Did Oregon Just Get A Commitment From Every Hawaiian Recruit?

ByScotty Jenkins

4 min read

Did Oregon Just Get A Commitment From Every Hawaiian Recruit?

While every other team is overwhelmed with football this season, the University of Oregon is simultaneously playing a game of RISK. Like an annexation of Eastern Europe to finally fill the right half of the board with little red canons and cavalry, the Ducks firmly cemented a stronghold on everything west of Catalina Island with just a few tweets.

Yes, Oregon just took the Pacific. It's official.

On Wednesday, @goducks dropped a tweet hinting at their 3,206th alternate uniform of the Nike era - a collaboration with Hawaii artist Zig Sane. The new uniforms, named "Ohana", will be worn against UCLA this weekend and will honor the culture of the Polynesian islands.

But it wasn't a look at the new unis that circled Earth's largest ocean in a bright yellow O... it was this video....

In a minute and 37 seconds, a quiet artist sitting in his studio a few steps from the water gave a Knute Rockne-like speech very obviously aimed at football recruits and their parents.

Here is his speech in case you were distracted by the sights and sounds of Hilo, HI:

"Let us stand together. Our journey has just begun. Our paths have crossed at this moment in time, with the future ahead. Along with our team, our ancestors and each of our own cultural heritages, let us move together as one and conquer the world.

Polynesia is made up of islands stretched across the Pacific Ocean. Language, practices, and tradition are very similar. The raising of a child by the village is really the extended family. We are all responsible for the future generation.

The journey from Polynesia to Oregon draws a parallel to the seafaring Polynesian of ancient times. The goal to find one's place, to improve the family name, and to be the example for others is like all others.Whether from Oklahoma or Hawaii, South Carolina or Samoa, this is the team.

We are here because we are chosen - each of us is to deliver our part of the responsibilities. Let us invite our ancestors to play the game with us. Let us call the village neighbors so they, too, can join in with us. Let us stand together. Together we shall conquer.

To sum it all up, Zig is saying: "Commit to Oregon. Fight the good fight."

The video was moving in the realest sense. It played on the hearts of everyone and was a summation of everything I want to hear in the turbulent test that is 2020. If we come together for a common cause, we could achieve unity... and victory over any Pac 12 foe.

Poetic.

But, then I thought about it a little more. From 2,490 miles away as the Nene Goose flies, this local printmaker on a beach very unlike the ones you'd find within hours of landlocked, rainy, evergreen-infested Eugene, Oregon - is saying that the culture of Oregon football perfectly parallels that of the Polynesian Islands? Sounds like a stretch.

But, for some reason, it resonated. And to those kids from Oklahoma or Hawaii, South Carolina or Samoa... Oregon is made to look like the only program that takes pride in their players.

And the timing couldn't be better. Oregon is in a routine fight with other Pac-12 teams (and of course BYU) to secure recruits from the Hawaiian islands. So, what better trump card to pull than wearing these against the conference opponent that sits closest to the Big Island...

In a season where TV time for a Pac-12 team is cherished like a coconut tree on a desert island, Oregon will sport one of their best collaborations ever (not up for debate) against UCLA at 1:30 PT this Saturday on ESPN2.

From the microscopic patterns that look as if they are tattooed onto the fabric to the impersonated lei wrapped around the collar, these just hit a little differently. While these ones may have been anticipated for the Ducks somewhere down the road, they went above and beyond with this collaboration.

And all off the Bruins who came to Los Angeles from Polynesia as a freshman will be lining up against a stout Ducks team, looking at these uniforms, saying to themselves, "Maikaʻi loa."

Loose translation: "Those are sick."

So props to the creative team at Oregon for creating something meaningful this year. Props to Zig Sane for the thoughtful design and inspiration. And props to the Ducks for continuing to challenge the rest of college football.

Now the only question I have is: Will the entire team be doing the haka before the game?

I hope so. S'go Ducks.


Are you an Athlete?

Create a free profile to access the largest network specifically designed to connect athletes to opportunities. Get started.

RELATED ARTICLES
2024 WNBA Draft Recap: Caitlin Clark Goes No. 1, Fever and Sparks Shine

2024 WNBA Draft Recap: Caitlin Clark Goes No. 1, Fever and Sparks Shine

The 2024 WNBA Draft saw the Indiana Fever select Caitlin Clark with the first overall pick, adding...

