By Troy Littledeer | @kituwahpunk
NORMAN, Okla. — On Saturday afternoons, as the roar of “Boomer Sooner” shakes Gaylord Family–Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Clare Bebout steps onto the field wearing more than crimson and cream. Stitched onto her game-day uniform is the seal of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, a powerful and visible reminder of her heritage.
Bebout, a sophomore marketing student from Newcastle, is part of the Lil’ Sis program, a student spirit squad that works alongside the RUF/NEKs (the university’s male spirit group) to care for the Sooner Schooner (the university’s iconic covered wagon mascot) and its ponies. For Bebout, the role fulfills a lifetime of Sooner tradition.
"Within hours of being born, I was already in an OU shirt and wrapped in a Sooner blanket," Bebout said. "In my house, football game days are treated like a holiday."
Representing Native Identity
Bebout's role on the field is especially meaningful because of her identity as a Choctaw student. She is one of several Native students currently serving on the squad, continuing a significant legacy of Native representation in the program.
"Every Native member of the RUF/NEKs and Lil’ Sis wears their tribe’s seal on their reds," Bebout said—a tradition she embraces with pride. "It’s such a powerful way to celebrate where we come from."
Her visibility follows in the footsteps of women like Brianna Howard, who recently became the first Native American female driver of the Sooner Schooner.
"My teammates are nothing but supportive of us," Bebout added. "They celebrate our identities right alongside us."
The Rigorous Path to the Field
Bebout’s lifelong enthusiasm drove her to apply for Lil’ Sis during high school. The tryout process was rigorous, involving essays and interviews.
"The waiting was the hardest part," she recalled. "When I finally got the email, it almost didn’t feel real."
Now a header in the program, she spends Fridays at the farm preparing the ponies and Saturdays managing pregame routines. Even with the rigorous schedule, the emotional impact of the role remains constant.
"Standing there and hearing the entire stadium sing ‘Boomer Sooner’ gives me chills every time," she said of the moment before kickoff.
Inspiration for the Next Generation
Bebout balances her spirit duties with classes, leadership roles in Crimson Club, and serving as a campus tour guide. She believes her visible role carries a responsibility beyond the university's traditions.
"I want [younger Native students] to know there are no limits," she said.
"Representation matters, and if they see me doing this, maybe they’ll believe they can, too.”
As she looks toward her future beyond OU, Bebout carries the lessons of teamwork and resilience learned in the program. "Being surrounded by such smart, talented and caring women has shown me the power of encouragement and support," she said. "This experience has shaped me into a stronger, more confident version of myself.”
Every Saturday in Norman, as the Schooner rolls and the crowd roars, Bebout carries more than tradition—she carries Choctaw pride, family spirit, and the hope of inspiring the next generation.
