The Roar. The Ride. The Legacy.
02/12/26 | Duck Athletic Fund
Remembering Doug Koke
Doug Koke, a beloved friend of the Oregon Athletic Department, passed away on December 31, 2025, at age 73. For more than two decades, Doug was a familiar and cherished presence at Autzen Stadium, the man on the Harley-Davidson who led the team out of the tunnel and roared across the field to kick off Oregon football games. The ride became a beloved part of Duck game-day culture.
One of Doug's most favorite stories of leading the Ducks happened in 2002, prior to the Oregon vs Mississippi State game. It happened as the team captains gathered at mid-field for the coin toss, and Doug was flagged for "buzzing" the coin toss. The Ducks were assessed a five-yard penalty on the opening kick, but it did little to slow them down as they rolled to a 36–13 win over the Bulldogs.
Friends, family, and the community remember him for his simple yet powerful personal motto: "Be kind to people, do great work, and have fun, dammit." That philosophy guided not only his business but the way he lived his life, with warmth, generosity, and genuine care for others. Doug never lost sight of the people behind the work. Doug was known for his hands-on leadership style and could often be found on the production floor, working alongside employees and offering guidance rooted in decades of experience.
Doug's love of Oregon athletics was deeply personal. He was heavily involved with the Oregon Club of Eugene/Springfield and was instrumental is selling tickets and raising funds for the Ducks. In particular, Oregon Softball held a special place in Doug's heart, not just as a fan but as a proud parent (his daughter Missy was a four-year letterwinner) who supported Oregon student-athletes and the values of teamwork, leadership, and perseverance that the sport embodies.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oregon Softball program to support future generations of student-athletes and to honor Doug's legacy of kindness, community, and Duck pride.
