Yachats Oregon Writer Rick Schultze

As I sit writing this the rain and wind is pelting the windows and the trees are howling, the birds are grounded and 2009 is here. It’s a glorious day in Oregon on the Central Oregon Coast, a true storm watchers delight.

But despite the conditions outside and the less than spectacular 2008 there is joy in the air. Both the University of Oregon Ducks and the Oregon State Beavers were victors in their respective post season football bowl games, the Ducks in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego and the Beavers in the Sun Bowl in El Paso Texas.

While neither of these bowls decided the National Championship they are prestigious bowls and do wonders for the schools as far as promoting the school on national television and recruitment of students who hopefully will excel in their studies and learn from existing in outstanding collegiate environments. Incidentally the state of Oregon also gets a tremendous amount of publicity nationally as all the play by play commentators continually mentioned the state and its great features.

Another reason for joy in Duck and Beaverville is the pride both coaches Mike Bellotti of Oregon and Mike Riley of Oregon State must feel with these victories. In mid season there was public questioning when it was announced that a successor to Bellotti was in place when Bellotti steps aside. The question was, “Is he getting ready to be out the door? Maybe he has been around too long.” Well that was shot down with Oregon’s win and Bellotti once again being revived as a great coach.

Then there was Mike Riley whose team had upset the might Southern California Trojans on the strength of the Rodgers brothers; Jacquizz and James and their tremendous games. Then the bubble burst and Jacquizz went down with an injury then James also went down and both were unable to play in the Sun Bowl. The University of Oregon trounced Oregon State in the Civil War game and it looked like the Beavers were about to fall apart.

However Riley, who stresses teamwork, managed to replace the brothers with other players and adjusted the game plan to fit the replacement players. In the end the defense held their opponent Pitt at bay and Justin Kahut kicked a field goal and the Beavers mustered it up to come away victorious.

Both of the teams followed their coach’s plans to the letter and all of us in Oregon weather a Duck or Beaver should applaud both programs and let this little bit of joy carry us through the coming winter!

Stay warm and dry and here is to a great 2009.

To Reach Rick Schultze email yarick@pioneer.net