End of road for Bennett

WASHINGTON’S FOURTH-LEADING rusher in state high school history hasn’t carried the ball once in his Washington State career, although Pat Bennett does have a pair of interception returns for touchdowns. Since coming to WSU from Forks, Bennett has contributed on the defensive side of the ball at outside linebacker, starting five games as a sophomore and increasing that total in this, his senior season.

Bennett is suiting up for the final time today, and he took some time this week to talk with The Spokesman-Review about his last game, some notoriety he received in high school and more.

S-R: Are you sick of hearing questions about the Apple Cup yet?

PB: Actually, not really. I don’t get tired of it because I’ve liked this game for a long time. Ever since ‘92 – the Cougars won that one – I’ve always said I wanted to get one for myself. So far, not too good. So hopefully this is the one.

S-R: Has it always been the Cougars for you?

PB: At first, it was a little bit of both. But I’ve always been more of a Cougar fan since both my parents are alums. It’s a natural.

S-R: Anything strange going on this Apple Cup week?

PB: It’s pretty much been business as usual. When Coach (Mike) Price was here, he always had things going on. But now, it’s more just beat these guys and forget about all the other stuff that’s going on.

S-R: We have to do some digging here … you were once in Sports Illustrated’s Faces in the Crowd. What’s the deal there?

PB: Yeah, I didn’t really know about it. One day, my (high school) coach came to me and said they were going to put me in. My coach nominated me for it because he thought I had done a good job throughout my high school career. They ended up taking not my favorite picture, but it was in there.

S-R: What, did people make fun of you because of the picture?

PB: Not really. It was more for being in SI. But my mom, of course, bought 20 copies. She bought out Forks.

S-R: So all the relatives have a copy, you’ve got it hanging on the wall …

PB: It’s not on my wall. But my mom put together a little scrapbook, and it’s in there.

S-R: This scrapbook is ongoing?

PB: She’s still looking for stuff, but that’s fine with me.

S-R: Well, sure, you don’t want to tick mom off. Let me guess, you’re going home for Thanksgiving next week.

PB: Yup, and I don’t want to be sitting outside.