Gator
09-01-2007, 10:39 AM
I am sure this is not unique to OU but it struck a strong cord for me, THIS is what a good athletic department does: it sets the tone for all of its programs. Words have to be matched by actions but this type of thing is an excellent start:
"Nearly 500 Oklahoma student-athletes made history Sunday night ... The group was the first to recite the Sooner Oath ....
As Sooner Student-Athletes, we pledge to:
• Pursue excellence in the classroom and in competition;
• Hold ourselves to the highest standards of sportsmanship;
• Demonstrate strong character and accountability for our conduct;
• Take pride in our University;
• Honor and uphold the traditions of what it means to be a Sooner;
• Appreciate the privilege of wearing Crimson and Cream;
• Embrace the unique perspectives we each bring to the University;
• Support our fellow student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence;
• Be positive role models for our community;
• Lead with integrity in all of our actions.
As icing on the cake:
Switzer pointed out that every Sooner in attendance would at some point encounter frustration, disappointment and the temptation to quit. Then he uttered words of such clear perspective that it made even the smallest whiner blush.
Switzer reminded Oklahoma’s student-athletes that on their worst day they would not endure anything remotely close to the conditions and challenges lay before our fighting men and women, especially those stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hotbeds of military activity.
He told them that when they get to feeling as low as they can feel, there still isn’t anyone stationed in harm’s way that would not trade places with them in a heartbeat.
http://www.soonersports.com/genrel/082007aac.html
"Nearly 500 Oklahoma student-athletes made history Sunday night ... The group was the first to recite the Sooner Oath ....
As Sooner Student-Athletes, we pledge to:
• Pursue excellence in the classroom and in competition;
• Hold ourselves to the highest standards of sportsmanship;
• Demonstrate strong character and accountability for our conduct;
• Take pride in our University;
• Honor and uphold the traditions of what it means to be a Sooner;
• Appreciate the privilege of wearing Crimson and Cream;
• Embrace the unique perspectives we each bring to the University;
• Support our fellow student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence;
• Be positive role models for our community;
• Lead with integrity in all of our actions.
As icing on the cake:
Switzer pointed out that every Sooner in attendance would at some point encounter frustration, disappointment and the temptation to quit. Then he uttered words of such clear perspective that it made even the smallest whiner blush.
Switzer reminded Oklahoma’s student-athletes that on their worst day they would not endure anything remotely close to the conditions and challenges lay before our fighting men and women, especially those stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hotbeds of military activity.
He told them that when they get to feeling as low as they can feel, there still isn’t anyone stationed in harm’s way that would not trade places with them in a heartbeat.
http://www.soonersports.com/genrel/082007aac.html