Arlington

National Championship Game a Homecoming for Two Oregon Players

Arlington will once again be the center of the sports universe Monday, when the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship Game kicks off in AT&T Stadium. While it will be a big night for many, it will be particularly special for two University of Oregon players.

Before they were playing for a national title, Oregon Ducks defensive back Stephen Amoako and linebacker Justin Hollins were flying on the field for Martin High School, putting in the work that got them to where they are now.

Pushing them to be at their best was their former coach, Bob Wager.

“Obviously I’m a proud papa right now,” said Wager.

He’s already watched 11 of his former players play in bowl games this postseason and said getting the chance to see two more compete in a history-making game Monday night is the icing on the cake.

“It’s just phenomenal,” said Wager. “And the beautiful thing about it is when they come home, they’re the same they were the day that they left.”

Amoako and Hollins have both visited Martin since leaving for Eugene. Wager said when his current players get to spend time with guys who have had success at the college level, it inspires them to step up their own game.

“It’s tremendously motivating for everybody,” said Wager. “Players, certainly. And coaches, too.”

That was evident at the team’s weight training session Wednesday. They gave the Ducks an emphatic shout out before their workout.

That pride extends beyond the walls of the locker room. Members of the Martin High School front office staff went to the Rose Bowl Game last week to cheer on Amoako and Hollins, who was an office aide last year at Martin.

And if there were any questions about who Wager will be rooting for Monday night, he wants to put them to bed.

“I’ll be dressed in green, I promise you,” said Wager.

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