Oregon Pit Crew

Amazing Weekend

2010-02-01T00:58:00.000-08:00

Great job this weekend everyone! The Pit Crew was amazing this week and let's keep it up. Here's a little something from the LA Times. Be Proud Of The Pit Crew!!!!!!

From the LA Times:

"Coming to you from McArthur Court in Eugene, Ore., where some Oregon students thought it would be funny to fill my Times' press row seat with about 40 yellow "Duckeroni" foam sticks and pom-poms.

Hardy har.

But that's what makes McArthur Court, which closes after this season, special: the students, specifically the rowdy and ruckus group known as "Pit Crew" that's never too kind to visitors (even visiting members of the press, it seems).

Right now, I can spot these signs in the Crew: "Good luck in the Postseason!", "$C vs. NCAA - Fight On!" and two tombstone-shaped signs that also represent USC's postseason."

Pac-10 Season Begins

2010-01-02T13:13:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a great Winter Break. Congratulations to the Oregon Ducks football team for winning the Pac-10 Championship and making it to the Rose Bowl. Obviously not the outcome we all hoped for, but still a great achievement! We're a great team, and next year in Glendale!

Pac-10 Men's Basketball Season officially opened the other night with a 2OT win in Pullman over the Cougars. Tonight, the Ducks take on the Huskies in Seattle. Tickets for the first Pac-10 game go on sale tomorrow (January 3) at 6pm. This is CIVIL WAR BASKETBALL! We need the Pit Crew to be in full force!!! Remember to get your tickets and to get loud!

Go Ducks! Huck the Fuskies and get ready for Civil War Basketball!

-Alex Horwitch

Pit Crew President

Rose Bowl Events

2009-12-28T12:29:00.000-08:00

With the 96th Annual Rose Bowl quickly approaching, I thought I would make those who will be in the Southern California area aware of some Oregon events that will be going on.

Disneyland Appearance:

The OMB, Cheerleaders, and others will be at Disneyland for a special performance. December 29th

Official Oregon Pep-Rally:

The UOAA will host the Official Pep Rally on the Santa Monica Pier. Appearances by Chip Kelly, players, the OMB, Cheerleaders, and more. December 30th.

121st Rose Parade:

The 121st Rose Parade will take place down Colorado Ave in Pasadena, Ca on the morning of January 1st. There will be a team float as well as a performance by the OMB.

96th Annual Rose Bowl Game:

The Granddaddy of 'Em All! 1:30pm in Pasadena, Ca.

GO DUCKS! Have a very Happy New Year!

-Alex Horwitch

Pit Crew President

Basketball Season/ Pit Crew Shirts

2009-10-23T23:07:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is excited for tomorrow's game against the Huskies. Just wanted to update everyone on the upcoming basketball season.

Tickets for the first two basketball exhibition games will be made available on Monday at 6 pm! Make sure you get your tickets! The shirt distribution will be the same as last year. Those who go to all of the first 5 home games will get priority for Pit Crew shirts. It will then continue in priority to those who attended 4 or less games (shirts subject to availability). Basically, if you only attend 1 or 2 of the first 5 games, you may not get a shirt. The only way to guarantee a shirt for yourself is by going to all 5 games (Concordia, Lewis & Clark, Winston-Salem, UC Davis, and Colorado State). The shirts this year are really great; we think you all will really like them!

So remember, get your basketball tickets Monday at 6 pm! Let's beat the Huskies!

Go Ducks,

Alex Horwitch

Pit Crew President

Your #16 Oregon Ducks!!!

2009-09-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

Amazing game yesterday! Great job with getting loud, cheering, yelling "O," and everything else yesterday. We really made a difference in pumping up our guys! Just a few things. In the future, PLEASE, do not start an "overrated" chant. It is not classy and can easily come back to bite us. Secondly, in regards to rushing the field, you will all know if we are doing it. If you don't hear it coming from the front of the Student Section (Pit Crew leaders are in the front of 8 and 7), then do not push. We're not doing it.

Next week should be a good confidence booster for us against WSU. Everyone should be just as loud and cheer just as hard for this weeks game as they did for the Cal game! As I said, it really helps pump up our players and make then go to the next level.

Go Ducks,

Alex Horwitch

Pit Crew President

California @ Oregon, THIS SATURDAY!!!!

2009-09-25T13:30:00.001-07:00

Hey Ducks Fans,

This weekends game is a big one. Not only is it our first Pac-10 game, but it is also a game against a top 10 team (#6). We need everyone to be as loud as possible. Cal has struggled in the past not only on the road, but in Autzen, so let's make sure that they have the most difficult time they have ever had here this Saturday!

