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Maurer enjoying Beavers' joy ride Photo by Barry Schwartz/Oregon State University Marty Maurer, shown here making a catch against Stanford, has 10 catches in Oregon State's last three games. Tight end from Jacksonville says winning to continue By RANDY HAMMERICKSEN Corvallis -- home of Beaver football -- is buzzing with excitement over what could unfold Saturday night. It won't be a party. But close. Giddy OSU fans everywhere are relishing the enthusiasm over their Beavers. "It's nice to have people come up to me on campus and say `nice game' instead of ignoring us after losses," says OSU tight end Marty Maurer, a junior from Jacksonville and a former Cascade Christian High star. "It's definitely fun and very satisfying to be winning," says the 21-year-old. "We like the feeling so much, we intend to keep doing it." Oregon State's long-suffering football team celebrates more these days after games than it has for more than a quarter of a century. That's a long time. The Beavers (5-3), who meet California (4-4) Saturday at OSU's Reser Stadium, are on the brink of winning more games than they've lost in a given year. That hasn't been done since 1970, when head coach Dee Andros guided them to a 6-5 record. It was a long time ago. While professors and students wore plaid pants, the Beavers wore black pants, complementing their smash-mouth, aggressive style under Andros. Now, the Beavers are poised to junk their reputation as big-time losers and end their NCAA record streak of futility at 28. "It (the streak) is going to end Saturday," says Maurer, who played for his father, Andy, for four years at Cascade Christian. ``It's going to be fun, although nobody on this team is that interested in the streak." Why should they be? "None of us were here 28 years ago, and we aren't responsible," says Maurer. "Our goals this year were to have a winning season and get to a bowl game more than end a losing streak. But it will be nice to shut the media up." "I call the losing streak the media streak," says Maurer. "You guys are the only ones who seem to care about it and you make it a big deal." An equally big deal would be a bowl invitation. A win Saturday makes them eligible. "I don't care which bowl we go to," says Maurer. "It could be the toilet bowl. I don't care. But I want to go to a bowl." Maurer has caught 12 passes for 291 yards and a touchdown. He has 10 receptions in his last three games. The recent increase in production shouldn't be a surprise because quarterback Jonathan Smith calls him "one of my favorite receivers. "I probably need to look to him more, but we have such talented receivers outside, especially Imani Percoats and Roddy Tompkins, I usually try to go there first." Maurer, who says he and Smith are on the same page now, would like to catch more balls. But he understands why his close friend looks to the outside and downfield targets. "They are good and tough to cover with their speed," he says. "I was in Jonathan's room last night watching film of Cal. We talked about what we would be looking for in each situation, and we were thinking the same." Under first-year coach Dennis Erickson, the Beavers have learned to believe in themselves and play with confidence. "When you play for coach Erickson, who has a proven track record, you know he's already done all of this," says Maurer. "He's brought in some new players and a winning attitude that actually started when he got here last winter." Oregon State ranks third nationally in total offense and first in the Pac-10 Conference (487.5 yards per game). The Beavers offense is balanced with the running of halfback Ken Simonton and Smith's passing. "Basically, we take what defenses give us," says Maurer. "The presence of Kenny (Simonton) as a running threat keeps defenses honest and keeps them from playing nickel (five defensive backs). "It opens things up for the passing game." OSU offensive line coach Jim Michalczik, a long-time Erickson assistant at Washington State and Miami, says Maurer has matured into a quality tight end who can catch the ball as well as any in the Pac-10. Maurer's blocking has improved, he added, but it could still get better. "He's got one more year to work on things and, yes, I think he has a chance to play at the next level (pro football)," says Michalczik. Maurer could only hope it's this much fun. "When you win, it changes everything," he says. Today's Sports Index Mail Tribune Copyright� The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, OR U.S.A.