College Sports Established
1917
Location
Pullman, Washington
College Name
Washington State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1917 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2010 – Present / PAC 12 Conference
1978 – 2010 / Pacific 10 Conference
1962 – 1978 / Pacific 8 Conference
1958 - 1962 / Independent
1917 - 1958 / Pacific Coast Conference
Nickname
Cougars - For sports fans of the Washington State Cougars, it’s essential to know the origins of their beloved team’s nickname. The Cougars have been a part of the NCAA since its inception in 1906 and have had many nicknames.
The most popular origin story for “Cougars” dates back to 1914 when students at Washington State University (WSU) chose this name after noticing that cougar cubs were often seen around campus. This led them to believe that cougars were an integral part of WSU's culture and history, so they adopted this as their new nickname for all athletics teams from then on out.
Since then, other schools across college football have adopted similar versions like "Mountain Lions" or "Wildcats." But none can match the originality and spirit behind being called a true “Cougar." Some alumni say that if you hear someone yell "Go Cougs!" while walking down Main Street in Pullman – home to WSU – you'll be sure knowing where your loyalties lie!
In addition, several famous stories about how former players became known as 'the pride' or 'the roar.' These tales only add excitement and intrigue surrounding one of America's oldest collegiate nicknames: The Washington State University Cougars!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1894
- 1901
- 1983
- 1992
- 2003
- 2010
-
Washington State College fields its first football team
In 1894: The Washington State College fields its first football team, playing one game and losing to Idaho 10-0. -
Washington State men’s basketball team is established
In 1901: The Washington State men’s basketball team is established and played its first game against Spokane College. -
Washington State football team wins its third conference championship
In 1983: The Washington State football team wins its third conference championship, and makes its third appearance in the Rose Bowl, losing to Michigan 20-17. -
Cougars – Drew Bledsoe
Bledsoe had a record-setting career in his three years at Washington State. After gaining the starting job at the end of the 1990 season as a true freshman (joined later by Jeff Tuel as the only two in school history), he quickly became the face of the Cougars’ offense. In 1992 Bledsoe led his team to a 9–3 record (ranking ... -
Washington State women’s soccer team wins its first conference championship
In 2003: The Washington State women’s soccer team wins its first conference championship, and makes its first appearance in the NCAA tournament. -
Washington State – Klay Thompson
Thompson led the Pac-10 in scoring as a junior, again earning All-Pac-10 first-team honors. He became just the third Cougar to win first-team all-district honors from the National Association of Basketball Coaches twice in his career. In addition, he became the first Cougar to be named Pac-10 Player of the Week three times when he won the award for the ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Cougars
From its inception, WSU has had an impressive run as a member of Division I-A (now known as Football Bowl Subdivision). The Cougars have won four conference championships since joining what was then called the Pacific Coast Conference back in 1916: three outright titles (1917, 1918 & 1920) and one shared championship with Oregon State University (1921). They also made multiple bowl game appearances during this period, including trips to Rose Bowls during World War II when they consecutively faced Duke University from 1941 to 42.
In addition to football success, Washington State's men's basketball program has consistently been among Pac 12 leaders since it joined up with them before the 2010 season after being part of Big East from 1982 through the 2009 season; however, they haven't yet managed to make it into Final Four or even Elite Eight round while playing under Pac 12 banner despite having several notable players such as Klay Thompson who went on become NBA All-Star player for Golden State Warriors franchise before getting traded recently Houston Rockets team last summer - though many believe this could change soon given recent recruiting classes which include some very talented prospects like C J Elleby out Seattle area which is already making waves early his freshman year thanks stellar play thus far!
Finally, let us not forget about other popular collegiate sports offerings available at Washington state university too, like baseball, where Cougar teams routinely compete for postseason berths each year behind strong pitching staffs led by ace pitcher/catcher combo Brandon Bailey/Nick Tanielu, respectively; volleyball squad which traditionally ranks near top nationally due Women Volleyball Coaches Association poll rankings every fall semester plus soccer program rounded off nicely by perennial contenders looking qualify NCAA tournament just about every single campaign these days! So if you're a fan of any sport played college level. You certainly should consider cheering hardworking student-athletes representing crimson red colors proud tradition here at Washington state university campus come autumnal months ahead... Go Cougs!!
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