A few things to keep in mind. First, good sportsmanship. We all get into it in the heat of the moment, but try to keep good sportsmanship in mind. This is a nationally televised game (ABC). When interacting with Cal fans before and after the game, keep this in mind. Secondly, this will be the first game for many students, as the dorms have just opened up and move-in has just finished. If this will be your first game, look to the front of Sections 7 and 8 to the Pit Crew leaders (the Insane-O's in Section 8, myself in Section 7) to figure out what chants, cheers, etc we will be doing.

Let's hope for a great game and an awesome start to Pac-10 play!!!

Go Ducks,

Alex Horwitch

Pit Crew President

Purdue Game

2009-09-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Great job to everyone who came to the Purdue game last night! The student section was awesome (especially once it started raining) and everyone really got into it! Remember, if you aren't sure of what to do when people are chanting and cheering when the band plays songs, ("School's Out," the "Hey" song, etc) or when certain on-field things happen, look to the bottom on section 6 and section 7 for help. Everyone up front knows what to do.

Great job and let's do it again on Saturday!!!!

Go Ducks,

Alex Horwitch

Pit Crew President

Game Day!

2009-09-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Game Day Everyone!

Hope you all will be watching tonight's game against Boise St.

To get you pumped for the game, here's an article from ESPN.com about the game, Coach Kelly, and revenge on the Broncos.

http://espn.go.com/blog/pac10/post/_/id/2163/kellys-oregon-debut-at-boise-state-not-about-revenge

Oregon Ducks @ Boise St. Broncos

ESPN 7:15pm

Go Ducks! Welcome to football season!

-Alex Horwitch

Pit Crew President

Welcome Back!

2009-08-13T16:53:00.000-07:00

Hello Fellow Ducks!

My name is Alex Horwitch and I am this year's Pit Crew President. I, as all of you are, am very excited for a successful year in Oregon Athletics and see great things happening for both our athletes and our student section.

The Ducks were recently featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated and named "BCS Party Crashers." I hope to see a packed Autzen, loud as ever, starting from opening day vs. Purdue. And while football season is right around the corner, we are eagerly anticipating the beginning of basketball season, the final year at The Pit! The shirts are currently being designed and reviewed and should be finalized soon.

My goal is simple. I want Oregon to be the most feared fan base in the country. To make this happen, we will need the support of every fan who attends games. Every section filled with students should be loud and intimidating from the first minute to the last. Kickoff to whistle, tipoff to buzzer, first pitch to last out. Our teams have the ability, but with a strong fan base behind them, they can go the distance!

Thank you all so much for all your support and I can't wait for a very successful year in Oregon Athletics.

Go Ducks,

Alex Horwitch

Pit Crew President

Survey From Octagon Sports Marketing Agency

2009-02-10T22:34:00.000-08:00

Please complete this survey. It will only take you 2-3 minutes and will greatly help an Oregon student doing a Sports Marketing project, specifically targeting 18-24 year old college and grad students.

Go Ducks!

Foot Locker College Hoops Tour Saturday @ the REC

2009-01-16T00:41:00.000-08:00

Foot Locker College Hoops Tour
Saturday, January 17th
Student Recreation Center - 1pm-4pm

The BIC Comfort 3® Advance® green screen - BIC Comfort 3® Advance® razors will have a green screen where students can have their pictures taken and emailed to them with their image placed into a Slam Dunk scenario; also anyone who comes to the tour will get a free Bic razor to take home

The Foot Locker 3-point shoot out - there will be a men's and a women's division; students will take 3 point shots from 5 different spots around the arc. 4 balls per spot with the 5th ball counting for 2 points. Highest score in the men's and women's division throughout the day takes home Foot Locker $$$ Gift Cards.

The Bic Slam Dunk competition - students can sign up to enter the 8' and 9' dunk competition during the 1st 2 hours of the event. Winner of each division takes home $400 in AMEX gift cards and runners-up in each division take home a $100 AMEX gift card.

The Foot Locker Knock-Out to the money machine - throughout the event, we will be running knock out contests for as many students that want to jump in. The winner from each round of knock-out gets to go into the "money machine" and try to grab as much cash as possible in a limited amount of time.

Tons of other FREE gift cards and prizes including an Autographed UO Men's Team Basketball & Autographed UO Team Football.

Pit Crew Meeting

2009-01-07T20:44:00.000-08:00

Our next Pit Crew meeting, to plan for the Washington schools next week, will occur on Sunday January 11th at 5:00 in the EMU Fishbowl. We will be done in time for everyone to go home and reserve tickets online for both games at 8:00.

All students are encouraged to attend and provide ideas. We're looking for chants that DON'T follow a typical cadence such as "clap, clap--clap, clap, clap" and things we can chant based on what's happening in the game. Ideas for things such as: bad calls, turnovers, missed free throws, lots of shots taken, etc. that we can teach and use throughout the game are ideal. Come to the meeting prepared and start finding information on both teams right away.

