OSU Beavers Welcome Home Celebration

Wow!  What a couple of weeks. 

If I remember correctly I stood on the platform outside of Reser Stadium at about this time last year and said something to the effect – `I guarantee Oregon State won’t wait 45 years for another national title.’   Well, we didn’t even wait 365 days. 

What an incredible run for a bunch of gritty guys.  This team showed some real hallmark values that we preach around the south side of campus – teamwork, passion and determination come to mind.

I’m equally impressed by the passion and devotion of the `Beaver Nation.’ From the huge numbers who watched and listened to the games via TV and radio to the record numbers who visited our website to the thousands of fans who turned out yesterday to welcome our team home, the community support for Beaver Baseball was undeniable. Our only regret is that we could not overcome significant logistical issues that, in the end, prevented us from having a celebration at preferred public places in Portland such as the Pioneer Courthouse Square or the Waterfront Park. Unfortunately, so many of our student-athletes had scheduling issues later in the week that a postponed celebration would have only been possible for a fraction of the team, and we thought that wouldn’t be fair to the fans or the team. 
 
We have discussed with the Portland Beavers and the Oregon Sports Authority about hosting members of the team at PGE Park possibly in early September once our team reunites for the start of fall practice and the school year.  We are also striving to have head coach Pat Casey honored at a Portland Beavers game during the next couple of months.  I feel comfortable that the details will be worked out and that we will have announcement shortly (update – Eddie Kunz to throw out ceremonial pitch Tuesday June 26).

– Excerpt from the OSU Athletic Director Report, June 26, 2007