In addition to the four-year full scholarship, Wilbanks was told once she got to OU she would have a job: equipment manager for the football team. That's something she said she always wanted.

Wilbanks started that job July 28. She collects helmets, uniforms, pads and other gear from the football players and cleans them and gets them ready for the next use.

School will start Monday for Wilbanks, who already looked like she'd found her new home Tuesday. She walked around the muddy campus decked out in OU paraphernalia.

Wilbanks said she was told Boren was eager to give her the scholarship because she overcame challenges with such a good attitude.

Wilbanks attributed that positive attitude to the support of those around her.

"I don't know why or how," she said. "I think it must be just the people I've had around me and the friends and family."

Certainly her positive attitude has helped her adapt to her new surroundings. She gushed about all the nice and helpful people she's met in Norman, and the good friends she's already made.

"I had a blast at Camp Crimson," she said. "We're all Facebook buddies."

Julianna Parker 366-3541 jparker@normantranscript.com