During the month of November, it is common to give thanks to family, friends and Cougar athletics. You cannot give thanks without acknowledging the Cougar swim team. Since the beginning of the 2024 season, Washington State Swim has not lost a dual meet. The success correlates with the appointment of head coach Russell Whitaker.

Whitaker took over the duties that come with being a head coach in 2024, when former head coach Matt Leach left for Iowa State after the old Pac-12 split. Whitaker has been around Cougar athletics since 2017, serving as the Director of Operations before becoming an assistant head coach for the aquatic Cougs. He has hit the ground running, being 13-0 in dual meets and achieving third or higher in invitationals on three separate occasions. 

The hot start has boiled over into 2025, seeing a third-place finish in Fresno State’s invitational and three dual meet wins, outscoring opponents Denver, NAU and CSU 533-174. 

Women’s swim also looks to keep up the dominance in the pool. A Hawkeye invitational and the U.S. Open await before four dual meets in a row.

Even though Whitaker has only been around the team for three years, his voice in both roles he has served has been integral to creating the competitive swim team we see on the Palouse today.

Swimmers, including Emily Lundgren, Lauren Wille and Darcy Revitt are some of the most impressive swimmers that Washington State has to offer. 

Speaking of Emily Lundgren, the senior came to the Palouse four years ago, ready to compete and contribute to the program. She instead found herself as the team’s shining star. In her tenure as an aquatic Coug, she has passed the 50-win mark, and with well over half a season yet to swim, 60 wins are possible.

Being thankful is integral to the fall festivities that sweep the nation, and the toll student athletes take balancing both academic and athletic excellence is a true test of human will, we as fans must be thankful for.