Spring Game Shenanigans: A Crimson and Gray weekend recap

Not sure if anyone mentioned Gardner Minshew was there?

Good evening, Cougs!

Last weekend was certainly an eventful one as Washington State football legends, alumni, and friends all returned “Back Home” to Pullman for the spring Crimson & Gray football game, as well as the CougsFirst! QB Classic Golf Tournament.

The QB Classic, hosted at Palouse Ridge Golf Course on the Friday before the spring football game, brought numerous Cougar legends back to Pullman for a day out on the green alongside guests and many current WSU players and coaches.

One of the stars of the weekend was Gardner Minshew, who made his return to Pullman after 5 long years. Aside from hanging on the golf course and signing thousands of autographs, Minshew flexed his coaching muscles with Jack Thompson and Rueben Mayes, all three serving as guest coaches for the spring football game.

Another celebrity appearance was that of our beloved Dash Dog, his little brother Chase (AKA Smol Dog), and their human, Ande. As our furry friend Dash crossed over the rainbow bridge this week- and getting to see him receive all the scratches, hugs, hot dogs and all the love a dog could possibly ask for from his biggest fans in Pullman was a heartwarming memory that I’ll forever treasure. Fly high, sweet Dash— we miss you so dearly already, buddy.

Ultimately, the vibes were high all week and weekend. Gardner Minshew made his rounds to the Pullman bars alongside Dezmon Patmon, both as gracious as ever. Between taking photos and mingling with adoring Coug fans, Minshew even squeezed in a round of darts at Valhalla (like the man of the people he is!) and the positive energy was buzzing across Greek row thanks to the presence of numerous awesome Cougs making their return to Pullman.

At the Crimson & Gray football game on Saturday, it was truly so fun to witness the excitement and chemistry from the team. You could practically feel the adrenaline pumping through the group from the bleachers, and it was entirely evident that these guys were thrilled to be playing football in front of a crowd in Martin Stadium.

John Mateer looked like a promising QB1, and the spring game showed a lot of competition in the RB room as rising sophomores Leo Pulalasi and Djouvensky Schlenbaker, senior Dylan Paine, and true freshman Wayshawn Parker all vie for the starting role.

Leo Pulalasi was unfortunately carted off the field with a leg/foot injury towards the start of the game, but he’s on track for a return for fall camp, keeping him in the running for that coveted starting spot.

Schlenbaker, Paine and Parker all had shining moments during the game, but Schlenbaker put on a show with 106 rushing yards (including one 53-yard run), and one touchdown.

Gardner Minshew, guest coach for Team Crimson, served primarily as the Coach of Vibes, and he upheld his role beautifully. It was so great to see our favorite mustached guy amped up to be back home in Pullman, sharing tidbits of wisdom and insight with the current players.

The game ended with a close score of 22-21, Crimson, but at the end of the day- Cougs were on top!

Overall, it was a fantastic weekend of Coug camaraderie and spirit. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m beyond ready for Cougar football to be back in Pullman! Go Cougs!

We’ve got some photos of the game to really help you feel like you were there, not just in spirit:

Photo credit to our amazing photographer Ashley Davis!