Last night's Oregon Duck loss in the basketball civil war was not fun for a number of reasons:
*I didn't see it coming.
*How do you lose, in your own arena, on a historic night, to a team that was coming off a 50 point loss?
*It was not the way to have the last Civil War in the Pit. The loss was just wrong.
The late drive home was not fun. If I am going to get 5 hours of sleep, I want a victory. Ducks coach Ernie Kent said his staff was "outcoached" and was very complimentary of Craig Robinson and the way they came back. Very classy comments with Jerry Allen on post-game. Kent took the rap for the loss as being his fault for not communicating the vision to his team that they needed.
One more note: Another media person noted what appeared to be some kind of security
person near the OSU bench. As it turns out Senator Ron Wyden was at the game. I think that must have been the reason. Unless the brother in-law of the President now gets security!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
HS Basketball Observations
While I clearly will leave the stats and technical analysis of the RHS loss to South Medford to Brian Prawitz, I do have a few observations:
*Never let up near the end of the game. RHS gave an inch and South took it.
*Make every free throw.
*The sport is basketball, not football -knock off the tackling and grabbing of jerseys, especially the grabbing of another player's shorts.
*Both teams have some obnoxious fans but I am pretty sure there was one South female fan who should have gotten an escort out. At what point and after how many foul words at 90 decibels does the RHS staff take some action?
*South Medford's coach wins the award for the longest angry rant without a Technical. The ref blew it for not blowing it!
*Come back on Tuesday night for the Sheldon game! - This season promises to be a wild ride.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Happy New Year
Sorry I know its been quite awhile since I updated this blog. I promise to do better in the new year.
2010 seems a bit ominous. So many things are happening so fast right now. From world economic issues, to potential military conflicts, to uh having a teenager who wants a car....yea there is a lot to think about.
In the new year I hope to do a better job at recreation. I did ride a whopping 8 miles on Sunday. The bike path was like rush hour with walkers and riders, and even dogs, out to work on those resolutions. I hear all the health clubs and the YMCA were packed out too.
In the new year, I hope to fix up the house and yard a bit. I have gotten lots of advise on what to do, now just need to get to it.
In the new year, I will go to the Oregon Coast. I have not been to the beach in 5-6 years. (yea sad isn't it!). Most of my life runs on I-5 but I need to walk in the sand and feel the wind. (sounds kind of weird...I know)
In the new year, I will go out of state. Its been a couple years and while I don't know where we might go - I am open to ideas.
Thats it for now. More blogging coming soon.
2010 seems a bit ominous. So many things are happening so fast right now. From world economic issues, to potential military conflicts, to uh having a teenager who wants a car....yea there is a lot to think about.
In the new year I hope to do a better job at recreation. I did ride a whopping 8 miles on Sunday. The bike path was like rush hour with walkers and riders, and even dogs, out to work on those resolutions. I hear all the health clubs and the YMCA were packed out too.
In the new year, I hope to fix up the house and yard a bit. I have gotten lots of advise on what to do, now just need to get to it.
In the new year, I will go to the Oregon Coast. I have not been to the beach in 5-6 years. (yea sad isn't it!). Most of my life runs on I-5 but I need to walk in the sand and feel the wind. (sounds kind of weird...I know)
In the new year, I will go out of state. Its been a couple years and while I don't know where we might go - I am open to ideas.
Thats it for now. More blogging coming soon.
Friday, December 4, 2009
I smell Roses!
Wow. by now you know the Oregon Ducks had a thrilling victory over Oregon State Thursday night. While I will let Brian disect the game, I will hit some interesting notes from our time in Autuzen.
We arrived at 3pm, which while early - kept us out of later traffic chaos. After walking around chatting with media friends for while, and going down to the Mo Center to watch the early crowd. it was time for the media dinner. An incredible pot roast dinner was served complete with potatoes, salad, rolls and more. Wow- I am not sure I will be eating much today.
