Oregon’s “Shout!” has been named one of the oldest traditions in the Pac-12. But is it even the oldest tradition at Oregon?
Contrary to popular belief, Oregon Duck football didn’t start once Chip Kelly arrived.
Kelly brought a lot to the table when he replaced Mike Belotti as coach. The hurry-up offense, the wins, and “Shout!” has become one of the neatest traditions to be introduced to the program.
According to USA TODAY writer Paul Myerberg, who recently ranked the traditions that filter throughout the Pac-12, the song played in the second half inside Autzen belongs in the middle tier of traditions.
Oregon has the rotation of jersey changes and an elite mascot in The Duck. But one of the program’s oldest traditions comes between the third and fourth quarters at Autzen Stadium, when the fans sing the song “Shout!” from the 1978 movie “Animal House,” which was filmed on campus in Eugene.
He’s right except for one aspect. Shout! is a fairly new tradition, not one of the oldest. I’d argue the oldest and best tradition involves that elite mascot of The Duck. The riding on the motorcycle leading the team out of the tunnel began almost 25 years ago.
Another tradition that also began in the 1990s, I believe is public address Don Essig saying, “It never rains at Autzen Stadium!” There was a period of about five or six years where it didn’t rain during home games and wham! A tradition began.
The highlight video ending with Kenny Wheaton’s interception to beat Washington with Jerry Allen’s iconic call began shortly after that 1994 Rose Bowl season and has been an Autzen staple ever since.
So in one respect, Myersburg is right. Shout! is a tradition at Oregon, but it’s far from being one of the oldest.
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