Oregon, Ohio, declares new name

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The city of Oregon, Ohio, has a new temporary name, making it clear where its allegiance lies heading into the biggest college football game of the season.

Following a petition from two citizens, Mayor Michael Seferian issued a proclamation that his city will be known as "Oregon, Ohio Buckeyes on the Bay, City of Duck Hunters" starting Monday and lasting through next week's College Football Playoff National Championship presented by AT&T.

The No. 4 Buckeyes will take on the No. 2 Duckson Jan. 12, and Seferian responded quickly to requests that the city remove any possible doubt about its ties to the Oregon program, even going so far as to point out who technically had an official claim to the name first.

"Whereas, the City of Oregon officially adopted its name in 1838 as Oregon Township which happens to be 21 years before the State of Oregon received its statehood in 1859," the proclamation said. "And The City of Oregon has been petitioned by residents of the city to make it clear that we are not associated with Oregon University Ducks Football."

That request was honored in a hurry, though Seferian acknowledged that the town isn't unanimous in its support of the Buckeyes by pointing out the presence of Michigan, Toledo and Notre Dame fans in the community.

But two locals, Matt Squibb and Mark Rabbitt, put together a change.org petition calling for Oregon to change its name and for Oregon's Clay High School to change its school colors from green and gold for that day, according to the Toledo Free Press.

"I grew up in Oregon, Ohio and love the city, but for the day of the 'Big Game' I am asking the city council to make a proclamation to change the name of the city for one day," reads the petition. "Call it Buckeye Town, Ohio City, Brutusville, whatever, you get the point. Let's not leave anything to chance here! Change the name and support the Buckeyes!"

The 1,000 supporters who quickly signed off on the petition got their wish Monday. And while it might be quite a mouthful, for the next week there will be no doubt who has the support of folks in Oregon, Ohio Buckeyes on the Bay, City of Duck Hunters.