ByBen Gauthier | Tue Apr 16 2024
Sports Apps: The Future of Sports Engagement and Fan Interaction

Sports Apps: The Future of Sports Engagement and Fan Interaction

In the increasingly digital world we live in, it comes as no surprise that sports engagement and...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Aug 24 2023
Artificial Intelligence: A Game-Changer for the Sports Industry

Artificial Intelligence: A Game-Changer for the Sports Industry

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries across the board, revolutionizing the way...

ByTiffany Allen | Mon Aug 21 2023
USA Football: Two NFL Teams To Provide Coach Certification To Support Youth Football

USA Football: Two NFL Teams To Provide Coach Certification To Support Youth Football

The Indianapolis Colts and the Cleveland Browns have announced their support for USA Football's...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu May 04 2023
Ontario Volleyball Association: February/March - News and Updates

Ontario Volleyball Association: February/March - News and Updates

A new season means new events and opportunities for volleyball athletes across Canada. As the...

ByOVA Team Ontario | Thu Mar 30 2023
Tackling Sports Industry Fragmentation by Creating Athlete-First Solutions

Tackling Sports Industry Fragmentation by Creating Athlete-First Solutions

The sports industry is undergoing rapid change, putting pressure on organizations to keep pace. To...

ByJoey Grant | Mon Feb 06 2023
American Football: How To Play Professional Football In Another Country?

American Football: How To Play Professional Football In Another Country?

Yes, it is definitely possible to play American football overseas. However, this is not common...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Jan 26 2023
New XFL Draft Picks use GMTM to be seen by coaches and fans

New XFL Draft Picks use GMTM to be seen by coaches and fans

In just under a month, the XFL will be taking yet another crack at creating a competing...

ByScotty Jenkins | Fri Jan 20 2023
Do They Have High School Sports In European Countries?

Do They Have High School Sports In European Countries?

Unlike the United States, European countries do not have high school athletics. It is a completely...

ByScotty Jenkins | Tue Nov 22 2022
Which College Sports Mascots Are The Most Polarizing?

Which College Sports Mascots Are The Most Polarizing?

They’re one of the most crucial aspects to a college sports viewing experience. The players?...

ByAndrew Pistone | Mon Nov 21 2022
Bucket List: Five More College Football Traditions You Need To See

Bucket List: Five More College Football Traditions You Need To See

Part two of some of the best division 1 college football game day traditions throughout the United...

ByScotty Jenkins | Sat Nov 05 2022
Bucket List: Five College Football Traditions You Need To See

Bucket List: Five College Football Traditions You Need To See

One of the best parts about college football are the traditions that have been around for decades....

ByScotty Jenkins | Sat Nov 05 2022
Eight Football Athletes Using GMTM To Find Opportunities To Play

Eight Football Athletes Using GMTM To Find Opportunities To Play

There doesn't seem to be a clear start and finish to the football season anymore. In today’s day...

ByScotty Jenkins | Fri Oct 28 2022
The Four Best Quarterbacks Turned Wide Receivers in NFL History

The Four Best Quarterbacks Turned Wide Receivers in NFL History

Playing quarterback may be the toughest job in professional sports, with just thirty-two jobs in...

ByBryan Armetta | Sun Oct 16 2022
Think you can play college football? Here’s what to expect in the recruiting process

Think you can play college football? Here’s what to expect in the recruiting process

Playing college football is a dream for many high schoolers but the recruiting process can be...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Oct 06 2022
College Football's "Dead Money": Why Fired Coaches Keep Getting Paid

College Football's "Dead Money": Why Fired Coaches Keep Getting Paid

We’re at the point in the college football calendar where teams are assessing whether they’d like...

ByAndrew Pistone | Wed Sep 28 2022
What are "Guarantee Games" in College Football?

What are "Guarantee Games" in College Football?

As the 2022 college football season gets underway, there are many behemoth matchups on the calendar...

ByAndrew Pistone | Sun Sep 25 2022
What Does Redshirt Mean? And The Reasons Why Players Do It?

What Does Redshirt Mean? And The Reasons Why Players Do It?