Students who submit the 3 best ideas for each game throughout the season will receive NIKE gift cards and/or Oregon merchandise. We're also looking for students wanting to become more involved who are willing to lead chants in each section. Students will receive items for their service. Any student interested should attend Sunday's meeting for more information.

Good Effort Today

2009-01-04T20:26:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to commend the Pit Crew for the effort today. I thought everyone was into the game like we haven't seen since last years UCLA game and the behavior was pretty good. Specifically, the swearing is way down from last year and the chants are way louder. I thought the throwing of "Green Magic" before tip-off was executed well, although it would have been better had it stayed in the Pit Crew and not gotten on the court.

We need to continue improving and, to do this, we need both better chants and more participation from students sitting in the corner sections. Students who submit the 3 best ideas or chants for each game, at least 3 days prior to the game, will be given NIKE gear or gift cards. Additionally, students who routinely submit great ideas will possibly earn access to the NIKE employee store at the end of the season.

The next home game is January 15th against Washington and we need to start compiling ideas right away to prepare. If you have any inside information on UW players, funny themes, or innovative chants, please send them to pitcrew1@uoregon.edu. Also, feel free to utilize the Pit Crew message board which can be accessed from the home page.

Go Ducks!

Pac-10 Games Begin/Season Info

2008-12-27T15:27:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is enjoying winter break and excited for the Pac-10 season to begin next Friday vs. USC at Mac Court! The game is scheduled to begin @ 1:00 although I would suggest being there by (at least) 11:30 if you want to sit near the floor.

A few other things:

1. This season, with help from NIKE, we will be awarding items to students who provide the 3 best ideas for each Pac-10 game. This includes chants, themes, songs, stunts, or anything else the Pit Crew can do for each game. Members supplying ideas we feel are the most unique will be rewarded with gear or gift certificates. Ideas should be submitted to pitcrew1@uoregon.edu, by 12:00 each Monday afternoon before the week’s games.

2. We are looking for 5-6 students who would like to become more involved with the Pit Crew by being in charge of a section. So far this season, and in the past few seasons, the two corner sections haven’t been consistently involved in the game and we need to improve. Mac Court isn’t as intimidating as it should be when every section isn’t loud! This is a great opportunity for students who: enjoy athletics, like interacting with other students, are friendly, and looking for something to help bolster their resume. Section leaders will also receive gear, along with other items for their help. If interested, please email pitcrew1@uoregon.edu with a short description of yourself including: year, major college interests, and why you are a good candidate to help?

3. At each game this year we will be selecting a Qdoba/Pit Crew Member of the Game. Each winner will receive a gift card for 5 free entree’s and one Pit Crew member this season will win free entrée’s for an entire year! There isn’t set criteria for how to be the Member of the Game, but you must be wearing a Pit Crew shirt (at least partial) to win and body paint is advised.

Coach Smith Speech from Monday

2008-12-03T15:39:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, Women's basketball coach Bev Smith wasn't provided a microphone at shirt distribution Monday. For student's who were unable to hear her, here's what she said:

They really need students to come to games and support the team. This Thursday (tomorrow) there will be free Pizza to all students who attend the game, which begins at 7:00. The team, which is undefeated at home this season, will be missing 3 starters and could really use a strong student presence!

During the Pac-10 season, students who attend games regularly will have the opportunity to win items like new computers, gift certificates, and free food.

Go out an support the womens team, they play hard and deserve to have a student section as well.

Next Pit Crew Leadership Meeting

2008-11-30T22:47:00.000-08:00

Our next meeting will be Wednesday December 3rd, at 5:00 PM in the Fishbowl. We will be discussing how shirt distribution went, ideas for the Kansas State game, and starting to prepare for Pac-10 games. All students are invited to attend and share ideas to improve the group.

We will also have the remaining Pape Jam tickets on sale for $15 at the meeting. They can be used by anyone, are half off retail price, and the seats are on the floor behind a basket. Awesome seats in the same section as last year.

More clarification on shirt distribution

2008-11-28T17:59:00.001-08:00

All students who are on the list to receive shirts should have received an email last week. I do not know what the cut-off was, although I believe it was Juniors who attended 2 games.

The event will begin at 3:30 and students must attend to receive their shirt. Coach Kent and Coach Smith will both talk about the season and what they would like to see from the Pit Crew. If you have any questions, post them in the comments section or the message board and I'll try to answer them.

Pit Crew Shirt Recipients Notified Today

2008-11-25T20:09:00.000-08:00

Here's a copy of the email sent, this afternoon, to students who will be receiving Pit Crew shirts. If you do not receive a shirt, it doesn't mean you aren't a member of the Pit Crew. All students should be wearing yellow shirts to games, standing, and getting involved. That includes students who are in the corners and in the 100 level. Here's the email, with a number to contact if you have any questions:

You are now a member of the 2008-09 Pit Crew! In honor of your commitment to the Oregon Men's Basketball program through attendance at the first four games this year, you have been awarded a 2008-09 Pit Crew shirt! Pit Crew shirts will be distributed at an exclusive open basketball practice at which you will hear from both Head Coach Ernie Kent and Head Coach Bev Smith!