Brian started doing postings on Facebook and Twitter, while I only jumped on a couple of times. Cell service was spotty in Autuzen. In the third quarter, it actually took 20 plays for me to send one text! I guess, given that it was the biggest crowd in Autzen history (over 59,000) I shouldn't have been suprised.
Game time started at 35 degrees and went down from there. I believe it was 27 when the game was over. The press box windows were closed for the game - keeping the working media warm - but we did lose some of the "feel" of the game since the cheering was quieter. Initially I whined about it, but after going downstairs at half time, I decided I could deal with having heat.
Santa was there - uh actually there were at least 4 Santa's on Duck Vision. That may have confused some of the kids.
I saw several Roseburg folks at the game - Diana Corder, John Migulena and Steve Walker among others. Walker appeared envious of my warm working environment and pot roast dinner. I know there were many of local folks there - just couldn't down stairs as much since I decided I liked the heat.
During half time the ESPN TV guys were waiting to come up in the elevator as I went down. I knew they were TV guys after looking at their perfect hair and suits! Actually I am told they are all nice guys. Brian actually saw one in the restroom. I do want to correct one of Brian's posts however. While Erin Andrews of ESPN was indeed there - I did NOT see her in the restroom! By the way, Brian was also part of the media group that polished off all the cookies during halftime.
In the third and early fourth quarter it became very intense and quiet in the press box, given the tight score and -for awhile - a Beaver lead. When LaGarrette Blount scored, people's pens began writing quickly - as everyone sensed one of the game highlights in the making. With 6:16 in the 4th, the Duck crowd came awake big time and it stayed that way to the end.
I went down on the field staying by the Beaver players for awhile before moving to the south end zone. As I have said on Facebook, I was standing next to the Oregon Duck when the Roses came out. Wished I was fast enough to get a pic, but had too much gear with me to try. The Oregon Band and students began singing "Living on a Prayer" with 3 minutes to go as everyone was confident of a Duck victory. As the game wound down, fans stormed wthe field. After the USC chaos, I tried to hang back on the field but eventually got in the midst of wall to wall fans - many who seem to get louder when the media microphones come out! Its so funny to have people say "Hey you want to interview me?". I tried to leave the field but was flat out stuck. A makeshift fence -designed to keep fans out of the tunnel taken by the players - also kept the media and even some players from being able to leave the field in a timely manner. One of the Ducks players came up beside me wanting to leave the field and was told by a security person - that he couldn't leave the field there - but had to go 20 feet west to exit. Sure, easy to say and hard to do. Eventually some of the crowd backed up and I - and some other media - followed the player off the field. It was a bit too crazy there - but I think sercurity did the beset they could, given the thousands of fans on the field.
After getting to the locker room just in time to see the Pac Ten ceremony where the coash, athletic director and University President received their awards, I could finally relax a bit. Coach Chip Kelly is incredible and I am more impressed with him each week. We listened to the coach for about ten minutes then Jeramiah Massoli took the mic for awhile.
About 10:15 we headed to the parking lot, making it back to Roseburg by midnight. WOW! Now the big question - do I try to go to Pasadena?
GO DUCKS!
We arrived at 3pm, which while early - kept us out of later traffic chaos. After walking around chatting with media friends for while, and going down to the Mo Center to watch the early crowd. it was time for the media dinner. An incredible pot roast dinner was served complete with potatoes, salad, rolls and more. Wow- I am not sure I will be eating much today.
Brian started doing postings on Facebook and Twitter, while I only jumped on a couple of times. Cell service was spotty in Autuzen. In the third quarter, it actually took 20 plays for me to send one text! I guess, given that it was the biggest crowd in Autzen history (over 59,000) I shouldn't have been suprised.
Game time started at 35 degrees and went down from there. I believe it was 27 when the game was over. The press box windows were closed for the game - keeping the working media warm - but we did lose some of the "feel" of the game since the cheering was quieter. Initially I whined about it, but after going downstairs at half time, I decided I could deal with having heat.
