Good morning, Coug fans!

What an interesting past few days it’s been. I would like to take the opportunity to put something else on the radar today that we can all get excited about- two more Washington State alumni making their way to Tokyo for the 2021 Olympics.

My friend Jeff told you about some familiar basketball names that you might have read about here, so today we’re pivoting over and taking a look at two WSU Rowing legends Nicole Hare and Lisa Roman!

Both women are originally from Canada, and made their way to Washington State, Roman joining the Cougs in 2009, and Hare in 2012. Hare was able to use her redshirt to sit out her senior year in order to train for the 2016 Olympics, where she partnered with Jeniffer Marti to compete for Canada in the pairs rowing event. Hare is rowing in the four race, which begins today at 7:50 pm! During her time at Washington State, she was a three-time CRCA All-Region 5 honoree, picking up first team honors in 2014 and second team in 2015 and 2017. The CRCA stands for the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association, that has a website with a members only login, so I can only assume it’s pretty esteemed.

Lisa Roman ended her time at WSU in 2012, and in 2014 she was a member of the Canadian team that won the silver medal in the Women’s eight competition at the World Rowing Championships. Roman is also the first ever WSU Rower to be inducted into the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019, and in 2015-16, she was named to the Pac-12’s All-Century Women’s Rowing Team.

And finally, in 2016, Lisa Roman and Canada’s Coxed eight team placed fifth in the Olympics. I know what you’re thinking- what is a Coxed team?

“Coxed” is a term used to describe the boat used for competitive rowing, so a coxed pair would be a two person boat. In Roman’s case, she was a member of an eight person boat. Talk about teamwork.

While these fantastic athletes are rowing for Canada, I think we can put aside the country bias and root for our Cougs to get some Gold. Now I’m hungry for a grilled cheese. Go Cougs!

Links

Reactions mixed to WSU Cougars football coach Nick Rolovich decision to decline COVID-19 vaccine | The Seattle Times
Washington State football coach Nick Rolovich has supporters and critics after he came forward with decision not to get the vaccine.

Cougars’ Borghi makes second watch list in 2 days | Sports | lmtribune.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Washington State senior running back Max Borghi was named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list, the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation announced Thursday.

Washington State's Max Borghi charging $70 for customized Cameo videos, will share earnings with O-line | The Spokesman-Review
In the wake of national laws that now allow college athletes to capitalize off name, image and likeness, Washington State's most recognizable football player has joined the ever-growing Cameo movement, and plans to share his earnings.

Pac-12 could have football teams forfeit if unable to play due to COVID-19
New Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff said he's considering adopting a policy that involves forfeits for canceled games due to COVID-related issues.

When do the 2021 Olympics begin? Here’s what to know about the Tokyo Summer Games. - The Washington Post
The Tokyo Olympics begin July 23. Here’s a complete guide to the Games, including dates, schedule and what you need to know about new and popular sports.

Get COVID-19 Vaccine Answers | The benefits of… | The Ad Council
Fact-based information for people who are fully vaccinated. Details on the benefits of getting vaccinated and the continued need for wearing masks.