The WSU Fight Song, the roaring crowd, the electric atmosphere.
Washington State University’s Cougar Marching Band is often the heart and soul that connects WSU alumni and fans at these games.
In this episode, new Cougar Marching Band director Jon Sweet takes magazine associate editor Adriana Janovich behind the scenes. He talks about the music, the marching, the fans, and the incredible Coug spirit in the band.
This episode’s music is from the Cougar Marching Band at a November 2023 football game.
The Cougar Marching Band is raising money for new uniforms. Learn more or donate for the uniforms.
They’re out there, on the field, six hours before kickoff to rehearse. Later comes inspection to make sure they look sharp. Then they’re on the march—to Cougar Prowl to welcome the players, around the RV lot off Stadium Way to play for die-hard fans, onto Rogers Field for a performance at Cougville to play for more die-hard fans, and, finally, back to the field itself for the pregame and halftime show, and everything in between and after.
Home game days make for long days for members of the Cougar Marching Band, who balance rehearsal with classes, homework, work, socializing, and other activities. Here, some … » More …
From bowl games, band camps, and snowy pregame and halftime shows, to particular pieces of music and enduring friendships, Cougar Marching Band alumni carry lots of fond memories. Here, they share a few favorites from throughout the past five decades.
Lee Ann Fordyce (’72 Comm.) lists these memories of Cougar Marching Band from 1968 to 1970
Learning the fight songs for the other PAC-8 schools Stopping at Central to practice our halftime show on our way to Seattle for the 1969 Apple Cup. Boy, was it windy in Ellensburg! Sadly, having a band director who felt we weren’t … » More …
Bob Appleyard, a former Washington State University rower and distinguished race official in the world of rowing, shares his journey from a novice to an accomplished figure in the sport, officiating races at various levels, including the Olympics, and receiving multiple awards for his contributions to rowing. » More ...
Fish Fans entertained audiences at Washington State University for 70 years. Here are a few more memories of Cougar synchronized swim club.
Kay (Huson) Johnson (x’58 Phys. Ed.) Fish Fans, 1957 to 1958
“I only went to WSU for one year, freshman year. My sister, Carol Huson (’59 Ed.), was already in Fish Fans. She was three years ahead of me. We were raised in Castle Rock, in western Washington, one block from the swimming pool and one block from the Cowlitz River. We were at the swimming pool day in and day out. We were both lifeguards there. … You had to … » More …
