Oklahoma World War II Vet Participates In OU-Texas Game Coin Toss

We are less than two days away now from the Red River Showdown between OU and Texas.

Thursday, October 10th 2019, 7:29 pm

By: Jonathan Cooper

Oklahoma World War II Vet Participates In OU-Texas Game Coin Toss

A World War II veteran is making his way to the Red River Rivalry to be a part of the coin toss.

93-year-old John Cockrum will be flying down to Dallas early tomorrow morning to be a part of the coin toss. The Sapulpa native is representing the state of Oklahoma during the pre-game ceremony.

AT&T is sponsoring the vets program for the coin toss, and another World War 2 vet will represent the state of Texas.

Cockrum enlisted in the military a week before his graduation back in 1943.

He served on a submarine during the war and later went on to become a teacher in Sapulpa.

Cockrum says he has no idea why they chose him for the ceremony but says he's honored to be a part of it.

He will also have dinner with Governor Kevin Stitt, before being a part of the pre-game ceremony on Saturday.

"It's quite an honor I think and I'm pleased I was selected,” said Cockrum. "It's going to be a great weekend. They're supposed to fly us down in a private jet, and give us hotel accommodations and come back after the game probably."

Cockrum says he supports all of the Oklahoma schools.

We asked him if he had a prediction for the game on Saturday, and he told us confidently OU is going to win.

Jonathan Cooper

Jonathan Cooper is the weekend evening anchor and reporter for News on 6. He is no stranger to Oklahoma, working for the ABC affiliate in Oklahoma City for the past three years.

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