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In 1889, unassigned lands in Oklahoma Territory were put up for sale by the U.S. Government for practically nothing. At the shot of a cannon on the day of the land rush opening the unassigned lands people rushed to stake their claims on whatever land they could find. A few enterprising souls snuck out early and laid claim to the land earlier than what was legally authorized, and those were nicknamed 'Sooners'. The following year, the University of Oklahoma was founded.

The 'mascot' representing the Sooners is the Sooner Schooner, a miniature Conestoga wagon pulled by a pony, traditionally called 'Boomer'. The Oklahoma 'Ruf-Neks', the male cheerleading squad is entrusted with the care of the Sooner Schooner, which runs out on the field whenever Oklahoma scores a touchdown. (Don't remind me about the Schooner at the Orange Bowl in 1985 - they got out a little too soon and the refs called back a touchdown because of it. From then on the Schooner is kept well back until the score is assured.