Where: Mac Court
When: Monday, December 1st @ 3:30pm
What to Bring: UO Student ID card (You will not be given your shirt without it!)

The Oregon Basketball program would like to thank you for your support during the month of November and hopes the enthusiasm will carry over into the Pac-10 season with the loudest arena in the country!

If you have any questions about the distribution process, please contact the Athletic Marketing Office at 541-346-5417.

Maui Invitational Watch Party Monday Night

2008-11-23T17:06:00.000-08:00

The game will be shown in the Ben Linder Room and is open to all students. It's free and we'll have Mountain Dew AMP for everyone, in addition to EA Sports gear and games. Swing by sometime between 8-11 and watch the game, get questions about this season answered, and learn how to get more involved in planning for the Pit Crew if you're interested. Duck game starts at 9:00 but we'll have the new EA Sports NCAA Basketball game setup at 8:00 for students to play.

Also, we'll have Pape Jam tickets for sale at the event. They are $15 dollars apiece and can be used by anyone (doesn't have to be a student.) Game is December 13th at the Rose Garden in Portland.

Join the facebook group if you haven't already!

OMB vs. OSMB Flag Football Game

2008-11-21T12:10:00.001-08:00

Next Tuesday, the 25th of November, our Marching band will take on Oregon State's marching band in a flag football game at Autzen Stadium. The game starts at 8:00 and admission is free. Prizes will be given away and the band would love to have as many students as possible come support them! They are 4-0 all-time vs. Oregon State and are looking to remain undefeated and make it 5 in a row.

Maui Invitational Watch Party

2008-11-17T17:20:00.000-08:00

The Pit Crew will be hosting a Maui Invitational watch party on campus, open to all students, on November 24th. It's being sponsored by EA Sports and will begin at 8:00. in the Ben Linder room, downstairs at the EMU. We will have consoles set-up for students to demo the new NCAA Basketball video game, in addition to copies of the game to give away.

Additionally, we will provide free Mountain Dew AMP energy drinks for any student who attends and will have EA Sports gear to give away. See everyone there.

Who: All Pit Crew members and students
What: Maui Invitational Watch Party
Where: EMU Ben Linder Room
When: Starts at 8:00 PM, goes until the Ducks win!

AZ Game Football Recruits

2008-11-11T17:09:00.000-08:00

We've heard there will be a total of 8 football recruits visiting this weekend. The following are who we've heard will be here:

LB - Boseko Lokombo
CB - Vachel Samuels
SAF - Terrence Brown
DL - Jackson Powell
OT - Michael Phillip
QB - Keith Price
OT - Charles Siddoway
WR- Bryce McNeal

GET YOUR SIGNS AND CHANTS READY EARLY! We heard all the visitors last weekend had a great time and the highlight of their trip was interacting with students. Lets do it again this weekend! There will also be a giveaway for students at the game so be sure to come early.

Meeting Reminder

2008-11-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

Our second Pit Crew Leadership meeting of the year will be this evening, Monday November 10. We will be discussing cheer's/chant's for the season, ideas fo the next 2 home games, shirt distribution, website content and an opportunity to help set stuff up for the football game this weekend.

Meeting is at 6:00 in the EMU Fishbowl and all students are invited to attend.

Final FB Weekend Recruiting List/Track Visitor

2008-11-07T08:01:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,

The following players will be making visits to the University this weekend. Like we've been saying all week: make signs, start chants, encourage the recruits to come up to the student section and take pictures! Lets make sure these guys realize how much we want them to be Ducks!

Jaz Reynolds
Bryce Brown
Montrell Conner
Boseko Lokombo
Craig Loston

Charles Siddoway (Unofficial)
Curtis White (Committed and Unofficial)
Get your stuff made this afternoon and if you have facebook, this event showed up yesterday.

Also Jordan Hasay, the teenage runner who broke the national high school record for 1500m at the Olympic Trials this summer, will be visiting this weekend. She would be a HUGE addition to the track team, so root for her as well! Thanks to the Oregon Rivals.com site for sharing the news.

Next Pit Crew Leadership Meeting

2008-11-02T20:10:00.000-08:00

Our next Leadership meeting will be Monday November 10th, at 6:00 in the EMU Fishbowl. We will be discussing chants for games this year, clearing up shirt distribution rumors, and preparing for the first 2 games of the season.

All students are invited to attend. Please come prepared and with new ideas so we can be efficient. It doesn't have to be a chant, we encourage you to come share any kind of tradition you think would be a positive addition to the Pit Crew and/or Mac Court.

Football vs. Cal @ Hayward!

