Coping with Loss: Managing Defeats of Our Beloved Ducks

Steven Smith Editorials

Life on earth is filled with both joy and sorrow, as we all understand that concept as part of the human condition. Oft-times the new pains and injuries to body, mind and spirit is out of our control. Mortality brings injury, illness, disease, broken relationships and “man’s inhumanity to man” directly upon us. No one is immune! Self-inflicted trauma however …

Phil Knight’s Lasting Legacy for Oregon

Steven Smith Editorials

Philip Knight has been an absolute godsend to the University of Oregon. Through his efforts and those of other mega donors, we have become relevant on the nation’s athletic stage. We are now an established an recognized program. Final Four appearances in both Men’s and Women’s Basketball, a Golf National Championship, Men’s and Women’s National titles in track and field …

Why the Duck Resentment?: An Open Letter

Steven Smith Editorials

Dear Fellow Pac-12 Members, Here on the campus and across the state and nation, many a Duck fan is becoming aware of a budding intra-conference displeasure with Oregon. This presents itself in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. Call it an identity crisis of sorts, even bordering on ENVY (one of the Seven Deadly Sins). Are we not all supposedly united together …

A reflective silver Oregon Ducks football helmet.

A Look into the Ducks’ Crystal Ball for 2020

Steven Smith Editorials

WOW… This past season brought us a 12-2 record, a Pac-12 Championship and a Rose Bowl ring. Two years into his tenure, coach Mario Cristobal has a 21-7 record and two outstanding recruiting classes. One could say he’s developing Oregon into “U$C North.” But with football still eight months away and expectations sky high for next season, let’s ask the …

How to Enhance the Autzen Stadium Experience in 2019

Steven Smith Editorials

When caught up in the moment, it’s easy to exaggerate and embellish the facts. That’s not the case with the Autzen Stadium experience. There’s truly nothing like watching a football game in one of the most raucous, breathtaking and spectacular stadiums in the country. Whether you’re an Autzen regular or a first timer, I can promise that the experience will …

How to Have the ULTIMATE Fan Experience at Autzen Stadium

Steven Smith Editorials

Unless they’ve been living under a rock, almost every football fan in the Pacific Northwest has been to Autzen Stadium. It is quite the deal for the newbie and the seasoned veteran alike. The atmosphere can be electric and the venue just plain fun and exciting. Here are some observations and suggestions from one who started attending there since the …

Deconstructing the Duck Fan

Steven Smith Editorials

So often, we fans analyze the teams we follow, breaking down their strengths and weaknesses as if we’re on the coaching staff ourselves. Rarely, though, do we take a look inward and evaluate our own role as fans of our respective teams. Fans are more than just loud-mouth, obnoxious onlookers; they’re critical elements to a team’s morale, and they play …

Auburn Is There for the Taking. Can the Ducks Capitalize?

Steven Smith Editorials

During this summer hiatus and before fall camp bursts into view, let’s explore our first vital intersectional football game. The Ducks’ early matchup against the Auburn Tigers offers a huge opportunity to launch Oregon into the limelight of prominence — with a win. Lose, and here we go again … hype happens! While one game a season does not make, …

Knockin’ the Noggin: Is Football as We Know It Doomed?

Steven Smith Editorials

The topic of concussions in football has steadily gained traction over the past couple decades, with more research focused on protecting players than ever before. During this interregnum between last season and the upcoming spring game, let’s explore head injuries. They have a huge impact on the game we enjoy. Concussions affect the following key groups: the individual, the team, …