PULLMAN, Wash. — The Ol' Crimson flag, a beloved symbol of Washington State University (WSU), has made history by becoming the first recipient of ESPN College GameDay's newly established Hall of Fan honor. This recognition highlights the flag's remarkable streak of 338 consecutive broadcasts, a tradition that has been part of the program since 2003.
ESPN made the announcement on Saturday, acknowledging the significance of the Hall of Fan honor in celebrating the passionate fans and traditions that are integral to the college football pregame show. The Ol' Crimson flag has consistently appeared behind the College GameDay set, regardless of its location, showcasing the dedication of WSU supporters.
The tradition of Ol' Crimson began when WSU alumnus Tom Pounds brought a Washington State flag to a GameDay broadcast in Austin, Texas, nearly two decades ago. “I made a flag, and I just went out in the crowd and waved the flag and thought that was the end of it,” Pounds recalled. Little did he know that this simple act would spark a nationwide movement among WSU alumni and fans.
As the tradition grew, another Cougar fan took the initiative to carry the flag to a subsequent GameDay broadcast, which laid the groundwork for the extensive network of volunteers that now ensures the flag's presence at each weekly broadcast. CJ McCoy, who currently oversees the logistics for Ol' Crimson, emphasized the collaborative effort required to maintain this impressive streak. “People started calling me saying, ‘Hey, can you ship me the flag?’” Pounds noted, reflecting on the growing commitment from the community.
Many of the volunteers involved in this tradition first encountered Ol' Crimson as children watching College GameDay, and they later sought to contribute to its legacy. However, transporting the flag has not been without its challenges. McCoy recounted a specific incident where a shipment was delayed, prompting ESPN to step in and provide a replacement flag from their headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut.
University officials expressed their pride in the recognition. WSU President Betsy Cantwell remarked, “It’s amazing to see a whole new category created by ESPN for Ol' Crimson.” Athletic Director Jon Haarlow echoed this sentiment, highlighting the dedication of the volunteers who have upheld the tradition for over two decades.
For McCoy, the honor is a testament to the unwavering support of WSU fans. “It’s because of WSU’s fans and the people who care so deeply about Pullman and about being a Washington State Cougar,” he stated. “We’re really just grateful that they honored us with that recognition today.”
Pounds, reflecting on the journey, noted that the recognition comes after 24 seasons of appearances on the show. “I think it makes sense to me,” he said. “We’ve been doing this for 24 seasons.” The Ol' Crimson flag's legacy continues to thrive, symbolizing the spirit and pride of Washington State University and its dedicated fanbase.
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