I’m not gonna lie. It stings.

After a four-hour extravaganza that was the highest-scoring Apple Cup, I am left with a hoarse voice, sore feet and a sense of sadness.

But more than anything, I am thankful on this Thanksgiving weekend.

I’m thankful for the WSU football seniors who gave this game, season and WSU careers their all. I wish them nothing but the best in what lies ahead.

Of course, what lies in the near future is one. more. game. Although it does not feel nearly as good as it would if the Cougs had won the Apple Cup and sent their seniors’ Pullman careers out with a bang, we are still going bowling!

The bowl game is one more chance (and 15 more practices) where the seniors can mentor their brothers, the underclassmen can continue to sharpen their game and the team can build a stronger bond for the next season.

I hope every last Cougar football player takes this opportunity and runs with it.

I’m also thankful for the seniors in every aspect of game day including:

• The seniors of WSU Spirit and the Crimson Girls for always pumping up the crowd!
• The seniors on the football support staff and Cougs Creative interns for some incredible work, the full extent of which often goes unnoticed.
• The senior students experiencing their final game at Martin Stadium. (Shoutout to the student section for staying packed until the game was out of reach, y’all rocked it!).

And most dearly, I’m thankful for the seniors of the Cougar Marching Band and the senior journalism students who covered their last football game at Martin Stadium, whether it be for Cable 8, KUGR Radio other sources or, of course, the Daily Evergreen.

To Trevor Junt, Evergreen deputy sports editor and football beat writer, know you are incredible.

You stepped into a three-person sports section in the summer and helped the sports staff grow to be 11 strong (and counting).

Your passion for football and journalism is impeccable and I am fortunate to have you a part of the team and to call you a friend! We are far from finished of course and I am looking forward to the rest of the year!

To the seniors of the Cougar Marching Band, thank you for your leadership and enthusiasm. Because of the standard you set, we do not simply call ourselves the Best in the West, we ARE the Best in the West! I would like to shout out my fellow trumpet players Colton, Erica, Matthew, Cameron and Sarah, you are the best!

Seniors, do not be strangers. I trust I’ll see you again after this year because after all, we always find our way back home.