It’s hard for Haley Garelick to explain what happened to the Oregon acrobatics and tumbling team last year. Too much happened too quickly, and it took a talented team and “jumbled” them, the junior said.

It started with the standard adjustments of competing for a new coach. Then, on Feb. 17, before the second meet of the season, the team lost one of its own in Lauren Jones, whose beaming smile is still talked about amongst the team almost a year after her death.

“We were so talented last year…I think everyone was stressed out with what happened,” Garelick said. “We weren’t cool, calm and collected like a team should be.”

Oregon, the four-time reigning National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association National Champions, fell in three out of their last four meets before losing in the national championship final to Baylor and former head coach, Felecia Mulkey.

Now, two weeks before the start of her second season as coach of the Ducks, Chelsea Shaw sees a team with an organic drive to succeed. She says they’re underdogs, and with so many veterans accustomed to winning, she sees a team hungry to win another national championship.

“Last year was a learning opportunity for everyone and I think it puts them in a better position,” Shaw said. “They now know what it’s like to lose and they know what it feels like to win. They want to get back to that feeling of winning.”

Shaw’s confidence in her team stems from something she saw at the beginning of practices, back in September. She saw a team with a different mindset than the one in her first year coaching. She saw a team that wanted to work hard and strived to be a more unified unit.

“I don’t know if it was something we did or something that they did on their own,” Shaw said.

Being unified, Shaw says, starts at the top, with her and the other coaches, and trickles down throughout the program. But accomplishing their unification goal is also contingent on the athletes taking the onus on themselves.

A week before the start of organized practices, freshman Hannah Blair started receiving texts. Her new teammates wanted her to start practicing with them. Before she even officially started her freshman year, Blair felt “very welcomed,” she said.

It’s evidence like this that excites Shaw about the possibilities of this year’s team. She sees the workings of the trickle-down effect she hoped to employ.

Now, all that’s left is to see how it works out on the mat. Shaw joked that she hasn’t slept all this month in anticipation for the Feb. 7 meet on the road at Concordia University–Wisconsin. She thinks her team is stronger after overcoming the crazy, whirlwind season it had, last year.

“I think last year fired them up even more to come back in this year with a different start and a different mindset,” Shaw said.

“You’ll really see it at the meets, I think, just how they’ve come together and rallied.”

Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt. 

A false fire alarm activation at McArthur Court on Monday afternoon resulted in a 10-minute evacuation, according to University of Oregon Police Department spokesperson Kelly McIver.

On-site contractors, who were cleaning the smoke detectors, triggered the fire alarm at 11:55 p.m. The first officer was at the scene at 11:57 p.m. Eight minutes later, after the panels for the smoke detectors were reset, police cleared the scene.

Those who were evacuated have now been allowed back into the building.

Follow Joseph Hoyt on twitter @JoeJHoyt.

– Oregon announced the date for its annual spring game on Thursday, setting it for 11 a.m. on April 30. Oregon, who fell to TCU in a riveting, triple-overtime 47-41 comeback, is entering the offseason with another opening at the quarterback position. The Spring Game is the first chance for Ducks fans to see Montana State graduate-transfer Dakota Prukop.

– Former Oregon football graduate-assistant Joe Bernardi is reportedly returning to coach at Fresno State, who started at center for the Bulldogs from 2007-10. Bernardi will be the team’s new tight end coach.

– The Oregon women’s basketball team is heading to Corvallis on Friday for the Civil War, a game coach Kelly Graves hopes inspires his senior unit.

– 2015 was a memorable year for the Oregon track and field team. This year’s indoor season the Ducks are poised to have success, once again.

– Could former Michigan football coach Brady Hoke head to Eugene to coach the defense? Reports say it’s a possibility.

– Oregon transfer Dylan Ennis, who played in two games this season for the Ducks, is applying for a sixth year of eligibility after being ruled out for the season with a foot injury.

– Matthew Knight Arena host Malachi Williams has good reason to love his job, and he does.

-Oregon women’s golf prepares for a competitive spring schedule, writes Emerald sports reporter Gus Morris.

Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt.

A new business is coming to the vacant building on 1895 Franklin Blvd., and it’s a familiar one.

On Sept. 21, nine months after Wendy’s left the location, Starbucks, the Seattle based coffee company, filed plans with the city of Eugene to change the former burger chain stop into a 2,500 square foot drive-through cafe.

A Starbucks company spokesperson confirmed plans to move into the old Wendy’s location to the Register Guard on Dec. 5, adding “Right now, we don’t have any more details to share on this location.”

