Varsity O Association to Celebrate 100th Anniversary

NORMAN — The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department proudly announces the centennial celebration of the Varsity O Association, the official letterwinner organization of OU Athletics. Founded in 1925, Varsity O was established to create a social and supportive network for former OU student-athletes. Over the past century, it has grown into a vibrant community that fosters lifelong connections among letterwinners, offers meaningful engagement opportunities and champions current and future generations of Sooners.

This historic milestone will be commemorated through a series of special events, initiatives and activations honoring the enduring legacy of OU letterwinners.

Special Events and Activations

With more than 6,000 living Varsity O members around the world, the 100th-anniversary celebration is designed to reconnect alumni throughout the year.

Festivities will include all-sport and sport-specific events, beginning Saturday, Sept. 20, with all celebrations culminating during the Sooners for Life Spring Weekend in spring 2026.

Additional details about opportunities to honor letterwinners will be shared throughout the fall.

Information on events and other activations will be sent to all Varsity O members via email and posted online at www.thevarsityo.com/events.

Key Initiatives

Give to the Varsity O Fund

Varsity O thrives thanks to the generous philanthropic support of its letterwinners and Sooner Club donors. Through their contributions, donors help deliver a first-class experience that includes the Sooners for Life Scholarship Program, the Varsity O Tailgate on football game days, reunions, special events and the Sooners for Life Spring Weekend. All gifts to Varsity O and related initiatives are 100% tax deductible.

Tell Your Letterwinner Story

Varsity O has partnered with PCI Concepts on an Oral History Project to capture, curate and preserve the stories and experiences of its distinguished letterwinners. Through this project, former student-athletes will be interviewed to share their reflections and accomplishments from their time in competition and beyond. This initiative will serve as a lasting record of the letterwinner tradition and its enduring impact. Letterwinners can expect to receive details on how to participate beginning in early October.

Purchase Varsity O Gear

Varsity O is excited to announce the launch of its official online store, set to open at the beginning of October. The store will feature a curated selection of exclusive apparel and merchandise, giving letterwinners an opportunity to showcase their pride and connection to the tradition of Varsity O.

Celebrating a Century of Tradition: Varsity O Association's Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1925 as the Letterman's Club, the Varsity O Association began as a social and athletics organization for OU student-athletes at a time when campus life offered few opportunities beyond the field. The club hosted dances, campus events and created a supportive community that enriched student life – even during the Great Depression.

After World War II, head wrestling coach and assistant athletics director Port Robertson and assistant baseball coach Shocky Need formalized the club by drafting bylaws, securing funding and establishing dedicated spaces for study and social gatherings. Robertson remained the organization's sponsor until his retirement in 1985.

When women's sports began awarding letters in 1974, the Letterman's Club evolved into the "O" Club, expanding membership to honor all former student-athletes across every sport. This change underscored OU's commitment to broadening its community.

Today, the Varsity O Association is a nationally recognized leader among letterwinner organizations, representing alumni from OU's 21 varsity sports and former programs such as swimming, polo and boxing. Membership also extends to student managers, trainers, video managers and honorary members recognized for their contributions to OU Athletics.

For 100 years, the Varsity O Association has fostered community, celebrated athletics excellence and preserved the legacy of generations of Sooners. As it looks ahead, it remains dedicated to inspiring future student-athletes to create lasting memories and uphold the proud tradition of Sooner MAGIC.

Stay Connected

OU letterwinners are encouraged to sign up for the Varsity O Network (www.thevarsityo.com/varsityonetwork), an online engagement platform for staying connected to OU Athletics and former players.

Visit www.TheVarsityO.com/contact to update contact information. Former OU student-athletes can direct questions to Varsity O at 405-325-4709 or varsityo@ou.edu.