Published: November 28, 2008 10:29 pm         

‘Bedlam’ is a variable

Annual OSU-OU football game’s meaning is different for each person

Bedlam means more than just bragging rights for fans of all ages who have gathered in Stillwater for Saturday’s game against the University of Oklahoma.

For some it’s a friendly competition, for others a bitter rivalry, but for many, it’s a family affair that brings relatives from across the Midwest together to celebrate and pass on tradition.

Everyone on John Palovik’s dad’s side of the family attended OSU, so he said he was raised a Cowboy.

Palovik, an OSU senior, said the majority of his friends attend OU, and he has bets going with them “to prove we’re the best team in the state.”

Fleta Haskins of Sallisaw was a member of OSU’s first graduating class in 1957. She and her husband have been to every home game this season. They drove their mobile home to Stillwater on Friday afternoon and parked in the Commuter Parking Lot near Hall of Fame Avenue and Walnut Street, where they meet with Haskins’ nephews, also OSU graduates, and other family members to tailgate before the game.

Haskins wore an orange jacket and orange nailpolish, and her two peppinos, Megan and Prissy, wore OSU bandanas. The dogs ran around during the excitement as they set up orange chairs and an OSU flag.

Haskins said she roots for Oklahoma teams, except when OSU plays an in-state team.

Tony Knight, a 1971 graduate who lives in Poplar Bluff, Mo., was excited about Oklahoma State’s successful season and said this could be the year for the Cowboys to defeat the Sooners. He remembers watching Coach Mike Gundy during his playing years.

“It’s just great to see him running the program,” Knight said.

Knight comes back every year for an Oklahoma State game. He brought his brother, Tim, and his 10-year-old son, Josh, this year for Bedlam. He said he was looking forward to a good football game and a good time, regardless of the outcome.

“We try to get after them, but win or lose, it’s a respect of the state for both schools,” Knight said. “They both have fine programs.”

Stephanie Day, an OSU sophomore from Woodward, said many of her friends attend OU.

“We always have this bet going on, and it’s never pretty after Bedlam on either side,” she said, adding that being orange meant showing school pride no matter what happened.

     

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