Just two days before the long-awaited BCS National Championship Game, one might expect the University of Oregon campus to be lively in school spirit.
Instead, campus last Friday was somewhat quiet aside from the energetic fervor seen at Ellen DeGeneres’ impromptu filming. It may be that students are absent in anticipation for the sold-out BCS Championship watch party on Monday at Mac Court. Or, students may be occupied with planning their own private gatherings.
But for the most dedicated and determined Ducks fans, the journey to the game has started with flying south to Glendale, Ariz.
“People are pretty excited,” said Paul Shang, assistant vice president and dean of students. “It is quieter around here because folks are starting to leave.”
Even as students are leaving in flocks, Shang said, “The town is going to be hopping.”
There will be no shortage of opportunities to cheer for the Ducks. Watch parties, he says, will expand beyond the Mac Court event and will be hosted at every residence hall, as well as local bars.
Add the momentum of national recognition from Jimmy Fallon and DeGeneres, and Shang says a mellow student body will change come game day.
“People are just fired up,” Shang said, who interacts with students on a daily basis.
This enthusiasm was seen at the Eugene Airport, where students and Oregon Ducks fans alike have started to trickle in.
University senior Caitlin Conrad’s long-time fandom of the Ducks motivated her decision to see them play at the national level.
“It’s a great moment for Oregon,” Conrad said. “It will probably be a fun flight.”
Originally set to make the grueling 20-hour drive to Glendale, Conrad opted to fly. To relieve the stress of being cooped up in a car for a long period of time, Conrad says purchasing a flight was a better alternative. However, in efforts to save money on an already expensive trip, Conrad will return on Wednesday.
“I’m going to miss a lot of classes and work as well,” Conrad said. “That is kind of unfortunate.”
Gabriella Narvaez, a University junior, wanted to travel to the game but thought ticket packages were too costly.
Narvaez also considered the cheaper option of driving. After reviewing the split cost of gas between friends and time constraints, she decided to stay in Eugene.
“I am really enthusiastic about (the game),” Narvaez said. “But there are people who deserve to go more than me.”
Though Narvaez is taking a relaxed approach by hosting a watch party at home, she says all of campus will be “ducked out all day.”
The intensity will continue to rise today, as fans begin to rally for an Oregon victory over Auburn.
“I am so convinced that we have what it takes,” Narvaez said. “It’s West Coast versus the South; we get to finally see who is better.”
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Duck fans around the country anticipate victory in title game
Daily Emerald
January 8, 2011
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