2022 Year In Review Part I: The ten most read stories
To subscribers and readers: Thanks for helping make 2022 a successful one for our website.
After delivering 79 stories in 2021, our first full year in service, we issued 131 posts in 2022, a 40 percent increase. We had more than 118,698 page views in 2022, a 52 percent hike from the previous year.
We conducted our first “Pros vs. Joes Bracket Challenge,” allowing sporting celebrities and fans to compete against other predicting winners of games in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. 20 Pros competed against 55 “Joes” entrants offering their prognostications, with prizes offered for the best and worst overall records. With sponsorship again from Salem/Keizer area sports bars Sammie’s Pub and Lotto and Blackjacks On Commercial, we plan to continue the contest this year.
And we added a number of sponsors, which offers the financial assistant to allow readers to subscribe to the website for free. Cook Solutions Group is our presenting sponsor. Supporting sponsors are Cutsforth’s Market of Canby; Claudia’s Sports Pub and Grill; Sports Management Worldwide; Javier Spyker, attorney at law; Bravuro Cellars Vineyard and Jeff Sanders Entertainment.
Here are the 10 most-read articles from 2022. I Part II, I look back at the 10 stories that I believe merit a second look.
Poyer and his Buffalo teammates sent a cold blast New England’s way in a 47-17 wild-card playoff dismantling of the Patriots on January 15, 2022.
10) February 10. Jordan Poyer is an All-Pro — and all sober
Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer was named first-team All-Pro for the first time, but equally important for the former Oregon State star, he was celebrating his two years of sobriety.
Barney has served as the Beavers’ first-base coach along with other duties the past two years (courtesy OSU sports information)
9) April 27. Barney chooses Beaver baseball over pros
Former Beaver shortstop Darwin Barney explains why he chose a spot on the coaching staff of former teammate Mitch Canham at OSU over a Triple-A managerial position.
8) March 10. Boca Raton is home for Yvenson Bernard
This was one of the twenty profiles I did as part of the “Pros vs. Joes Bracket Challenge”. The former OSU running back is now living in his native Florida but retains strong ties to the state of Oregon and his alma mater.
The final rites for Blazer patriarch Harry Glickman, here shown with Bill Schonely, took place on July 8
7) July 30. On the Godfather’s Return, Glickman’s final rest, Beaver baseball
This notes column hits on several topics, including Dwight Jaynes’ return to the air waves, the death of Blazer patriarch Harry Glickman and an early look at signees and returnees for OSU baseball ’23.
Anthony Gould busts through California’s punt team for a 55-yard touchdown return in Oregon State’s 38-10 victory Saturday night at Reser Stadium (photo courtesy OSU sports communications)
6) November 13. Nice win for Beavers but injuries a worry
Interest in OSU football was on the rise as the Bears dismantled California, but a growing number of injuries were a concern heading into the season’s final weeks.
The long-time Oregon State football coach has been hired as head coach of the New Jersey Generals of the new United States Football League
5) January 6. A new coaching adventure for Mike Riley
The Corvallis native and resident and ex-OSU coach talked about his latest venture, coaching the New Jersey Generals of the USFL.
Freshman infielder Travis Bazzana, the MVP of the West Coast League last summer, will likely start somewhere for Oregon State this season (courtesy OSU sports information)
4) February 7. Beavers eyes on the prize as baseball season unfurls
OSU baseball fans can never get enough information on their team; this was a first hit on the ’22 squad.
The Eugene Air BnB that benefits Oregon linebacker Noah Sewell through an NIL deal
3) October 14. The ABCs of NIL
An attempt to break down the complexities of “Name, Image and Likeness,” which allows college athletes to be paid for their services. I hadn’t seen a comprehensive look at this subject anywhere. I hope I was able to provide that with this piece.
Legendary broadcaster Bill Schonely is set to retire from the Trail Blazers on June 30
2) March 9. The Schonz is hanging up his microphone
The ever-popular Bill Schonely announces his retirement after nearly 50 years with the Trail Blazers. Also, on April 11, a recount of “Bill Schonely Night” at Moda Center, where the end of an era was made official.
Most of the Grant/Wonder clan pose with Jaydon after a Beaver victory at Reser Stadium (courtesy Gina Wonder)
1) November 22. Seven years later, one great Beaver says goodbye
Jaydon Grant’s Oregon State football career had to end sometime, and this story goes inside to talk to family members, coaches and teammates about the life of the star safety and son of former Blazer forward Brian Grant.
► ◄
Readers: what are your thoughts? I would love to hear them in the comments below. On the comments entry screen, only your name is required, your email address and website are optional, and may be left blank.
Follow me on Twitter.
Like me on Facebook.
Find me on Instagram.
Be sure to sign up for my emails.
