Meet the OU Sooner's official mascots, Boomer and Sooner

Sooner fans know Boomer, Sooner, and the Sooner Schooner are the official mascot of the University of Oklahoma. But if you think they live down in Norman near the university, you'd be wrong. News

Tuesday, October 28th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Sooner fans know Boomer, Sooner, and the Sooner Schooner are the official mascot of the University of Oklahoma. But if you think they live down in Norman near the university, you'd be wrong. News on 6 reporter Rick Wells went to an un-disclosed location near Sapulpa to find the real story.

â€œThe biggest thing is they are so small that's the biggest comment." Bill Warden is the caretaker for Boomer and Sooner, the white Shetlands that pull the Sooner Schooner.

This tradition started on a trial basis back in the early 60's. "It was so popular, and worked so well. In 1964 the University officially adopted them as the official mascot." This is the fourth white Shetland team to pull the schooner. Boomer is an Albino, with white eyes and pink skin.

Boomerâ€™s brother is also an albino, he's kind of a spare, but he's not on the traveling squad. "They get fed twice a day in the winter time and once a day in the summer time."

Life is pretty good, game day routine is their least favorite part. They have to take an early bath. "It's a special shampoo and a special crÃ¨me rinse conditioner." That helps the white look whiter. He also trims and paints their hooves on game day.

Then it's into their special trailer and off they go on the 2-hour plus trip to Norman. The schooners in there with 'em. He takes care of that too. It gets washed and polished. In the meantime it's just checking on the boys a couple of times a day, make sure they're not hungry and that they get a little exercise, just in case this year the Sooner touchdowns come early and often. They're hoping to have to do alot of running.

Boomer and Sooner and the Sooner Schooner travel to all home games, the OU-Texas game, the Big 12 Championship and to all bowl games.