Facing the college football offseason as a new site that writes mostly about college football felt a bit daunting. But looking back at the past month, I can happily say The I-5 Corridor is accomplishing its goal of providing unique stories worth reading.
Other sites can produce more content and I certainly can’t compete with corporate pricing that give discounts upwards of 90 percent. But we’re six months old this week, we’re still growing and I’m certainly grateful for everyone who has been along for the ride.
A specific shoutout to Aidan Schneider for being a joy to podcast with and to Shane Hoffmann, whose basketball stories have been a great contribution. I’d like to hire him, but he’ll probably be off working for ESPN by the time I can afford that.
If I can ask a favor: If you read something you like here, please don’t be afraid to share. We’re running on word of mouth, and every time someone shares a story on social — or in real old-fashioned conversation — it continues to lend the site credibility.
The writing’s ok and all, but a t-shirt would be fire. In all seriousness, you’re doing the Lord’s work and I need to subscribe. I’d totes buy a shirt though.
I enjoyed your podcast with the Hillsboro Hops. I would be interested in hearing more about the teams that were cut from the league and how they are doing. I know the Salem Volcanoes have started their own league. Maybe an article/podcast about that?
Another topic could be Nascar's second series coming to Portland for the first time in a while. I think it's in June.
Overall, I am happy with the content. I am here for the Football news but I've liked learning more about the other sports around the state.
I golf often at Heron Lakes, which borders the Portland speedway. I'm going to want to cover the race (because those events never happen here), but it might be a funny story to play a round during qualifying.
1. At some point I'd definitely like to revisit the recruiting classes that will make up the football roster for the upcoming season. I'd also like to see just how much Dana Altman has relied on transfers since becoming the head coach and explore his success rate with them as this appears to be the first season where a roster without players growing in the program is starting to turn fans off. I'd also like to know more about the softball program and how it's changed since Mike White's departure to Texas. A local angle on Wilcox "turning down" the Oregon job would be interesting too. I think "where they are now" stories on former players could work as well. More Pac 12 focused related content isn't something I'd be against. You could always do "fun" articles like matching local beers/breweries for each Pac 12 school as well.
2. I enjoy the content a lot. It's good and unique. Other than word of mouth I'm not all that sure how else to grow the site. Perhaps more guest spots on podcasts/radio when those opportunities present itself but that also takes away from your own personal time which you may or many not want to do. More colabs with media members with Oregon ties (Geoff, Dan, etc.) is something I'd think about.
I meant to have a paid subscription and finally subscribed to both your and Canzano's sites. I wish you both well.
1. I'd like an article on your thoughts regarding Cristobal's TRUE time frame in deciding to leave the UO. Call me a conspiracy theorist, but I have the sneaking suspicion that he had one foot out the door many, many months before he left. The way the team seemed unprepared for the last 3-4 games of the season to the worst recruiting class that he had while he was at the UofO to the fact that most of the coaches seemed to have "next jobs" lined up right after he left makes me think that most of his staff knew he was leaving long before he came on Canzano's show with his "Nothing but Gratitude" b.s. goodbye.
2. I'd be curious to see what the N.I.L. amounts actually are for the UofO football players. Having a good potential N.I.L. pipeline seems to be important for 4 and 5 star players and the UofO seems to be pulling a fair number of those visits. So, I'm curious what the UofO staff is selling as far as N.I.L.
3. As far as growing your site/brand, I'd love to see more cross-platform interaction between you and Canzano. You on his radio show. Him on your podcasts. Tag-teaming on games, tournaments, etc. I appreciated your work at the Oregonian and at the Athletic. I appreciated his at the Oregonian and on 750 The Game. Work together, so the rising tide can lift both of your boats.
Thanks for the good work and I look forward to more of it from you.
I originally subscribed because I read all of your work on The Athletic, and there was a huge hole in Ducks coverage after you left (still unfilled, I plan to unsubscribe when my annual subscription expires as I believe they’ve lost the local touch that once made the app so awesome for the different teams I follow).
