Tis the Season

David R.

December 26, 2009 - 5:56 PM

For the twentieth time in my life I woke up on Christmas morning in amazement that the wonderful holiday had come once again. After opening a few gifts, I couldn't help but notice that my gifts seemed to follow the University of Oregon theme. I received a green fleece to help keep me warm during the winter season. I also received a large yellow Under Armor tee shirt to wear around during my trips to the student recreation center. The last gift I received was certainly the best, and has made an excellent addition to the set of pictures in my basement. I received an enormous panoramic picture of Autzen Stadium during the game versus USC this season. The picture was taken during the the first half of the game, after Oregon scored its first touchdown to take a 9 to 3 lead, before the extra point. The picture was taken facing the larger, more intimidating south side of Autzen Stadium that seems to rise a mile high. As the picture was taken, the sun was beginning to set on Eugene, making for a beautiful view for all of those on the north side of Autzen. The stands were a sea of black, as the USC game was declared a blackout, given its significance as College Gameday was present. Below the picture on the bottom end of the frame there is some interesting information about Autzen Stadium and the USC game specifically. It says that due to the high number of people who crammed into Autzen Stadium to witness the game, that was the largest attendance for any football game in the history of the state of Oregon. It also says that due to its unique bowl-shaped configuration, Autzen Stadium consistently ranks in the top five for loudest venues in the country.

The winter holidays always have a way making me realize how grateful and fortunate I am for the opportunities I have. For many kids in the United States, the thought of attending college never even crosses their minds. I have been given the opportunity to attend the University of Oregon, one of the many prestigious universities across America. Consequently, I have been presented the opportunity to watch the Ducks compete in the Rose Bowl, one of the nation's most highly respected bowl games. The only reason I am going to this game is because, during the course of the last three years, I have become a very serious and dedicated Oregon Ducks fan due to my involvement in the University. Before attending the University of Oregon I wasn't very familiar with the University of Oregon, or Ohio State for that matter. If it hadn't been for my choosing of the University of Oregon, I would have never had a reason to go to the Rose Bowl this season. As I am in the middle of my third year at Oregon, I will do nothing but make the most of the special opportunity I have been given. My time at Oregon has been incredible, and I am proud to be a part of this great university.