PULLMAN, Wash. — The big week is here; the logos are on the field and the rivalry energy is in the air.
Washington State University Athletic Director Pat Chun sat down with KING 5's Chris Egan ahead of Saturday's Apple Cup to talk about the matchup, the future of the Pac-12 and his must-haves for Thanksgiving dinner.
Below is an excerpt of their conversation:
Egan: The big announcement on Sunday was the extension of the Apple Cup for at least five more years. Talk a little bit about the process of coming up with that announcement first.
Chun: There's a reason why these [games] turn on TV sets. There's a reason why there's so much emotion around this game, even playing this game in the future. But that kind of speaks to why this game is so important. It's, you know, Cougs and Huskies live together in these communities here in Seattle and all over the state. And I get it that you have, you know, friends, co-workers, families that have, you know, allegiances to different churches and different ideologies. But at the end of the day, it's an important part of Washington State. it's an important part of the state. And, you know, at least for the next five years, we have a plan to continue it.
Egan: Well, as somebody that grew up here and has been covering this Apple Cup for 25 years, I applaud you and the University of Washington. I mean, this is a game that goes back to 1900, I mean, this, this is huge. I know it will be different. We may not have any Snow Bowls unless the weather gets really out of sorts, but it's moving to September. But otherwise, it's pretty much the same game alternating fields, except next year.
Chun: I'm one, I think all of us in and around the athletic program are happy that we can preserve this at least for a couple more years. And, you know, I remind everyone realignment and the changes in college athletics are going to continue.
Egan: Obviously, your football team and volleyball team are focused on this week, the next game. The athletic director not only has to think this year, but you have to think next year and beyond. So for everybody out there, Coug fans, what's the latest on the Pac-2 and the conference?
Chun: Right, we had a big win in Colfax and Whitman county courts last week, that kind of, that really, you know, it's up for appeal now, but it kind of just signals how the conference has been governed will continue how it's governed going forward, which essentially means the existing members control the voting rights of the conference. Washington State and Oregon State for that matter, just want to ensure that we have all the best available options on the table.
Egan: Rebuild is the word you use and change can be tough for some, but it also can be good. Maybe you can only say so much here, but what are your hopes as we move forward with Washington State?
Chun: Well, you know, Washington State has, you know, I take great pride that when you look at the course of Washington State, I've said it over and over, it's almost inexplicable. This athletic program has won so much in the Pac-12, always having, you know, half the budget, half the resources, but it's really a tribute to all the people that have worn our jerseys.
The wish going forward is, our staff reminds me of this all the time that had been there longer than me, that nothing's really changed, we're going to go compete against schools that have more resources than us and we're going to have to go figure out a way to, to get the right types of young people that can be competitive on our campuses, we're gonna have to go figure out a way to get the best coaches that can be successful on our campuses. And history has shown Washington State has always been able to do that.
Egan: We've heard from a lot of people about the transfer portal and NIL sponsorships. How tough is it right now? And can we sustain this with this going like this right now?
Chun: No, the model is unsustainable. I'd argue it's broken beyond repair. Right now, changes are coming on the horizon. President Charlie Baker, the new NCAA president was actually in Pullman last Friday when he met with our student-athletes and coaches. And, you know, he said it best. He's like, the one guarantee as long as we stay on this current track is this thing is going to end at a certain point unless we come with some resolution.
Egan: Thanksgiving Day, will you be celebrating in Pullman and then heading over to Seattle? What's the main dish that has to be on the table?
Chun: Yes, so I'm a pretty horrible member of our household for 364 days of the year, but um, one day a year, I carry the load in cooking.
Egan: You do? So what are you going to be cooking?
Chun: We'll make a turkey. I'll smoke it.
Egan: Perfect, then Saturday, you and Bill Stevens storming the field and hugging Jake Dickert. That's the perfect week for you guys?
Chun: Exactly, that would be the perfect week.