Washington State performs Washington song after Husky band bus crash
A bus carrying members of the University of Washington band crashed Thursday night as the band was traveling to Friday’s game between Washington and Washington State.
Per the Washington State Patrol, the bus rolled onto its side at approximately 5:30 p.m. Up to 25 students were sent to hospitals around George, Washington, for evaluation and others were treated at George Elementary School. None of the injuries band members sustained in the crash are reportedly life-threatening. The bus crashed in icy conditions.
The bus was one of three carrying members to the game. The band did not attend Friday night’s game after the crash.
“The health and well-being of our students is our top priority and it became evident that our band members need to recover and return home,” Washington athletic director Jennifer Cohen said in a statement.
“I would like to commend Brad McDavid, Director of Athletic Bands, for his outstanding leadership, and to express deep and heartfelt gratitude to the people of Grant County, especially the first responders, Quincy School District and the administration and staff of George Elementary who went far out of their way to take such incredible care of our students on Thanksgiving night. Many of the most helpful and supportive community members were Cougars fans, who demonstrated the caring values of WSU which transcend rivalry.”
Even though the band won’t be present in Pullman, the Washington fight song will still be heard. Washington State’s band was seen rehearsing the song hours before Friday night’s game.
The Cougar marching band was on the field practicing the Husky fight song today because the UW band won’t make it after last night’s accident. The Coug band will play it in the absence. #GoCougs #AppleCup #KOMOnews pic.twitter.com/pYZaLPb76m
— Eric Johnson (@EricJohnsonKOMO) November 23, 2018
And they ended up playing the song before the game.
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
As the team was stranded after the crash on Thursday, one UW band member gave thanks to the people who came to the elementary school to take care of them.
Husky band bus rolled on the way to Pullman. We're fine, but shaken up and holed up in an elementary school to regroup. A radio station put out a call and the town of George answered: families left their thanksgiving dinners to bring us leftovers and hot food. pic.twitter.com/Dko6bW7hQa
— Patrick (@patstant) November 23, 2018
Cafeteria workers are here cooking us hot food. A man in FULL WSU garb rolled in with multiple pies for us. People are bringingTurkey, stuffing, drinks, and more love than we could ever ask for.
— Patrick (@patstant) November 23, 2018
Thanks to everyone who spread the word and brought food. You put some joy and love back in our hearts. Thanks to the first responders who got there so quick and took care of us. Thanks to the human race on Thanksgiving for giving us some spirit back.
— Patrick (@patstant) November 23, 2018
The Apple Cup game determines the winner of the Pac-12 North. Either Washington or Washington State will play Utah in the Pac-12 Championship Game and No. 8 Washington State still has a very outside shot of making the College Football Playoff.
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Nick Bromberg is a writer for Yahoo Sports.
Follow @NickBromberg on Twitter
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