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The University of Oklahoma, located in Norman, paid special tributes to Oklahoma’s own Toby Keith. The men’s basketball team took part in one such tribute. That tribute took place at the Sooners men’s basketball ball on Saturday, February 10th.
Red Solo Cups At The Sooners Basketball Game
In honor of Toby Keith and his hit country song “Red Solo Cup,” all of the drinks served at the basketball game were served in Red Solo cups. This small gesture from the Crimson and Cream paid homage to the “American Made” singer who was a long-time supporter of OU basketball and the university in general.
The University of Oklahoma Sooners played against the Oklahoma State Cowboys this past Saturday. This game is known as “Bedlam” basketball. The OU Sooners beat the OSU Cowboys 66 to 62.
Toby Keith Was A Huge Sooners Fan
Toby Keith loved the University of Oklahoma. The “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue” singer was often seen on the sidelines of both OU football and OU basketball games. Fans of OU sports and Toby Keith would see him, all decked out in his crimson and cream, the colors of the University of Oklahoma, cheering for his favorite team.
The Letter From The President Of The University Of Oklahoma
The president of the University of Oklahoma, Joseph Harroz, Jr. penned a letter to the “OU family” regarding the death of Toby Keith. That letter was emailed to all the students at OU on February 6th, the day after Toby Keith passed away. It expressed the personal grief of Harroz as well as the grief collectively shared by the OU family.
“Today we mourn the loss of Toby Keith, a beloved country music legend and proud son of Oklahoma,” the letter from the university’s president started out. “Toby’s powerful voice and relatable lyrics captured the hearts of millions, propelling him to chart-topping success and garnering many of music’s highest honors. Beyond his musical talent, Toby was known for his kindness and down-to-earth personality, endearing him to fans worldwide.”
The letter continued, explaining how important Toby Keith was to the University of Oklahoma, the state of Oklahoma as well as country music and all country music fans. “Throughout his illustrious career, he remained rooted in his Oklahoma upbringing, choosing to live in the state that shaped him and giving back generously to his fellow Oklahomans,” Harroz wrote.
Sooners in 60: The LNC crowd singing Red Solo Cup was maybe the highlight of the night.@Tyler_McComas says OU has found its new tradition at games. Keep playing it! 🎶 🎵 @norman_air pic.twitter.com/UqR7NjbioD
— The REF (@KREFsports) February 11, 2024
What Toby Keith Did For Oklahoma
Toby Keith also loved his home state of Oklahoma and his hometown of Moore. In the letter from Joseph Harroz, he explained what Toby Keith did for Oklahoma. “His philanthropic efforts, from raising millions for children battling cancer to supporting tornado victims, exemplified his unwavering commitment to his roots and his compassion for others.”
Toby Keith put together a fundraising concert of the survivors of the latest Moore tornado. He was able to get all sorts of musical talent together to help the fellow Okies in his hometown. Toby Keith’s fundraiser helped countless people from Moore rebuild their homes as well as their lives.
“As a lifelong Sooner, Toby’s passion for the crimson and cream made him a cherished figure within Sooner Nation, where he proudly shared his love for the university and its community,” Harroz wrote in his letter.
Harroz Ends Letter With Praise
Joseph Harroz ended the letter with this: “His absence leaves a void not only in the country music landscape but also in the hearts of all who were touched by his music and his kindness. Personally, I will miss Toby’s laughter, warmth, and everlasting love for the University of Oklahoma.” He went on to say, “His spirit will live on through his timeless music, the memories he created, and the countless lives he touched by sharing his talent, generosity, and his Oklahoma spirit with the world. Please join me in offering love and condolences to Toby’s wife, Tricia, his family, and friends.”
Tell us what you think. Were the Red Solo cups a fitting tribute to Toby Keith? Did you know he was such a big fan of The University of Oklahoma? Have you ever seen him on the sidelines? What did you think about him helping the city of Moore with a fundraiser after the town was destroyed for the second time by a tornado? Tell us what you think in the comment section below.