More than 50 years a Coug, Pullman farmer Jack Fulfs has seen his fair share of tradition- but he never thought his own efforts could hold a candle to Ol’ Crimson.
We tend to not know the value of something until it’s gone.
“A lot of people asked when the mural was going to be there,” Fulfs said. “Well, I don’t know if there’s going to be one.”
Along the eastside of State Route 195’s fork into Pullman’s city center, Fulfs hillside has served as Washington State University’s welcome mat for half a decade. Earthwork artists from Kansas shaped and framed dirt to display unique images of Cougar pride for anyone driving through the area.
BECU sponsored the project since its inception. The credit union pulled out before the 2024 season.
“It hurt,” Resonate Picture’s Marc Havener said. “It’s almost like a family reunion.”
The creative team couldn’t let the project go. Havener, along with artist Stan Herd, started working WSU relationships to seek a new sponsor.
WSECU answered the call.
“We couldn’t let this celebration of Cougar pride fade away knowing how many people love it,” WSECU President and WSU alum Gary Swindler wrote in a statement. “When we heard the beloved crop art wasn’t returning this year, we were excited to jump in to show our support for WSU on a big scale.”
Havener and Herd drive to Pullman from their homes in Lawerence, Kansas out of necessity – their gear is cumbersome and doesn’t fly well. Plus, they seem to enjoy the trip.
The pair’s developed an unlikely friendship with the landowner along the way. Fulfs shown them premiere Pullman hospitality.
“We go downtown, we see our favorite bartenders,” Havener said. “Everywhere [Jack] goes, people know him. You know, he’s got the entryway into Pullman. His land is the entrance to Pullman, and he’s one of the biggest Coug fans I know.”
The artwork will be finished in time for Saturday’s hosting of Texas Tech.
