The system for Pit Crew T-shirt distribution is the same as described in an e-mail sent to students Oct. 24. It was finalized weeks ago, despite a previous discrepancy in which the Pit Crew stated the University athletic ticket office did not consult them regarding T-shirt distribution.
Under the new scheme, the yellow and green T-shirts will be handed out to students based on the number of games they attend before Nov. 17, as well as their class standing. Graduate students will be awarded T-shirts first, and freshmen last.
The changes are a consequence of the new online ticketing system set up by the ASUO, which eliminates the tradition of camping in line to wait for tickets and T-shirts.
“We want to reward the students who go to Oregon basketball games,” said athletic department Assistant Director Angie Sit.
The changes have angered some students, among them Pit Crew President Daniel Cogan, who said problems with the student server prevented many students who wanted game tickets from getting them. He also decried the timing of the T-shirt handout, which is Dec. 7, the Sunday before finals week.
“I don’t endorse handing the shirts out before Dead Week or before Finals Week,” Cogan said.
DON’T MISS OUT
The more games you attend through Nov. 17, the more likely you are to receive a Pit Crew T-Shirt. The following games will play out at McArthur Court and count toward T-shirt eligibility: Sunday, Nov. 2: Ducks vs. Northwest Christian University, 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9: Ducks vs. Southern Oregon University, 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14: Ducks vs. Northern Colorado, 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17: Ducks vs. Oakland University, 7 p.m. |
Cogan believes the T-shirts should be handed out at a special event for Pit Crew members that would take place before the start of the season.
“It’s not a perfect system, but I don’t think there’s been a perfect system,” Sit said. She added that the athletic department should have given Cogan and the Pit Crew a greater say in devising a system.
Many students were critical of the decision to consider only two preseason exhibition games in the distribution of T-shirts. One of those games, the Nov. 2 victory over Northwest Christian University, has already been played.
Sit rejected those objections. “You’re a pretty loyal fan if you have been at the exhibition games,” she said.
To fans who don’t get shirts, Sit said there is still hope of getting good seats.
“If you’re a student, and you get there early, you have a pretty good chance of sitting on the floor,” she said.
Pit Crew will hold a meeting Nov. 10 to discuss chants and personal conduct guidelines for the upcoming season.
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