot. It lacks creativity and originality. It's just a generic horse costume with nothing special about it. I was expecting something more unique and exciting. The mascot didn't even interact much with the crowd, which was a letdown. Overall, I think the Sooner mascot needs a complete revamp to bring some life and energy to the games.
- Robert - 1 star
I'm sorry, but the Sooner mascot is just plain lame. It's not intimidating or inspiring in any way. The whole concept of a horse as a mascot is overused and cliché. The costume itself looks outdated and doesn't even resemble a real horse. I would really like to see a new mascot that represents the team's spirit and brings some excitement to the games. The Sooner mascot is definitely not cutting it.