So first a foremost, I am looking for in depth insight on the Ducks, most of all football. And you provide content I can’t get anywhere else. You do a great job of avoiding canned cliche’s about recruits, the roster, coaching staff, and the organization overall. I love the story telling and it helps me stay invested in the team even though I no longer live in Oregon. So keep that content coming!
That being said, I have really come to love your podcast. I live in Colorado now, and I look forward to the show every week. So honestly that is probably the #1 thing I am continuing to look forward to this year. I don’t get Oregon local radio when I am driving around obviously, so your podcast fills a space that otherwise would be missed for me. I’ve tried some of the other Ducks podcasts and I’m not a fan, what you do is infinitely better. So don’t be afraid to take yourself a little more seriously in that regard, though the down to earth style overall is great. I think some of the other Ducks podcasters take themselves and their analysis way too seriously.
I think continuing to bring on interesting guests would be a great draw to what you are doing. Conversations with former players would be really cool, or other stakeholders in the organization, etc. I also like the coverage of other Oregon sports outside of football season. Plus Ducks basketball, that convo with Shane the other week was awesome.
Thanks for the feedback, Lee. Really helpful. The podcast is definitely the thing I'm the least confident in, so glad to know you've enjoyed listening.
Your interviewing skills shine through as you do a fantastic job asking good questions, I really do think it has a ton of potential. Also a weekly show is perfect because it is easier to keep up with amidst all the other noise.
Love the site..especially any Duck football coverage. Thinking out loud..most if not all subscribers probably either grew up in Oregon or live there currently (or both), and thus have a connection to HS sports. What about an occasional article or podcast on HS football or basketball? I live in San Diego (and haven't lived in Oregon since 1990), but I still try and follow HS sports up there. Particularly those that are famous for their production of scholar athlete alums (like Thurston).
As you have access to persons (coaches, AD's, GM's, etc) within the programs along the I-5 corridor, continue with the backgrounds, stories of their influences and who they are when they are not leading our favorite teams. The piece on Dillingham was really eye opening and changed my take on the hire.
Not sure of your appetite for it however great high school sporting programs can fill the off season quite well. Spending the past two decades here in Southlake surrounded by Texas high school football (well, everything competitive actually), there is no end to interesting story lines. I think back to the 4 consecutive football state titles won by Roseburg under Bell in the late 80's-early 90's. I am sure there are many great HS school program stories that go under reported.
The writing’s ok and all, but a t-shirt would be fire. In all seriousness, you’re doing the Lord’s work and I need to subscribe. I’d totes buy a shirt though.
I enjoyed your podcast with the Hillsboro Hops. I would be interested in hearing more about the teams that were cut from the league and how they are doing. I know the Salem Volcanoes have started their own league. Maybe an article/podcast about that?
Another topic could be Nascar's second series coming to Portland for the first time in a while. I think it's in June.
Overall, I am happy with the content. I am here for the Football news but I've liked learning more about the other sports around the state.
Hey thanks, Tyler. Love the baseball idea.
I golf often at Heron Lakes, which borders the Portland speedway. I'm going to want to cover the race (because those events never happen here), but it might be a funny story to play a round during qualifying.
To be honest, I think the logo is better than the writing. We might just become a clothing company.
Baseballism-esque.
1. At some point I'd definitely like to revisit the recruiting classes that will make up the football roster for the upcoming season. I'd also like to see just how much Dana Altman has relied on transfers since becoming the head coach and explore his success rate with them as this appears to be the first season where a roster without players growing in the program is starting to turn fans off. I'd also like to know more about the softball program and how it's changed since Mike White's departure to Texas. A local angle on Wilcox "turning down" the Oregon job would be interesting too. I think "where they are now" stories on former players could work as well. More Pac 12 focused related content isn't something I'd be against. You could always do "fun" articles like matching local beers/breweries for each Pac 12 school as well.
2. I enjoy the content a lot. It's good and unique. Other than word of mouth I'm not all that sure how else to grow the site. Perhaps more guest spots on podcasts/radio when those opportunities present itself but that also takes away from your own personal time which you may or many not want to do. More colabs with media members with Oregon ties (Geoff, Dan, etc.) is something I'd think about.
Hope this helps. Enjoy your work a lot Tyson.
