WASHINGTON STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

220 FTP Server ready.

Cougar Chats presented by:

Buy Cougar Athletics Tickets Here!

WSU Athletic Foundation

Chat with Washington State Athletic Director Bill Moos on Tuesday, April 27 at 11 a.m. PT.

Moderator: Good morning Cougar fans and thank you for visiting WSUCougars.com and today's online chat with WSU Athletics Director Bill Moos. Bill, welcome to the chat room for the first time, and welcome back to WSU.

Bill Moos: It's wonderful to be back on campus that I left 20 years ago. And it's been fun to reconnect with many Cougars that I have known through the years, and I have had the opportunity to meet new ones as well. I'm excited to be directing Cougar Athletics and look forward to working with others to move our program forward.

Moderator: Let's get to some questions.

John Kilgus, Puyallup: First, glad you're back! In your time on the job so far, how do things things stack up compared to your initial assessment of program needs?

Bill Moos: John, I've really been quite impressed with many aspects of the department and will continue to observe and assess over the next few months. My first impression is that we have many talented people and it will be important for me to have a chance to visit with all of them before making any changes that I feel might be necessary.

Shane (Lynnwood): Bill, how much money do we need to improve all our facilities and how are you going to raise it?

Bill Moos: Shane, I have been quite impressed with the facility enhancements that have taken place in the last 20 years. I do believe, however, that constant attention needs to be given to this area in order to provide the necessary tools needed for our coaches to have success in recruiting, and preparing their teams for competition.

Gary Gregg Soap Lake, WA: Are the Coug's still going to wear Nike uniforms given the relationship of Phil Knight and the University of Oregon?

Bill Moos: Gary, the answer to your question is yes. Washington State has a very good partnership with Nike and we are happy to have our student-athletes wearing the very best shoes and apparel available.

Tim (Vancouver): Bill, Sure glad to have you back. Can you give us the latest on the fundraising effort with Jim Walden for our locker rooms? Also, I haven't heard much about Phase 3 recently. Last update I had was that we had raised $17 million in gifts and pledges to the effort. What now? Many of us gave extra money towards that effort, specifically, and are sure hoping Phase 3 is just around the corner. Thank you.

Bill Moos: Tim, I was excited to learn about Coach Walden's challenge and his desire to help his and our Cougars. We are currently updating and improving our weight room as a result of his generosity. In regards to Phase III of the Martin Stadium project, I feel that it is necessary for it to come to fruition in order for us to meet the financial demands that we will see in the future. At the same time, I feel it is important to look at other facility needs in order to determine what is most essential at this time for Cougar Athletics.

Moderator: More information on Jim Walden's challenge can be found by clicking on the WSU Athletic Foundation link at the top of this page.

Daniel H. (Los Angeles): Knowing that the success of a university's athletics program does not neccesarily hinge upon the success of one particular sport, what are the first steps you will take to hasten the ascent of the WSU athletics program as a whole into the upper echelon of the college sports world. Additionally, what is your plan to increase Cougar pride outside of Pullman for the Cougar faithful who reside elsewhere?

Bill Moos: Daniel, it is my intention to move Cougar Athletics to the upper echelon of the college sports world. In my opinion, it will take a well-orchestrated plan and Cougars everywhere pitching in to help. Pullman is a wonderful community to have our university located at, but clearly cannot support a major college athletic program by itself. We will need to continue to work hard to take our message to Cougars everywhere that, with their help, we indeed can see success and stability for Cougar Athletics.

Pasco, WA: What direction do you see the women's BB program headed? And what, if any, actions will you take to try and turn the program around?

Bill Moos: I have had the opportunity to meet and visit with Coach Daugherty, her staff, and team. My first impression was very good and I know, having competed against June when she was at Boise State and Washington, that she is a winner and extremely capable of building a successful program.

Minneapolis MN: Mr. Billy Moos, You & had a few laughs together while playing ball, 1970 - 1974. Mr. Tooeeaasalopo (sp?), played ball at Idaho, I believe, was a favorite target of ours. I was given the "oil can" award at the final football banquet. There were only a handful of players from our freshman class that made it to our senior class ..... who am I? (know I'm not Tree) Wishing you the best!

Bill Moos: "Bruce" is that you? If it is, thanks for writing. Let me know where you're at. I'd love to catch up with you in the near future.

Jerry (Montesano): Welcome Home One of the areas I feel we can improve overall attendance at WSU events is by emphasizing and prioritizing the total fan experience. Do you have any ideas/plans to accomplish this?

Bill Moos: Jerry, I agree. I do feel that our marketing and promotions staff do a very fine job, but we will continue to explore ways to provide a fabulous experience for our fans. We realize that people have a lot entertainment options these days and we will strive to make our show one of the best in the country.

Pullman: There are so many cougar alumni all over the world who if approached can support our Athletic Department financially.Have you considered writing to them and letting them know that the University needs their support?

Bill Moos: I will strive through many means to make contact with Cougar alumni and friends everywhere to thank them for their loyalty and ask them for their support.

BIGCOUG, Olympia WA Go Bears: Bill, first a comment. I've noticed when Cougs come home they seem to be smiling more and I see it on your face too. Welcome back! My question is where do you see WSU in 5 years in academics and athletics? GO COUGS!!!

Bill Moos: BIGCOUG, always good to hear from folks from my hometown. Our goal is to have all Cougs smiling all the time. That will take a lot of hard work but it is my intent to see Washington State in the upper tier of the Pac-10 in all sports within five years. That may sound ambitious, but I feel it is realistic.

Moderator: Okay, that's all the time we have. Bill, thank you for joining us today.

Bill Moos: Thank you all for your questions. I see this as a helpful tool for me to hear the comments and concerns of my fellow Cougars. I look forward to answering more of your questions in the near future.

Moderator: Thank you to everyone for your questions and sorry we could not get to them all. Remember, to get all the information about WSU Athletics, go no further than WSUCougars.com, the official website of Cougar Athletics. Please check back to WSUCougars.com for future online chats.