Lifelong Oregonian | Battling cancer | Sports reporter at the Statesman Journal | AP college football voter | Heisman Trophy voter | Biletnikoff Award voter
I have been diagnosed with cancer. In my rectum, colon, liver and lung. I start chemo Wednesday. My doctors believe chemo will knock it into remission. If I do nothing, I have just months to live. Obviously, I’m going to fight like hell.
“We left at halftime. My dad said, ‘Let’s get out of here.’” — North Salem’s TC Manumaleuna, a Polynesian and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who has a football scholarship offer from the Oregon Ducks
@usatodaysports
@USATODAY
I don’t know what the future holds for the Pac-12, but I do hope Oregon and Oregon State stay together in a conference. As a lifelong Oregonian, that rivalry means a lot to me. And it loses something if they split up. Thoughts?
#GoDucks
#GoBeavs
The AP poll is out. This week I have Oregon at No. 14 and Oregon State at No. 23. Why? Each has lost only to a Top-6 team. 6-2 combined. Both are legit Top-25 teams.
#GoDucks
#GoBeavs
Rough news yesterday that my cancer grew in the past 3 months. But we have a plan. Woke up this morning feeling pretty good that it’s a new day. I can’t wait to cover this fall sports season for the Statesman Journal, and begin my 22nd school year as a sports journalist. 🙏🏻 ❤️
I just passed the 2-year mark since my cancer diagnosis. The battle continues, but I feel great right now. Thanks for all the support. I’m incredibly blessed. 🙏🏻 ❤️
I had Oregon and Oregon State on my AP Top-25 ballot. The Ducks showed they’ll be fine, and the Beavers are taking big steps forward. I also moved Georgia to No. 1. Clearly the best team in the country.
#GoDucks
#GoBeavs
I’m a little surprised at how low some AP voters had Oregon State. They went 10-3, and two of those losses were by just 3 points. All three losses were to top-12 teams. And they beat the No. 15 team. Here is how I voted on my AP ballot.
#GoBeavs
I’ll admit that the Sark and Gundy stuff this week bothers me. There is a lot of pressure, I get it. But these coaches get paid seven figures a year. It’s not too much to ask them to act like professionals. My goodness.
The CT scan confirmed what we thought. I’m done with chemo. The past 6 months have been tough, but I’m glad I was able to work through it this time. On to recovery!
I’m seeing reports that Oregon State is talking to the Big 12. Also heard reports they aren’t. Accurate sourcing is incredibly difficult because very few know the truth, & they’re usually tight-lipped. Be skeptical of all reports. But remain hopeful. Nothing is certain.
#GoBeavs
Unfortunately the tumor grew a little bit. So they are switching up the medication. And we’ll go from there. It’s a setback, but hopefully just a small one. The fight continues. 💪 🙏🏻 ❤️
I wrapped up five weeks of radiation today. I’m feeling good and optimistic.
6-month chemo (2021) ✅
6-month chemo (2022) ✅
5-week radiation (2022) ✅
💪 🙏🏻
I start chemo again in 3 weeks. I’m starting from a stronger place this time, and I’ll keep fighting like hell. But I do find peace in Jim Valvano’s words.
Antonio who? Western Oregon and Cascade High School graduate Tyrell Williams scores the first touchdown of the season for the Oakland Raiders.
@JasonSlowey
@WOUWolves
Former McNary and Oregon State basketball player Deven Hunter made the difficult decision to end her playing career to pursue a career in teaching. She's happy with her choice.
@devenhunter32
@salemkeizer
@beaverwbb
I had a couple appointments at the hospital today. I went without the walker for the first time since May, and I had no problems. I’m getting the car back up and running next week. Hoping for in-person assignments for work after that. Progress is being made.
@TonyDungy
In fact, Manning won his final three playoff matchups against Brady. It’s funny how wrong some narratives can be. I bet most fans would say Manning got owned by Brady in the postseason. Simply isn’t true.
As a lifelong 49ers fan, I was excited to see how they could use
@Jackcolletto
on offense, defense and/or special teams. So awesome to see him score a touchdown. Oregon State fans have known for a long time how special of a player he is.
#GoBeavs
I did not have the Ducks on my AP Top 25 ballot. I just didn’t see enough to justify it. But there are still plenty of games to be played. I did have the Beavers at No. 25.
Some West Salem athletes signed a basketball for me, and it was delivered today. I’m incredibly humbled by this. I love covering sports in my hometown. I love the Salem community with all my heart. ❤️
@salemkeizer
@WS_TITAN_FB
@WSHSTitanTrack
I met with my oncologist Wednesday. I’ll be getting back on track with the chemo pills here shortly. I’ll also have a CT scan soon to check on things. But the important thing is that I’ve been feeling pretty good since the surgery last month. ❤️ 🙏🏻 💪
It’s been quite an offseason, but now it’s time for Oregon State’s football team to take the field. Here is a full preview of the Beavers’ opener against San Jose State.
#GoBeavs
For those who think Marcus Mariota is a “gadget” guy. He threw for 6,200+ yards, 45 TDs, 19 INTs in his first two years. If he’s healthy and given support, he can be a starter. Glad the Falcons are giving him a shot.
Former Central High School player Tanner Omlid says he wants to have "no regrets" when he's done playing at Western Oregon. The Wolves' men's basketball team is ranked No. 6 in the nation.
@PantherStomp
@WOUWolves
@keithomlid
Not the best of news today. The cancer is starting to push back in my lung. Starting in January, I’ll have to sorta go back to chemo, but not as intense as before. I’ll do that for six months, then chemo pills. I’m starting from a stronger spot this time, so there is optimism.
@MattPrehm
I don’t understand it. I had Ducks No. 6 and Ohio State No. 7. The Ducks have struggled since that game, but you can’t pretend that game didn’t happen.
I’ll have a story about it later this weekend, but all six Salem-Keizer football teams made the playoffs. This is so awesome. Congrats to everybody. You’ve earned it.
@salemkeizer
Taking 13 pills a day isn’t ideal, but it’s better than the intense chemo and radiation treatments I went through. So I can definitely handle the pills.
So I’ve heard today that Justin Herbert finally got the monkey off his back by making the playoffs. 🤦🏻♂️ It’s Year 3, folks. And he’s already dealt with a coaching change. Some are acting like he’s been in the NFL 10 years without a playoff game. Ridiculous commentary.
#GoDucks
A big thank you to
@tysonalger
for the nice article on me. I truly love my job and the Salem community. Doing the job I love really does help me in my battle with cancer. 🙏🏻 ❤️
I just wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving week. I have so much to be thankful for this year, including another holiday season with my family. I hope everybody gets to spend time with loved ones.