Univ. of Oklahoma legend hosts watch party in Tishomingo

TISHOMINGO, Okla. (KTEN) — It’s a tradition like no other.

For more than a century, the Red River Rivalry has pitted fans of the University of Oklahoma Sooners and University of Texas at Austin Longhorns against each other. In Tishomingo, one Sooner legend is helping keep the spirit alive — one jersey at a time.

14-year-old Garrett Neely has his gameday priorities in order.

“The number one thing is beating Texas,” he said.

Second? Sporting a limited-edition Jamelle Holieway jersey — one with special significance.

“At halftime, Coach Switzer sits there and says, ‘Y’all, we’re playing for a championship,’” Neely recounted, referencing one of Holieway’s most impactful moments on the field.

Ole Red in Tishomingo hosted its second annual Jamelle Holieway Red River Rivalry watch party.

“Jamelle has so many good stories,” Charles Haisler, general manager of Ole Red, said. “He brings so much to the table — that OU swagger.”

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Beyond the cheers and camaraderie, Neely was there to thank the man who literally gave him the shirt off his back.

“I went over and asked if he had any small sizes,” Neely said. “He said, ‘The only one that’s small is the one I’m wearing.’”

One rivalry game later, Holieway made good on his promise.

“He pulled it off, gave it to me, and he signed it,” Neely said.

For the young fan, it was a storybook moment.

“You really couldn’t write it better. It couldn’t have come out more perfect.”

Regardless of the score at the end of the game — fans like Neely and legends like Holieway will always share one thing.

“It’s such a special thing in Oklahoma,” Haisler said. “The Oklahoma Sooners are something we’ve all been proud of for a long time.”