Cougar Scout Team Is Sporting the Right Look

Washington State looked good in practice against Michigan, or that’s what anyone might have thought after seeing the Cougars at the Coliseum on Monday.

Washington State’s scout team masqueraded as the Wolverines, dressed in navy blue jerseys, gold numbers and striped helmets.

Where did Washington State find such elaborate costumes? Before every season, equipment manager Wendell Neal orders jerseys that resemble each of the Cougars’ opponents.

“I already had navy jerseys because we play California,” Neal said. “But we ordered the navy jerseys with the gold numbers especially for Michigan and the Rose Bowl.”

To disguise the team’s gray and red helmets, Neal orders Lycra and elastic helmet covers with opponents logos or insignia. The mesh cover slips on over the helmet and stays on, even in the hardest collisions.

“They are a big hit with the team,” Neal said. “It prepares the players for what they are going to see Jan. 1. It’s my way of trying to contribute a little.”

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In the Rose Bowl game, 44 of the 115 Washington State players will be competing in their home state. Many of the California players are from the Los Angeles area and played roles in the Cougars’ success this season, among them tailback Michael Black of Los Angeles, linebacker Brandon Moore of Carson and defensive backs Duane Stewart of Ontario and Ray Jackson of Santa Ana. Black, who was second in the Pacific 10 Conference in rushing, gained 1,157 yards and scored 11 touchdowns.

But why did these players give up the sunshine for rain and snow in Pullman?

“The coaches here didn’t mess with my head,” said Black, who went to Dorsey High and was recruited by several California schools, including USC and UCLA, after attending West L.A. junior college.

“Some of the schools weren’t playing straight with me about whether they really wanted me.”

Black said that the toughest part about coming home for the Rose Bowl is dividing his allotment of tickets among family and friends.

“We only get six,” he said. “The people who didn’t get any have to find their own way now, or watch me on television.”