It Was Certainly an Experience

Korrin B.

January 15, 2011 - 5:45 PM

With a solid five days in between now and the great depression of Monday night, I think I'm finally ready to talk about it. With two seconds left, I watched alongside hundreds of other Duck fans in Mac Court as Oregon lost the National Championship game to Auburn by a field goal. All the forces in the Universe that had wanted something spectacular to happen to Oregon turned their backs on us. I sat down in my seat and let out a sigh. It was sad.

I think what was most sad about it for me was far beyond winning a football game. I thought about my various "unkies" (aka: my dad's buddies who went to the UO back in the day...when the Ducks were, well, not so good) who had dreamt of this day for so long. I thought of all of the excitement that had filled Eugene and brought such a sense of community over the past few weeks. I thought of all the Duck fans standing in the stadium in Arizona, praying for a miracle. It all ended so quickly.

After I shook myself of my despair, however, I found solace in the surreal experience it had all really been. Being in Mac Court to watch the game was incredible. The atmosphere was intense, with Ducks fans cheering from every direction. It was also so neat that they had organized to give out special t-shirts to all the fans and raffle prizes during breaks and even played the traditional game time video that would be shown in Autzen. When we made the touchdown and tied up the game, the place was hysterical! I just remember jumping and screaming and high fiving and hugging and maybe even crying a little (it was emotional!). I remember starting the fight song with my two friends and getting the whole place to join in. There was so much spirit there and so much love for our team, our school, our culture, and our community. It was truly a beautiful thing.

In addition, our team did fantastically. I think we showed the nation that we can truly compete. I think west coast teams often get brushed aside, but we managed to make a statement this year. And, there's always next year! After the game, my friends and I proudly cheered throughout campus, "Number two, number two!!" It is, if you stop to think about it, quite incredible. Plus, we're number one in the PAC-10!

Yes, it was sad that we lost, but, as so many other Duck fans would say as well, I still love my Ducks!