Cougs not ‘local’ enough

John Blanchette will not say the “Couged” word in his column, so I guess I will. Somebody has to. The Cougars “Couged” again against the U of W, probably one of their worst “Cougs” ever, against a hapless Huskies team.

To be successful consistently WSU needs to recruit at least 80 percent of its players locally – quit playing third- and fourth-string Californians. WSU should model itself after Gonzaga’s men’s basketball, a hugely successful program, which until very recently, has used local, small-school, blue-collar athletes.

WSU has great local fans, but isn’t loyal to its fan base, and the locals just don’t seem to get the disconnect. Do other coaches get it?

Less than 10 years ago, WSU wouldn’t even attempt to recruit a northeast Washington kid who was arguably one of the best all-around football players to “ever” come out of this area. A top rushing halfback, deep back, kicker and punter, 4.0 student and no “rap sheet,” he just didn’t meet WSU’s high standards.

Dick Brauner

Clayton