Injuries plagued Cougars

I am puzzled by The Spokesman-Review sports writer Glenn Kasses’ assessment of the Cougars’ last two football losses.

He, of all sources, should be the most aware of the devastating injuries that have plagued this team, even before the season started. He describes the Cougars as being humbled by Arizona and shamed by Arizona State. Then he describes this season as being one of the greatest collapses in Cougars history.

I don’t believe I have ever seen a team at any level of sports experience more devastating injuries to key players in one season. Yet this team and its inexperienced backups stepped up and competed beyond expectations, and eventually ran out of backup players.

If this team had an average year with injuries, it may have been competing at this time for the Pac-10 championship and a major bowl. I would expect an uninformed fan to make this kind of assessment, but not the inside guy.

For this Cougars fan, and I hope I speak for a multitude of Cougars fans, this goes down as one of the most spirited and courageous teams of all time. You will not be forgotten, and your courage and commitment to winning will become a tradition in the future that you will be proud of.

Allan LeTourneau

Spokane