By Tracey Henkels, May 16, 2018
Congratulations to Olga and Dustin, diehard fans of the Portland Trail Blazers with a combined 41 years of fandom between the two of them. Dustin even chose to attend Portland State over the University of Oregon for college so he could get season tickets to our fair city’s Rip City. While working together, the Blazers had a stellar season and my clients scored an amazing house in North Portland! After all of this, my curiosity was enough to finally google a question I’ve wondered about for years. Where the heck did the “Rip City” nickname come from?
The phrase actually originated during the 1971 game against the Los Angeles Lakers, when the team’s play-by-play announcer, Bill Schonely spontaneously shouted it out. Katrina Nattress of the Culture Trip tells it best:
The date is February 18, 1971. The Portland Trail Blazers are playing their rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, and they’re losing. Bad.
After being down by more than 20 points, the Blazers found themselves with a chance to tie the game. Shooting guard Jim Barnett got the ball and took an ill-advised shot from nearly half-court (and this was before the three-point shot existed). Somehow, the ball found the bottom of the net. Barnett tied the game.
The crowd burst into cheer, and the team’s play-by-play announcer, Bill Schonely, spewed a nonsensical phrase. “RIP CITY, ALRIGHT!” he yelled. The legendary announcer is the first to admit he has no idea where the words came from, nor did he have any idea his stream of consciousness word vomit would catch fire and change Portland culture forever.
Tracey Henkels
Principal Broker | Earth Advantage | OR
She/Her
Tracey grew up rooted in the rhythms of her family’s Iowa apple orchard, where rising with the sun instilled a deep work ethic and a grounded, thoughtful approach to life. That Midwestern foundation shapes the values that Tracey brings to her clients: compassionate guidance, perseverance and a commitment to making a difference for the people she serves.
With a degree in Architecture from Iowa State University and six years of experience in the architecture field, Tracey has a keen eye for design and a deep understanding of how homes are built—literally and metaphorically. In 2004, she transitioned into real estate, combining her technical expertise with a passion for helping people find a sense of sanctuary and belonging.
Tracey is known for her integrity, patience, and optimism, making her a trusted advisor and advocate for our clients. She thrives on helping people navigate important transitions, whether buying their first home, selling a cherished property or finding the perfect place to put down long-term roots.
Tracey is deeply connected to her community and is passionate about making a meaningful impact beyond real estate. She’s been a resident of the Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood in SE Portland since 2002; you’ll often find her in her garden nurturing vegetables and flowers, hosting neighbors and friends, exploring Oregon’s great outdoors, or planning her next travel adventure. Through every step of her clients’ journeys, Tracey embodies the grounded guidance and thoughtful care that define Rooted Realty.
Tracey works as a team, alongside Kelsey Burkett, Broker Licensed in OR. You can read more about them on their website: Rooted Realty.- T: 503-715-6140
- traceyhenkels@gmail.com
