As Cougars, do we really want to be known for our drinking abilities?

Tailgating is an event that brings together fans, friends and family. At these gatherings you’re certain to find a grill serving burgers and hot dogs, fans in the jerseys of their favorite player and with faces painted to match – and copious amounts of beer.

Tailgating is a lot of fun and can be enjoyable for everyone, but Washington State Cougars might take the drinking aspect too far.

All colleges have their fun with partying, and plenty of students partake in drinking alcohol, but not all colleges get nationally recognized for it.

This rise to national prominence came on August 31 when WSU played its first game of the season in Auburn, Ala. According to an article on q13fox.com, Cougar fans and alumni drank a bar out of beer during their pre-game festivities. This is a testament to just how much Cougars drink. On top of that the bar, Quixote’s Bar and Grill, had to close four hours early, much to the disappointment of more than 100 still-thirsty Cougars, according to an article from cougcenter.com.

Even though it were Washington State alumni recognized for the act, the incident reflects the university as a whole. As Cougars we should not be recognized only as “beer chuggers” or “champion drinkers.”

Drinking at WSU has always been a running joke, or rather a stereotype, but now our strong beer drinking abilities have garnered nationwide attention.

We should be recognized nationwide for our College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, our Business and Communication Colleges, our athletic programs, and our school spirit. Recognition for our educational merits is what will attract future Cougars (and more importantly, their check-writing parents). Let’s be honest – what parents want their child to attend a school that churns out alumni best known for their drinking habits?

Yes, it’s true that since WSU is a secluded

college town on the outskirts of the state, many people believe that there is nothing else to do in Pullman except drink and party. Nonresidents might also hear stories of crazy students and their drunken nights, and conclude that such debauchery reflects the university as a whole.

That being said, as this tailgating season begins and Cougars break out their beer pong tables, think about how WSU is perceived by outsiders.

Let’s relinquish the title of champion beer chuggers. Let’s show some self-control; drink only one beer before the game, eat more to stay sober, or simply wait until after the game to enjoy the rest of the keg. It will still be there when the Cougars win!