We chanted during the games. We joined Facebook groups called “Jake Locker, please stay for your senior year” and “Jake Locker for 1 more year.” We crossed our fingers and even a couple toes.

We argued with Washington State fans about who was a better quarterback, their guy or a frozen squirrel. OK, maybe that was just me.

Finally, we hoped our prayers would be answered with one more season of No. 10 lining up at QB for the Washington football team.

Well, Husky Nation, I have two words and some extra punctuation for you: Mission accomplished!!!

Locker announced Monday he will return for his senior season. Suffice it to say, it’s a great time to be a Dawg fan.

I first learned of Locker’s decision on a friend’s Facebook page. I quickly navigated to the UW’s athletic Web site and there it was, in beautiful, big gold letters: “Locker Decides to Return to Washington for Senior Season.”

Locker made a tough decision, one many, including lots of WSU and St. Louis Rams fans, no doubt will criticize. Had he left school early, Locker almost certainly would have been a top-10 pick in the 2010 NFL draft. One ESPN.com analyst listed him as the potential No. 1 overall choice.

Instead, Locker decided his business at Washington was not finished. And no one’s happier about that than me.

Locker’s first year as a starter was my first year in college. In a way, it’s as if we’ve known each other for years, like a couple of childhood friends — even though he has no idea who I am.

Locker and the UW football team have been the source of about 90 percent of my fondest college memories — the other 10 percent being made up of a few crazy nights out with some friends, getting stuck in an elevator after the California game and this unbelievably attractive girl who for some reason decided to go out on a couple dates with me.

Now, a new freshman class gets to join me and about 70,000 other screaming fans as we watch Locker roll out of the pocket and run past defenders for a first down and then some.

The new Huskies can watch the athletic ability that has NFL scouts drooling and observe the class and dignity with which a Husky legend in the making carries himself.

Really, the only losers in this situation are the other teams in the Pac-10. UW went from 0-12, to 5-7, so I don’t see why, by the same math, the Huskies can’t be 10-2 next season and partying in Southern California on New Year’s Day.

I can hardly wait for 2010. The Huskies are going to be fighting for a prestigious bowl berth, while WSU is going to be fighting for, well, a win against anybody.

I want to thank the dozens of friends and family members who called, texted or e-mailed me on Jake Locker Day, and answer a few of their questions:

n Yes, I am very excited.

n Yes, it was one of the best days of my life.

n Yes, I think we can win the Pac-10.

n No, I did not write Locker a letter telling him I would cry and leave UW if he didn’t return for his senior season.

n And, yes, I will be jetting off to root for my beloved Huskies in whatever bowl game they snag next season.

So, as finals week winds down — giving UW students two reasons to celebrate — the question on everybody’s mind has been answered. Jake Locker will return for his senior year.

In a statement released by the school, Locker explained that after weighing his options, one more year at Washington was too good to pass up. “I am very excited about this team’s opportunities and potential for the upcoming season,” he said, “and I am looking forward to being a part of it.”

Jake, we couldn’t agree more.

The wish at the top of my Christmas list has come true.

Now, if I could just find Megan Fox and some mistletoe, this would be the best Christmas ever.

David Krueger is a UW student, a rabid Husky football fan and a clerk in The Herald’s sports department.