Support shouldn’t be tied to athletics

It’s sad that former Everett Mayor Ed Hansen “can no longer wear his Husky colors in public because of embarrassment.” Even more sad is the premise that one’s loyalty to their alma mater should be based on the success of the school’s athletic programs.

We give our allegiance to our alma mater for what the university gave to us and what it continues to offer to future generations (including our children and grandchildren). As loyal WSU fans for 50 years, I don’t need to tell you that most of those years were spent with the Cougars bottom-feeding in the cellar of the Pac-10 Conference. Even in bad years, there are individual athletes who provide enjoyment through their outstanding performances, and they deserve support and recognition.

My parting advice to those who “cannot stand to see the Huskies lose” is, when you’ve been on the bottom, how sweet it is when you do meet with success (i.e. the 2007 Cougar men’s basketball program). Enjoy success while it lasts and then let go of the losses and look at the bigger picture.

Vanessa Randall

Everett