2008-10-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

The ASUO has arranged a watch party for the Oregon vs. Cal football game this Saturday, to take place at Hayward field. The event will begin at 11:30 and last until the end of the football game. A food drive will also be taking place at the event and a donation of two cans will earn you a raffle ticket. Items to be raffled off include Duck Store gift cards, iPods, computers, and food certificates. The Pit Crew will also be giving away items at our table so look for the Pit Crew banner!

Food will also be provided to students, so come enjoy the game at Hayward Field this Saturday!

Revised Ticketing a "longshot" for this season

2008-10-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

Over the past week, we've been trying to have the electronic ticketing system modified for basketball season. The proposal was to allow Pit Crew members, who attained a shirt and went through a traditions/chants orientation, to be placed in a separate classification. The new classification would allow them access to tickets before they became available to every student. As shirts were handed out, student ID's would be scanned and used to place students in the new group. It would only take a fraction of the tickets while making it easier for students, who were willing to sacrifice their time and get a shirt, to secure tickets to basketball games. Roughly half of the total ticket amount would remain for any student wanting to attend a basketball game.

The problem is the Pit Crew doesn't control shirt distribution and the ticketing contract was signed last year. The contracts can be modified, yet doing so in time for basketball season is unlikely. It's definitely something we are going to pursue for next season to reward students, who in the past have attended every game, who dislike the current system because they are unable to get tickets.

As for shirt distribution, the article in the Emerald yesterday wasn't entirely correct (although most of it was accurate.) The ticket office didn't make a mistake; rather, they were told to send out an email pre-maturely. The ticket office has been unfairly blamed by students, all year, when it's not their fault at all. The ticketing contract was drafted by the ACFC and approved by the ticket office. They are BOUND to follow the contract; however, are willing to modify it in the future to improve the system.

As for shirt distribution, I was not involved in the discussion to approve the system laid out in that email, do not agree with the means to distribute shirts laid out in the plan and am working for a better solution. I'm against letting computers decide who gets a Pit Crew shirt, when in the past students have been able to control their own destiny. Furthermore, distributing them mid-season and on December 7th (day before Final's week starts) doesn't work for most students. I believe we'll be able develop an appropriate solution to distribute this years shirts; but, I can't promise it.

Take care,

Daniel Cogan
Pit Crew President 07-09

Oregon Hyperdunks

2008-10-27T21:39:00.000-07:00

The NIKE Oregon Hyperdunks will be released at the new Eugene NIKE store this Saturday at 10:00 AM. They will retail for $125 and the store received roughly 36 pairs. Unfortunately, Pit Crew members will not be able to get in the store early to purchase the shoes, but at least you will have access to them. Picture's of the shoes can be found a few posts below.

Pit Crew Shirt Distribution Not Yet Finalized

2008-10-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

There was an email sent out by the University of Oregon ticket office, regarding shirt distribution, that was incorrect. The method of distribution has not been finalized and the plan laid out in that email is not endorsed by the Pit Crew. We didn't agree to it, nor did we have input in the decision process.

We are actively working with the ASUO to provide a better solution to online ticketing for basketball season. We realize the system is not working as anticipated and there are problems with how tickets are being allocated for Football. With roughly 1/3 as many basketball tickets made available to students, we are working on a better way to allocate tickets to Pit Crew members. A final plan will be released next week and we anticipate it being a significantly better system than what everyone has dealt with during football.

I do not believe online ticketing is a bad way to give out tickets but, adjustments must be made to improve the allocation process. I'm confident we can introduce a better system for ticketing, as well as shirt distribution, and will keep students updated accordingly. Sorry for the confusion!

Take care,
Daniel Cogan
Pit Crew President 07-09

Watch Party for Football vs. Cal

2008-10-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

The University will be holding a watch party at Hayward Field for the football game vs. California on November 1st. The cheerleaders, in addition to other athletes will be there handing out free items to students who attend. Additionally, there will be a can food drive to benefit a local organization and any student who brings at least 2 cans of food will get entered into a raffle for prizes. Prizes will include: iPods, shirts, gift cards, textbooks, and even a computer. More information will be coming soon, but put this on your calendar now as it's sure to be a great event.

Admission is free for all University students and the Pit Crew will be giving away items as well. Also, the date for this years shirt distribution will be announced at the watch party. The game begins at 12:30 and there will be food for students at a concession area inside Hayward.

First 08-09 Pit Crew Meeting

2008-10-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

Our first Pit Crew meeting of the year will be Sunday October 19th, at 6:00 in the EMU Fishbowl. We'll go over plans for the year, shirt distribution, new campus initiatives, and talk about opportunities coming up for members to get more involved.

All students are welcome to come and contribute. It's a good opportunity for students, especially younger students, to get involved with an influential group on campus. If you have any questions, feel free to check the message board to see if it's already been answered or email the group. We can be reached at pitcrew1@uoregon.edu.