Super helpful, Cyrus. Appreciate the thoughts here.
Hi Tyson-
I meant to have a paid subscription and finally subscribed to both your and Canzano's sites. I wish you both well.
1. I'd like an article on your thoughts regarding Cristobal's TRUE time frame in deciding to leave the UO. Call me a conspiracy theorist, but I have the sneaking suspicion that he had one foot out the door many, many months before he left. The way the team seemed unprepared for the last 3-4 games of the season to the worst recruiting class that he had while he was at the UofO to the fact that most of the coaches seemed to have "next jobs" lined up right after he left makes me think that most of his staff knew he was leaving long before he came on Canzano's show with his "Nothing but Gratitude" b.s. goodbye.
2. I'd be curious to see what the N.I.L. amounts actually are for the UofO football players. Having a good potential N.I.L. pipeline seems to be important for 4 and 5 star players and the UofO seems to be pulling a fair number of those visits. So, I'm curious what the UofO staff is selling as far as N.I.L.
3. As far as growing your site/brand, I'd love to see more cross-platform interaction between you and Canzano. You on his radio show. Him on your podcasts. Tag-teaming on games, tournaments, etc. I appreciated your work at the Oregonian and at the Athletic. I appreciated his at the Oregonian and on 750 The Game. Work together, so the rising tide can lift both of your boats.
Thanks for the good work and I look forward to more of it from you.
Ken in Portland out...
I originally subscribed because I read all of your work on The Athletic, and there was a huge hole in Ducks coverage after you left (still unfilled, I plan to unsubscribe when my annual subscription expires as I believe they’ve lost the local touch that once made the app so awesome for the different teams I follow).
So first a foremost, I am looking for in depth insight on the Ducks, most of all football. And you provide content I can’t get anywhere else. You do a great job of avoiding canned cliche’s about recruits, the roster, coaching staff, and the organization overall. I love the story telling and it helps me stay invested in the team even though I no longer live in Oregon. So keep that content coming!
That being said, I have really come to love your podcast. I live in Colorado now, and I look forward to the show every week. So honestly that is probably the #1 thing I am continuing to look forward to this year. I don’t get Oregon local radio when I am driving around obviously, so your podcast fills a space that otherwise would be missed for me. I’ve tried some of the other Ducks podcasts and I’m not a fan, what you do is infinitely better. So don’t be afraid to take yourself a little more seriously in that regard, though the down to earth style overall is great. I think some of the other Ducks podcasters take themselves and their analysis way too seriously.
I think continuing to bring on interesting guests would be a great draw to what you are doing. Conversations with former players would be really cool, or other stakeholders in the organization, etc. I also like the coverage of other Oregon sports outside of football season. Plus Ducks basketball, that convo with Shane the other week was awesome.
Thanks for the feedback, Lee. Really helpful. The podcast is definitely the thing I'm the least confident in, so glad to know you've enjoyed listening.
Your interviewing skills shine through as you do a fantastic job asking good questions, I really do think it has a ton of potential. Also a weekly show is perfect because it is easier to keep up with amidst all the other noise.
Clearly the answer to both is more Milo!
This is the right answer.
So say we all!
Love the site..especially any Duck football coverage. Thinking out loud..most if not all subscribers probably either grew up in Oregon or live there currently (or both), and thus have a connection to HS sports. What about an occasional article or podcast on HS football or basketball? I live in San Diego (and haven't lived in Oregon since 1990), but I still try and follow HS sports up there. Particularly those that are famous for their production of scholar athlete alums (like Thurston).
As you have access to persons (coaches, AD's, GM's, etc) within the programs along the I-5 corridor, continue with the backgrounds, stories of their influences and who they are when they are not leading our favorite teams. The piece on Dillingham was really eye opening and changed my take on the hire.
Not sure of your appetite for it however great high school sporting programs can fill the off season quite well. Spending the past two decades here in Southlake surrounded by Texas high school football (well, everything competitive actually), there is no end to interesting story lines. I think back to the 4 consecutive football state titles won by Roseburg under Bell in the late 80's-early 90's. I am sure there are many great HS school program stories that go under reported.