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Oklahoma

OU president Joseph Harroz teases future Joe Castiglione statue

Bob Przybyloby: Bob Przybylo07/08/25BPrzybylo
Joe Castiglione3
OU athletic director Joe Castiglione. (Nathan J. Fish - Imagn Images)

There will be a lot of time to devote to pressing matters following the retirement announcement of OU athletic director Joe Castiglione.

A lot of time. But Tuesday also offered some light-hearted moments. An ability to reflect on what Castiglione has meant to OU for the last 27 years.

And just maybe what OU might do for Castiglione in the future in terms of being recognized in some form or fashion.

When you talk OU, well, that usually means a statue.

“Eventually, there’ll be more news on this front,” said OU president Joseph Harroz at the press conference. “There is going to be an honor. It will likely be in bronze, and we’ll address that at a later time.

“But it’s important. It is important. And you’ve got to recognize those great leaders. Athletics has a tradition of honoring those that have made historic impacts on the enterprise. We even gave Bob Stoops one and so as we look at this. The answer is, this is an announcement, and there will be celebrations to come, which I hope you will attend, and we’re properly recognizing Joe’s contributions.”

Stoops was in attendance for Tuesday’s announcement. There is Heisman Park. You have the Stoops statue, the Patty Gasso (softball head coach) statue. Sounds like Castiglione might get one of his own when it’s all said and done.

Castiglione will stay on as athletic director for this upcoming academic year. Once a successor is named, he will assume the role of Emeritus Athletics Director for the final two years, supporting the department in fundraising for athletics priorities and providing counsel and assistance throughout the transition.

The resume

In Castiglione’s time at OU, the football program has competed in 26 consecutive bowl games. Good for the second-longest streak nationally, and won the 2000 national title. Men’s and women’s basketball, after all, have combined for five Final Four appearances and three national players of the year.

Softball has made 18 trips to the Women’s College World Series, including each of the last nine years. And, of course, eight national titles. Men’s gymnastics has won nine NCAA championships and women’s gymnastics has won seven of the last 11. Men’s golf also won the 2017 national title, has advanced to the NCAA Championships a record-setting 14 straight seasons. Baseball, after all, has twice participated in the College World Series.

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