Go Ducks,
Daniel Cogan
Pit Crew President 07-09

One More Football Visitor

2008-10-10T20:03:00.000-07:00

One more football recruit will be visiting Oregon this weekend. Anthony Leon, a Safety from College of the Sequoias in Vasalia, CA will be making the trip to Eugene for tomorrow night's game. Leon, originally from Florida, signed with Florida State out of high school but was forced to leave the school last year.

At 6'3'' 230, he's been compared to Sean Taylor for years (they were cousins and went to the same school) and many of his past coaches have said he'll also play in the NFL eventually. He has an official scholarship offer, will be on campus this weekend, and at the game tomorrow night.

He could likely start immediately next year, at any of the three linebacker positions or Safety.

Homecoming Info/Weekend Football Recruits

2008-10-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

There will be a homecoming parade and pep rally at the Protest Pit, on the corner of 13th and University by the EMU, at 5:30 Friday afternoon. Afterward, the #7 ranked Oregon Volleyball team will be playing at Mac Court. Admission is free and should be packed with students!

For the football game Saturday night, for those who secured tickets, ALL STUDENTS are encouraged to wear YELLOW.

Also, there will be 7 football recruits on official visits this weekend. There may be one more added later this week, so check back on Friday to get the full list. Make signs, start chants, make these guys feel welcome at the game! Travis Hawkins, in particular, is coming all the way from Maryland to visit so lets make sure to leave an impression. There may be one or two more guys added, but here's the current list:

Jeremiah Sirles (Official)
Alex Logan (Official)
Travis Hawkins (Official)
Everett Benyard (Official)
Avery Patterson (Official and already committed)
Myles Wade (Official and already committed)
Anthony Anderson (Official and already committed)
Charles Siddoway (Unofficial)
Taylor Hart (Unofficial)
Curtis White (Unofficial)

Warsaw Sports Business Club

2008-10-05T22:53:00.000-07:00

The first Warsaw Sports Business Club meeting will be this Wednesday, October 8th at 6:00 in Lillis 211. The purpose of the club is to provide a platform for undergraduate students to gain insight, experience and opportunities in the field of sports business through guest speakers, experiential learning, club meetings, leadership and networking.

It is open to all students, in all majors. Past speakers have included Pat Kilkenny, Chris Miller representatives from NIKE, adidas, the Portland Trailblazers, the Oregon Athletic Department, ESPN and the USGA. The membership cost is $45 and covers the cost of trips, meetings, and networking activities.

Past trips have included meetings with executives and tours of the: Seattle Mariners, Portland Trailblazers, Portland Lumberjax, and NIKE. To learn more, contact Club Advisor Whitney Wagoner (wrw@uoregon.edu) or VP, Membership & Digital Communications Director Steven Strand (sstrand@uoregon.edu).

Nearly all sports related industry internships, which run through the University of Oregon, are emailed to club members as soon as they become available. If you aspire to someday work in the athletics industry, in some capacity, this club is extremely valuable to have been involved with.

Sports Business Club Meeting
Date: October 8
Time: 6:00
Place: Lillis 211

Pit Crew Leadership Meetings

2008-10-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

We will be having our first Pit Crew Leadership meeting during week three. The night hasn't been decided but, if you would like to provide input, please vote on the message board for the night that would be easiest for you to attend.

Meetings are open to any student and members are invited to attend and contribute to what we do on campus. We're always looking for new ideas and would like more students, especially younger students, to get involved. If you have any questions, post them on the message board and either myself or another student will answer them.

Get NIKE Oregon Hyperdunks

2008-10-01T21:53:00.000-07:00

This is a shoe called the Oregon NIKE Hyperdunk that was manufactured specifically for the University of Oregon. Only 100 pairs were made and Pit Crew members will have the first opportunity to get a pair. The exact price is still unknown, but I suspect it will be around $100. It is a similar show to what was worn by the United States Olympic basketball team this summer.

If you're interested in getting a pair, please post your name and shoe size on the Pit Crew message board and we'll get information to you as we get more. These will be released sometime in the next month and will only be made available here in Eugene. Just another perk of being a Pit Crew member and University of Oregon student. Go Ducks!

Help choose the next UO President

2008-09-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

The Chancellor of the Oregon University System will seek input from students, faculty and staff on Tuesday September 30th at 3:30 in the Gumwood Room in the EMU. Anyone interested in providing input is encouraged to attend. According to the press release, student input is vital in choosing the next UO President.

Free Movie Tickets on Campus (Sept. 29th)

2008-09-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

Free tickets to the new movie "The Express," will be given away on campus Monday the 29th of September (tomorrow.) Tickets will be available for pick-up in the Daily Emerald office in the EMU, which is on the second level of the EMU, starting tomorrow. There will be an ad in tomorrow's paper as well to remind students about this opportunity. Go early, because free items on campus rarely last long. This is an early screening just for University students, and will be sold out, so be sure to go early if you want good seats.

