Cougs win, storms strands fans and players

EL PASO, Texas – Winning the Sun Bowl was the easy part for hundreds of Washington State football players and fans.

Caught by a freak winter storm that dropped up to 8 inches of snow in west Texas and New Mexico, many woke up Sunday morning to find their travel plans in tatters.

Those who flew faced cancellations or delays at El Paso International Airport, where dozens of flights were affected. Those who drove confronted the prospect of icy roads throughout the region.

At the Marriott Hotel near the airport, dozens of Cougar fans plotted their strategy. The mood was lighthearted, aided by WSU’s 20-14 win over Miami; it was the school’s first bowl win in 12 years . Jim Allen, SR