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Be Intentional – Think CougsFirst!

Cougs Support Cougs—it’s more than just a saying. It’s a powerful movement that strengthens our community, drives success, and gives back to Washington State University.

Why Think CougsFirst?! It’s simple: when we choose to do business with fellow Cougs, we’re not just making a transaction. We’re investing in a cycle of success that supports a thriving network of Coug-owned businesses and allows for investment back into Washington State University.


A Ripple Effect of Success

Every time you Think CougsFirst!, you help fuel a network that:

✅ Creates more opportunities for WSU grads in business and the workforce

✅ Keeps our community strong by reinvesting in Coug-owned businesses

✅ Shapes future generations by driving success back to WSU and its students

✅ Creates a unique, competitive advantage over other universities

It’s more than just Cougar pride. It’s a smart way to do business! The more we lift each other up, the more we all rise.

So the next time you need a service, a product, or an industry expert, Think CougsFirst!—because when Cougs Support Cougs, we all win.


Thinking CougsFirst! is as Easy as 1, 2, 3!

1 – IDENTIFY

Be intentional in your shopping and identify purchase needs before making them.

Are you in the market for a new car? Do you need a new insurance quote? Or maybe you just need a gift for a friend or family member.

2 – SEARCH

Check the CougsFirst! Business Directory and find businesses that are owned, managed, and affiliated with WSU alumni and friends. You can search by category, location, or name – making it easy to narrow down to what you need!

Can’t find what you need? Feel free to email us at info@cougsfirst.org for more recommendations!

3 – SHARE

Supporting Coug businesses goes beyond purchasing. If you have a positive experience, tell your community, share on social media, and leave reviews!

Word of mouth is powerful, and it can help support our Cougar community even more. You can always tag @cougsfirst on social media or email us at info@cougsfirst.org too!

By following these steps, and being intentional with your spending, you can start to Think CougsFirst! and support your fellow Cougs in their businesses and endeavors.

GO COUGS! COUGSFIRST!


Pullman Regional – Official Hospital of WSU Athletics

Pullman Regional Hospital is the Official Hospital and Official Healthcare Provider of WSU Athletics! In July, Washington State University Athletics and Pullman Regional Hospital entered into a four-year agreement to provide premium healthcare services to Cougar student-athletes.

The agreement provides expanded services for WSU’s student-athletes, including:

  • Year-round, on-campus clinics with expanded hours
  • Increased physicians for event coverage
  • Former student-athletes access to continued care with same physician who treated them while enrolled at WSU
  • Opportunity for WSU’s Elson S Floyd College of Medicine/Pullman Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency to gain experience in the sports medicine field
  • Oversight of student-athlete healthcare services through Dr. Ed Tingstad as Medical Director

The physician team that takes care of the Cougs is comprised of Dr. Ed Tingstad, Medical Director and Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Jesse Shaw, Team Physician and Sports Medicine Physician, and Dr. Michael Osterholt, Team Physician and Sports Medicine Physician.

The partnership also provides increased behavioral health services, including care from Clinical Psychologist, Justin Martel, and Mental Health Counselor, Josh Clein, who are dedicated to student-athlete wellbeing.

The next time you attend a WSU sporting event and cheer on the Cougs, give a wave to the Pullman Regional healthcare providers on the sideline!


Double Your Impact for WSU Men’s Basketball

The Cougar Collective–the Officially Endorsed NIL Collective for WSU Athletics–has launched a brand new Match Campaign for WSU Men’s Basketball.

Generous Cougs have committed $150,000 of matching funds to help reach an overall goal of $300,000. Every contribution made will be matched dollar for dollar and supports the continued success of WSU Cougar Basketball.

Contribute today and double your impact!