Let Rogers shine

I don’t believe that I have ever written an adverse letter in regard to the WSU Cougars in all the decades that I have supported them. It has been all Cougs, all the time. There have been devastating injuries to the Cougars (especially on defense) that have deflated the hopes for this season.

However, a star has risen on offense unlike any that I have ever witnessed at quarterback. Gary Rogers has exhibited more poise and stature than any of the many great quarterbacks in Cougar history, as a sophomore. If Alex Brink were a senior, I would not be writing this letter. I fear that if this young man does not get a fair shake in Pullman, that he will go to any of the 10 best programs in the nation. What would he lose? Nothing. If he has to wait his turn, he will have one year of eligibility. The same would apply at any major program in the country.

College football is not about loyalty and inheritance. It is reward to those who rise to the top and perform superbly. Until Rogers proves that he cannot outperform Brink, he deserves the chance to perhaps lead this team to the next level. Those guys busting their guts every day in the ditches deserve the best leadership. It was exhilarating to see Brink rise above Swogger. It is painful to see Rogers not have a similar opportunity.

So Coach Doba: Give a star a chance to shine. We need a winning season – not a loyalty season – let alone two seasons of loyalty and mediocrity.

Allan LeTourneau

Spokane