Any athlete with a love for competition hates sitting on the sideline, but once he or she gets to...

ByCorey Roepken | Mon Sep 19 2022
What CFB Programs Are Developing The Most NFL Talent At Each Position

What CFB Programs Are Developing The Most NFL Talent At Each Position

More than most sports, the fundamentals of Football change greatly depending on which position you...

ByAria Modirmassihai | Fri Sep 16 2022
Trending Up: High School Football Athletes on GMTM - Week 2

Trending Up: High School Football Athletes on GMTM - Week 2

Football is back and tens of thousands of high school football players are on the field making...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Sep 15 2022
Top Five Skills Every Defensive Back Prospect Needs to Develop

Top Five Skills Every Defensive Back Prospect Needs to Develop

Quarterbacks and offensive player command a lot of attention on recruiting websites, and rightfully...

ByJordan Rinard | Tue Sep 06 2022
How High School Recruits Can Use Twitter To Engage With College Coaches

How High School Recruits Can Use Twitter To Engage With College Coaches

National Signing Day is right around the corner (February 3, for the uninitiated), and now is good...

ByJordan Rinard | Mon Sep 05 2022
How Does Recruiting Work in Today's CFB Landscape?

How Does Recruiting Work in Today's CFB Landscape?

Recruiting is an art that takes college football's elite programs years to truly perfect. Building...

ByBryan Armetta | Mon Aug 22 2022
Five Mediocre College Quarterbacks Who Had Great NFL Careers

Five Mediocre College Quarterbacks Who Had Great NFL Careers

We hear all the time about busts, especially at the quarterback position. These are the guys that...

ByBryan Armetta | Sun Aug 21 2022
Does Having a Top Recruiting Class Promise Success?

Does Having a Top Recruiting Class Promise Success?

Although the success of a football program is built on wins and losses, recruiting has never played...

ByBryan Armetta | Sat Aug 20 2022
Advancing GMTM’s Mission at the William V. Campbell Summit

Advancing GMTM’s Mission at the William V. Campbell Summit

Today, August 4, 2022, marks the beginning of the weekend to celebrate the 4th Annual Campbell...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Aug 04 2022
Ranking the Five Best Division II Football Conferences

Ranking the Five Best Division II Football Conferences

While most fans are familiar with the prestigious football schools of the NCAA's Division I, the...

ByBryan Armetta | Thu Jul 28 2022
A GMTM Athlete’s Path to Success: Jordan McCray

A GMTM Athlete’s Path to Success: Jordan McCray

It’s a little unusual for a successful football player to only start playing the sport once they...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Jul 28 2022
Women's Gymnastics Development Program: How To Get Started With Team USA

Women's Gymnastics Development Program: How To Get Started With Team USA

If you are a part of the gymnastics world, people often ask questions like, " Exactly how wide is...

ByTiana Schoney | Thu Jul 07 2022
The Benefits of Playing at a Power 5 School

The Benefits of Playing at a Power 5 School

Whether you are hoping to go pro or just looking to continue your sports career through college,...

ByBryan Armetta | Wed Jun 29 2022
2022 College Football Conference Preview: Which Pac 12 Team Will End On Top

2022 College Football Conference Preview: Which Pac 12 Team Will End On Top

The Pac-12 hasn't seen a team reach the College Football Playoff since Washington in 2016. It's a...

ByBryan Armetta | Mon Jun 27 2022
Where to find the most Division III football championships

Where to find the most Division III football championships

At nearly 500 miles apart, two small Midwestern cities play host to a pair of college campuses. At...

ByBrice Odel | Thu Jun 16 2022
How to Make Money as an Athlete

How to Make Money as an Athlete

As College Athletics test the limits of Name Image and Likeness (NIL) to funnel money directly to...

ByLeland | Thu Jun 02 2022
What Is 7-on-7 Football? And Why It Is The Best Offseason Activity

What Is 7-on-7 Football? And Why It Is The Best Offseason Activity

Another cold, barren football offseason is now upon us. As the Los Angeles Rams lifted the Lombardi...

ByBryan Armetta | Sun May 01 2022
Are The Kansas Jayhawks Next To Fly The Coop In Conference Realignment?

Are The Kansas Jayhawks Next To Fly The Coop In Conference Realignment?

