T H U R S DA Y, O C T O B E R 10 , 2 013
RED RIVER RIVALRY
texas
no. 12 Oklahoma
Ruf/Neks rally Sooner spirit with rich tradition
Win won’t come easy for Sooners
JOE MUSSATTO • ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
E
verybody knows the Red River Rivalry is played at the Cotton Bowl, halfway between Austin, Texas and Norman, Okla., and in front of a crowd split equally between crimson and burnt orange. It’s the perfect neutral site for one of college football’s proudest games. But what you probably don’t know is, every year, despite the equal split, the Sooners have enjoyed a “home field advantage” over the Longhorns, all courtesy of OU’s Ruf/Neks. And a home field advantage it is. “We get some grass from Owen Field, bag it up, take it to the Cotton Bowl and put it on the field,” senior Ruf/Nek Matt Worrell said. The annual sod sprinkling is but one Ruf/Nek tradition leading up to the OU/Texas weekend that Worrell and senior Sooner Schooner Driver, Bobby Nash, work to preserve. Being rowdy and firing shotguns during the games are just one side of being a Ruf/Nek. Carrying on a rich tradition is the half fans don’t often see. Both Worrell and Nash grew up in Oklahoma, and embracing tradition is important to them. “I grew up a Sooner fan my entire life,” Nash said. “To be a part of this kind of tradition is really awesome.” And the history has been around a long time. The group was founded in 1915 and is the oldest all-male spirit organization in the nation. Part of what makes this Saturday special for the group are the activities leading up to game day and
the chance to meet up with past members. “It’s cool being able to talk to the men that have gone through what we’re going through,” Nash said. “You hear the stories from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and how it was different and how it’s still the same.” While much hasn’t changed in the long history of the Ruf/Neks, here are a few things you should know about the organization: They aren’t cheerleaders. They are more like “rally leaders” according to Worrell. An education of OU football history is a must, and as Keeper of the Neophytes, it’s Worrell’s job to teach the younger guys. Don’t mess with their ponies. The last point is very important — especially at OU/Texas, where the crowd tends to be on the unruly side (attempting to give the ponies beer, pouring things on them, etc.). That’s where the Ruf/Neks’ trademarked paddles come into play. SEE RUF/NEK PAGE 5
Even with shaky season, Texas is still optimistic JULIA NELSON Sports Editor
For the past three years, the Red River Rivalry has been fairly one-sided. Last season may have been a blowout that saw practically the entire Texas side leave by halftime. Th i s s e a s o n , Te x a s MORE INSIDE has a lot to prove. Coach With OU’s loss Mack Brown is on thin of Corey Nelson ice after a shaky start and Texas’ new to the season. He fired coordinator, new defensive coordinator defenses will be Manny Diaz mid-season on full display. and brought in consul- PAGE 5 tant Greg Robinson to kick-start the defense. Quarterback David Ash is still sitting out due to a head injury, causing Case McCoy to lead the Longhorn offense. Texas is coming off a one-point victory against Iowa State, but remains unbeaten in conference play. Things are shaky for the Longhorns, but rivalry games change everything. “I think the most important thing about this game is it doesn’t really matter what we have done up to this point, and it doesn’t matter what they have done up to this point,” said co-offensive coordinator Jay Norvell. “What matters is what happens Saturday, and I think the kids have to have their focus. We will get their best game, I am sure, and we have to be at the top of our game.”
ESCAPE INSIDE. SMILE. EXPLORE. RELAX.
TIPS ON SURVIVING OU-TEXAS WEEKEND