Oregon HS basketball team starts four players in tribute to fallen teammate

Inspiring story today at the Portland Oregonian (via Prep Rally), about an Oregon High School basketball team’s tribute to a fallen teammate. South Eugene High started only four players in its game against Churchill on Wednesday, in honor of Connor Ausland, who, along with friend and schoolmate Jack Harnsongkram, were swept out to sea and died at a local state park Saturday afternoon. Close to 2,500 people, most wearing “No. 35″ T-shirts honoring both Ausland and Harnsongkram and including many players from other teams in the district, packed the gym for the tribute (video below). From the Oregonian:

“For us, tonight was not about winning,” said South Eugene coach Dave Hancock. “It was about taking a step forward. We wanted to celebrate Connor and Jack’s lives, play courageously and give our student body something good for a few minutes. It’s been a hard week.”

Before the game, students took the microphone and explained to the crowd that there would be no negative cheering. “No ‘airball,’ no ‘you got swatted,’” they said. “This is strictly about respect.”

Instead, students chose to chant “Jack and Connor!” every time they felt the Axemen needed some encouragement.

South Eugene won, 42-33.

“Connor’s in the house,” Greg Ausland said, his voice catching. “He wouldn’t miss this for anything.”

(Photo: Thomas Boyd, The Oregonian).

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South Eugene plays for ‘Jack and Connor!’ students who died at Oregon coast [Portland Oregonian]
Oregon team honors fallen teammate by starting with four players [Prep Rally]