Activities
Run to Dallas
Every year the NROTC Battalion participates in a traditional event called the Run to Dallas, where we deliver the game ball to the Red River Shoot-Out, the football game between the Texas Longhorns and our long-standing rivals, the Oklahoma Sooners.
The event kicks off on the Thursday prior to the Red River Shoot-Out, when Longhorn Coach Mack Brown passes the game ball to our Battalion. Members of our Battalion take turns carrying the game ball and running it 240 miles North, from Darrel K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, to Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. This 24-hour event displays our Battalion’s spirit, stamina, and strength. To keep things lively, we stop at midnight and hold a costume competition, which is where the true personalities of our Midshipmen are revealed!
The OU NROTC Battalion mirrors our Run-to-Dallas event by running their game ball South, from OU to Dallas. Upon reaching the stadium in Dallas, both game balls are turned over to the officials, and we finally get some rest. The following day, game day, our Units represent the fighting spirit of our University football teams and compete in a game of flag-football. The winner receives a coveted trophy and bragging rights for the year.
Adding to the spirit of the event, the NROTC Battalion raises money for a charity of their choice. In years past, the Battalion has donated to various groups: The March of Dimes, The Lance Armstrong Foundation, The T.J. Ford Foundation, and The American Red Cross. This year the Battalion is raising funds for Easter Seals Central Texas, a non-profit organization that provides services to children and adults with disabilities.
For more information on how you can help with this year’s Run-to-Dallas event, contact Midshipman Brown at (512) 422-8936 or jkbrown08@gmail.com.
See also:
October 2003 Daily Texan article about the Run to Dallas