The 2010 Apple Cup is one for the record books, and not because of the freezing temperatures, packed stadium or nail biting game.
I came to Pullman with no definite plans to attend Apple Cup. Luckily I’ve got a few friends willing to hook a homegirl up. My friend Derick is last year’s ASWSU President. He made no promises for media passes, but told me he’ll get me into the game. Media pass aside, I threw on my camera bag and trekked to Martin Stadium with my fingers crossed.
I got into the game no problem. Pushing and shoving through an intoxicated crowd of Cougs is another thing. People got pretty PO’d when my backpack bumped them. People wondered why I didn’t bring a bag full of booze. Someone else thought my unipod was an ice pick. What the heck Cougs!?
Derick and I made our way to the field only to learn we needed different media passes. I shoved back through the crowd and posted up with Annie and friends. We were in the tenth row in the end zone. Perfect for pictures, but not field access perfect…
In the third quarter I went to an overlook deck to snap some arial shots of the game. I planned to take off after that but things never go as planned. I ran into Derick who had the proper media pass. He was on his way home and gave me a pass to get on the green.
I sprinted back inside Martin Stadium and walked down on the field. No hassle this time. I pulled out my camera and started shooting. What a rush to be on the sidelines, next to Associated Press photographers, taking pictures of the 2010 Apple Cup.
The game itself made me proud to be a Coug. Ok, so a win would’ve helped, but the atmosphere on Cougar game days is indescribable. Cougs packed the stadium from the field to the nosebleed section. Everywhere you went students chanted “Fuck the Huskies” and “Go Cougs!” Hands clapped in sync as the band played Jaws. As the score got closer and the clock ran down, the crowd got louder. Come on Cougs!
While the Cougs lost 35-28, I am still proud of the game we played. Let’s face it, our football team isn’t very good. The fact we came so close says something. It says UW isn’t as good as they think they are :]
I’m not sure how field access to Apple Cup can be topped, but it can and will be done. For now, I am still reveling in the awesomeness of the game. Apple Cup 2010 is one for my record book.
♥ BB