On Dec 17. plans were filed with the city of Eugene for 10 added Starbucks signs, with separate plans filed to add electricity to the aforementioned signs.

The city is in the process of inspecting and approving the new building permit. Until the building permits are fully approved and issued, construction on the new Starbucks can’t begin.

According to Elon Glucklich of the Register-Guard, the plan for the construction of the new Starbucks is to replace the former interior that Wendy’s used with “cafe-style seating and lounge area” while remodeling the outside of the venue.

The building, according to Glucklich, was sold in May for $1.5 million to Equitas Investments, a Southern California commercial real estate and development investment group. Along with Starbucks, Equitas Investments acquires locations for other major businesses like Burger King, Arby’s, KFC and Wendy’s. The company also owns the property of the 7-Eleven on Alder St.

The latter business deserted the confines of the Eugene/Springfield area almost a year ago. According to the Associated Press, five Wendy’s in the area were closed after the Ohio based company believed local franchisee Jeff Vogel failed to hold up certain agreements in the company-to-franchise agreement. Eight restaurants in total were closed across Oregon last January.

Wendy’s spokesperson Bob Bertini wouldn’t go into specifics on what obligations Vogel failed to uphold, but he did tell AP on Jan 21. 2015, “This is a step that we felt we needed to take in the best interests of the Wendy’s brand and our franchise system as a whole. We value our relationship with our franchisees, and, certainly, an action like this is something that we do not take lightly.”

The prospective drive-through location would be the 20th Starbucks location in Eugene. If plans for the new location are successful, it would also mark the second new location in the city in as many years. The Erb Memorial Union opened a Starbucks on Sept 21., becoming the first vendor to open business in the newly remodeled location. There is also a Starbucks location at the corner of 13th. Ave. and Alder St. right outside the University of Oregon campus.

Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt.

A new business is coming to the vacant building on 1895 Franklin Blvd., and it’s a familiar one.

On Sept. 21, nine months after Wendy’s left the location, Starbucks, the Seattle based coffee company, filed plans with the city of Eugene to change the former burger chain stop into a 2,500 square foot drive-through cafe.

A Starbucks company spokesperson confirmed plans to move into the old Wendy’s location to the Register Guard on Dec. 5, adding “Right now, we don’t have any more details to share on this location.”

On Dec 17. plans were filed with the city of Eugene for 10 added Starbucks signs, with separate plans filed to add electricity to the aforementioned signs.

The city is in the process of inspecting and approving the new building permit. Until the building permits are fully approved and issued, construction on the new Starbucks can’t begin.

According to Elon Glucklich of the Register-Guard, the plan for the construction of the new Starbucks is to replace the former interior that Wendy’s used with “cafe-style seating and lounge area” while remodeling the outside of the venue.

The building, according to Glucklich, was sold in May for $1.5 million to Equitas Investments, a Southern California commercial real estate and development investment group. Along with Starbucks, Equitas Investments acquires locations for other major businesses like Burger King, Arby’s, KFC and Wendy’s. The company also owns the property of the 7-Eleven on Alder St.

The latter business deserted the confines of the Eugene/Springfield area almost a year ago. According to the Associated Press, five Wendy’s in the area were closed after the Ohio based company believed local franchisee Jeff Vogel failed to hold up certain agreements in the company-to-franchise agreement. Eight restaurants in total were closed across Oregon last January.

Wendy’s spokesperson Bob Bertini wouldn’t go into specifics on what obligations Vogel failed to uphold, but he did tell AP on Jan 21. 2015, “This is a step that we felt we needed to take in the best interests of the Wendy’s brand and our franchise system as a whole. We value our relationship with our franchisees, and, certainly, an action like this is something that we do not take lightly.”

The prospective drive-through location would be the 20th Starbucks location in Eugene. If plans for the new location are successful, it would also mark the second new location in the city in as many years. The Erb Memorial Union opened a Starbucks on Sept 21., becoming the first vendor to open business in the newly remodeled location. There is also a Starbucks location at the corner of 13th. Ave. and Alder St. right outside the University of Oregon campus.

Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt.

Redshirt junior Oregon wide receiver Bralon Addison announced on Monday that he’ll forego his senior season and declare for the NFL Draft.

“[T]oday I am happy to announce that I will be foregoing my senior year to enter the 2016 NFL Draft,” Addison said in a statement through the Oregon Athletic Department. “This is a decision I have prayed about and I feel as though God has given me the understanding, confidence and assurance to move forward. I thank you all very much!”

Addison’s announcement comes two days after Oregon’s 47-41 triple overtime loss to TCU in the Alamo Bowl.

