During Oregon’s game against Washington at Autzen Stadium, a baby in a fuzzy duck costume captured the hearts of fans. Eight-month-old Avery White, held up by her father, also named Avery, became the surprise star of the evening, earning cheers each time she appeared on the big screen. Her animated kicks in the chilly air and adorable costume won over the crowd.
The Whites, from Northern California, have made it a tradition to attend a different college football game every Thanksgiving since 2016. While Avery, a Sacramento State alum and former football player, has no strong allegiances beyond his alma mater, the family always supports the home team. This year, the addition of baby Avery led to a special touch: her dad bought the duck costume online, making her an honorary Oregon Duck for her first college football game.
The family also enjoyed exploring Eugene, visiting a local library for story time and sampling local spots like McMenamins and Track Town Pizza, thanks to recommendations from a relative.
Reflecting on their experience, Wendy and Avery noted the camaraderie that college sports fosters. They hope their daughter will someday appreciate how sports fandom can bring people together. Fans at the game were equally enchanted, with some asking for photos with the “famous baby” and suggesting she might be a lucky charm for the Ducks.
The Whites ranked the Autzen Stadium atmosphere among the best they’ve experienced, adding it to a list that includes venues like LSU’s Death Valley and Michigan’s Big House. For this young family, the night was a memorable addition to their annual tradition and a heartwarming reminder of the unifying power of sports.
