Indoor Adaptations Test Team Resolve
The Eastern Washington football team has been forced indoors by the smoke‑laden air from the Spokane Complex fires, with only a 45‑minute outdoor window on Tuesday after a full day of gym‑based drills on Monday. NCAA protocol dictates that all activity cease when the Air Quality Index climbs above 200, a threshold the program has repeatedly exceeded.
Coach Aaron Best, based in Cheney, says the unusual circumstances have become a catalyst for bonding, noting that players now rotate through stretching, academic study, weight‑room work and walk‑throughs to maintain readiness. He also recalls the Gray Fire of three years ago, which similarly challenged the program, but this year many athletes feel a personal stake as friends and family are directly impacted.
The indoor shift has required the squad to spread across several gyms and even a dance studio, where an air horn signals the start and end of each session. Despite the cramped conditions, the routine has fostered a sense of normalcy and discipline.
Bump Competition Sparks Energy
To inject competition into the limited practice, each position group nominates a player for a game of Bump, a fast‑paced contest that blends agility with strategic thinking. Finalists include Myles Mayovsky, Brady Annett, Wes Garrett and Bryce Smith, while redshirt sophomore Ambrose Marsh highlighted how the matchups elevate morale and intensity.
Coach Best remains optimistic that upcoming weather will allow for longer outdoor sessions, aiming for a two‑hour practice on Wednesday as the team continues to chase incremental improvements despite the smoky backdrop.