Dear Cougs,
Welcome home. If you find yourself back in Pullman this weekend for the inaugural Pac-2 Championship against the Oregon State Beavers, buckle up and get ready for a memorable weekend.
The situation the Cougs and Beavs find themselves in is unique, tragic and unfair. It reinforces what we’ve always believed about our beloved land grant institution, that we are overlooked, undervalued and flat-out disrespected by the rest of the nation. The actions of TV executives, university leaders and the rhetoric of fans nationwide seem to scream that it truly is Cougs vs. Everybody.
Of course, that slogan is remarkably effective. Just look at WSU football’s sold-out crowd for their home opener against then-No. 19 Wisconsin. Over 33,000 people flocked to Martin Stadium to see the Cougs show the nation what they were made of…and the Cougs did not disappoint, beating Wisconsin 31-22 and never relinquishing the lead.
Head coach Jake Dickert was stunned by the atmosphere Coug Nation provided.
“When I ran out of the tunnel and I’ve done it a bunch now, it has never felt like that. It was loud, it was packed, it was energetic, the seats were full, I just can’t even tell you how that jump started the football game,” Dickert said at his weekly press conference, Sept. 11.
Between a new-look Cougar Marching Band and spirit squads, a frankly angry and emboldened student section and an alumni base beaming with Cougar pride, Martin Stadium was a loud and disruptive environment which helped the Cougs win a close game.
“That’s what Martin Stadium and Gesa Field can be every week,” Dickert said.
It’s not just football that deserves your attention. WSU is one of three schools in the country with ranked football, volleyball and soccer teams.
The day prior to football’s home opener, WSU volleyball welcomed the then-No. 8 BYU Cougars to Pullman and proved who the real Cougars were with a four-set win.
Pulman showed up for Cougar volleyball too with the renovated Bohler Gym hosting the Block, located directly behind the net. When BYU served from the student-side of the court, the crys of true Cougs rang in their ears throughout the set.
Argentina Ung jumps to set the ball for her hitter against Towson, Sept. 7.
The Cougs beat ranked Baylor and Texas squads in Texas and now find themselves No. 7 in the nation ahead of Thursday’s Apple Cup against the UW Huskies.
No. 24 WSU soccer went 7-1 in the preseason and host No. 2 Stanford at 7 p.m. Friday.
I hope you’ll show up to Bohler on Thursday and the Lower Soccer Field on Friday to support Cougar volleyball and soccer and I know there is a high chance that if you care to read this, you’ll be in Martin Stadium Saturday afternoon.
While no one knows what the future may hold for WSU Athletics, the present is clear as can be. The Cougs are here, they are good, maybe even great and they deserve your support. It’s Cougs vs. Everybody.
Go Cougs!