College sports has had another topsy turvy summer with regards to major college sports programs...

ByAndrew Pistone | Tue Apr 05 2022
CFB Scout on How Football Recruits Can Earn Stars

CFB Scout on How Football Recruits Can Earn Stars

Stars matter. There. I’ve admitted it for the hundredth time. I’ve worked for three major...

ByEd O'Brien | Mon Feb 21 2022
What To Consider Before Going To A Football "Exposure" Camp

What To Consider Before Going To A Football "Exposure" Camp

During the offseason, thousands of high school football players will head to exposure camps hoping...

ByEd O'Brien | Mon Jan 31 2022
Jordan Palmer on the Evolution of The Quarterback Position

Jordan Palmer on the Evolution of The Quarterback Position

Former NFL quarterback Jordan Palmer was on Twitch explaining why the quarterback position has...

ByScotty Jenkins | Sun Jan 30 2022
Ranking the Top 5 Division III Football Conferences

Ranking the Top 5 Division III Football Conferences

In 2019 a CCIW (College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin) and a WIAC (Wisconsin Intercollegiate...

ByDrew Staczek | Sun Jan 30 2022
Beach Volleyball and Ice Hockey Championship Bracket Updates

Beach Volleyball and Ice Hockey Championship Bracket Updates

Everywhere sports fans turn, it seems like more teams are being allowed to compete for titles. The...

ByAndrew Pistone | Thu Jan 20 2022
Women's Gymnastics: Interview with Division III Head Coach, Kasey Crawford

Women's Gymnastics: Interview with Division III Head Coach, Kasey Crawford

University of Wisconsin La-Crosse [https://uwlathletics.com/sports/womens-gymnastics] has one of...

ByTiana Schoney | Tue Jan 04 2022
Who Will Win The 2022 College Football Playoff? Matchups And  Predictions

Who Will Win The 2022 College Football Playoff? Matchups And Predictions

And then there were four. This New Year's Eve, the College Football Playoff returns with an...

ByBryan Armetta | Sun Dec 26 2021
College Football: Jackson State Pulls An Off-Season Upset

College Football: Jackson State Pulls An Off-Season Upset

Most longtime fans of college football can rattle off some of the largest upsets in history without...

ByAndrew Pistone | Sat Dec 25 2021
College Football: Jack Coan’s Unlikely Path To Notre Dame

College Football: Jack Coan’s Unlikely Path To Notre Dame

Sometimes, life takes you in directions that you don’t expect. That could certainly be said for the...

ByAndrew Pistone | Mon Dec 20 2021
Women’s Basketball: Preseason Poll Released For 2021-2022 Season

Women’s Basketball: Preseason Poll Released For 2021-2022 Season

As the WNBA season wrapped up in mid-October, some of the younger women's basketball talent is just...

ByAlexis Peltzer-Harding | Thu Nov 11 2021
Which 3 Teams Can Win The Division I Men’s Soccer Championship?

Which 3 Teams Can Win The Division I Men’s Soccer Championship?

NCAA men’s soccer has kicked off within the past several weeks, and there are a bunch of very...

ByAndrew Pistone | Sun Oct 24 2021
The Top Women’s College Volleyball Players To Watch This Year

The Top Women’s College Volleyball Players To Watch This Year

NCAA Division I women’s volleyball is off to a flying start. As outlined in this...

ByAndrew Pistone | Fri Oct 22 2021
Celebrating the Pre-Eminent Elder Stateswoman of College Sports Fandom

Celebrating the Pre-Eminent Elder Stateswoman of College Sports Fandom

Any time anyone lives to be 102 years old, major props and a celebration are in order. When the...

ByAndrew Pistone | Wed Sep 29 2021
Division III Cross Country Runs Into Re-Alignment

Division III Cross Country Runs Into Re-Alignment

Changes are coming to the NCAA Division III cross country regional model that has been in...

ByAndrew Pistone | Fri Sep 24 2021
College Football: Presbyterian College Coach Who Doesn't Punt Faces Huge Loss

College Football: Presbyterian College Coach Who Doesn't Punt Faces Huge Loss

Kevin Kelley has gained national notoriety with his coaching style and outcomes in the first two...

ByJamison White | Wed Sep 22 2021