Pac-Something Poses Some Interesting Questions

Now we know why Pete Carroll took the Seattle Seahawks head coaching job. The writing has been on the wall for some time now and came to a head today. USC will be punished with a two year ban, and more importantly, 10 scholarships for the next three years. This definitely levels the playing field for others in the Pac Ten, especially Colorado, who just accepted an invitation to join the Pac Ten. Others are soon to follow like Texas, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State. When USC can only recruit 10-15 players per year for the next three years, that is a huge boost for others in the Pac-Something. It also puts a scar on the Pete Carroll era. Yeah Pete, the Seahawks job wasn't about the money was it? Things started to stick so you needed to go. Hello Seattle.

So what does this mean for WSU and UW Fans? For the loyal Cougs, it means it's time to step up. If you haven't helped your school lately now is the time. I really think WSU may be at a huge advantage, given the latest circumstances. Who would you rather go see play, Colorado or Idaho? Texas A&M or Baylor? Oklahoma or San Diego State? Some of those schools were on the non-conference schedule but you get my point. Some of these new schools in the conference will mean a huge spike in ticket sales for Martin Stadium. This is why the stadium expansion is so important. Let me correct myself, this is why we HAVE to expand Martin Stadium.

For UW fans, well I won't even go there. They already entertain some of these schools and as hard as it is for me to admit it, Seattle is a big attraction and always will be, specifically Husky Stadium. I can say that because I grew up there. I saw the likes of Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Michigan, Michigan State, and Miami, just to name a few. If you want me to name some of the players I can do that too. When it becomes a conference game it's an even bigger draw.

So buckle up, there's some big news a comin'. The new schools will have to make adjustments to travel schedules, new recruiting territories, new surroundings. For Husky and Cougar fans they are already in place.

My name is Tom and I'm a Cougar. I like what I'm seeing.

The Best Of The Best

I was fortunate to be a part of the last coach to beat legendary coach John Wooden. It was in 1975 when Marv Harshman's Huskies knocked off UCLA 103-81 in Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Up in the rafters I was sitting behind a post. It didn't matter, I was experiencing history and loving every minute of it.

We lost the best of the best. There's nobody better and never will be. John Wooden taught the fundamentals of life and basketball better than anyone. There was a reason why he made his players use the backboard. There was a reason why he taught them the right way to put on their socks. There's a reason why he won so many games.

But the one game he excelled in more than anything was the game of life. And what's more important than that.