Entry No. 36 | August 20, 2007
When Barry Switzer was selected to speak at the first recitation of the Sooner Oath just about everyone expected the kind of inspirational challenge that makes running through a locker room wall seem perfectly viable.

The Sooner coaching great didn’t disappoint. He talked about effort, in competition and in the classroom, getting better, taking pride and all the things that lead to success regardless of the endeavor.

Then he took a hard turn directly into the Middle East and spoke with a poignancy that silenced the 500 student-athletes in attendance.

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.

Oklahoma Student-Athletes Recite Sooner Oath Sunday Night | Mossman Prophecies Archives

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.

Switzer’s voice cracked several times while he spoke. OU still means a lot to him. His country means more.

The things he said are things that all of us think from time to time, even when we weigh the relative ease of our daily existence. Unfortunately, we are quick to dismiss that remembrance when we should probably give it some thought 24/7.

What set Switzer’s tribute apart was the venue and the audience. There we were in the shadow of one of this country’s most hallowed football stadiums amidst a group of America’s finest young athletes. All that we have, all that we are and all that those kids can become is wrapped up in the protection afforded by our soldiers.

Do we all know that already? Sure. Are we sometimes quick to forget it when blinded by the enormity of college sports and an impending OU football season? I think maybe we are.

It was nice to be reminded, and it was appropriate to be reminded in that setting.

Switzer excelled again at the place where he so often excelled. He hasn’t lost his touch.
 

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Read an inside perspective from the University of Oklahoma Athletics Department on the latest Sooner sports topics. Associate Athletics Director for Communications Kenny Mossman provides his thoughts in his online column at SoonerSports.com.