What’s your fantasy?
Maybe two girls (or guys) to share a hot tub overlooking a beautiful landscape? Possibly hanging out with several mentors, learning your craft from the best? Just chowing down on catered grub?
I lived my fantasy last Saturday, sitting in the Oregon press box for the first time.
The view from the press box, which is nestled high above Autzen Stadium, was breathtaking. Not only could you see everything on the field, from a three-sport star hauling in his first career reception, to a cheap shot tackle on a blue chip recruit, but the surrounding neighborhood as well.
I was able to talk with the best sports writers in the state, if not the country – and don’t get me started on the food. I was already full to the brim before the game started.
As far as my job goes, I was pampered beyond belief. After every quarter I was handed a sheet with all of the updated stats and another piece of paper detailing each and every play that happened in the quarter. I was even given quotes from the coaching staffs and impact players for both teams.
About the only thing I had to do was write the story. The game turned out fine, Oregon a winner by 33 points over Division I-AA Montana. Duck kicker Paul Martinez set a school record, connecting on all six field goal attempts. The Oregon running game struggled for the second game of the season. On and on it goes. I mean, the story practically wrote itself.
With five minutes remaining in the game, I made my way down to the field. Once the players returned to the locker room, I was ushered inside the media room, where Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti gave his synopsis and answered questions. I spent another half-hour talking to several of the athletes, getting their take on whipping a team from the Big Sky Conference.
I’ve watched Oregon football games from the stands for the past 10 years and listened to post-game interviews on the radio and television. Now I have the opportunity to talk to the coaches and athletes right after the game ends. I get the stats handed to me instead of waiting until they are posted online.
This isn’t about bragging, nor is it intended to make me look like a big shot. Because I am far from one. I am the low man on the totem pole, but the way I look at it, at least I’m on the pole.
I’ve worked for years, covering high school games to car races. I’ve driven to Washington to cover tournaments and written stories for newspapers that aren’t even worth the paper they print on.
Now I am finally making it. All of my effort has come through and I’ve been ready for opportunity after opportunity.
And there is no better opportunity than to sit in the press box at Autzen Stadium, watching an Oregon football game.

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