Where it all started
Pace's OU/TX Weekend where it all started!
This party, better known as Pace's OU/TX Weekend, started at my townhome, in the Fall of 1996. Back then it didn't even have a name, but that came much later.
It was the first season for Coach John Blake and I really think that was the spark for us wanting to get together and watch the game. See Coach Blake was not just the new head coach of The University of Oklahoma, but he was also a former OU player (1979 -1982) and the first black coach in the history of the program. This was a really big deal and milestone.
First Annual Party - 1996
Back in the day, it was myself, my brother Ken, Jerome Bias, John Butler, Ed Thomas, Darrell Kirby, Frank Blevins, Nigel Clay along with a few Omega Gems and other friends. We cooked BBQ, drank, played cards and dominoes. It was just one of those perfect days that you never forget. You may also remember OU was 0-4 when they took the field against the Longhorns that day. Well, OU won in overtime that day and gave Coach Blake his first win as OU's head coach. The win that day was the icing on the cake for us. All in all, it was a great day, which made it that important to do it again in the 1997 matchup. It didn't matter that we finished the season at 3-8, we were all optimistic about Coach Blake's future as the new head coach.
Second Annual Party - 1997
By the time we meet up again with the Longhorns in 97' our record was 2-3. The optimism was a little higher because we were two wins above our previous meeting in 96'. With that optimism the people came to the party! We were ready and thrilled for everyone to enjoy themselves watching this annual game. Despite the loss that day (OU-24 / TX-27) the party was a success. We all came together again to watch one of the biggest rivalries, which brought us together for a second year in a row. That year OU finishes the season at 4-8.and as you can imagine the pressure is getting pretty heavy for Coach Blake. We all figured the 1998 season should improve and we had to get together to celebrate this rivalry.
Third Annual Party - 1998
Excitingly, more friends, family and fraternity brothers heard about the event and things sort of just took off. The attendance was definitely up from the previous two years. A lot of people were looking forward to getting together every year. It had turned into a Mini OU Reunion centered around us watching the game together. Just like in previous years there was plenty of BBQ, drinks, and fun. Despite losing the game that day (OU-4 /TX-34), we hoped it would not be Coach Blakes last year. That day I decided win lose or draw we should continue to get together for the game every year.
For the next seven years the events continued to grow solely because of help from family, frat and friends. Over the years we have had the party at many different locations as well as incorporating a party bus on some years for the Friday "Welcome to Dallas", event. A special "Thank You", to Anne Moody for always taking care of the planning and fun on the party bus. I can't say thank you enough to all of the family and friends. Over the years who have helped keep this thing going by donating money, time, muscles and even their homes (Rhonda Scroggins-Chism) to make this a success every year. I better not start trying to list every name or I will inevitably forget someone and I definitely don't want to do that. I would hope all those who have lent a helping hand over the years know in their hearts how much I appreciate them.
With all being said, I hope you have a better sense of how this thing all started 28 years ago. More importantly, if you're reading this and you are someone who has had the opportunity to attend one or several of the events over the years I definitely hope to see you this year.
For the OU-TX Rivalry Game we're planning to hop on the SOULTRAIN EXPRESS this October 11-12th, 2024 for the 28th Annual Pace's Party weekend. The longest running, unofficial OU/TX, Mini Reunion Watch Party in the metroplex. That's my story of where it all started and I'm sticking to it.
BOOMER!