I met some really great people during my years at the University of Oklahoma. It was wonderful to have such a strong Native American community there as well. That's why it makes me happy to see that OU is recognizing those strong contributions our fellow Native students made to the campus. NDNSports has a great write up of the latest release of the Sooner Spectator which features a 16-page section on key student-athletes who have helped enhance the tradition and history that Natives have established there over the last 108 years.
“Native Americans have played such a significant role in so many aspects of campus life at the University of Oklahoma. They are an essential part of the fabric that is OU and OU athletics,” said Jay C. Upchurch, editor of Sooner Spectator. “Looking back at the history of OU football, Natives have been there basically every step of the way — helping build a tradition that many believe is the greatest in college athletics.”
The third edition of Sooner Spectator’s tribute to Native Americans takes a look at a family legacy left by a Cherokee father and his two sons, who each earned letters for the Sooners during their respective stays. Robert Vardeman and his sons, Ryan and Barry, share their story of love for a university and the pride they have in their heritage.
The issue also includes a look back at James Nairn, a member of the Delaware Tribe, and how he followed in the footsteps of Key Wolf and went on to make a name for himself – earning two degrees form OU while helping the football program posts its first-ever undefeated season in 1911. Nairn, a native of Nowata, Okla., eventually returned home to practice law and enjoy a successful career in politics.
The new issue also examines the on-going debate over former OU mascot Little Red, who was abolished more than 40 years ago, but who remains one of the most beloved representatives of OU pride and athletics.
The third edition of Sooner Spectator’s tribute to Native Americans takes a look at a family legacy left by a Cherokee father and his two sons, who each earned letters for the Sooners during their respective stays. Robert Vardeman and his sons, Ryan and Barry, share their story of love for a university and the pride they have in their heritage.Mvskoke Media produced a great spot for Native News Today about last year's Native American issue of the Sooner Spectator.
For more information on how to get copies of the Sooner Spectator you can email the editor Jay Upchurch at [email protected].
Patsy howell
says:I’m Cherokee , and it’s hard to see things about my fathers people. Like your website