In 2015 season, after missing all of 2014 with a torn ACL, Addison led the team in receiving, catching 63 passes for 804 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was named a second-team All-conference player for his performance this year.

In his three-year playing career, Addison totaled 141 receptions for 1,908 yards and 20 touchdowns. Addison was also an integral part of Oregon’s return game, averaging 21.4 yards per kick return and 12.9 yards per punt return for his career.

“We’re appreciative of Bralon’s contributions and commitment over the last four years, and wish him continued success at the next level,” Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich.

Addison is projected as a third-to-fourth round selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, according to CBSSports.

Here’s Addison’s full statement on his draft declaration.

“Thank you all for taking time to read this today.

First and foremost, I would like to thank God for allowing me to make the right decision and come to The University of Oregon family. Secondly, I would like to thank my father and mother, Coach Kelly, Coach Helfrich, Coach Lubick and Coach Osborne, Coach Radcliffe, Coach Pellum, Coach Chinander, Coach Horace, Hawk, all of our graduate assistants, student coaches, Chief, Ms. Kim, Steph, Trav, Anna Poponyak, everyone at the Jaqua center, our treatment staff and all of my friends and teammates for being great influences during my time here at Oregon. I came here as a kid who wanted nothing more than to play football at a high level. In the process, so much more has happened. I think I have become more mature, a better person and a better Christian and most mportantly a better man. I just wanted nothing more than to thank everyone that has been a positive influence in my life academically and athletically during my time here at Oregon: my professors, this entire staff, the fans and everyone else involved. With that being said, today I am happy to announce that I will be foregoing my senior year to enter the 2016 NFL Draft. This is a decision I have prayed about and I feel as though God has given me the understanding, confidence and assurance to move forward. I thank you all very much! Go Ducks!!! Win The Play!

GOD BLESS.”

Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt.

It’s 5:20 on a Wednesday Hawaiian morning and Dakota Prukop’s mission to catch up on sleep is interrupted. He’s got a fresh brewed cup of coffee in hand as he calls in for an interview on the Dan Patrick Show — one of many interviews he’s done over the past week.

“I’m not much of a coffee drinker,” Prukop says laughing. “But I needed it this morning.”

Instead of sleeping from Friday to Sunday, Prukop was touching all corners of the country on a last-minute recruiting trail. He flew from Montana to Oregon on Friday, before taking a red eye flight to Alabama on Saturday. He finally headed to Hawaii on Sunday for a post-graduation vacation.

On Tuesday, Prukop’s whirlwind recruiting experience came to an end after he told Fox Sports he would transfer from Montana State to Oregon for his final college football season.

Going from being Montana State’s starting quarterback less than a month ago to being one of the most coveted assets in college football in a matter of weeks was surreal for Prukop.

“It kind of hit me when I was visiting Oregon,” Prukop said, “because this has been a goal of mine for the past eight or nine years — to be able to compete at one of the highest levels. I’ve always wanted that and it’s pretty neat to see to see this kind of a goal come into fruition.”

Prukop, who graduated with a degree in economics, can enroll in January once he passes his GRE exam and is admitted into Oregon.

Playing quarterback, anywhere, in college wasn’t something Prukop believed he could do until a quarter of the way through his senior season at Vandegrift High School in Austin, Texas. He could run a 4.5 40-yard dash, and at 6-foot-2, he was recruited by Texas Tech, Southern Methodist and Rice as a defensive back.

Then, Prukop said he fell in love with the idea of playing quarterback and nothing was going to change it — even if he knew he had a better immediate future as a defensive back.

“By then, I knew I was way too late to even consider playing quarterback for a Football Bowl Subdivision school,” Prukop said. “So I was super grateful to even have the opportunity to go to a great program like Montana State as a quarterback.”

In May of Prukop’s freshman year at MSU he went back to Texas and started working with a renowned quarterback guru. He spent a week at Texas A&M under the tutelage of George Whitfield Jr. Whitfield’s resume precedes himself — he’s worked with many college and professional quarterbacks, including former Heisman Trophy winners Johnny Manziel and Cam Newton. Prukop said that Whitfield instilled confidence in him.

“[Whitfield] bought into me from day one,” Prukop said. “I’ve always wanted to be one of his best prized ponies.”

Whitfield took to Twitter on Monday to congratulate Prukop.

There's a new sheriff in Eugene, OR! Couldn't be more excited for my guy, Dakota Prukop. #Ducks #SlayOn pic.twitter.com/IJGTU7bXvD

— George Whitfield Jr. (@georgewhitfield) December 16, 2015

Because Prukop didn’t think of playing quarterback in college until his senior year of high school, he considered himself a step behind the rest of the competition. He entered Montana State as an athlete playing quarterback. He needed time to develop. After redshirting his freshman year, and working with Whitfield, Prukop got the development required.