Here's a description of the movie:
In America in the late 1950s and early ’60s, one young man became a symbol for a country grappling to move past its long-held views of people of color. His unprecedented journey unfolded as he shattered not only sports records, but also perceptions of what was possible for an African-American at the time. His name was Ernie Davis, but fans knew him better as “The Elmira Express.”

This film is a tribute to his courage.

Based on a true story, The Express follows the extraordinary life of college football hero Ernie Davis (ROB BROWN of Finding Forrester, Coach Carter). His quiet fight for equality and respect forever changed the face of the game, and his civil rights story continues to inspire new generations.

Events September 24-28

2008-09-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

The following are events which we know will be taking place on campus between September 24-29. This will be updated throughout the week so keep checking back. If you are aware of an event, which you think students would enjoy knowing about, please send an email to pitcrew1@uoregon.edu and we'll spread the word.

InterMingle @ the EMU: Friday, September 26, Starts at 5:00 p.m.

All students are invited to the UO's annual InterMingle where students connect and reconnect with each other. This year's theme "Baby Got Quack" includes a So You Think You Can Dance competition, mechanical bull, rock wall, tie dye, pool, henna tattoos, a casino, karaoke, live music in the amphitheater, fire dancers, laser tag, video games, prizes, free food, and other giveaways. In the past, many fraternities and sororities have also had representatives available to answer students questions.

University Convocation @ McArthur Court: Sunday, September 28, 3:30 p.m.

Steven Pinker, a celebrated cognitive scientist, will be giving this year's convocation address (a speech to open the school year). Currently the Johnstone Family Professor in the Department of Psychology at Harvard University, Pinker will take you on a journey into the human mind to understand what makes us tick. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. with a free meal to follow afterward on the lawn closest to Gerlinger Hall. The meal is usually OK...

Info for Purdue Visitors

2008-09-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

Just some notes for students traveling out to Purdue for this weekend’s football game. For those of you old enough and interested in going to campus bars, the places do so I’m told are: Harry’s Chocolate Shop, Where Else?, Jake’s, and Brothers. Harry's doesn't serve chocolate, but does serve plenty of other food and alcohol. Purdue students get dressed up in costumes and start hitting the bars before 7:00. They call their tradition "The Breakfast Club,”so get there early if you plan on taking part in the experience and pack a costume!

If you’re not old enough to get in or don’t plan on going to a bar, campus sites of interest include the Engineering Fountain and the burial site of John Purdue, the University’s founder. The fountain, specifically, sounds like a pretty big deal. The best places to eat are Triple XXX which is open 24 hours, and Harry’s Chocolate Shop. I’ve also heard good things about Mad Mushroom Pizza and the BoilerMarket.

The place to tailgate is “Slayter Hill.” The band plays a concert prior to game time and students slide down the hill on couches and other pieces of living room furniture when it snows. The last forecast I saw was for rain and isolated thunderstorms, so I’m not sure how much sliding will be going on, but you never know? After the concert, the band marches to the stadium.

If you’re not in your seat before the game starts, you’ll miss the Pre-game show by the band and the Golden Girl (their twirler). Supposedly the band usually puts on a pretty good performance. Hope this information helps and I’ll see everyone in West LaFayette.

Let’s hope for a great game and another BIG Duck WIN!

Special thanks to former Purdue Undergraduate student and current Oregon graduate student Cassandra Gray, for providing such detailed information. Go Ducks!

08-09 Shirt Almost Done

2008-09-09T17:41:00.000-07:00

For anyone interested in viewing the shirt design we'll likely be using for this upcoming season, here it is. A final version will be submitted later this week but, if you would like to provide input or suggestions, (or see the shirt in actual colors) please visit the message board. Go Ducks!

08-09 Pit Crew Shirt Designs

2008-09-03T14:29:00.001-07:00

If anyone is interested in seeing some potential shirt designs for this upcoming season's Pit Crew shirt, they are on the message board. You can get to it by clicking the link on the right; once on the message board, it's in the Ducks Hoops Forum. We haven't selected a final design yet, so if you have suggestions or have a preference for which shirt ultimately is chosen, reply with feedback on the board. Go Ducks!

Todd Doxey Memorial Article

2008-09-03T00:36:00.000-07:00

I ran across this article on Rivals.com and thought I should link it for interested students. Many Oregon students knew Todd personally and have been deeply impacted by his unexpected death, nearly a month and a half ago. There was a video tribute before the opening football game last Saturday and many of his family members made the trip up from his hometown of San Diego, CA. I highly suggest reading the article; it won't take long and is touching, to say the least. Whether you knew him or not, the article reveals some of the positive contributions he had already made to society and what people who knew him will remember about him.

