 Bud Wilkinson Practice Facility |
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During the season, the OU football team utilizes the facility for outdoor practices. Indoor practices are conducted in the Everest Training Center.
The facility is named in honor of legendary Oklahoma football coach Charles "Bud" Wilkinson. Wilkinson coached the Sooners from 1947-1963.
Coach Wilkinson had a record of 145 wins, 29 losses and four ties, including 31 consecutive victories from 1948-1950 and 47 consecutive victories from from 1953-1957, an NCAA Division I record that still stands today.
His teams scored in 123 consecutive games from 1947-1957, won 13 conference championships, three national championships in 1950, 1955 and 1956, and included 31 All-Americans, two Outland Award winners and Heisman Trophy winner Billy Vessels.
Coach Wilkinson stressed that the success of his OU football teams on the playing field was a direct result of preparation, practice, practice and practice. When exiting the locker room en route to Owen Field at game time, players view a "Sooner Magic" sign and a quote from legendary OU coach Bud Wilkinson:
"Football, in its purest form, remains a physical fight. As in any fight, if you don't want to fight, it's impossible to win."
Along with Bennie Owen, Barry Switzer and Bob Stoops, Wilkinson is one of four coaches to win over 100 games at the University of Oklahoma. No other college football program has more than three coaches to accomplish such a feat.
Coach Wilkinson and his teams brought tremendous pride to the state of Oklahoma and the football practice facility is rightfully named in his honor.
