OU-Air Force Serves as a Family Reunion

All six members of the Ricketts family were on hand in Norman for Saturday's game.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:57 am

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Sep 19, 2010 1:13 AM CDT

Oklahoma Sports Staff

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- For one family, the Oklahoma Sooners’ matchup against the Air Force Falcons was truly a family affair.

Oklahoma softball pitcher Keilani Ricketts and graduate assistant Samantha – who was an All-American pitcher at OU – were torn as their brother Rick is a senior defensive end for the Air Force Falcons.

Sister Stephanie, who is a star pitcher at Hawaii, flew 10 hours for the game, while parents Carol and Jeff grabbed a flight from California for the meeting, marking the first time the family had come together since the NCAA Softball World Series in May.

“It’s like living a dream,” Carol said. “Traveling around and watching our kids in all of their sports.”

Rick notched eight tackles in the game for Air Force and helped lead the defense who kept the Air Force in the game.

“It was quite an experience,” Rick said. “It was real special knowing my family was out there.”

However, it was quite a different experience for Jeff.

“It’s the first time I’ve pulled against the Sooners,” Jeff said.