Drake

When you look at alumni bases throughout the BIG, I say enjoy the view that we have now. I think Oregon needs to solidify its standing while we have the horsepower (money). One or two more coaching hires in the BIG, akin to what we have with DL, and it gets more difficult depending on the team’s schedule. Look forward to this season.

DL is a definitely a players coach. He hit the ground running when he was hired, and has been growing into his position. His focus is on relationships, and development. The fact that he is accessible to his players goes a long ways in keeping key personnel here at Oregon. I know I have confidence in his ability to win a championship. Just need to win that last game of the season.

A big issue with mental health is the people that truly are in need of help many times don’t believe they have a problem. Unfortunately, it hits close to home for me. I have a nephew that is an adult and chooses not to seek help. He is delusional without medication, and can be a threat to others. Our family has petitioned the court for involuntary commitment. The mental health system can only hold an adult for a relatively short time…3 to 180 days. They are then released, and the process just repeats itself. I applaud anybody that advocates for this cause.

Too early to tell… We all know that backup QBs can be just one play from being a starter. Junior probably needs to be #2 on the depth chart this spring, and that means Raiola is still in recovery mode. It would be a great story if he rises through the ranks to be a starter for the Ducks, but realistically, 2027 would be the year he has a solid chance to play extended minutes. For the moment, I will just enjoy having depth at QB. The players will sort themselves out.

Not sure if anyone can view the article. It is a subscription. If not, Peyton Bair set record in 60 meters.

https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2026/03/brother-of-oregon-football-player-sets-ncaa-record-in-track-and-field.html

Some consider Nick Saban as the GOAT, he was 52 when he won his first championship.

Might also force teams to be somewhat less conservative running the clock in some situations at the end of half, or game.

That would really muddy the water. It is unrealistic to think that every Division 1 team is financially capable of competing at an elite level in football, basketball, and Olympic sports. NIL is a game changer, and creates a huge void between the haves, and have nots. NIL is not going away, any interference will be challenged in court. If they truly want to save Olympic sport competition at the college level, Universities need to have the financial ability to provide elite level training and facilities in those sports. Sprinkle in a few more Universities, and two mega conferences probably achieves that financial viability. The biggest hurdles are the BIG and SEC agreeing on anything, and then getting the media networks to work together.

The Hillsboro Hops A league (Diamondbacks) have steady attendance at that stadium. I think the Cascade will bring in new fans as well.

I think our roster got down to 8 healthy players this year. Nobody wins in the BIG with 8 players. I am not adverse to change, but any decision should include a discussion with coaches, players, and key boosters, to determine if a change of direction is wanted, or needed.

What I gather from what I watched… If there is any action taken, attorney’s will challenge it, and judges decisions may lead colleges to eliminate some non-revenue sports opportunities. Nothing has changed.

Interesting discussion taking place. It is being broadcast live at this moment from the White House. If you miss it, it may be available on You Tube. NIL, problems with the transfer portal, and the impact NIL has on other sports is being discussed. Not reporting, just letting everyone know it is currently available. I checked…it is on You Tube.

Phil Knight’s memoir “Shoe Dog” is a very good read. Anyone involved with trying to grow any business would benefit from reading it. My office was very close to Nike’s offices before they moved to their current headquarters. There was a restaurant/bar nearby that I would sometimes run into their employees, and ran into a few that were celebrating just after Jordan had signed. I don’t think any of them ever imagined the long term impact it would have on the Company at that moment.

I have a player that should in everybody’s glory day discussion…in 2002 Oregon Hall of Famer blows up the UCLA center, and blocks an extra point attempt. Ducks go on to win 31 - 30. Dude was a beast….any guesses? Wasn’t sure if this is the game referenced earlier. I don’t think he ran off the field waving his finger….