WSU Football: Mike Leach And Cougs Moving Forward
By Lew Wright
Jul 26, 2013; Culver City, CA, USA; Washington State head coach Mike Leach speaks to the media during PAC-12 media day held at the Sony Studios Lot. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Washington State head man Coach Mike Leach, along with several players, conducted a weekly press conference Monday afternoon to discuss what was, what is and what might be.
Listening to how Leach and company fielded questions, and despite the fact WSU was pounded like pizza dough last Saturday night by No. 5 Stanford, there remains a confident, positive aura surrounding Cougar football.
"“I think we’re a highly motivated team.”– WSU Coach Mike Leach"
It’s not often a team is dominated in every phase of the game only to treat such a loss no different than when they shut out an opponent for a huge win.
Leach was impressed by the effort his team brought to the field of play showing disregard for the final outcome.
“It wasn’t a lack of effort. We were trying too hard,” explained Coach Leach.
Senior center Elliott Bosch offered a basic, focused synopsis of what his team accomplished Sunday to begin a week of preparation for the Cougs next opponent, Cal.
"“We had our team meeting. Watched the film. By the time we went out to practice last night, it was over. We’re just moving on.”— Elliott Bosch"
The recap by Bosch was echoed in the words of senior nose tackle Ioane Gauta.
“Whatever happened last week, it’s in the past. We’ve got to move on to the next game. Just win each and every week. Win our individual battles.”
“We’re still trying to win this conference,” asserted Gauta who couldn’t stop himself from exuding grander thoughts still a part of his perspective for this team. “There’s no doubt in our minds that we will,” stated one of the emotional leaders for the Cougar defense.
Perhaps this presser was a forum to reaffirm the commitment of everyone involved with Cougar football. Every player spoke with pride and purpose.
“We need to bounce back. We need to get back on page because our ultimate goal is to go to the Rose Bowl,” preached junior running back Marcus Mason.
When it came time for one of the guys who leads with his work ethic and performance on the field, senior safety Deone Bucannon delivered a characterization of the team saying, “We really haven’t changed. We’re still going to play hard and fast. No matter what happens, we still know who we are and how we play.”
With all of those answers to the simple question as to whether or not some of the swagger was swiped by Stanford, Coach Leach reminded writers to come up with their own prose.
“I wish I had something really flashy for you guys you could do exposés on and win Nobel Prizes and all the rest. But the thing about it is you’ve got to do the same thing over and over again and do (it) better,” replied Leach subtly suggesting creative quips won’t directly effect whether a team wins or loses.
Washington State Cougar football remains a work in progress.
With Mike Leach leading the effort, this team will work toward taking another step forward this coming Saturday in Berkely, CA.
GO COUGS!!!