Boomer and Sooner



Boomer and Sooner are two mascots of the University of Oklahoma and its sports teams, the Oklahoma Sooners. The main mascot present at football games is the Sooner Schooner, a Conestoga wagon, pulled by two crème white ponies, Boomer and Sooner. At certain events, there is not sufficient room for the wagon with the live ponies, or live animal mascots may be prohibited by the rules of the venue.

Boomer and Sooner
Boomer and Sooner are the two Costumed Mascots of the University of Oklahoma. They represent the two crème white ponies that pull the Sooner Schooner, a Conestoga wagon across Owen Field in a victory ride after every OU score. Boomer is the Blue eyed horse and Sooner is the Brown eyed Horse. Traditionally, Boomer wears Crimson jerseys and Sooner wears White Jerseys that match the team that they are supporting. The Sooner Schooner and ponies were introduced in 1964 and became the official mascot in 1980. The Sooner Schooner is cared for, maintained and driven by The Ruf/Neks, OU's all-male spirit squad. Mick Cottom, a freshman Ruf/Nek member from Liberty Mounds, Okla., has the distinction of being the first person to pilot the Schooner across Owen Field in 1964. The Sooner Schooner and ponies are kept at the Bartlett Ranch in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Charley F. (Buzz) Bartlett and his brother, Dr. M. S. Bartlett, organized the Doc and Buzz foundation in 1964 for the purpose of presenting scholarships to deserving students. The most sentimental thrust of the foundation was the support of the OU mascot. The sight of the Sooner Schooner rolling across the field is one that Oklahoma fans, and most opponents, cherish as one of the best traditions in college athletics.

Costumed mascots
Prior to the 2005 football season two new mascots, based on the ponies who pull the Schooner, were created. These new mascots are named, appropriately, Boomer and Sooner and are dressed in costumes of two identical crème white ponies (except for eye color). Fans reaction to the new Boomer and Sooner mascots have been mixed. Some Oklahoma fans say that the mascots look more like pigs than the horses they are to resemble. Another reason for negative fan reaction is that Boomer and Sooner replaced the much beloved Top Daug at Oklahoma basketball games. Boomer has competed in Universal Cheer Association National Competition for 4 years, placing 2nd in 2012.