Decades later, former members of the University of Oklahoma band reminisce about ‘the day The Pride emerged victorious in Bedlam.’
In Norman, Oklahoma, as Saturday approaches, potentially marking the last Bedlam game, former members of the University of Oklahoma band fondly reminisce about a game played four decades ago, where they passionately played their instruments until exhaustion set in.
The University of Oklahoma’s marching band, known as the Pride of Oklahoma, boasts a rich history, with one particularly memorable moment enshrined in the band director’s office at the university: the game ball from 40 years ago, symbolizing “the day The Pride won Bedlam.”
“I was down on the field,” recalled Rick Brought, a former drum major and OU regent.
“It was my first Bedlam. It was exciting, with the exception of the fact that we were behind,” added Brian Britt, the current director of the Pride of Oklahoma.
At halftime of the 1983 Bedlam matchup, the score stood at 20-3, with Oklahoma State holding a commanding lead. However, the tide turned for the Sooners when OSU police mistakenly removed the wrong individual from the game.
“I noticed a bit of commotion on the field, and it turned out that our director had been informed that the staff did not require passes to be on the sideline during the game,” Britt explained. “Things escalated quickly. He refused to leave, stating, ‘If you want me off the sideline, you’ll have to physically remove me.’ Consequently, he and his staff were escorted out of the stadium.”
