Wazzu Band Pays Homage to Washington's Band Following Accident

The big story out west last night – from a Buckeye point of view – came as the Washington Huskies dumped Mike Leach's No. 8 ranked Washington State crew in Pullman. 

Earlier in the week, another story emerged however as a bus carrying members of Washington's marching band flipped, sending 47 band members and staff to the hospital. Just two remained hospitalized as of Friday night but obviously the band was unable to make the trip for last night's game versus the Cougars. 

The Wazzu band wanted to salute its counterparts out of respect and did so spending Friday learning to play Washington's fight song for its halftime performance last night. From the Seattle Times: 

“The Huskies are missing their band, and that’s an important part of the gameday experience,” said Washington State band director Troy Bennefield. “We want to honor the camaraderie and their dedication and show our sportsmanship.”

“Yesterday, when we heard there was an accident and there was a possibility they might not come, it was, ‘what can we do? How can we show our support?” Bennefield said. “It was let’s play the (fight song). Since they are not here, we thought it would be the easiest and most impactful way to show our solidarity with them.”

Bennefield said he can feel for what the Husky band is going through.

“We are on buses all the time doing what we do, and are only one ice patch away from that happening to you,” he said. “We really understand what those kids are going through.”

Without @huskyband in attendance tonight, @WSUCMB played our fight song.

Thank you for putting rivalry aside and showing your support. pic.twitter.com/r3HKCPcpYF

— Washington Athletics (@UWAthletics) November 24, 2018

Nicely done, Cougars.