HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 98-4695, by Representatives Kastama, Schoesler, Sheahan, Hatfield, Cooper, Conway and McDonald

      WHEREAS, The residents of this state are still glowing with pride over the accomplishments of the 1997 Washington State University Cougars football team; and

      WHEREAS, The Cougars, led by Coach of the Year Mike Price and All-American Quarterback Ryan Leaf, enjoyed their best season since 1931, defeating the UCLA Bruins, the USC Trojans, and the Arizona Wildcats while winning ten games this season; and

      WHEREAS, The tenth win of that season came in Husky Stadium, where the Cougars won the Apple Cup and earned their first Rose Bowl appearance since 1931; and

      WHEREAS, The Washington State Cougars, played with pride, poise, and spirit in taking the battle to the University of Michigan Wolverines; and

      WHEREAS, Mike Price, the architect of this wonderful season, having survived the slings and arrows of the media, alumni, and University of Washington alums since 1989, has forever put to rest the expression, "Cougin' it," a term that Husky alums once tortured Cougar fans with; and

      WHEREAS, Mike Price has been honored by The Sporting News, the Football Writers of America, the American Football Coaches Association, and the Bobby Dowd Foundation as the 1997 Coach of the Year; and

      WHEREAS, Mike Price has sent to the National Football League talent including Drew Bledsoe, Steve Broussard, Mark Fields, and Ryan Leaf; and

      WHEREAS, Unlike many other football coaches who rebuild programs only to leave for greener pastures, Mike Price has chosen to stay at Washington State University, the school where he earned his master's degree in physical education and got his first college football coaching position in 1969;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the Washington State University Cougars football team and their head coach Mike Price for their glorious season and for the sense of pride the team brought to both sides of the Cascades; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be forwarded by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Honorable Gary Locke, Governor of the State of Washington; the Honorable Brad Owen, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Washington and President of the Washington State Senate; the Honorable Clyde Ballard, Speaker of the House of Representatives; Samuel H. Smith, President of Washington State University; Richard R. Albrecht, President of the Board of Regents of Washington State University; and Rick Dickson, Director of Athletics at Washington State University.

      I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

      Resolution 4695 adopted by the House of Representatives

                        February 16, 1998.

                 ________________________________

                  Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk