B U S I N E SS
BY: RAE LYNN PAYTON
Voice of the Sooners Pens Children’s Book
“Unhitch the Wagon” is paving the way for big dreams
S
ooner fans of all ages will delight in the rhyming, creative work of art that is “Unhitch the Wagon - The Story of Boomer and Sooner” by author Toby Rowland, also known as the Emmy Award winning Voice of the Sooners. Rowland’s new children’s book features Boomer and Sooner, two ponies from the prairie, daring to chase their dreams of being chosen to pull the Sooner Schooner at OU football games. While overcoming hurdles with hard work and determination, the ponies achieve success as their dreams become their reality. “The heart of the story is that it’s okay to dream an extraordinary dream and then go chase it. And that really is my story,” shared Rowland. Rowland knew that if he wanted to do a story about OU, Boomer and Sooner
96 | December 2020
had to be involved, and he crafted the idea around that. This unique project combined his passions of creative writing and OU football.
with vibrant colors, and his work jumped out,” he explained. “He did a really great job bringing the book to life.”
The book’s title was the perfect tie-in with the theme of the book and also for the catchphrase he is best known for in Sooner Nation: “Unhitch the wagon, put the ponies in the barn!”
Peters has illustrated many sports-related books, including for the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and Kansas Jayhawks.
The publishing world was a new venture for Rowland. OU’s licensing department helped him find his publisher, Ascend Books, who helped him as a first-time author. The process took about a year and a half, from start to finish. When selecting an illustrator, Rowland says Rob Peters was a perfect match. “I loved the whimsical nature of his illustrations. I wanted something fun
Rowland’s appreciation of children’s books and writing dates back to his childhood, where his home was filled with literature to read. Dr. Seuss’ “Hop on Pop” was a favorite. Later in life, he became a sports editor of the student newspaper in college. Since he has always tried to find creative ways to write, whether through television features or the beloved “Scenesetters” played before OU football games. “I always had it in the back of my
