Page 54 - Southern Oregon Magazine Spring 2018

neck of the woods | community

“At first, no one knew about us,” says of bringing Eberhart on board. Eberhart, a up,” he says. “We give hope to kids who might
DeLaGrange, but word has spread, and former Duck himself, brings over 18 years not have any.”
the alumni group has grown quickly as of experience to supporting former student
former Duck athletes are proactively athletes. “It was his passion at U of O,” The Foundation also pairs events with a com-
coming and joining OAF. “All of a adds DeLaGrange of Eberhart’s time at the munity project as well. “We want to give
sudden,” he says, “overnight we have a university, “just not his job description.” back to the communities we live in,” says
big organization out of a small passion.” The DeLaGrange. Last year, for example, they
university has also been very supportive, he Oregon Athlete Foundation offers a variety of provided a Grants Pass elementary school
adds, even connecting with them to reach out events over the year, including sports camps, with an upgraded play structure system and
to former students through OAF’s extensive fundraisers, employment support, reunions improvements to the schoolyard.
alumni database. and networking events in locations over the
western U.S. Most events are free or low- Looking ahead, DeLaGrange wants to see
There is no cost for former U of O student cost, adds DeLaGrange. “We don’t want it to the Foundation continue to connect current
athletes to be part of the Oregon Athlete be cost-prohibitive.” and former coaches, athletes and teammates
Foundation, points out DeLaGrange. “Initially, across the country and beyond. “We want
we were funded out of my pocket,” he says Their camps have a special place for to reach anywhere there are former Duck
laughing, but that has expanded as alumni DeLaGrange. “I got exposure to camps all athletes.”
Ducks have seen the value of the organization. over the country,” he says, remembering trips Oregon Athlete Foundation
“None of our board is paid,” points out that his father would take him on through 541-954-1603
DeLaGrange. Along with their time and effort, the years. “To be able to bring these coaches www.OregonAthleteFoundation.com
each board member contributes financially, and camps to small communities—that’s so
along with outside donations, as part of their satisfying to me.”
commitment to seeing Foundation programs
continue. The camps offer local high school students the
chance to come and learn from current and
They are currently served by 11 board former Ducks in a variety of sports. “Every
members, two student interns and their coach is a current or former U of O athlete,”
recently hired executive director, Jeff says DeLaGrange, and he loves seeing students
Eberhart. “It’s a perfect fit,” says DeLaGrange connect with the camp coaches. “They light

Michael DeLaGrange - Founder of OAF

52 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | spring 2018