He became a starter in 2014, and last year, Prukop threw for 28 touchdowns and 3,025 yards while rushing for 11 touchdowns and a net gain of 797 yards.

“I made it a goal of mine to be referred to as a quarterback who had athleticism,” Prukop said. “I think that’s kind of where I’m at now, but there’s still much more to go.”

Still, making the move from Bozeman, Montana, to Eugene, Oregon was something Prukop didn’t consider until Montana State’s season ended on Nov. 21, after a 54-35 loss to in-state rival Montana. He saw former Big Sky Conference opponent Vernon Adams Jr. make the  successful jump from the Eastern Washington to Oregon less than a year ago, giving Prukop the idea he could make the leap too.

But first he needed to see what some of his other teammates thought about the idea. Montana State wide receiver Mitchell Herbert was one of the first people Prukop called. Herbert, a native of Eugene whose brother, Justin Herbert, is committed to play quarterback for Oregon next season, was the perfect person for Prukop to discuss the idea with.

The news came as a shock to Herbert, but after letting the reality that his quarterback was probably leaving sink in, he gave his support.

“Playing with him, I could tell he was a great quarterback and that he could play at the FBS level,” Herbert said, “but I didn’t think he was going to make that move until he called last week and said he was visiting Oregon. I knew he could do it, but selfishly I wanted him to stay and be my quarterback for his last year.”

“[Herbert] was one of the guys I wanted to test the waters with a little bit and bounce the idea off of him and see what he thought about me transferring,” Prukop said. “He had nothing but support.”

With the support of his teammates and his family, Prukop elected to make the transfer to Oregon.

At Oregon, Prukop is being looked at as the heir apparent to a position that’s had the most efficient passer in college football — Marcus Mariota (181.74) and Vernon Adams Jr. (179.6) — over the past two seasons. And while it took him a while to get to Oregon, Prukop appreciates the long, developmental journey that took him from Texas to Montana. He even appreciates the lack of sleep he had from a wild cross-country recruiting weekend.

“I’m a firm believer in everything happens for a reason,” he said. “It was a cool experience and something I will never forget and I would do it over again. I don’t regret anything.”

Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt.

– For the second year in a row, Oregon might grab a graduate-transfer quarterback from Big Sky country.

Dakota Prukop, a transfer-eligible quarterback who threw for 3,025 yards and 28 touchdowns this past season at Montana State, is visiting Oregon this weekend. Prukop told Fox Sports’ reporter Bruce Feldman that aside from Oregon, he’s also allowed to transfer to Texas and Texas Tech.

“Oregon is my number one school right now because of the shotgun-style of offense they run,” Prukop told Feldman.

Prukop also proved this season that he’s a threat on the ground, rushing for 797 yards and 11 touchdowns.

– Oregon football head coach Mark Helfrich told members of the media Thursday said Scott Frost will not coach in Oregon’s upcoming game against TCU in the Valero Alamo Bowl. Frost was the offensive coordinator and play-caller for the 15th ranked Ducks this season. His replacement has yet to be hired.

– Another day, and another award-list senior women’s basketball player Jillian Alleyne appears on. Alleyne, who’s currently in the midst of a 23 straight-game double double streak, was added to the Naismith Award watch list — given to the best player in women’s college basketball — on Thursday.

– Destiny will play out between Oregon and TCU in the Alamo Bowl, it’s just a year later than we thought, writes Dean Straka, the sports editor at TCU 360.

– The Oregon softball team released its 2016 schedule on Thursday.

– Boise State is next for the No. 24 Oregon men’s basketball team, and the Emerald’s Hayden Kim gets you ready for it.

Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt.

Scott Frost is heading to the Sunshine State.

Early Tuesday morning, Rivals.com reported that Frost, Oregon’s offensive coordinator since 2013, would be named the University of Central Florida’s next head football coach. The school later confirmed the report.

“UCF is an excellent opportunity for me because our student-athletes can succeed immediately, both competitively and academically,” Frost told the Central Florida Athletic Department. “We’ve had great recent success — I vividly remember watching the Fiesta Bowl victory.”

Frost takes over for Danny Barrett, who was the interim head coach after George O’Leary resigned earlier this season.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Pete Thamel, Frost is already en route to Orlando.

UCF’s Vice President of Communications and Marketing, Grant Heston, also confirmed that a press conference to welcome Frost was scheduled for Wednesday.

