HOT COUGAR ACTION: Fall Camp Recap Day Four

I took my first trip to Pullman when I was a junior in high school. I signed up for a walking tour where a current student led a giant group of us around campus. I had very little interest in the tour, so when we passed the baseball field and I saw a game was going on, I broke off from the group to watch the last few innings. I was standing along the fence behind the dugout next to an older man. We chatted briefly, he asked me what I was majoring in. I told him I was in high school and came to check out the campus. He said, "I guarantee if you come to Washington State, you won't regret it."

Fast forward two years and I was attending my first baseball game as a freshman. I was sitting in the bleachers and I saw the same older man walking down the concourse. People were shaking his hand and waving to him. I asked the guy sitting behind me who the older man was and he said, "That's Bobo Brayton the greatest baseball coach to ever live."

I couldn't help but remember this story when I heard Brayton was in the hospital after an ATV accident. If there were a WSU Mount Rushmore, Brayton would be a unanimous selection. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.

As for football, Vince Grippi detailed a couple of important notes from Wednesday's practice. The Cougars made it through another practice without suffering a major injury and CJ Mizell, previously maligned for his practice habits, is now being praised for his effort and attitude. Grippi has more on Mizell in the links below. It's early in camp, but Mizell's improved practice habits can only be a positive development.

Other Links

Wet and wild day for WSU - SportsLink - Spokesman.com - Aug. 10, 2011
After four warm days on Rogers Field, this afternoon's practice – the last before the Cougars go to full pads – ended on an upbeat note. On what could have been a downbeat day for Washington State fans. Read on for more.

Football Practice: Day 4 - WSUCougars.com
Wednesday afternoon, the Cougars held a two-hour practice in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts on Rogers Field.

Mizell brings game-time attitude to summer practices - Spokesman.com - Aug. 10, 2011
C.J. Mizell stood at a fork in the road. The choice was his to make, but the road map had been drawn pretty clearly by Washington State coach Paul Wulff and new linebackers coach Chris Tormey. 

Scout.com: New Coug, a war vet, 'blessed' to be playing
PULLMAN – Chas "Sam" Sampson, like all of his Washington State teammates, was an exhausted, sweat-covered mess at the conclusion of another tough practice under the relentless Palouse sun Tuesday afternoon. 

WSU Athletics posted a video of a few players and Coach Wulff enjoying a Slip-N-Slide after practice.

Cougar Football: Slip-N-Slide (via WSUCougarAthletics)