From the heart.
Well, well, well, Coug fans.
It goes without saying, but, I’m going to say it anyway: The Cougs secured a B1G win last weekend. The day all around was truly a glorious one, earning a proud spot as one of the top 3 football days of my life.
While there are really an immeasurable amount of golden moments from last Saturday’s massive Apple Cup win over the “other” school out west, I’m going to break down a few of my favorites today in the ultimate love letter to the 2024 Apple Cup.
1. Rushing an NFL Field
Umm, this is crazy!? I’m even more envious of those who were at the game for this once in a lifetime experience— Who in the world gets to rush an NFL field?! Cougs. Cougs got to do that. The sight of Lumen Field covered in a crimson mob of hyped up and emotional Cougar faithful was such a beautiful and unique sight, it still makes my eyes a bit misty every time I watch clips from the post-game scene. This is such a cool and unique experience that will certainly go down in the WSU history books, and undoubtedly find its way into the “Back Home” video here in no time.
2. “Back Home” on a Grand Scale
Speaking of “Back Home”, that’s another thing that was so amazing to witness on such a large scale, in an NFL stadium. A massive crowd of Cougs singing our school’s anthem, deep in enemy territory— And come on, the infamous shot of the Space Needle decked out in crimson, being shown IN SEATTLE? CHILLS!!! Nothing but genuine chills when I saw that shot, and I already know I would’ve been an absolute sobbing mess if I was there to witness such a meaningful moment in the flesh. Representing the spirit of Pullman loud and proud with the “Back Home” tradition in Seattle was a perfect example of the unbridled jot and love Cougs have for their alma mater, their football team and for one another. Seeing this incredible display of joy unfold at Lumen Field was just such a beautiful moment.
3. The Raw Emotion, Passion and Love from and for the Cougs
Okay, first off, when Jake Dickert cries, I cry. I was already choking back some tears after the 4th-down stop, as I finally allowed the reality to set in that the Apple Cup was going to come back home to Pullman, and the tears only intensified as I saw the sheer joy and emotion coming from Coach Dickert and all the players celebrating on the field as the game clock ticked down to zero. It’s so incredibly evident that this win simply MEANT MORE to all of us Cougs, and seeing the players (Particularly veterans, who have stuck with WSU through all of the thick and thin of the last few years) get to really relish a huge team win.
The pure pride for all they’ve endured and accomplished simply shone, and whew. It doesn’t get more perfect than that, folks. The indomitable Coug spirit.
Overall, I could go on forever about how tough the team played, as well as how resilient and truly together they were in taking down a tough opponent in a game that for many of us, meant a lot more than just football. I couldn’t be prouder of our amazing QB1, John Mateer, who has made it a mission to prove time and time again that he is the guy (As Michael Bumpus said beautifully, they can go to the Big 10, we HAVE the Big 10. It’s John Mateer).
“I WAS HUMBLE. I WAS QUIET. I HAD TO COME IN HOT!”@michaelbumpus5 ambushed @StacyRost on behalf of the Cougs with some #AppleCup reality to start the show. #gocougs pic.twitter.com/xIqbYo9vUy
— Seattle Sports (@SeattleSports) September 16, 2024
As the crimson reign storms throughout Washington, the Cougs are looking to keep it going in tomorrow’s matchup against San Jose State. With the incredible momentum the first three weeks have provided, I hope to see as many Cougs as possible packing Martin Stadium for a Friday night, Family Weekend standoff against an undefeated Mountain West opponent— And let me tell you, this Washington State team has earned all of our unconditional support. Let’s continue to be loud and proud this weekend.
Go Cougs!