Who puts on an event complete with TWO basketball games, lunch, awesome speakers, a tour of the Barry Switzer Center, giveaways for every attendee and transportation to and from lunch for only $25 per ticket?  The OU Alumni Association!

This past Saturday we hosted almost 200 people for the Caravan to Norman.  Attendees first watched the Sherri Coale’s Sooner women take on Oklahoma State in a thrilling game that only Bedlam can deliver.  The Sooner women came out on top in a 80-71 victory.  After the game, buses carried participants to lunch at the luxurious Santee Lounge, located on the west side of the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.  Lunch consisted of all-you-can-eat bar-b-que brisket sandwiches, chips, desserts and drinks.  And let me tell you, it was delicious.

Boomer the mascot and several cheerleaders stopped by to greet everyone.  As our group was eating, new OU head women’s soccer coach, Matt Potter, spoke and answered questions.  His assistant coach, Graeme Abel, was also in attendance.  Following the soccer duo was Cale Gundy, OU’s director of recruiting running backs and fullbacks.  All offered a wealth of information and the crowd loved them.

After that, we headed to the prestigious Barry Switzer Center, located on the south side of the stadium.  If you haven’t been, you must check it out some time!  It is remarkable.  Then it was back to the buses to return to the Lloyd Noble Center and watch the OU Men take on ISU.  They played a hard game but unfortunately did not prevail.  But can I just say, Lon Kruger has absolutely gone above and beyond for the OU Alumni Association.  Not only did he sign each hat for our guests but he also provided “Thank Yous” specifically for our Caravan to Norman event.  In them he says, “We are excited to have your group out to our game tonight vs. Iowa State!  Our guys are working hard to improve each day and we know your group will bring energy and excitement to the atmosphere at the Lloyd Noble Center.  We look forward to seeing you at another game very soon.  Boomer Sooner!”  He never ceases to amaze us and always makes our guests feel welcome.  Thanks, Lon!

Also, a shout out to our clubs who were in attendance: Tulsa, Lawton (with 41!), Collin County, Ft. Worth, Altus, Woodward, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Hobart, Stillwater, Wichita, Texoma, Norman, my hometown of Ada and our 2012 Sooners on the Road!

Below are some photos from the day.  Hope you enjoy and we hope to see you next time!

Giveaway bags for each and every guest.

Santee Lounge

Contents of the giveaway: drawstring canvas backpack, women’s hat, men’s autographed Lon Kruger hat and an OU Basketball Boomer bobblehead.

Special thank you from Lon Kruger to our Caravan guests.

OU Alumni Association VP, JP Audas is all smiles as Coach Gundy makes comments.

President’s Associate’s Executive Director Cassie Gilman and her dad, Mike Zaccarello, listen to speakers.

Former OU Club of Texoma President, Melvin Brown and family with Boomer.

JP welcomes caravan guests and Boomer!

Caravan guests in the Santee Lounge.

New women’s head soccer coach Matt Potter addresses the crowd.

Touring the Switzer Center.