As some of you know already, Connor Ausland and Jack Harnsongkram of South Eugene High School tragically died on Feb. 5 while sitting on a rocky outcropping in Smelt Sands State Park in Yachats, OR. The Two were finalists in the "Mr. Axeman" pageant run by SEHS to raise money in the community for the Children's Miracle Network. A sneaker wave caught the two, with a group of other "Mr. Axeman" finalists and friends at roughly noon and swept them into to unforgiving ocean. As the sudden shockwave of grief and horror spread throughout the community, I couldn't believe what was happening. School on Monday was surreal. Sobbing students held each other, teachers broke down in front of class and reality struck. No more Connor. No more Jack. Through the thick, emotional air there was a strong sense of unity. If one good thing could come of this freak accident it would be an important life lesson learned the hard way; Hold on to those you have, never let the people you love forget that you love them and that life is a fragile, precarious thing-- treat it carefully and with respect.
Connor Gregory Ausland was 6'3'', strikingly handsome, intelligent, well-liked, musically talented, brazen and wise beyond his years as described by his family and friends. He played varsity basketball, spoke fluent French and loved Ultimate. While on the South Eugene Ultimate team he was on the starting line that brought home the Westerns title. Our boys lost a deep threat and a fiery competitor, but most of all we lost a brother. A fellow teammate should not be someone to take for granted. A teammate who practices day in and day out is hard to come by and they should be cherished lovingly. Ask yourself, how many players come to every practice, the wet and windy days especially? How many players will put their bodies on the line for you and your team every point? How many players will drag their soggy cleats out of their bag to run sprints after and full schedule of academics? The number that you come up with should be equivalent to the amount of players on your team, and if not, than you are in big trouble.
Connor could be a cheerleader, a coach, a wing, handler (preferably not), cutter or sideline voice. Connor is my inspiration. He is the reason why I play the game. I don't play for scholarships or coaches or even glory, I play for my team. Connor and the South Eugene squad did what few thought was too impressive. The "USA Ultimate" magazine only had a small write up of a few paragraphs and no photos of the team. Most people in the community did not react. We had a small article in one of Eugene's weekly newspapers, but we thought we deserved a ticker tape parade. All of the minor annoyances did not really seem to bother us though, we were champions. Connor proudly sported a long sleeved shirt that he bought from the Five Ultimate booth for weeks after we won. He will be sorely missed. I loved him as a teammate and person and I will never forget him. Rest in peace Jack and Connor.
Love, Vinh
Connor Gregory Ausland was 6'3'', strikingly handsome, intelligent, well-liked, musically talented, brazen and wise beyond his years as described by his family and friends. He played varsity basketball, spoke fluent French and loved Ultimate. While on the South Eugene Ultimate team he was on the starting line that brought home the Westerns title. Our boys lost a deep threat and a fiery competitor, but most of all we lost a brother. A fellow teammate should not be someone to take for granted. A teammate who practices day in and day out is hard to come by and they should be cherished lovingly. Ask yourself, how many players come to every practice, the wet and windy days especially? How many players will put their bodies on the line for you and your team every point? How many players will drag their soggy cleats out of their bag to run sprints after and full schedule of academics? The number that you come up with should be equivalent to the amount of players on your team, and if not, than you are in big trouble. 
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ReplyDeleteThanks for this vinh. You know its what were all thinking. Every practice, every throw, every cut he did it as hard as he could. And thats what we need to do. Work hard and make it happen. Connor would want nothing less then to bring the title home again, and we will with them in our hearts thoughts and actions.
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