Todd Doxey Article: TD 29

News for the week

2008-09-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

Saturday's football game, for all who didn't see it, was very good. A dominant 44-10 victory over Washington, making it five straight wins against them. The team will try to go 2-0 this weekend against Utah State. This weeks game will kickoff at 12:30 PM and won't be televised on TV. Utah State is awful, period; it should be an easy win. Oregon is currently favored by 35 pionts in Vegas.

The top basketball player in the country for next year, point guard John Wall, will be visiting Oregon the first week of school. The football team plays away but there still should be plenty of parties that weekend...Wall is likely a one-and-done player (only play's college basketball for one year before turning Pro) but he is the very best player in the country and would be a huge addition to our already young, but skilled, team.

Just a reminder, everyone should be wearing yellow to games. There's no reason not to, Just Do It.

Information for Saturday

2008-08-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

I've received a lot of questions about the game Saturday, so here's some answer's to common questions.

Your student ID, if you received a ticket, has your ticket pre-loaded onto it. Your ID will be scanned at the front gate, NOT the student section.

The main parking lot, used for tailgating, will open at 3:00 Saturday. It always opens 4 hours prior to kickoff.

Gates to the stadium will open at 4:00, they always open 3 hours prior to kickoff. Students can begin lining up at this time, on the North side of the stadium, but will not be released into the student section until 90 minutes prior to kickoff. As always, drugs and alcohol are not allowed inside Autzen Stadium.

Per the Oregon recruiting sites, two WR recruits will be visiting for this game. Diante Jackson is from the Bay Area and Markus Wheaton is from the Phoenix, AZ area. Both are reported to have offers from many Pac-10 teams and would be huge pickups for the Ducks. Markus is the cousin of Duck legend Kenny Wheaton, so make him feel welcome and lets convince him to come to OREGON!!!!!! Additionally, local standouts Boseko Lokombo and Charles Siddoway are expected to be in attendance. Let's show these guys why Oregon fan's are the best to play for in the nation!

See everyone Saturday!

WEAR YELLOW Saturday

2008-08-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

Just an announcement for Freshman who may be going to their first game at Autzen and a reminder for returning students: WEAR YELLOW. It shows up better on TV, especially with a night game, and you won't be confused with the sad fans from UW who will resort to wearing purple. Wear yellow and cheer loudly! YELL-O!!!!!!!

Also, I know this is from last week but, here's a story that was in ESPN the Magazine that mentions Oregon as one of the top student sections, for football, nationally. We have a reputation, not to maintain but rather, to improve on. See everyone, in yellow, Saturday!!!!

Football Student Ticket Info

2008-08-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've been told so far, as it relates to the new electronic ticketing system this Weekend. The tickets, for everyone who logged onto GoDucks.com Sunday, have been or will be loaded directly on your student ID card. No need to keep track of a ticket anymore, just don't lose your ID on the way to the game. This also means you can't sell your ticket anymore but, if you're not going to use it, you can release it to avoid being penalized for not using it.

If you didn't get a ticket but want to go: Good Luck. Every single ticket, from all 5 groups, was claimed Sunday which means there will be very few available re-released. All tickets that have been released for this weeks game, will be made available at 5:00 Wednesday evening on GoDucks.com on a first come first serve basis.

Still awaiting confirmation on whether our ID's will be scanned at the main gates or at the top of the student section; common sense would say main gates to prevent a huge line (or rioting) in front of the student section. If you have any questions, post them as comments and I'll try to find answers.

Oregon gets a few Herbie Award mentions

2008-08-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

ESPN contributor and College GameDay host Kirk Herbstreit recently released his "Herbie Awards," given out annually to, who he feels are, the best college football players and coaches. Lots of Ducks received mention including: Jairus Byrd, Walter Thurmond, Patrick Chung, Jamere Holland, Nick Reed, and Chip Kelly. He also has Oregon listed, along with others nearly twice as big, as one of the top five student sections in the nation for football. Enjoy!

Introduction

2008-08-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself and talk about the new site for the Pit Crew. My name is Daniel Cogan and I'll be the President of the Pit Crew this season. We've wanted to update the site for a while to improve the functionality and make it easier for members to interact on the site. Our message board works well, but we wanted something that could be updated more frequently to better serve the needs of the student body.

My hope is that students use the Pit Crew site not only for Athletics, but as a source for campus news. We'll do our best to keep students informed about what's happening on campus, and try to do it in an entertaining way. If you have an idea for something which would add value to the site, we'd love to hear your idea and will try to incorporate it within the site.

Before I finish, I'd like to take the opportunity to thank former Pit Crew President Robert Griesinger for designing the site. He's made many positive contributions to the success of our group in the past and I'm thankful for his willingness to continue to help us out. Welcome again to the new site of the University of Oregon Pit Crew and enjoy!

Go Ducks,
Daniel Cogan
Pit Crew President 07-09

New Website

2008-08-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new site, reformatted to better serve the needs of the larger community. Enjoy, all comments on how to better improve the site are greatly appreciated.