What Makes WSU Special?

Weekend Wrap-Up

Even though the football team lost to Cal 49-17, QB Jeff Tuel had a career day completing 28 of 42 passes for 354 yards and two touchdowns. The team is beginning to show signs of improvement and with 19 players this season making their first career start, including 10 true freshman, the Cougars are giving fans lots to look forward to in the future.

The soccer team split games against the Bay Area schools, losing 2-1 to top ranked Stanford on Friday, but coming away with a 2-1 overtime victory against 23rd ranked Cal on Sunday.

Not to be outdone, the volleyball team defeated 4th ranked Washington in the Apple Cup of volleyball in four sets. Coach Andrew Palileo's squad handed the Dawgs their second loss of the year.

Big Friday in Pullman

On Friday, a pair of Washington State women's teams welcome national powers to Pullman. The Cougar soccer team hosts unbeaten and unanimous No. 1 Stanford at 3 p.m. at Lower Soccer Field. And after the soccer match comes the night's marquee event with the No. 4 Washington Huskies visiting Bohler Gym for a volleyball showdown. The Huskies, 7-1 in conference, are Pac-10 leaders, but the Cougars, 15-4 overall, are enjoying a breakout season.

The volleyball match, which starts at 7 p.m., will be part of the Pac-10 Conference Breast Cancer Awareness month. During the match, players, coaches, and even Butch, the mascot, will wear pink. Fans who wear pink will receive $2 admission.

Be sure to check back with Wazzu Sports for a recap of all of this weekend's Cougar action, including the football team's trip to Berkeley.

Basketball is Almost Here!

The basketball season unofficially kicks off this Friday with Midnight Mayhem, begining right after the conclusion of the women's 7 p.m. volleyball match against USC in Bohler Gym. Festivities will include a dunk contest, a scrimmage of the men's and women's teams, and a three-point shooting contest. It all starts around 9:30 p.m. in Bohler Gym.

Speaking of basketball, here's a great article by Howie Stalwick on WSU's transition from slow-paced Bennett Ball to new coach Ken Bone's up-tempo style.

Injury Bug Wipes Out Football Team

Halfway through the football season, I feel unsatisfied, much like the feeling I get after visiting Pita Pit... still hungry. I want more out of WSU football, but the injury bug has decimated this football team.

Kevin Kooymen-Knee (pictured right)
Tyson Pencer-Ankle
Brian Danaher-Concussion
Steven Ayers-Ankle
BJ Guerra-MCL sprain
Daniel Simmons-Broken Leg
Zach Williams-Ankle
James Montgomery-Leg

All of these players were starters, and while the swine flu was a major concern at the beginning of the season, it appears the injury bug should have been our first concern.

ESPN Recognizes WSU Volleyball

Off to its best start since 1997, the 14-1 Washington State University volleyball team has the rest of the country taking note. The Cougars are featured on the front page of the college sports section of ESPN.com, and ranked in the Top 25 for the first time since the 2003 preseason poll. Much of the praise belongs to the team's four seniors. ESPN's Dave Reed gives them the credit they deserve in this feature article.