The Untold Story of the 1916 WSU national Champions
The men of the Washington State 1915-16 Football Team
Chance to Glory is the untold story of the Washington State University football team of 1915. How a group of undersized players followed an innovative coach to a Northwest college football championship and a trip to the first national championship Tournament of Roses game in Pasadena.
More than just a football story, this book chronicles the battle of a fledgling college in a fight for its very existence facing a determined challenge from the University of Washington.
Follow this story from its deep roots in East coast football with the Cinderella team from the Carlisle Indian School and learn how one game would influence Washington State football for years to come.
Learn about the coach William “Lonestar” Dietz, who’s imaginative style steeped in the traditions of his mentor Glenn “Pop” Warner, led his team to greatness.
There is even a love story involving two unlikely students who forged a bond that would endure.
With names like Bohler, Clark and Bryan, Chance to Glory is a ‘must—read’ for any Coug fan, with a story that’s richly textured in the traditions of Washington State University.
No team had ever won the Rose Bowl without being named National Champions.
What people are saying about Chance for Glory
This book reminds us champions are found within ourselves. Cougs everywhere can stand proud knowing the first Rose Bowl Championship was our championship.
Bill Moos
Former WSU Athletic Director
Watkins does a really fabulous job making the games and various plays come to life. I'm not even a football fan but I'm cheering on WSU!
Tyler T.
I can't wait for the movie...
Kelly F.
It is especially important for us to remember and honor the past. For Washington State Cougars, it is a part of our history that goes beyond names on buildings; it defines the game we lay today
Bob Robertson
WSU Voice of the Cougars
About the Author
Darin Watkins is a 1984 WSU graduate and lifelong Coug fan. Darin worked as a television news reporter for 25 years in Washington with his last nine years at Seattle television station KING-TV, and can still be found filling-in at KHQ-TV and KXLY-TV in Spokane.
Among his favorite stories were covering Apple Cup games, traveling to both Rose Bowls and following Mike Price to Alabama for his first day on the job.
He previously served as the spokesperson for WSU under President Elson S. Floyd.
He lives in Spokane with son Garrick, and goes back to Pullman often where his daughter Delaney is now a second-generation Coug!