Story Roger Bong

Photos Tara Khoshbin

Video Behind the Scenes, 2009 Oregon Linemen Calendar

Last year's Oregon Linemen Calendar, featuring University of Oregon football players, was so successful it sold out almost immediately. “People were flying around and trying to get their hands on the calendar,” says UO Assistant Athletic Director James Harris, who oversaw the calendar’s production.

It started as a project for the offensive linemen during the off-season.

"It's definitely something to take our minds off football," says former lineman Jeff Kendall who, despite having graduated in June 2008, attended some photo shoots this year. Last year Kendall dressed up — or down — as a shirtless, scarf-wearing moped rider on the stairs of the Lillis Business Complex.

Harris, Kendall, and former lineman Jacob Hucko created the calendar from the ground up. Hucko and Kendall helped organize photo shoots and create concepts for each scene in the calendar last year.

Harris did a similar project during his tenure as coordinator of sports nutrition at the University of Nebraska. It was basic, simply taking a few pictures and going to a copy shop, Harris says. It was nothing compared to what he’s done with the Ducks.

This year’s calendar features both offensive and defensive linemen. “You don’t necessarily see those guys on a daily basis,” Harris says. The calendar is a chance for the linemen to show their personalities to Duck fans.

"It's our way of having a little fun," says offensive lineman Jordan Holmes, a junior. Holmes says the calendar strengthens the unity and bond between the linemen, both offensive and defensive.

This year's calendar, unlike the last, has a theme: “Friends and Competitors.”

"The whole process has gotten a lot smoother," says Kendall. Having a former lineman as the photographer this year is no exception. Ian Reynoso, the new photographer, graduated with an art degree in 2006. "Ian had a better understanding," Harris says. "He was one of the guys."

Within the pages of the calendar, junior Kenny Rowe and sophomore Darrion Weems prepare for a race in the UO Student Recreation Center swimming pool. They're wearing nothing but swim trunks and goggles.

Sophomore Mark Asper is caught mid-serve in a game of tennis against senior Simi Toeaina.

Sophomore Terrell Turner watches as senior Mike DiVincenzo follows through his golf swing at the Eugene Country Club. DiVincenzo's younger brother, Chris, plays Jenga with fellow junior Conrad Davis.

And Will Tukuafu challenges himself to a game of chess. "One thing I like to do," Tukuafu says, "is try to be strategic on the field." The defensive end enjoys the idea of competing against himself. "I think the picture depicts it very well."

Newly appointed head football coach Chip Kelly appears on the cover. Kelly was supposed to have a cameo in the shot with Asper and Toeaina, but they were unable to reshoot in time.

Head trainer Kevin "Chief" Steil makes an appearance too — as the referee for a Rock, Paper, Scissors match between sophomores Ramsen Golpashin and Matt Simms.

As for junior Max Forer, who dressed up for an intense match of table tennis, he felt he fit the part perfectly.

"I shimmied my way down," Forer says of his squatting ping-pong stance. "Luckily I'm in that position all the time.”

"People are saying, 'We need to take

it to the next level,'" Harris explains. Although the next calendar will still feature just linemen, Harris hopes for a cameo by the university's president. He also wants to expand the project's reach to other sports teams. "We don't want it to be just the linemen from the football team," he says. The women's lacrosse team is one of many teams that want to participate.

Harris also wants more students involved in producing the calendar. It's a win-win situation that allows students build their resumes while helping people in the community.

Proceeds from this year's calendar will go to Oregon Heroes, an organization that creates opportunities for UO athletes to make positive changes in the community. O Heroes will use the funds raised to benefit families in need across Lane County during the holiday season.

"This year, we wanted to keep the money local," Harris says. Last year's proceeds, nearly $2,000, went to the National Childhood Obesity Foundation. About three hundred copies were printed for the spring football game this year. Public demand will determine whether more copies will be made.

Copies of the calendar will be made available online at GoDucks.com. Hucko plans to distribute the calendar at Duck Stores in Eugene and Portland. For more information, contact Jacob Hucko at jacobhucko@gmail.com.