Following University President Elson S. Floyd’s memorial last Wednesday, athletics announced that they would use the upcoming football season, as well as all other sporting events this year, to pay tribute to Floyd.

On their weekly radio show, co-hosts Bud Nameck and WSU Director of Athletics Bill Moos discussed Floyd’s impact as well as what is in store for Cougar football as the season kicks off this weekend.

President Elson S. Floyd

About 5,000 people, including all of WSU’s student athletes and coaches, attended Floyd’s memorial in Beasley Coliseum last Wednesday. Moos praised Floyd on Cougar Calls yesterday, stating he was “fabulous to work for and with,” and had “a wonderful way of being able to connect.”

He went on to explain that the Floyd’s initials will be worn on all Cougar athletes’ uniforms this season.

There will also be a moment of silence for Floyd at the season opening football game this Saturday against Portland State.

“We miss our captain,” Moos said.

Cougar football season

Football season has returned.

WSU will take on the Portland State Vikings Saturday morning, and Moos said fans should be nothing but optimistic.

“We have quality players, and a lot of them,” Moos said.

Moos also commented on the Cougars’ upcoming schedule, stating that it steadily gains intensity throughout the season, unlike last season where the team played its toughest games right at the start. After their game against Portland State, the Cougars will fly across the country to play Rutgers on Sept. 12.

Team chemistry plays a huge role in what makes or breaks a team, Moos said. In the past, it was something the Cougars struggled with, but this year will prove that is no longer the case.

The team’s activities this summer should strengthen bonds between its players, Moos said, expecially non-football related ones such as barbecues and swimming during their fall camp in Lewiston.

Moos credited redshirt sophomore quarterback Luke Falk with playing a major part in organizing these activities, though the leadership doesn’t end with Falk. Leadership, like chemistry, was a previous issue on the WSU football team, but Moos assured that is not going to be a problem this year.

Moos also credited new coaches for the team’s new aura, including Eric Mele as the special teams coordinator, Graham Harrell as the outside receivers coach, Alex Grinch as the defensive coordinator and Roy Manning as the outside linebackers coach. The coaching staff is young and has brought a lot of energy to the team, Moos said.

And if there’s smoke?

Moos laid out all the backup plans for the Portland State game if the air quality on Saturday in Pullman reaches unsafe levels. Cancellation is not a favorable option, as it factors into WSU’s bowl chances pretty much the same way a loss would.

Last Saturday brought hazardous air quality unsuitable for going outside, let alone playing a sport. While Pullman’s current weather is encouraging, Moos said it “doesn’t mean we are out of the woods.”

If smoke becomes a problem and Martin Stadium is unsuitable to host a game, plans have been discussed and WSU has been granted use of the Kibbie Dome at the University of Idaho.

Rescheduling the game is an option, however it’s not ideal.

Reporting by Payton Dineen