The I-5 Thoughts: The Ducks' Big Ten debut, Santi's surge and saying goodbye to ATH

Plus: Softball to the Super Regionals and The Vedder Cup.

Rob Mullens penned a letter to Oregon fans 291 days ago.

“Today is a landmark day for the University of Oregon, as we officially join the Big Ten Conference with great pride and excitement,” Oregon’s athletic director wrote on Aug. 2. “This move continues our tremendous upward trajectory as a university and highlights the power of the Oregon brand. The Ducks have always been synonymous with innovation and a relentless pursuit of excellence, and joining the premier athletic conference in the nation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to these values.”

At the time, Oregon was two weeks away from beginning competition as a Big Ten member with the start of the women’s soccer season. Then came volleyball, football and everything else. The Big Ten promised Oregon bigger exposure. It was also supposedly promising a step up in competition.

So how did the Ducks fare in their first trip around the BIG sun?

Not bad. Not bad at all.