Past Players Provide Apple Cup Inspiration
November 28, 2014 | Football, General
By Mason Kelley
GoHuskies.com
Washington turned to its past this week to provide a little inspiration to its future as the Huskies prepare for the Apple Cup.
After wrapping up practice Monday, coach Chris Petersen sent his players into a team meeting room where former quarterback Brock Huard waited to share his memories of Washington's rivalry game with Washington State.
“It's crazy how big of a rivalry this is, because a lot of us who aren't from Washington didn't know,” sophomore tight end Darrell Daniels said. “When they come out and talk to us, it's just mind-blowing. We've got to really put our foot down and get this win for the whole state.”
After Tuesday's practice, Lawyer Milloy was there to emphasize how there is the regular season and then Apple Cup season.
“He told us this game is important,” Daniels said. “It's like another season. We've got to win this game, period. This is a must-win for us. That's what we're going to do.”
Receiver Jaydon Mickens added, “I've watched him (Milloy) play before. I've seen him win a Super Bowl. It's awesome to see a guy like that come up with a lot of passion. It lets a lot of young guys know this rivalry is intense and this game is one we're going to remember for the rest of our lives.”
On Wednesday, it was Mike Rohrbach's turn to talk to the team. Each guest shared a message of motivation designed to make sure every player is prepared for a matchup fueled by emotion.
“It's been unreal,” kicker Cameron Van Winkle said. “We've never really had that many people come in and talk to us. It's really cool. Special. It shows how big this rivalry is.”
This might be Petersen's first opportunity to experience the Apple Cup, but he understands the game's importance. He is taking advantage of the program's past to inspire its future.
“It doesn't matter what our record is,” Mickens said. “It doesn't matter what their record is. It doesn't matter what the record of the rivalry is. What matters is that day.”
