Luis Renteria, the assistant director of multi¬cultural recruitment, tried to pivot away from athletics and the allure of the Ducks, pointing out, "We’re part of a small elite club when it comes to academic research."
But it was clear what had brought these kids to the University of Oregon.
Indeed, no discussion of university priorities at Oregon has been as hotly debated as the role of athletics, which has come to define the public image of the institution. Even within the wealthiest "Power Five" athletics conferences, the Ducks are known for opulence and swagger.