#UCF to introduce new coach @coach_frost at a 9:30 a.m. Wednesday press conference. #ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/3BYzVEemEQ

— Grant J. Heston (@GrantJHeston) December 1, 2015

“Scott is a winner and innovator who has directed one of college football’s most exciting offenses at the University of Oregon,” UCF Athletic Director Danny White said in the press release. “His attitude and experience are exactly what we need to ensure the Knights compete, and win, at the highest levels. I couldn’t be more excited to bring Scott and his fiancé, Ashley, to the UCF family.”

Frost originally started out at Oregon in 2009 as the team’s wide receivers coach before becoming the offensive coordinator in 2013. Frost began his college playing career as a quarterback at Stanford in 1993. Two years later, Frost elected to transfer back to his home state of Nebraska. In his two years as a quarterback for the Cornhuskers, Frost threw 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Frost, despite walking into a program that hasn’t won a game since Dec. 4, 2014, is confident that he can turn the team around next season. UCF went 0-12 this season. The school lost by one-point margins twice, including a home loss to FCS-level Furman, 16-15, on Sept. 19.

“With our student-athletes, football staff, facilities, fans and supporters, I know we will bring exciting and winning football back to Orlando,” Frost said via the Athletic Department.

Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich commented on Frost’s departure late Tuesday night.

“We wish Scott all the best with his new opportunity at UCF,” said Helfrich. “Oregon’s proven track record of success and unique situation have led to many high quality candidates expressing their interest [in the Oregon vacancy].

 “We will continue to recruit, prepare for our upcoming bowl game and support our student-athletes through finals as we move forward.”

Frost received a strong endorsement from Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., too. The graduate transfer posted on Instagram congratulating Frost, while also thanking him for the opportunity to start in a Ducks uniform.

Congrats to My QB Coach/Offensive Coordinator on earning the Head Coaching job at #UCF . I want to thank you on taking a chance on me and believing in me to come in and compete. UCF fans, yall are getting a great coach and an even better Christian, God fearing man! Thank you & God bless you dawg! @coach_frost

A photo posted by Vernon Adams Jr. (@bigplay_va) on Dec 1, 2015 at 6:45am PST

Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt.

Tyson Coleman enrolled at the University of Oregon in 2010 after graduating early from Lake Oswego High School.

Coleman was a 199-pound teenager without any tattoos. Things changed when he arrived on Oregon’s campus. His first tattoo was the name of his grandmother, Marie, right over his heart.

Today, Coleman is a 235-pound senior outside linebacker. His torso is covered in tattoos — so many that he can’t keep track.

Coleman said that during his redshirt year, he needed to physically mature in order to contribute on the field. He ate Panko chicken tenders, spinach raviolis from Costco and barbecued his own chicken to keep his body fat down and his weight gain consistent. But it was playing the game that matured him on the field.

“I think it came through trial and tribulation,” Coleman said. “I needed to grow up a little bit during my redshirt season.”

Coleman sat down with the Emerald to discuss his time at Oregon and playing through two bulging discs in his back for the majority of last season.

Emerald: Your first year you redshirted. In your second year, as a freshman, you stepped in and had an impact. How was that transition?

Tyson Coleman: It was wild. It took a few games to get used to it. I remember my first play was on a kickoff and I got knocked three, four lanes over into another teammate, I got hit so hard.

E: What did you do during your redshirt year that helped you jump right in?

TC: I had a lot of maturing to do. I think, through trial and tribulation … playing behind Dion Jordan and Boseko Lokombo and guys like that gave a really good example of what I had to do if I wanted to come in and contribute.

E: I know you have the Oregonian tattoo on your arm. Not a lot of prospects have come out of the state of Oregon to the University of Oregon recently. Do you feel like you carry the state of Oregon with you, even though you still play here?

TC: Absolutely. There are not too many guys on our team from Oregon. Throughout the past few successful years there haven’t been that many guys that have contributed from the state of Oregon … To only have four or five guys on the entire team from Oregon, you have to have some pride in that.

E: What do you think the difference is in you as a player from last year to this year?

TC: Well, last year I was hurt pretty much the whole year. I had two bulging discs on my back that kind of slowed me down a little bit.

E: Obviously it hurt, but what does it feel like to play with two bulging discs in your back?

TC: You feel a step slower. I felt like someone was on my back, honestly. I couldn’t run nearly as fast. I was probably running half speed, maybe three-quarters. It was frustrating.

E: So this year, what was it like to be able to play free from that kind of injury?

TC: It’s nice. Being able to play at full speed and be flexible – it was nice and I feel blessed right now to be healthy.

Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt.