Look how happy we all look.

This is a picture of hope and joy; anticipation and want. Sadly, it is also a picture of bragging rights never earned or realized.

Nearly half our CK team identifies themselves as a UO Duck. Many went there. Some have kids or spouses who went there. Others simply have friends who went there. But all these proud hopefuls showed up to demonstrate their lightening yellow and thunder green spirit in our photo taken the afternoon of Monday, January 12, the day of the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship.

The game that night kicked off to a fantastic start. The Ducks scored on their first drive, and we were all certain the nation would finally become Duck devotees. But it was not to be. In the end, the Buckeyes roasted the Ducks with a scorching 42-20 loss. The joy had been seared from our souls.

So what did we learn from all this? Surely we learned something. Could it have been a lesson in holding your head high no matter the situation? Or perhaps it was a lesson in never acting cocky. Those are always good lessons to learn.

But mostly, I think it was this: It was a lesson in believing in your team no matter what. We’re proud of those UO boys when the left the field. You could tell they still had the highest regard for one another.  No blame, no bad attitudes—just genuine support for all their team brethren.

And in that spirit, we say “So go team, go.” Here’s to all the accomplished members of the CK team. We appreciate your efforts and talent.