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Washington State pays tribute to Freeman High during Pac-12 opener versus Oregon State

WSU helmets are seen with a Freeman High School bone sticker before the start of the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
WSU helmets are seen with a Freeman High School bone sticker before the start of the first half of a Pac-12 football game on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)Buy a print of this photo
By Theo Lawson theol@spokesman.com(509) 459-5584

PULLMAN – The Washington State Cougars will pay tribute to Freeman High School by wearing bone stickers on their helmets during today’s Pac-12 Conference opener against Oregon State.

On Wednesday, the small community of Rockford was shaken when a Freeman High sophomore opened fire while school was in session, killing one student and injuring three others. Three days later, the school and the town continue to grieve, although both have been showered with support and love.

The bone sticker that the Cougars will wear is the same one that can be seen on the Freeman helmets. The Scotties earn it after making a big play.

Football gave the Freeman community a brief moment of distraction on Friday night, as the Scotties hosted Medical Lake in a Northeast A League game. The teams held hands and paused for a moment of silence before the national anthem, officials wore blue ribbons on their hats and the Scotties walked away with a resounding 49-0 victory.

WSU is also planning a moment of silence before the 2:30 p.m. kickoff at Martin Stadium.