Santa was there - uh actually there were at least 4 Santa's on Duck Vision. That may have confused some of the kids.
I saw several Roseburg folks at the game - Diana Corder, John Migulena and Steve Walker among others. Walker appeared envious of my warm working environment and pot roast dinner. I know there were many of local folks there - just couldn't down stairs as much since I decided I liked the heat.
During half time the ESPN TV guys were waiting to come up in the elevator as I went down. I knew they were TV guys after looking at their perfect hair and suits! Actually I am told they are all nice guys. Brian actually saw one in the restroom. I do want to correct one of Brian's posts however. While Erin Andrews of ESPN was indeed there - I did NOT see her in the restroom! By the way, Brian was also part of the media group that polished off all the cookies during halftime.
In the third and early fourth quarter it became very intense and quiet in the press box, given the tight score and -for awhile - a Beaver lead. When LaGarrette Blount scored, people's pens began writing quickly - as everyone sensed one of the game highlights in the making. With 6:16 in the 4th, the Duck crowd came awake big time and it stayed that way to the end.
I went down on the field staying by the Beaver players for awhile before moving to the south end zone. As I have said on Facebook, I was standing next to the Oregon Duck when the Roses came out. Wished I was fast enough to get a pic, but had too much gear with me to try. The Oregon Band and students began singing "Living on a Prayer" with 3 minutes to go as everyone was confident of a Duck victory. As the game wound down, fans stormed wthe field. After the USC chaos, I tried to hang back on the field but eventually got in the midst of wall to wall fans - many who seem to get louder when the media microphones come out! Its so funny to have people say "Hey you want to interview me?". I tried to leave the field but was flat out stuck. A makeshift fence -designed to keep fans out of the tunnel taken by the players - also kept the media and even some players from being able to leave the field in a timely manner. One of the Ducks players came up beside me wanting to leave the field and was told by a security person - that he couldn't leave the field there - but had to go 20 feet west to exit. Sure, easy to say and hard to do. Eventually some of the crowd backed up and I - and some other media - followed the player off the field. It was a bit too crazy there - but I think sercurity did the beset they could, given the thousands of fans on the field.
After getting to the locker room just in time to see the Pac Ten ceremony where the coash, athletic director and University President received their awards, I could finally relax a bit. Coach Chip Kelly is incredible and I am more impressed with him each week. We listened to the coach for about ten minutes then Jeramiah Massoli took the mic for awhile.
About 10:15 we headed to the parking lot, making it back to Roseburg by midnight. WOW! Now the big question - do I try to go to Pasadena?
GO DUCKS!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sorry
I know its been way too long since I updated this. I only have time to say - "GO DUCKS". Be sure to listen Thursday morning for a special Civil War Morning Report - with fans from both teams as guests, plus comments from others connected to the big game. Brian and I will be working hard Thursday night in our heated press row seats near the ESPN crew.
Email me if you have any special Civil War insight!
Kyle
Email me if you have any special Civil War insight!
Kyle
Sunday, November 15, 2009
DUCKS/Arizona State
First off, I am way behind on updating this. Its turning into a nutty November - but enough on that.
Brian can do a better job explaining the game but here are some observations:
When Brian and I arrived in the Press Box Saturday, the first thing I noticed was - Lasagna, with bread and salad. It was perfect except for the absence of a paired wine!
One question - Why are so many people from Roseburg in Section 23? Odd.
While in the Lasgna line, an old friend from Portland spotted me. Had not seen him in nearly 20 years. He runs a media company and as it turns out, was part of the crew running Duck Vision at the game (the big screen). Very happy to see him again.
Brian put on some kind of women's gloves with 13:07 left in the 4th. Someone in the office let him borrow them (who borrows gloves.....??). They are uh stylish....uh yea Brian keep trying.
People began to leave in droves with 7:48 left in the 4th. Apparently a big winning margin and the extreme cold was getting to them. It was warmer in the press box, but still a bit chilly.
