2023 Year in Review Part II:Ten stories from 2023 that deserve a second look

February 19, 2024 Kerry Eggers

Schonz in his “Rip City” pose. Look at those guns

1. January 21.

The Schonz finally climbs the golden ladder. What a ride it was

Bill Schonely’s death signaled the end of an era for the Trail Blazers. The final remaining piece from the inaugural season was gone. This article features observations about the Schonz from former Blazers such as Bill Walton, Bob Gross, Larry Steele, Jim Barnett, Darnell Valentine, Chris Dudley, Geoff Petrie and Dave Twardzik.

2. February 4.

Fit to wrestle for a title, and to change the world for the better

Mateo Olmos made his mark at Oregon State as a fine wrestler and as a leader, rebounding from the tragedy of his father’s suicide to make a difference in many people’s lives.

Randy Brack in his office in the North Marion hitting facility

3. May 12.

Presiding over North Marion baseball, it’s Brack as in rock

Since 1979, Randy Brack has been head baseball coach at North Marion High. Brack has built a respected program as well as a veritable Field of Dreams at North Marion.

4. July 17.

Huber’s is more than just a restaurant — it’s a Portland institution

Full disclosure: Huber’s Cafe is a supporting sponsor of kerryeggers.com. But the story of Portland’s most long-standing restaurant — it has been at its current location since 1910 — is extraordinary. This is a history lesson about a Portland institution that you don’t want to miss.

Raegan Beers is adept at shooting and scoring with either hand (courtesy OSU sports communications)

5. August 3.

Beers’ glass is overflowing with good stuff

Ahead of her sophomore season with Oregon State’s women’s basketball team, Raegan Beers showed her big personality in a wide-ranging interview. Her wide variety of interests and talents mean she may one day play in the WNBA, and the next day work in a ceramics shop or as a kindergarten teacher.

Steve “Lightning” McCoy is set to begin his 26th year as Oregon State’s athletics equipment manager

6. August 4.

The real McCoy: Beavers caught Lightning in a bottle

Oregon State’s football equipment manager for the past quarter-century, Steve McCoy has made lasting relationships with all of those he has worked with.

Little came into his own after Coach Dick Harter arrived on the scene in 1971 (courtesy Little family)

7. September 22.

The last rodeo for Doug Little: ‘a colossal loss for a lot of people’

Doug “Cowboy” Little died of kidney failure at age 72, but the former U of O basketball great’s legacy remains. Little’s friends, family members and former teammates share memories in this piece.

Christine Dudley and Chris Dudley, founders of “Live Heads Up,” with Jeff Young after he was honored at halftime of Lake Oswego-McMinnville game (courtesy Debbie Wakem)

8. September 28.

Young with Heart: Making a difference at Lake Oswego

Living with ALS for more than 40 years hasn’t stopped Jeff Young from being a coach and inspiration for the Lake Oswego High football team — and to many others.

9. October 21.

Alexis Serna to the OSU Athletics Hall of Fame: ‘It’s an incredible story’

As he prepared to join the Oregon State Athletics Hall of Fame, former Beaver placekicker Alexis Serna relived his Walter Mitty ride through a career that took him from the lowest of lows to the zenith of college football.

1970-71 Oregon State Rooks. From left, manager Harvey Berkey, Steve Soike, Doug Oxsen, Mark Henjum, Patrick Quigg, Carl Runyon, Steve Ericksen, assistant coach Jim Jarvis, Dean Ferree, Ron Jones

10. December 6.

They played, they thrived, and a half-century later, they’re still together

Eight players and a coach from the 1970-71 Oregon State Rooks basketball team got together more than 50 years later and had a ball swapping old stories.

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