New AD Pat Chun to prioritize fundraising in Seattle area

Washington State’s new Athletic Director Pat Chun has already gotten to work this week, but he hasn’t been on the Palouse. Instead, he’s been familiarizing himself with the west side of the state, meeting with the Cougar faithful and talking to the media.

In an interview with Stefanie Loh of the Seattle Times, Chun offered some insight into what his tenure as the AD will look like. Chun told Loh that University President Kirk Schulz has made it clear he wants the athletic director to “maintain a presence” in Seattle.

Regular business trips across the mountains will likely be tied to one main purpose, fundraising. Chun’s background and ability to rake in donations has been talked up since his hiring and the Seattle area is likely the best place to do that. He has not wasted any time since the introductory press conference on Monday.

While it will take time to get a verdict on Chun, the move to hire him from Florida Atlantic is garnering praise from his peers. Jon Wilner of The Mercury News reported Thursday that he spoke to three athletic directors and they had nothing but good things to say.

Cougar fans will have the opportunity to meet Chun, at the upcoming Night with Cougar Football events. Chun will join Mike Leach and other coaches as they talk WSU football and the 2018 recruiting class in multiple locations across the state.

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Athletics:

Analysis | WSU hits a home run with Pat Chun hire, while Pac-12 Networks tumble amid layoffs | The Seattle Times
Jon Wilner asked three Pac-12 athletic directors their opinions of the Cougars' new AD, and all three termed it a terrific hire. Plus: Turmoil at the Pac-12 Networks and the Pac-12's rising Heisman odds.

Q&A with WSU Athletic Director Pat Chun: On fundraising, Lane Kiffin and his plans for WSU | The Seattle Times
WSU athletic director Pat Chun was in Seattle Wednesday, and plans to spend lot of time going back and forth between Pullman and Seattle when he starts his new job.

Football:

Way-too-early Pac-12 preview: Cougars expected to take step back in 2018
The 2018 Cougars will find it difficult to match their success from 2017, not only because of the losses of quarterback Luke Falk, linebacker Hercules Mata’afa and many others, but also due to the departure of defensive coordinator Alex Grinch.

Standout linebacker Peyton Pelluer granted sixth year of eligibility at Washington State | The Spokesman-Review
Peyton Pelluer’s return gives the WSU Cougars exceptional depth at the middle linebacker positions next season. The Sammamish, Washington, native was an All-Pac-12 Conference honorable mention selection in 2016 and finished fourth in the league with 93 total tackles.

Money spent on WSU coaches is outrageous | Letters To Editor | union-bulletin.com
Recently in the Union-Bulletin I read that WSU football Coach Mike Leach signed a multiyear contract in excess of $4 million per year. I hope I’m not the only person who thinks that this is outrageous?

Basketball:

Grip on Sports: At least college basketball's weekend begins tonight | The Spokesman-Review
A GRIP ON SPORTS • As anyone who follows college hoops around these parts knows, the weekend really begins on Thursday night. And this week is no different.