Catch them if you can

By John Shinn
The Norman Transcript

August 05, 2008 12:53 am

— Opportunities to watch Oklahoma do much of anything prior to the Aug. 30 season opener are limited — extremely limited.
Sooner coach Bob Stoops announced Monday his team’s scrimmages also will be closed to the public as the team prepares to open the season against Chattanooga Aug. 30.
“I wish we could open the scrimmages for our fans, but we are adding a few wrinkles and it’s better for us if we can work on those things in a scrimmage setting without restraint,” Stoops said in a statement issued Monday.
The offense began installing a no-huddle offense during spring practice. Its progress will be kept under wraps until the season begins.
OU, which was ranked No. 4 in the first USA Today coaches poll released over the weekend, has typically conducted at least three preseason scrimmages prior to the season at Owen Field. This is the first season they will all be closed to the public.
It was announced Monday there will be two opportunities to get a sneak peak at the Sooners. Fans will be allowed to attend two practices during the preseason.
The first will be at 9 a.m. Friday at the OU Rugby Fields east of Lloyd Noble Center. The second is slated for 9 a.m. Aug. 18. Practices are scheduled to last 21⁄2 hours.
“I hope the fans that want to see us before the season begins can take advantage of the open practices,” Stoops said. “We appreciate their support and I know it’s a lift for our team to see them too during this time of year when our players and coaches are working so hard.”
Preseason practice began Monday. The 100-degree day forced the first workout to be bumped back to 6 p.m. It was originally scheduled for earlier in the day.
The only other time to see OU’s players and coaches in person prior to the first game is at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Meet the Sooners Day.
The event will take place at the OU Rugby Fields.
The autograph session will last until 12:30 p.m. Fans are allowed one item per person to be signed.
Sooner Kids Club members will be admitted 30 minutes prior to the general public.
John Shinn
366-3536
jshinn@normantranscript.com