Jay, here.

It’s not a sexy subject, but the announcement of University of Oregon President Dave Frohnmayer’s impending retirement in June of 2008 should be of interest to all Duck fans. And Ducks fans should keep their eyes and ears open as the search committee begins the process of finding the next president.

With Pat Kilkenny’s probable departure at around the same time, a leadership vacuum will open up on campus. And nature abhors a vacuum. And, well, I think the Athletics and Academics abhor each other. And this will be an opportunity for a power-grab on the part of both parties. Unfortunately, considering Dave Frohnmayer’s favorable disposition towards athletics, I think the Athletics have more to lose and the Academics more to gain.

I anticipate 2009 being a year of immense change for the University of Oregon on both sides of the Willamette. And it all will start with who’s sitting in Johnson Hall.

So, keep your ears open (trust me, it’s kind of tough and painful to close them) and take a listen as George, Justin, and I talk about the impact Dave Frohnmayer’s departure will have on the future of Oregon athletics.

Click hear to listen to Duck Sports News on “The Writer’s Block”.

Listen to Jay from Duck Sports News every Wednesday on “The Writer’s Block” at around 2:20pm on Eugene-Springfield’s KSCR 1320 AM.