Brian chatted with the ASU mascot right before the end of the game. Should have got a picture of that. The Sun Devil is a weird looking dude. (or dudette!)
After the game we chatted with players and other media folks. I don' t think we got into the car until close to midnight.
Lots of folks peeled off at Cottage Grove for snacks. Brian had an AMP and Wheat Thins! Weird combo.
By the way, you never know who you will see at the snack stop in Cottage Grove. Several Roseburg folks, including one I won't name because he has the power to get me arrested or charged. (!!)
Walked in the house at 1:15am. Enjoyed a glass of the wine that I should have had with dinner, and called it a night.
Now - we wait for the Civil War!! GO DUCKS!
Brian can do a better job explaining the game but here are some observations:
When Brian and I arrived in the Press Box Saturday, the first thing I noticed was - Lasagna, with bread and salad. It was perfect except for the absence of a paired wine!
One question - Why are so many people from Roseburg in Section 23? Odd.
While in the Lasgna line, an old friend from Portland spotted me. Had not seen him in nearly 20 years. He runs a media company and as it turns out, was part of the crew running Duck Vision at the game (the big screen). Very happy to see him again.
Brian put on some kind of women's gloves with 13:07 left in the 4th. Someone in the office let him borrow them (who borrows gloves.....??). They are uh stylish....uh yea Brian keep trying.
People began to leave in droves with 7:48 left in the 4th. Apparently a big winning margin and the extreme cold was getting to them. It was warmer in the press box, but still a bit chilly.
Brian chatted with the ASU mascot right before the end of the game. Should have got a picture of that. The Sun Devil is a weird looking dude. (or dudette!)
After the game we chatted with players and other media folks. I don' t think we got into the car until close to midnight.
Lots of folks peeled off at Cottage Grove for snacks. Brian had an AMP and Wheat Thins! Weird combo.
By the way, you never know who you will see at the snack stop in Cottage Grove. Several Roseburg folks, including one I won't name because he has the power to get me arrested or charged. (!!)
Walked in the house at 1:15am. Enjoyed a glass of the wine that I should have had with dinner, and called it a night.
Now - we wait for the Civil War!! GO DUCKS!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Oregon/USC
Wow what do you say about the Ducks incredible win over legendary USC!
Some notes from our time at Autzen:
While it may not rain at Autzen Stadium the parking lot is another matter. It took us 30 minutes longer than normal to actually get in the parking area. Our parking pass didn't help as the lots we could be in were full 2 hours before game time. (I told Brian we should have left sooner...) Given the rain and getting soaked, we bagged trying to find our KQEN listeners who had offered to let us stop by (they were pretty spread out....and we would have gotten wetter....whimps..) - but we did stumble across a few Roseburg folks on the way in anyway.
Upon entering the stadium we saw Basketball Coach Ernie Kent who saw Brian and greeted us. Looked like he had some recruits hanging out with him. We stopped by the Mo Center and watched ESPN radio for a bit and then headed for the press box. The ESPN TV crew actually had security shadowing them the whole game. That was a bit of a suprise. Brian ran into one of the ESPN TV guys during a break and greeted him.
I brought a decibel meter with me and saw a peak of 107 decibels from the pressbox and 106 from the turf. I think the best place to measure was probably the middle of the stands but wasn't able to do that. I see ESPN shows it high on their meter. Anyway you look at it, it was very loud and USC botched some starts due to the noise.
