The Sun Bowl

Wednesday - 31 December 2003 - Las Cruces, New Mexico - The Ducks had the same fate as UCLA - they lost. My driver is miserable and has lost his voice from cheering (yelling) during the game. I didn't think it was that bad of a day - except that The Ducks lost. It was a sunny day! We did need our coats until about half-time, but we were never cold during the game. We parked free in a UTEP lot and walked up above the stadium to the U of O Alumni party. While this wasn't exactly a wild party (it WAS 10 o'clock in the morning), they had a live band and a big buffet filled with breakfast items, Bloody Mary's, Screwdrivers and beer. (Beer - it's not just for breakfast anymore.) The Duck band arrived and entertained us with the fight song and a few other tunes. We ran into friends and had something to eat before heading into Sun Bowl Stadium.

Ducklings with the Sun Bowl Queen and Her Court


The Alumni Party


The Mighty O Marching Band

The stadium was packed! We thought there would be many empty seats, but there were people standing outside the stadium trying to buy tickets... that is a good sign. The University of Oregon had given 1,000 game tickets to the soldiers stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso. Minnesota did not, as it was reported in the local newspaper. This meant, of course, that we had 1,000 extra Duck fans in attendance. Every one of them in fatigues, boots and berets and not one of them older than Lisa. Fort Bliss also sent their finest paratroopers who are world-renown for their skill. One of them scared the *%@! out of me! A group of 6 or 7 men jumped out of a plane over the stadium before kick-off. They were trailing red smoke and were wearing jerseys of both schools. While we were watching, clearly one of the men was having all sorts of trouble with his chute. It was quite frightening, but they were so high, it was difficult to really understand what was going on. Suddenly, he slipped out of his chute and began to fall to earth. It was so incredibly disturbing; I can't even describe the horror. But paratroopers are quite clever and he had ANOTHER chute strapped to his back, and he sailed gently and safely to El Paso. He didn't, however, land in the stadium. He must have been embarrassed, because he chose to drop into the parking lot next door! Thank goodness, I didn't care where he landed!

The Duck and the Band


Balloons released during half-time


Band entertaining at half-time

DT feels the crowd was never really into the game. I think the long, long, ever-lasting time-outs due to the television commercials really broke-up the game too much. There was a lot to watch though - not to worry. I guess UTEP is too cheap to put up nets at the goals, so every time a field goal goes through the uprights and into the stands, they have a guy who is supposed to chase it down and return it to the field. For what reason, I am not sure. I call him the Ball Nazi. There was no way a fan was going to give up the ball, so it was passed around the stadium and the B.N. ran in front of the stands, waiting for someone to throw it to him. No one ever did. It is the stupidest job EVER. But there can't be too much wrong with a school that sells Krispie Kreme donuts and Hooters Chicken Wings - not to mention beer - in their stadium. Also, there were so many beach balls being batted around the stadium, I kept expecting Jimmy Buffett to play at half time. We sat with complete strangers, but had fun with them.

No one is really sure why Bellotti called the time outs with seconds to go in the game. Even Lisa phoned from DC wondering what was going on. But he did. Of course, we will never know what would have happened if the Golden Gophers had been forced to rush a field goal.

This guy made a long drive!


Coach Bellotti's brain activity the last 28 seconds of the game

So, we limped home. DT had pretty much lost his voice, but I did occasionally hear grunts, groans and the word "Bellotti" coming from his side of the car.

Don't think of it as a loss. Think of it as "now we can focus on basketball"! Out with the Old,  In with the New. (Except, I think I will keep my old, grumpy driver.) From our camper to yours - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

RV Park: Hacienda RV Resort