Spring Break
Inaugural scarf
The Daily Barometer Editorial Board
Issue date: 1/21/09 Section: Forum
Imagine if just one color was different on the scarf that will live on in Oregon State history, an orange and black scarf worn at Tuesday's inauguration. Forgive the inaugural commentators who claimed it was for Princeton, we of the Beaver Nation know that the colors were for us.
What if that hint of black had been brown, however? OSU's basketball coach Craig Robinson, supporting his little sister's husband in an orange and brown scarf. Prior to athletic director Bob DeCarolis hiring Robinson, the first brother-in-law was at Brown University.
The screen would likely have been up in the Memorial Union regardless of Robinson's presence, giving the Oregon State students and staff the opportunity to witness the momentous occasion in the history of the United States. But how many people tuned in just to see if Oregon State was well represented?
A potential Beaver fan in office, President Obama is known as a White Sox fan, but it is documented that he does follow his brother-in-law's men on the court.
Obama was well aware that Robinson had led Oregon State to their first Pac-10 win in two years, hence the phone call from Obama telling Robinson that he needed to cut short so he could worry about his own duties.
If Robinson were still a Brown Bear, how close would Oregon State students feel to this historic event? Robinson's inaugural scarf, in the proximity of Obama, might have actually been orange and black for Princeton.
The Presidential Inauguration brought with it anticipation for the words to come from Obama's mouth. Students all over campus missed class yesterday morning to see the first election in years that had a large youth following.
The MU Commons was at attention to view the exit of George W. Bush from office. Bookstore employees glanced at the television screens, commenting on the events unfolding across the country.
A fan was shown on television during Oregon State's men's basketball loss to Washington on Saturday wearing the Oregon State "O-bama" shirt, prompting comments from the Fox Sports commentators. How much buzz would that shirt have truly brought had Robinson never set foot in Corvallis?
Would the Oregon State marching band have taken time to learn "Hail to the Chief," if we had selected Grier?
With that, the orange and black scarf wrapped around the neck of Craig Robinson symbolized many things for this college town in Oregon's Willamette Valley. A sense of pride to alumni, professors and students, a sense of awareness for potential recruits of the future and confidence to the Beaver basketball players watching their coach on a big stage. Most importantly, it is the sense of connection with the man who will lead our country for the next four years.
Editorials serve as a platform for Barometer editors to offer commentary and opinions on issues both global and local, grand in scale and diminutive. The views expressed here are a reflection of the editorial board majority. Disagree? E-mail a letter to the editor or guest column to editor@dailybarometer.com.
What if that hint of black had been brown, however? OSU's basketball coach Craig Robinson, supporting his little sister's husband in an orange and brown scarf. Prior to athletic director Bob DeCarolis hiring Robinson, the first brother-in-law was at Brown University.
The screen would likely have been up in the Memorial Union regardless of Robinson's presence, giving the Oregon State students and staff the opportunity to witness the momentous occasion in the history of the United States. But how many people tuned in just to see if Oregon State was well represented?
A potential Beaver fan in office, President Obama is known as a White Sox fan, but it is documented that he does follow his brother-in-law's men on the court.
Obama was well aware that Robinson had led Oregon State to their first Pac-10 win in two years, hence the phone call from Obama telling Robinson that he needed to cut short so he could worry about his own duties.
If Robinson were still a Brown Bear, how close would Oregon State students feel to this historic event? Robinson's inaugural scarf, in the proximity of Obama, might have actually been orange and black for Princeton.
The Presidential Inauguration brought with it anticipation for the words to come from Obama's mouth. Students all over campus missed class yesterday morning to see the first election in years that had a large youth following.
The MU Commons was at attention to view the exit of George W. Bush from office. Bookstore employees glanced at the television screens, commenting on the events unfolding across the country.
A fan was shown on television during Oregon State's men's basketball loss to Washington on Saturday wearing the Oregon State "O-bama" shirt, prompting comments from the Fox Sports commentators. How much buzz would that shirt have truly brought had Robinson never set foot in Corvallis?
Would the Oregon State marching band have taken time to learn "Hail to the Chief," if we had selected Grier?
With that, the orange and black scarf wrapped around the neck of Craig Robinson symbolized many things for this college town in Oregon's Willamette Valley. A sense of pride to alumni, professors and students, a sense of awareness for potential recruits of the future and confidence to the Beaver basketball players watching their coach on a big stage. Most importantly, it is the sense of connection with the man who will lead our country for the next four years.
Editorials serve as a platform for Barometer editors to offer commentary and opinions on issues both global and local, grand in scale and diminutive. The views expressed here are a reflection of the editorial board majority. Disagree? E-mail a letter to the editor or guest column to editor@dailybarometer.com.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
S. Cain
posted 1/21/09 @ 1:55 PM PST
Good thing there was an "OS" logo on that scarf so we can rest assured that it was, in fact, a gesture to Beaver Nation!
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