Onset of World War I turns Dad’s world upside down

I’m doing research on a book about my father and his mindset and those of other young Native men on their journey to World War I battlefields. #WWIBook In learning more about my dad’s history at Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kan., it’s interesting to learn about the enthusiasm young Native men at this boarding school

Sports memory No. 1: I get a good view of OU’s national championship

1986, Orange Bowl, Miami, Fla.: I was late in applying for credentials and, because of the oversight, I get stuck in the worst part of the Oklahoma media press box. I don’t have a seat on the front row. Or second row. With a poor view on a wooden stool in the back row of

A lesson in the seriousness of World War I military gear

It hung right behind the stacks of hay in the stables part of our weathered garage: Dad’s World War I doughboy uniform. It was awesome. In my mind, mythical. Like Dad. I especially think about him on Veterans Day. I discovered his uniform when I was about 8 years old. By then, it had to

OU football: Kolaches, win over Baylor used to be automatic

If there was any guarantee in life, it was my every-other-year trip to Waco to see the OU football team play. On the way there, stop in the little Czech community of West and scarf down some kolaches. Watch OU stomp Baylor. Ou the way back, stop in the little Czech community of West and

OU wrapup: Notre Dame loss was tough for everyone

I’ve had two boys in their 20s. I know when they’re disappointed. Or when they’re hurt. Parents sense the feeling. I mention this because it’s taken a couple of days for OU’s loss to Notre Dame to sink in. It was a terrible loss for any longtime OU fan over the age of 50. At

OU football: I’ll be channeling my Dad against Notre Dame

Back in the 1950s, like most everyone else in Oklahoma, Dad was a serious OU football fan. On fall Saturday mornings, he and one of his buddies from Eufaula would load into the Chevy, pull onto Highway 9 and journey to Norman to watch Bud Wilkinson’s Sooners ring up another victory. I know this because

OU football: Why Sooners should care about the loss of Big Tex

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s been a rough week for Texans in Dallas. First, OU laid waste to the Orangebloods’ psyche with a 63-21 victory over their team last Saturday at the Cotton Bowl at Fair Park. Then, Friday came a tougher loss for Texans in general. Big Tex, the icon of the State Fair of

OU wrapup: How long before we experience a Brown-out?

Throughout Texas’ 63-21 loss to OU Saturday, Mack Brown looked angry, like an old man whose lawn had been trampled by 22 college kids wearing crimson jerseys. His 61-year-old face was beet red. His brow was furrowed. Of course, Mack wasn’t the only one upset Saturday. Orangebloods were furious. At halftime, UT fans streamed out

OU football: You can actually cheer for the Sooners in North Texas

Twenty years ago, I moved from Oklahoma to Baja Oklahoma. At the time, I regarded it as an adventure, but now I consider it home. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Here’s what makes the Lone Star State so sweet: No state income tax. Cool state flag. Plenty of Tex-Mex. Shopping out the wazoo. Awesome

OU wrapup: Landry Jones is the old man on the field now

We’re one-third through the season and, finally, age is on Oklahoma’s side. From here on, when OU plays a regular-season game, Landry Jones will be the oldest quarterback to step on the field.  At 23 years old, he’ll be older than Texas’ David Ash (20). Older than West Virginia’s Geno Smith (22). Until this past