Commentary: Oregon Football Spring Game Much Better In Person

If you haven’t made your way to Eugene for an Oregon Spring Game, plan your trip for next year now, it’s something you should see in person. The game is the game, there’s nothing exceptional you’ll see in person you can’t get from the telecast, but the events planned and unplanned that surround the game are very poignant and important. Everyone knows that the spring game’s theme is appreciation for the military but if you’re like me and haven’t been to the game you would think from the telecast that starts and ends with the jersey exchange. It does not.

Oregon Spring Game: Military Appreciation

A folded flag is presented at half time of the Spring Game

From start to finish the spring game is a celebration of appreciation for Oregon Veterans and Servicemen and women. These brave men and women aren’t set aside at one side of the field, they’re throughout Autzen and constantly approached and thanked by just about everyone that passes. One of the coolest moments of the day was a presentation with full honors of a folded flag representing all of the Oregon men and women who had made the ultimate sacrifice. The flag was given to the very decorated, Mike Rueter a WWII vet. During the ceremony a single bugle played taps from the edge of the seats, a very unique and special sight.

Maybe the most interesting and impressive moments for me on the day was watching the crowd react as passionately for Rueter as it did for Marcus Mariota. The Thank You, Marcus video played a little while after Mr. Rueter was presented the flag, following which the U of O flashed a picture of Marcus on the sideline tipping his cap to the Autzen crowd that had assembled. Autzen exploded with an ovation and excitement, but not at a level that was higher or more passionate that the applause they had just given Mr. Rueter. For me this showed the incredible sense of awareness by the crowd, and it wasn’t a subdued reaction for Mariota, it was just a very passionate and genuine show of appreciation for Rueter which was far beyond the typical courtesy round of applause you typically see.

Oregon Spring Game: Classic Mariota

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Marcus Mariota attended the spring game, and stayed true to what we’ve seen and heard of him during his time in Eugene. I had gotten wind earlier in the day that he might be in attendance. Luckily I wandered over towards the player entrance at the same time that he arrived. He went down a line of about 25 servicemen and women and shook each hand and thanked each one of them individually. In a blur he was off into Autzen and I stood and watched the servicemen. Stunned and star-struck “Awesome” and variations of that not suitable for this G-Rated post were said with extreme excitement.

Mariota held court on the sideline, always surrounded, always talking and laughing with someone. For anyone who questioned his leadership skills I wonder just how little they’ve watched how much he’s loved by his teammates, and everyone. I can tell you by watching a lot of QB’s up close, Joe Montana had the same qualities. In Kansas City I was fortunate enough to see him on the sideline, and the similarities are incredible. Montana never got too low, and rarely, very rarely did you see him get upset. I can’t remember a single time I saw him in a teammate’s face. I remember sitting in Autzen yesterday when that comparison hit me. I’m not saying I think Marcus Mariota is the next Joe Montana,  I’m simply comparing their leadership qualities on the sideline.

Oregon Spring Game: A Little Bit Softer Now

Quarterback Jeff Lockie talks with a member of the military following the Spring Game. Justin Phillips/KPNWSports

Autzen for a spring game is kind of like Autzen-Lite. It still “Never Rains in Autzen Stadium,” you’ll still yell “o” and before the fourth quarter you will “Shout.” The stress of a normal game is removed, the excitement of seeing guys that you might not see on Saturday is real and the atmosphere is optimistic and excited. Like a family reunion people are just happy to be sitting in Autzen hearing pads cracking. The kids are just thrilled to be able to go run around the field like maniacs at the conclusion. I didn’t know what to expect, but I didn’t expect to enjoy the experience nearly as much as I did.