As spring athletics kick into high gear for the peak of the season, Washington State athletic director Bill Moos took to his own KXLY radio show Cougar Calls to talk about why the Pac-12 is the “Conference of Champions.”

WSU hosts Pac-12 Men’s Golf Championships

The 2015 Pac-12 Men’s Golf Championships will take place on WSU’s Palouse Ridge Golf Course, April 27 – 29. The first day of the championship begins at 7:30 a.m., and admission is free of charge.

“This tournament has been circled since we started in August,” said Garrett Clegg, WSU men’s golf head coach.

The format for the Pac-12 Championships is unique from other tournaments, consisting of 72 holes, rather than the typical 54-hole stroke play tournament. In addition, instead of counting the four best players out of the five that will compete, as per usual, six golfers play and the five best scores will be counted.

“There’s no hiding in the Pac-12 Championships,” Clegg said. “But if we can beat people in the back end of our lineup, we’ll make up a lot of strokes.”

As the buildup for the championships grows, Palouse Ridge is working to insure the course is in the best condition for the visiting conference teams.

“For this time of the year, it is as good as I’ve ever seen it,” Clegg said. “I couldn’t be happier with the condition of the course right now.”

Cougar Athletic Fund kicks off Spokane Week

The Cougar Athletic Fund kicked off Spokane Week Sunday with the Cougar Dash 5K. The race took place at the WSU Spokane campus.

The 5K run was open to students and families of all ages. Current students, alumni and even Butch came out to participate in the event.

“(Butch) shot out of there like a Cougar and was the rabbit for 20 yards or so,” said Devon Thomas, Cougar Athletic Foundation (CAF) director of Spokane operations.

Spokane Week events will run through Saturday, April 25. Upcoming events include Cougar Family Bowling Night at Hugo’s On The Hill Tuesday, and CAF/Coaches’ Lunch Hour at Mirabeau Park Hotel Wednesday.

Spokane Week will conclude Saturday, April 25, with the 2015 Crimson and Gray game at Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane. This event will feature beer gardens, a kids’ combine, as well as autographs with the team.

WSU to make a name in the NFL Draft

Climbing the boards of the NFL draft board is defensive lineman Xavier Cooper. From the NFL Combine to Pro Day, Cooper has proved himself on and off the field.

“They’re talking about him possibly sneaking into the second round,” said Jason Gesser, CAF assistant director of development and former Cougar quarterback.

Even after injuring his hand at the Senior Bowl, wide receiver Vince Mayle could also be looking at a bright future in the NFL.

“He’s a big-bodied dude, a lot of guys like him,” Gesser said. “I really think the Seattle Seahawks are going to take him.”

Since his WSU career-ending injury, many are anticipating an NFL career for quarterback Connor Halliday.

“I think the wild card is going to be Connor,” Gesser said. “Either way he’s going to end up in a camp, and from there, he’s just going to have to impress with his arm strength and his accuracy.”