Cougar Tailgate at Sea...August 23-30, 2008

Mark Rypien

At WSU, Rypien's 403 yards passing and 412 yards in total offense in 1985 were both school records and by season's end he had established himself number two on WSU's all-time passing and total offense lists. The Cougar co-captain earned All-America honors in 1984 and 1985 and was named the top quarterback in the Pacific-10 Conference in 1985.

1991 was arguably Rypien's best NFL season; he threw for 3,564 yards and 28 touchdowns with 11 interceptions, leading the Redskins to Super Bowl XXVI after recording a 14-2 regular season record. He was named the MVP of the game, passing for 292 yards and 2 touchdowns and leading his team to a 37-24 win over the Buffalo Bills. Rypien was named to the Pro Bowl in both 1989 and 1991.

Jack Thompson

Former QB Jack Thompson set numerous WSU, Pac-10 and NCAA records. He finished ninth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy in 1978. His prowess led the Cincinnati Bengals to make him the third overall pick in the 1979 NFL Draft.

He concluded his college career in 1978 as the most prolific passer in NCAA history, throwing for 7,818 yards. He set Pac-10 records for attempts, completions and TD passes. He was all-conference three times and first-team, second-team or honorable mention All-American three times. He is one of only two players in WSU history to have his number retired.

Jim Walden

Former Cougar Coach from 1978-86, and currently color commentator on Cougar radio broadcasts, Jim is a co-author or a book chronicling his own experiences in Pullman.

Last Updated: Tuesday, April 29, 2008