Good morning Coug fans, and Merry Christmas if you celebrate! Today I thought we’d take a journey through the weirdest season of fall sports, just to remember it one last time before we all do everything in our power to forget this strange, strange year.

Let’s begin with football:

Out of a confusing four games, I’ll open with Oregon State- just like we did! That game was my favorite, defeating the Beavs 38-28. While we did win, it was a pretty fun game to watch, especially with true freshman Jayden de Laura’s debut. The game that started Mullet Mania (yes, I’m still trying to make that happen), and also the origin of our COVID-19 hiccup. Life has peaks and valleys alike, my friends.

And, I’m checking my notes- oh, strange, it says here on my very official notepad that definitely exists that there was actually ONLY the Oregon State game this season, and that everything else was a fever-nightmare, except when they teased Borghi suiting up to play against Cal, just to cancel the game, and all the guys made snowmen and had a snowball fight instead. This was my favorite unconventional installation of Cal Bullshit. That very precious circumstance happened. Nothing else though.

Women’s Basketball!

What hole have you been hiding in if those two words have not immediately hyped you up? The next WSU WBB game is on New Year’s Day, and I can think of no better omen.

They began with an Apple Cup, and came out victorious. They went on to make an embarrassing example out of Idaho, their 74 points squashing Idaho’s 55. After Idaho was Oregon State, also being held at 55 points compared to our 61.

Until the Ducks, they had managed to hold each team to scoring at or under 55- but as the tides turn, we put up an epic fight against the Ducks and ended 65-69, our first loss. But we shall recover in the New Year, especially coming off the most recent win against Eastern Washington. It would be a waste of time NOT to get excited about women’s hoops.

While we’re on the topic of basketball, and speaking of impressive: our men’s basketball team has been quite fun (and nerve wracking) to watch as well. 8-0 this season, held together by their scrappy feet and Nerd Ball defense. All I want for Christmas is a fully recovered Noah Williams.

While those are the three sports we’ve kept up with, and what a time it’s been, I’ll never forgive 2020 for taking soccer away from us.

The year isn’t over yet, so I’ll spare you any sappy sentiment until next week. I hope everyone had a safe and relaxing day, and found a way to safely connect with loved ones. Happy holidays and Go Cougs!

Links

Washington State luminaries John Chaplin, Phil Hinrichs: Time to honor Coug legends John Olerud, Henry Rono with statues | The Spokesman-Review
In 2016, to commemorate its first 100 years, the Pac-12 Conference named athletes of the century in all its sports.

Women’s basketball defeats Eastern Washington – The Daily Evergreen
The WSU women’s basketball team defeated the Eastern Washington Eagles 73-52 on Dec. 22 in Beasley Coliseum. The Cougars have been through the wringer the past few days, after an upset victory against No. 21 Oregon State, followed by a crushing defeat in the final seconds at home to No. 8 Oregon. WSU (4-1, 2-1)...

Know your Inland Northwest sports history? Here's a chance to test your knowledge | The Spokesman-Review
Few spectators have been able to attend sporting events during the pandemic. Since you can’t go to the games, we’ve decided to bring a game to you. An Inland Northwest sports trivia game, to be precise.