Get ready for an incredible journey with these Oregon Ducks superfans! A tale of dedication and adventure awaits!
Gary Thompson, Mike Raabe, and Collin Goolsby are the ultimate Oregon Ducks supporters, and their love for the team knows no bounds. These fans have embraced the challenge of following their beloved Ducks across the country, and their story is an inspiring one.
When the Ducks joined the Big Ten Conference in 2024, these fans' travel adventures truly kicked into high gear. New cities, new stadiums, and new experiences awaited them. Thompson shared, "It's been a blast exploring places I haven't had the chance to visit much before. Meeting new people and experiencing different cultures is so enriching. The Midwest folks are incredibly welcoming, especially during tailgating!"
For years, their fall Saturdays were dominated by home games and road trips within the Pac-12 Conference. But now, they're tackling longer journeys, trading easy West Coast flights for multiple connections and drives to small towns that require careful planning. And they're loving every minute of it!
"The added challenges are worth it," Raabe said. "Visiting different parts of the country, seeing unique stadiums, and connecting with fellow fans and locals has been an incredible experience. It fuels our passion to watch Oregon play in every Big Ten venue."
But here's where it gets controversial... These fans are not just casual travelers; they're serious about their fandom. Oregon fans now face more extensive travel than ever before. They've bid farewell to primarily visiting nearby cities like the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Pacific Northwest schools. Through two seasons in the Big Ten, the Ducks have ventured to Purdue, Michigan, Wisconsin, and more. Next season brings trips to Illinois, Michigan State, and Ohio State.
And this is the part most people miss... The distances these fans are covering are impressive. This season's Big Ten road games alone total a whopping 17,328 miles round trip from Eugene! But these dedicated fans are making their presence felt on the road, and their stories are a testament to their passion.
For Thompson, the move to the Big Ten offered a new travel experience. Growing up as a Ducks fan in Lorane, Oregon, he attended his first road game at just 11 years old. That early exposure to the thrill of live sports hooked him for life. "I loved being a part of it," he said.
Raabe, a seasoned fan and season ticket holder for 20 years, has attended countless road games. He's even missed a few, but it still bothers him. "Missing a game is tough, especially when you've been to all the losses," he joked.
Goolsby, who missed his first road trip this season due to work commitments, has a unique perspective. He married into a Ducks family and became a fan during the Joey Harrington era, drawn by the team's unique uniforms. "Even when the Ducks lose, the memories are precious," he said.
But the travel isn't always easy. All three fans agree that Big Ten travel can be challenging. Last year's trip to Michigan proved to be a wild ride, with flight cancellations and mechanical issues. "It was crazy, but we made it work," Thompson recalled.
Even smooth trips can be exhausting. For the Penn State game, Thompson and Goolsby took a red-eye to Baltimore, followed by a long drive to Harrisburg and then State College. But the dedication pays off. "Seeing the Ducks win in hostile territory is an incredible feeling," Goolsby said.
The fans have encountered incredible hospitality along the way. "The fans have embraced us, and it's been a joy to experience their kindness," Raabe said. From Penn State to Wisconsin, the supporters have been welcoming, even after tough losses.
And here's a fun fact: Thompson and Raabe had a hilarious moment in Iowa City when they realized they were wearing identical Ducks outfits! "We laughed it off and enjoyed the moment," Thompson said.
So, what keeps these fans going? The experiences, the friends made along the way, and the thrill of supporting their team. "It's not just about the wins and losses; it's about the people you meet," Raabe said, quoting Coach Lanning.
As they plan their next adventures, these fans are excited for the upcoming road games and potential playoff trips. The planning process is a fun part of the journey, keeping their excitement alive during the offseason.
Will they achieve their goal of visiting every Big Ten stadium? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: their dedication to the Oregon Ducks is an inspiration to all sports fans!
So, what do you think? Are these fans' travels worth the effort? Share your thoughts in the comments!
