WSU Football - Go Cougs!
Cougar football is more than just another event in the Palouse, for Coug fans it’s an experience unlike any other. Long before the bellow of the first cannon, RV’s can be seen flooding through Stadium Way where they make camp just outside of Beasley Coliseum. The atmosphere of games is one shared by students, alumni and families alike, and celebrated in unique ways.
Those who come in from out of town typically come in Thursday evening. There is a sense of community amongst these fans, where grills and spirits are enough to keep these fans going in the eve of game day. A popular mantra among coug fans is “wave the flag”, since its inception coug fans, particularly those from out of town, carry them pride and are easily noticed when they roll through campus. Although simple in nature, it creates a sense of solidarity that locals in Pullman embrace whole heartedly. Downtown Pullman can be seen lined with flags up and down the main streets. From some it’s a way to stay connected to the memories of times that have come and gone, and for most it’s a sense of regional/school pride that they wear as a badge of honor. Ultimately, this amounts to hoards of fans giving unconditional support game in and game out every Saturday.
But before fans get a chance to make their way to their seats the festivities outside Gate A give older generations and current students a chance to mingle at a literal crossroads where the home team is ushered in by waves of cheers. Just outside the stadium the WSU marching band play the songs any Cougar fan knows to heart even if the words seem slip by the wayside.
The football team as per tradition crosses Stadium Way as they make their way to the locker rooms in preparation for the game. While the band plays the WSU fight song”, the pleas to “…fight, fight, fight, for Washington State” wage on at the forefront, while fans are rallied amidst the most “cheerful” of the bunch.
Since it first opened in September 30, 1972 Martin Stadium has undergone significant renovations that make it just as aesthetically pleasing as any other stadium in the PAC-12. Namely the WSU football operations building, which aside from providing a solid foundation for the football program plays a significant part in the game itself. Before its erection a gap in the perimeter of the stadium allowed noise to escape making the cheers of the crowd null to certain degree. Now, however, its inception keeps those cheers within the bounds of the field, giving the home team an advantage over visiting teams. Moreover, the atmosphere of the game is felt by the fans themselves. Given that they share an affinity for Cougar Football, high fives, hugs, and cheers are shared amongst relative strangers. While TV time outs tend to deflate the energy in the stadium gimmicks such as the kiss cam, promotional activities for prizes, or just a good old fashioned tune keep the masses in their seats are ready for another cheer, or jingle of the keys at kick-off.
While WSU may not be the most prestigious universities in the conference, like Stanford, be privy to a large market like our rivals in the west, or be blessed with recent titles, Cougar fans show up every year for the prospect of one more win. If the most recent game against Oregon says anything about WSU it’s that the team and the home fans are not intimidated by the lights are no one’s stepping stone. The experience in Martin Stadium is unique to any other. That’s in large part due to the fans and the student body that participate. They give the red brick meaning, and represent the crimson and gray colors. Go Cougs!
Written by Marco Romero
The WSU cheer squad and dance team do their part too as well to make game days a memorable experience and play a big part in creating an atmosphere that promotes positive vibes. So much so that they play an integral part in what may be the most common game day tradition. They bridge the gap of the field from the sidelines by enticing one end to the wail of “GO!” and directing the other in response to “COUGS!” To a cynical viewer the pageantry may amount to not much more than a uniform. But to the young Cougar fans that emulate the players and the cheerleaders a meeting with Butch can make all the difference as he is an extension of the program and the team. As such, Butch’s presence in the crowd sums up to more than just a mascot costume. It’s why fans line up to meet him to take pictures and why students carry him through the stands. A Rock Star in his own right, Butch is synonymous with Cougar Athletics and a proud representative of Cougar football.
Once the gates are open to the public and you’ve thoroughly harassed by security the immensity of the stadium is apparent upon entry. While the sale of alcohol is not permitted in the stadium, other amenities are made available to the patrons. Among these are the programs, seat cushions, kettle corn, coug dogs, and just about anything else you can think of.
