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First Native woman drives Oklahoma's iconic Sooner Schooner
Brianna Howard, a Choctaw Nation citizen, is the first Native American woman to drive the Sooner Schooner, reclaiming a symbol seen by some as oppressive.
- This football season, Brianna Howard, an OU junior and Choctaw Nation citizen, became the first Native American woman to drive the Sooner Schooner in its 60-year history during the season opener vs Illinois State.
- The Sooner Schooner is pulled by matching white ponies named Boomer and Sooner, a tradition that began in 1964, with RUF/NEKS and Lil' Sis caring for it and alternating driving duties.
- She recalled having only a minute to mount the Schooner, take the reins and go, and Howard said driving the wagon represented taking ownership of a symbol once used to oppress her people.
- Some observers see the Schooner's imagery as oppressive to Native people, and Howard acknowledged that not everyone will view her role the same way.
- On Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, Jack Roehm, senior and president of RUF/NEKS, drove the Schooner during the Missouri game and called the tradition unusual.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources37
Leaning Left15Leaning Right2Center16Last UpdatedBias Distribution49% Center
Bias Distribution
- 49% of the sources are Center
49% Center
L 45%
C 49%
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