Days before preparing his offense to catch touchdown passes during camp at Lewiston, Idaho, football head coach Mike Leach took time to catch fish in the waters of Alaska.
Leach, joined by Director of Athletics Bill Moos, Cougar quarterback legend and Cougar Athletic Fund (CAF) Assistant Director of Development Jason Gesser, and CAF members, participated in the first Cougar Catch event, July 30 to Aug. 3.
Moos, Leach, Gesser and Cougar Athletic Fund members Doug Thomas, Steve Brown, Keith Grossmann, Mike Rowe, Glenn Osterhout, Alex Johnson, Greg Rankich, John Ramsey, Terry Brown, Dane Williams, Dick Donahue, and Richard Johnson stayed at Tanaku Lodge, owned by Cougars Dennis & Susan Meier, at Elfin Cove, Alaska.
Highlighting the trip was the pursuit of King Salmon and Halibut on the waters of Southeast Alaska, as well as fly fishing at the nearby rivers.
Father and son, Richard and Alex Johnson pull in a nice Silver.
John Ramsey and Dane Williams pose with Ramsey's 72 pound Halibut.
Dane Williams shows us another Halibut catch.
John Ramsey shows off a nice sized Silver.
Jason Gesser displays a King Salmon
There was a daily competition for a crimson and gray jacket with the Cougar logo embroidered on it. The jackets were awarded to the individual who caught the biggest King Salmon (crimson) and Halibut (gray) each day.
Furthermore, those who, as Gesser says, "messed up, such as breaking a rod" was bestowed a pink shirt.
Richard Johnson and Glenn Osterhout were the big winners on Day 2 with the biggest Halibut (Gray Blazer) and biggest King Salmon (Crimson Jacket). And, in case you're wondering, yes you can get the biggest catch of the day and the pink shirt for the day as well, as Glenn O. found out.
In addition to fishing, taking in the spectacular scenery, and enjoying the company of fellow Cougars, the trip offered the opportunity to talk facilities, including the planned renovations of the Indoor Practice Facility and Baseball Clubhouse.
Those interested in joining next year's trip or contributing to WSU Athletics facility development may contact Jason Gesser at 509-335-6709 or jason.gesser@wsu.edu.
The Cougar Athletic Fund, the fundraising arm of the Washington State University Athletic Department, is committed to covering the annual cost of student-athlete scholarships through private, philanthropic support. The support of Cougar Athletic Fund members enable young men and women to come to Pullman and earn a degree while competing in the Pac-12 Conference.
Be a Member. Join The Team. To join the Cougar Athletic Fund call 1-877-IMA-COUG or visit CougarAthleticFund.com.
Photos provided by Dane Williams and Jason Gesser
Go Cougs!
Jason Krump, WSU Athletics
