Dear OU Roses Alumni Association members,
It was great to see so many of you in Norman a few short weeks ago. We have some exciting updates and opportunities to share to help support the program. We hope you’ll read and share this newsletter with other Roses:
1. Varsity Alumni Weekend Recap – Thank You!
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us in Norman for OU Rugby’s Varsity Alumni Weekend. Your participation made it a memorable and successful event, helping raise funds for the current Roses. Highlights include:
- OURAA and Varsity Brunch—Thanks to those who came out to learn about all of the recent OURAA activity and meet the current team. Special thanks to Holly Iker for hosting.
- Never have, never will — As always, the alumni defeated the varsity in a great game on Saturday. Thanks to all who played and supported. The current team is good and had the alumni sweating.
- Pitch Bake Sale—Thank you for baking, buying, and supporting this fundraiser. We raised a couple hundred dollars.
- Hosty—We had a good ol’ fashioned Oklahoma Breakdown.
- Survivor’s Brunch Cornhole Tournament—Thank you for a fun afternoon of competition and camaraderie between OURAA members, men’s alumni and current players. We raised a few hundred dollars and appreciate Tracy Curtis for hosting. Perhaps we make this a tradition?
We also want to spotlight our newest Hall of Fame inductees:
- Sen. Julia Kirt—A trailblazer whose impact on and off the field is unforgettable.
- Bethany Beezer Grissom—A leader whose dedication to the team continues to inspire.
We’re grateful for your support in making the weekend such a success.
2. OU Giving Day, 4/8: Your Support is Needed
On April 8, the University of Oklahoma hosts OU Giving Day, a great opportunity to maximize donations to the OURAA. This one-day event is crucial for raising funds that will support eventual player scholarships, team equipment, travel, and training for current players. Please consider contributing on this day to help the program continue to thrive.
To donate: Visit givesooner.org on Tuesday, April 8 and search for OU Women’s Rugby and select your donation amount. Every dollar helps and OU matches select donations throughout the day, so please give. We thank you for your generosity.
3. New Opportunity: OURAA Mentorship Program
We’re excited to kick off the OURAA Mentorship Program—a low-key, self-guided opportunity for alumni to connect with current players for real conversations around life, rugby, and everything in between. No formal structure, no pressure—just good people sharing insight, stories, and support.
Interested in becoming a mentor?
Email ourugby.roses@gmail.com to sign up. We’ll send you a list of available mentees so you can choose someone to connect with. Then, it’s on you to reach out and start the conversation. Let’s build bridges between generations of Roses—one email, one coffee, one chat at a time.
4. Listening Project: Please Participate
At the OURAA Varsity Alumni Brunch, current player Goldie Snow shared an opportunity to tell your OU Roses story as part of the OU Listening Project. Many of you may have received a text message asking you to participate. Please respond if interested or reach out to OU student Fallon Burleson: Lauren.R.Burleson-1@ou.edu.
5. A Historical Moment: The Origin of the OU Women’s Rugby Team
By Leah Ott Dunn
1975 OU Women’s Rugby Team wins Austin Rugby Tournament
Back row L to R: Leah ‘Hot Ott’ Dunn, Melinda Cherryhomes Green, Allison Wheeler, Teresa ‘Muffin’, Patti Soto, Sue Bryant, ?, ?, Janet ‘Rock’ Kruger
Front row L to R: Robin, ‘Damnit Debbie’ Kelsoe, ?, Mikie Kinkead Tresemer, Lisa Landers Ramsey, ‘Crazie Debbie’, Susie Richards Garfield
Photo credit: Leah Ott Dunn
In 1974, Leah “Hot Ott” (Dunn) played on the OU men’s rugby team. She worked with Tim “Tarzan” Wilson and Jon Woods to start a women’s club, and both men coached the team. Dunn served as the first president and Lisa Landers (Ramsey) was the first team captain. Other standout inaugural players included “Mikie” Tresemer, Susie Garfield (Richards), Janet “Rock” Kruger, Sue Bryant and “Dammit Debbie” Kelsoe. The players dubbed themselves the Bad Ass Ladies League. In February 1975, they played their inaugural match in Hammond, Louisiana and went on to win the Pearl Beer Rugby Tournament in Austin, Texas.
1975 OU Women’s Rugby: The Pioneer Spirit!
Original team photo
Photo credit: Leah Ott Dunn
2025 OU Women’s Rugby: 50 years later and the legacy lives on
Photo credit: Jianna
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Have an OU Women’s Rugby story or pictures to share? We’d love to include it in our archives. Let’s keep the legacy alive.
To submit a story to the OURAA Historical Committee, please email: Deena Telley, dtelley313@gmail.com.
6. Stay Connected with OURAA!
We’re building a stronger network of Oklahoma Women’s Rugby alumni and current Roses — and we want to stay in touch! Fill out the OURAA Contact Form to receive updates on alumni events, team progress, mentorship opportunities, and more.
Please note: The information you provide will be used solely by OURAA and the OU Roses for purposes consistent with the mission and vision of OURAA. Your information will not be shared outside of these groups.
7. Save the Date: Next Alumni Association Call: July 2
Our next OURAA call will be on July 2 at 7 PM CT. We’ll discuss upcoming events, alumni activities, and ways to stay involved with the team. Be sure to mark your calendars.
Thank you for your continued support of the Roses. We’re grateful for your involvement, and we look forward to connecting soon.
If you have news to share, please email Rachel Griffith at RachelAGriffith@gmail.com.