Longtime Official David Gore Keeps Oklahoma Game Clock

The veteran scoreboard operator marks 50 years working in local sports across the Norman area.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Football

Longtime Official David Gore Keeps Oklahoma Game Clock

David Gore continues his half-century career in sports by managing the game clock for University of Oklahoma football games. He brings decades of experience to the role as he prepares to work the upcoming matchup against South Carolina.

Why it matters

Gore represents a critical, often unseen aspect of game-day operations that ensures accuracy and integrity in collegiate athletics. His extensive history with Norman Public Schools and local sports officiating highlights a career dedicated to the infrastructure of youth and collegiate programs.

Gore has spent 50 years working in sports, including 38 years with Norman Public Schools and 17 years as a math teacher. He also serves as the scorekeeper for University of Oklahoma men's and women's basketball.

The players

David Gore

He is a veteran sports official and hall of fame inductee who manages the game clock for University of Oklahoma football.

University of Oklahoma

This is a public research university in Norman, Oklahoma, that competes in collegiate football.

Norman Public Schools

This is the local school district where Gore spent 38 years of his professional career.

The details

As the clock runner, Gore relies on signals from covering officials to precisely manage game time and maintain a record of every stoppage. His work is recognized by his inclusion in the high school football hall of fame, a distinction earned through decades of service since the mid-1970s.

David Gore began working as a sports official in the mid-1970s.
Gore will work the Oklahoma Sooners game against South Carolina on November 1, 2026.

Season Trajectory

Gore remains a staple of the Oklahoma sports environment, providing the continuity necessary for game-day operations during high-stakes conference matchups. His veteran presence ensures accuracy on the sidelines during a season that dictates the team's standing and future bowl eligibility.

Gore's precision with the game clock directly influences the flow and timing of high-stakes drives during the upcoming South Carolina contest. His accuracy ensures that game-clock management remains consistent, preventing errors that could impact final scores or situational play-calling.

The takeaway

Gore exemplifies the essential role of dedicated officials who keep organized sports running smoothly for decades. His career serves as a reminder that the integrity of game outcomes often relies on the consistency of behind-the-scenes staff.