New Oklahoma AD Roger Denny shares his inaugural week's reflections, expressing deep care and an "overdrive" ambition for Sooner success and championships
In a release from the Oklahoma Sooners' athletics department, new AD reflects on his first week on the job
Dear Sooner Nation,
Today I close out my first week as Oklahoma’s Athletics Director. Each day I’ve experienced the energy and pride that’s long defined who we are as a program. It hasn’t taken long for me to develop a deep care and affection for the legacy of our program and the people who have built it. I’m humbled and grateful to be a Sooner.
This week has consisted of many conversations – with coaches, student-athletes, staff, alumni, donors, and fans – and the weeks to come will bring more. I’m listening and learning, and what I’m finding is there is a deep hunger to show our conference, our state, and the entire nation what Oklahoma is all about, and an even deeper desire to put our ambitions into overdrive. That kind of passion is contagious – it’s that “ready-to-run-through-a-brick-wall” type of mentality that has the power to unify and propel our way to championships.
In these early days I want to pledge to you, the greatest fanbase in all of college athletics, that I will commit every ounce of my energy to the success of Oklahoma Athletics. Moment by moment, I will work to create opportunities for our student-athletes, support our coaches, and serve our programs alongside our staff. All of this, while striving to win. As I said in my introduction, we are not here to play small. Dynasties are the goal.
Your role in our success cannot be overstated. You show up for our teams through the highs and lows of competition. You care deeply. You believe in what our athletics program represents. Please know none of that is taken for granted. What you do for us matters. You make the difference in the atmosphere on a game day, and when our teams take the stage of competition, they do so with you at their side. That sort of support is invaluable.
As I lean into my new role, I’m confident in our foundation and my excitement for what comes next is boundless. There is real momentum, and opportunity, here and I truly believe that with a resolute commitment to competing at the highest level, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
I look forward to seeing you at our events and cheering on our student-athletes in the Crimson and Cream together.
Boomer!
Roger Denny
Vice President and Director of Athletics