WSU Cougars logo with lyrics from the WSU Fight Song in the background.
November 22, 2023

Charting a clear path forward for WSU Athletics

By Kirk Schulz, System President
Washington State University

I am pleased to report that we have made solid progress over the past week related to the future of Washington State University Athletics. The path forward is becoming clearer.

Thanks to a court ruling on Nov. 14, WSU and Oregon State University are now strategically positioned to control the Pac-12 Board of Directors in the near future. We are confident that this ruling will stand, ensuring that the decisions we make will not only be in the best interest of our student-athletes but also propel the conference towards future success.

The brand recognition we’ve cultivated for WSU Athletics over the decades will help us maintain our status as one of the premier athletic programs on the West Coast. This is due in no small measure to our exceptional roster of coaches and student-athletes and the support of our passionate fan base who embody the spirit of Washington State University.

Of note, we also announced last weekend that we have secured the continuation of the Apple Cup rivalry for the next five years. This longstanding tradition, stretching back to the initial meeting between WSU and UW in 1900, is a mainstay of Cougar Athletics. Our student-athletes look forward each year to participating in this century-old tradition. The Apple Cup is a revered rivalry, not only in the Pacific Northwest, but on a national stage. The series has always elicited great passion among our student-athletes, alumni, and fans. It also represents an important source of revenue that supports WSU Athletics operations. I am happy that we will maintain this premier college football match-up in the coming years.

As we continue to chart our future, I want to thank the WSU Board of Regents for their ongoing support and guidance. The board deeply understands the importance of college athletics. Their steadfast commitment ensures that we have the backing necessary as we move WSU Athletics forward.

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every member of Cougar Nation. Your passion, dedication, and engagement fuel our aspirations, and together, we will continue to achieve great things on the field and in the classroom.