Basketball Season/ Pit Crew Shirts

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!!!

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!!!!

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.