The city of Oregon, Ohio was going to be an awkward place to be on Jan. 12, when the University of Oregon and Ohio State University are scheduled to compete for the Division I FBS college football championship. But resident Ohio State fans have successfully petitioned "City of Duck Hunters" into the name, at least until the championship is over.
The official legislation came to be after two residents created a Change.org petition following New Year's Day wins by Oregon and Ohio State.
"I grew up in Oregon, Ohio and love the city, but for the day of the 'Big Game' I am asking the city council to make a proclamation to change the name of the city for one day," the petition, written by Matt Squibb and Mark Rabbitt, read. "Call it Buckeye Town, Ohio City, Brutusville, whatever, you get the point. Let's not leave anything to chance here! Change the name and support the Buckeyes!"
Monday, the petition was put into action as the town decided to make the switch to "Oregon, Ohio Buckeyes on the Bay, City of Duck Hunters."
Here's the official proclamation (via ESPN): "Whereas, the City of Oregon officially adopted its name in 1838 as Oregon Township which happens to be 21 years before the State of Oregon received its statehood in 1859. And The City of Oregon has been petitioned by residents of the city to make it clear that we are not associated with Oregon University Ducks Football."
Not everything has gone smoothly, though. The Toledo Free Press notes that there are plenty of fans of other teams in the area, most notably supporters of hated Ohio State rival Michigan.
Rabbitt is actually a Michigan alum.
"We're just two guys going on a website and sparking something that most people would think is probably a really stupid thing, but to have so many people supporting it and then hopefully rooting for Ohio State to win it all is pretty great," he said.
Mayoral proclamation declares #Oregon "Ohio Buckeyes on the Bay, City of Duck Hunters" to support @OhioStAthletics pic.twitter.com/6fI6bmNvxp
— Lauren Lindstrom (@lelindstrom) January 5, 2015
