The Bison Football Experience

Life on the Hill: Bison Blog

Air filled with the grill’s aroma. Waves of green and gold flooding the stands and the outskirts of Crain Family Stadium at the Hurt Complex. The surround sound of the opposing crowd cheering. Crisp clapping from the student section while going with Ka-Rip. A welcome tunnel forms, comprised of fans, spirit squad, Bison Brigade (OBU’s marching band), and our lovely feature baton twirler. Welcoming and hyping football players as they prepare for the game. 

Then, pre-game and all of its glory starts! Pre-game is one of the most unique things about an OBU football game! Many of my family members and friends have pointed out how OBU football games start off strong, catching your attention with the rich culture and traditions of the Bison alumni, fans, and students. OBU games start off with the Bison Brigade playing the Oklahoma song for the audience, while the spirit team dances, allowing fans to know the game is about to begin. Then, we have a prayer for all of the athletes, yes even the opposing team, and everyone at the game. I love this portion of the game because this prayer shows the true intentions of OBU while still having a passion for the game. Next, we honor our great country with the playing of our national anthem. Lastly, the Bison Brigade and Spirit team end with the OBU fight song, and cheer all the way to the pre-game tunnels. As the football team enters the field, the Spirit team creates a tunnel for the players to run through, and the chants of “Oooo and Aaaah” come from the field as the cheerleaders run and tumble, and the players run through.

All of this builds the beginning experience of an OBU football game! I get the amazing opportunity of being on the Pom squad and getting a view of our student and OBU fan sections that love to be very involved. The fan sections drown out the visiting team’s fans every single time. Coming from Texas, football is very important there. Well, here at OBU, it is too! OBU is full of spirit and recently our football team won our first home game for the year! The football boys put 110% into each play, so the games are hard to turn away from. Just last weekend, our OBU Bison football team went into triple overtime and won against East Central University! Now that will keep your eyes glued to the field. 

The eye-catching entertainment doesn’t end with the football players; the sideline and half-time entertainment is absolutely amazing! The cheerleaders who were named one of the top four best teams for stunting in the country just last year, are always cheering on our Bison football team, while pleasing the crowd with stunts and standing tumbling. Together, the spirit squad leads the student section and the rest of the OBU fans cheering the OBU football guys on to victory. The Bison Brigade plays an awesome selection of songs that Pom dances to, all to build up the spirit and excitement for our football guys. Then, halftime hits. Some may fill their stomachs that are not as full anymore from our family-friendly tailgates and go to the concession stand. Others stay to watch the Bison Brigade as they wow the crowd with their uplifting and danceable beats, simultaneously changing formations, while our lovely baton twirler, Ms. Kyleeann, twirls and shows off her amazing tricks to all of the fans. Afterwards, the OBU Pom team struts on to the field to do a crowd pleasing halftime routine that leaves every face in the crowd smiling and cheering.

All of this to say, OBU football games aren’t just something we go to at OBU. The games are a full experience that every age would love to attend! The next time you get a chance to come cheer on our Bison football team to victory here at Crain Family Stadium at the Hurt Complex, you won’t regret coming! Here on Bison Hill the game not only is family friendly, but we incorporate the Lord. We remember Colossians 3:17 (ESV), “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Involving Christ at the center of everything will always set Christians apart and that is our main goal here at OBU. In everything we do, to honor the Lord.  

Life on the Hill: Bison Blog