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Because They Play the Game

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If you enjoyed this poem, particularly if you happen to be a Sooners Fan, you may also enjoy: The Victory Dance, Sooner Magic, The Legend of the Red October Run, The Sooners Recruit.

Barry Switzer, credited as the originator of the term Sooner Magic and arguably the greatest coach in OU history, said while reading my poem, Sooner Magic, that for 30 years people had been trying to define Sooner Magic. Then, I saw all the hair on his arms stand up. He looked at me with soft eyes and said, "This is it. This is it." I still have that autographed copy.

The Legend of the Red October Run is the story of the 2000 National Champion Sooners. In the year following the victory over FSU, I sent it to a few friends. A year later, I had received over 800 emails from prOUd SoONErs all over the world. It's a pretty good read.

The Sooners Recruit is a fairly accurate look at a single recruit, his path to OU, his expectations and ordeals in becoming a Sooner.

I've written several others, but have posted only my favorites. My proudest moment as an author of Sooners poetry came when, during a Sooner Caravan dinner, Bob Berry Sr., well known local TV news journalist and Voice of the Sooners for many years, read 5 of my poems. I had asked him to autograph 'Because They Play the Game' when he asked if he could read it first. He seemed quite taken back and asked if I had written others. I had 4 others with me (for autographs), so he read them all. Then, he read 'Because' again. He looked at me and said quite seriously as he offered his hand, "Sir, I compliment you. I would regard you as the Poet Laureate of Sooners Football." I was flattered beyond belief and it is a very special moment to me. I have always hoped he was sincere. Sadly, he recently passed away; but his son and namesake are filling in admirably.

Dedicated to every young man bestowed the honor of wearing the glorious Oklahoma Sooners' Crimson & Cream -------------------------------------------------------------- Over sixty years, boy and man, I have been a Sooners fan; And always hoped to be among the truest in the stands. And while I don’t remember all the Players’ names, They’re my Heroes, each and every one, because they play the game. When they’re on the field of battle, my Sooners surely give their all; And when they’re on the sidelines, just waiting for a Coach’s call; Visions of Glory must be dancing in their heads; The Glory of the moment and our cheers, the Glory of playing for the mighty Big Red. And for those Sooners who rarely played, whose names were known only by a few, Make no mistake my friend, each of them is my Hero too. Like Soldiers waiting in the ranks, but never called to fight, They ‘re ready and they’re willing, their spirit and their sacrifice add to Big Red’s might. I stand in awe of Sooner Magic. No, I never doubt it. My Sooners could have never won so many Championships without it. But don’t misunderstand when I say Sooner Magic won those games; It was Sooners players who, once again, rose to the occasion and glorified the name. Sixty years of college football and my Sooners have won the most. Their fierce pride and performance inspire this simple toast: “My Sooners Team goes on and on, different faces, different names; But my Heroes, Each and Every one, for win or lose… They play the game.

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Vince Suzadail Jr.

Date: 7/17/2014 9:13:00 AM

Loved OU under Bud Wilkinson, Fairbanks and wish Bob Stoops well. I thought Switzer was the worst thing that happened to a class program. I'm a die hard Penn State fan, so I appreciate good football. I also liked Texas under Darrell Royal. The Texas-OU game was one of the best rivalries in college football. Nice tribute.

Robert Pettit

Date: 1/28/2014 1:00:00 PM

Any Oklahoma alumni can appreciate this write. This write should be classified as a "rhyme".