The media is normally allowed on the field the last four minutes, but given the atmosphere and the big victory, we were able to go down sooner. It became clear that security was ready for students to storm the field - and equally clear that there was NO way the kids would be stopped. Brian and I braced ourselves for the end of the game. The Oregon Duck stopped by and greeted us and I think Brian got a good picture of him. When the game ended, it took 5 seconds for the field to be stormed and filled with kids (and adults). I grabbed my mic and recording gear and hug on for dear life. I would bet there were a couple thousand people on the field - maybe more. I talked to a few kids and got audio, though it was soo loud, I doubt much of it will make the radio. then I spotted the KVAL TV guys with LaMichael James and got my mic up close. So many people were trying to get there, that at one point I was a bit nervous. Tom Ward from KVAL told me later he was trying to keep the crowds from bumping the camera. John Canzano from the Oregonian agreed that it seemed like the WHO concert. It was sooo tight in there it was way intense! I nearly lost my equipment bag at one point but made my way towards the tunnel after seeing a couple other players. Security was great and got me past the fans safely. Whew. By the tunnel I could breath again. Brian and I split up and got audio from as many people as we could. Eventually I settled in and watch some of Coach Kelly's radio interview, and noted a very happy Phil Knight from Nike, standing in the corner.
We headed out and began the long walk to the truck, and then endured the traffic for awhile before hitting I-5 and getting back to the Burg. When I got home and started looking at stats on-line I realized just how big a victory this was over USC. Incredible.
A fun day and one I will honestly never forget! Our apologies again for not making it to the tailgates. We are planning to do a better job with that - especially for Civil War.
Go DUCKS - and keep listening!
Some notes from our time at Autzen:
While it may not rain at Autzen Stadium the parking lot is another matter. It took us 30 minutes longer than normal to actually get in the parking area. Our parking pass didn't help as the lots we could be in were full 2 hours before game time. (I told Brian we should have left sooner...) Given the rain and getting soaked, we bagged trying to find our KQEN listeners who had offered to let us stop by (they were pretty spread out....and we would have gotten wetter....whimps..) - but we did stumble across a few Roseburg folks on the way in anyway.
Upon entering the stadium we saw Basketball Coach Ernie Kent who saw Brian and greeted us. Looked like he had some recruits hanging out with him. We stopped by the Mo Center and watched ESPN radio for a bit and then headed for the press box. The ESPN TV crew actually had security shadowing them the whole game. That was a bit of a suprise. Brian ran into one of the ESPN TV guys during a break and greeted him.
I brought a decibel meter with me and saw a peak of 107 decibels from the pressbox and 106 from the turf. I think the best place to measure was probably the middle of the stands but wasn't able to do that. I see ESPN shows it high on their meter. Anyway you look at it, it was very loud and USC botched some starts due to the noise.
The media is normally allowed on the field the last four minutes, but given the atmosphere and the big victory, we were able to go down sooner. It became clear that security was ready for students to storm the field - and equally clear that there was NO way the kids would be stopped. Brian and I braced ourselves for the end of the game. The Oregon Duck stopped by and greeted us and I think Brian got a good picture of him. When the game ended, it took 5 seconds for the field to be stormed and filled with kids (and adults). I grabbed my mic and recording gear and hug on for dear life. I would bet there were a couple thousand people on the field - maybe more. I talked to a few kids and got audio, though it was soo loud, I doubt much of it will make the radio. then I spotted the KVAL TV guys with LaMichael James and got my mic up close. So many people were trying to get there, that at one point I was a bit nervous. Tom Ward from KVAL told me later he was trying to keep the crowds from bumping the camera. John Canzano from the Oregonian agreed that it seemed like the WHO concert. It was sooo tight in there it was way intense! I nearly lost my equipment bag at one point but made my way towards the tunnel after seeing a couple other players. Security was great and got me past the fans safely. Whew. By the tunnel I could breath again. Brian and I split up and got audio from as many people as we could. Eventually I settled in and watch some of Coach Kelly's radio interview, and noted a very happy Phil Knight from Nike, standing in the corner.
We headed out and began the long walk to the truck, and then endured the traffic for awhile before hitting I-5 and getting back to the Burg. When I got home and started looking at stats on-line I realized just how big a victory this was over USC. Incredible.
A fun day and one I will honestly never forget! Our apologies again for not making it to the tailgates. We are planning to do a better job with that - especially for Civil War.
Go DUCKS - and keep listening!
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