Washington State Football: Mike Leach Does The ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ For ALS

Washington State head coach Mike Leach was nominated to take the ‘ice bucket challenge’ and after practice today he obliged and completed the challenge with a little bit of help from Butch T. Cougar and Kalafitoni Pole.

The ice bucket challenge was started by former Boston College baseball player Pete Frates, who suffers from ALS, and since then has become viral and has helped raise awareness and money for ALS. The challenge has been completed by thousands and is taking the internet and the sports world by storm.

The challenge is completed by dumping a bucket of ice-water over your head. After completing the challenge you are supposed to nominate 3 people to take the challenge as well. If you don’t do the challenge you are supposed to donate $100 to help find a cure for the disease. Most people who are nominated complete the challenge and donate money.

ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease is a disease that shuts down cell use and ultimately causes the body to enter full paralysis. While the body suffers from paralysis, the mind and the mental physique stays sharp. It is a terrible disease that until recently had not been receiving the attention it deserves.

Sep 8, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and former player Steve Gleason who suffers from ALS on the field to lead the Who Dat Chant prior to kickoff of a game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Most Cougs have heard the name Steve Gleason and are inspired by what Gleason and his group have done for ALS. Gleason’s team, No White Flags, has been a huge part of donations for ALS and has been helping raise awareness since Gleason was diagnosed with ALS.

Gleason, who played for the Cougars starting in 1995, went undrafted in the 2000 NFL draft and went on to sign and play with the New Orleans Saints. Gleason is mostly known for blocking a punt for the 2006 Saints in their first home game since Hurricane Katrina.

You are encouraged to join Team Gleason and help fight this terrible disease that has effected many people.

To see the video and the post from the WSU Athletics page, click here.