Ducks finally fly north: Oregon’s flight to Spokane Regional delayed a day

Mechanical issues with Oregon’s plane Thursday night kept the Ducks in Eugene until Friday morning.

The biggest disappointment: The Ducks missed dinner at the home of Oti Gildon, the former Gonzaga Prep star who now plays for the Ducks.

“I’ve eaten there before. It’s impressive,” Oregon coach Kelly Graves said. “I knew they had a big old slab of ribs ready for the team last night. Yeah, she was disappointed, because I think she was really excited to go home and show off her family to the team and everything.”

Otherwise, the Ducks showed no ill effects from their early morning flight, mentally or otherwise.

“I reminded our team and sent them a little text today about our core values and principles,” Graves said. “Number one on that list is we choose to be positive.”

Graves said it with a big smile.