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Houston’s OU Club and Texas Exes Team Up for Tornado Relief By Keith Calkins, Houston Chronicle Houston’s Longhorn Nation and their OU Sooner combatants rarely are in full agreement. Except that Mack Brown routinely becomes burnt rump roast when on the opposite sideline from Bob Stoops. Just kidding. Kind of. But the collective no-debate Wednesday which drew the Houston Texas Exs and the OU Club of Houston together was for a totally separate single-minded assertion. Rather than the traditional 50-50 split at the Cotton Bowl the setting was Cottonwood Bar in Garden Oaks. Not so much to demonstrate “Who’s No. 1” but rather “We Are One.” Together as one collecting cash donations and supplies to benefit tornado-torn Moore, OK. “Being as far away from home as we are down here in Houston as OU alumni we just felt a real need to do something,” said Tim Gregg, the marketing force and organizer of the event. Anyone with roots on either of the border is familiar with severe weather. We all have seen in with our own eyes. Up close. The devastation. Lived the impact. Gregg is originally from Enid, OK. “When these sort of things happen – you respond.” And the two respective chapters of alums whipped into full force like Ricky Williams or Quentin Griffin through gaping holes. Monday shortly after the all-clear was posted in Moore Gregg and his team began to mobilize with a link on the website for financial contributions. Then a phone call came from an unlikely source – the Houston Chapter of Texas Exs. “They wanted to get involved … do whatever they could,” said Gregg. “Next thing you know I’m talking to David Bain who’s the president (of the Chapter) and we were planning this event.” “This is something that’s not going to happen every day but this is an important cause,” Bain said. “Our rivalry goes back a long time and we love it. But what happened in Moore is tragic and it touched all of us. And this is a chance for each of our organizations to really do something special together.” Cottonwood couldn’t provide a Midway backdrop or the latest in fried food frenzy but there was the necessary layout along with a fine selection of craft beer. “With all out parking and room they thought it would be a perfect fit,” said Charles Bishop, one of Cottonwood’s partners. “So we said ‘of course.’” The early run of donations included everything from hand sanitizer to girl scout cookies to a healthy supply of pet food from a Mayde Creek high school teacher. “The outpouring of support and camaraderie is very gratifying,” Gregg said. “We hope this is going to set a precedent to do this kind of thing on an annual basis.” The two side even agreed to switch team colors during their brief round of friendly fire. So Bain’s bunch was spotted wearing the crimson and Gregg’s gang was outfitted in burnt orange. “It’s itches a little bit,” admitted Bain, UT Class ‘99 in business and ‘02 in law. Next Tuesday, June 4th, the Sooner Caravan hits Houston. Bob Stoops is riding out front for Lakeside Country Club. His annual visit will also serve a collection site and fund raiser for disaster relief. And the Sooner head honcho will no doubt be pleased to hear that no Texas/OU get-to-gether would be complete without some sort of competition. At the conclusion of Wednesday night “The Golden Boot” goes to the alumni group which raises the most money. It’s perhaps the only time in the Red River Rivalry when “running it up” is absolutely appropriate and within series protocol. “OU got a jump start on us but that’s all right,” said Bain. “We’re taking credit card payments. Not sure they’re set up for that,” said Gregg. “That may be our “Wishbone” difference. Spoken like a true member of the Class ‘78. Billy Sims would be proud. So would Earl. So should all on either side of the state line. Godspeed, to all in Moore.
For a complete gallery of photos, go to The OU Club of Houston Facebook page
The OU Club of Houston will continue to take monetary donations to support victims of the Moore tornado through June 30. For those in Oklahoma whose lives have been affected by this tragedy and those back home who are providing continuing comfort and assistance, we offer our heartfelt prayers and gratitude. We Are Sooners. We Are One.
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