Does this guy seem familiar? You may recognize him from always being front row and featured in the student section at our athletics games such as football and basketball! Meet Isaiah truong, this week’s Campus Celeb!
Name: Isaiah Truong
Year: Sophomore
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Portland, Ore.
HCO: When did you become part of Pit Crew?
I officially joined the Pit Crew board in April of 2014 as a freshman. I became a part of Pit Crew when I went to the Oregon vs. Nicholls football in last August, which was my first Oregon athletic event as a student.
HCO: What interested you in joining?
Taking pride in your school, and possible alma mater, and showing school spirit was some of the biggest reasons I joined. Plus, it brings different people together. I’ve met some incredible people and made some great friends who are or were a part of Pit Crew because we share the same passion; we love our Ducks.
HCO: What are you involved in doing as a member of Pit Crew?
Pit Crew has two teams; Media and Operations. I’m a part of the Operations team. There are about 15 of us, and we handle everything in-game, from the moment you arrive to the sporting venue to the moment you leave. Most of us are usually the first to arrive and the last to leave. We administer chants and cheer and get the crowded fired up. We make the environment as hostile as possible.
HCO: Is Pit Crew a large time commitment?
Most of the time, yes it can be, but it all depends on the scheduling of events. This past weekend, I was at Matthew Knight from 1:30 PM til about 8:30 PM on Friday for the men’s basketball and volleyball game, and from 10 AM til about 4 PM on Sunday for the volleyball and women’s basketball game. I arrived at Autzen around 9 AM for the game vs. Colorado and left around 4:30 on Saturday.
HCO: What is your favorite memory so far?
Favorite memory would have to be storming the court against Arizona after pulling off the upset. I’ve seen it on TV many times, but to actually experience it was surreal. We were down for the most part of that game, but we rallied back and got the W.
HCO: Do you have any crazy experiences from being a member?
I once went to 11 Oregon athletic events in a three day time span, including five in one day. The first event was on April 17th and the last event was on April 19th. On the 18th, I went to track, softball, volleyball, soccer, and baseball on the same day. It was quite an experience. Earlier this term, there were 2,500 students, including 2,200 freshman in attendance for the volleyball game vs/ Colorado. There were more students at that game than there was at the Arizona game back in March. That was absolutely insane. I’ve never seen Matthew Knight so packed and so loud.
HCO: What would you say to someone who is considering joining Pit Crew?
Go to games, be loud, and have fun. Don’t be intimidated. Feel free to start chants and cheers (as long as they’re appropriate) regardless if you’re on the board or not. Pit Crew is the student section of Oregon athletics. If you go to games and be loud, you are already a part of Pit Crew. If you’re looking to get more involved, this is the best way to establish yourself and express your interest.
HCO: Outside of Pit Crew, what do you enjoy doing with your free time?
I really enjoy working out and staying active. I work out at least five days a week and participate in at least one intramural each term. I also really enjoy just hanging out with friends and socializing. I’m an avid video gamer as well.
HCO: Anything else you’d like to mention?
I am dubbed “protégé” by Tanner Faris, who was a featured Campus Celebrity last year. I dubbed him “master” because he’s taught me what it means to be a Duck fan and passed down his Oregon “O” chain to me while he is on a hiatus from the school to fulfill a mission in Nicaragua. We met at the Oregon-Nicholls game and he’s been one of my closest friends. We’ll be seeing him in early 2016 when he returns.
Stay up-to-date with the Oregon Pit Crew:
Website: www.uopitcrew.com,
Facebook: Oregon Pit Crew
Twitter/Instragram/SnapChat: @oregonpitcrew
Follow Isaiah on Twitter and Instagram: @isaiahtruong.
Go Ducks!