“And that’s another COUGAR FIRST DOWN!”

Everyone who’s attended a WSU home football game is familiar with announcer Glenn Johnson’s resonating voice. But this football season, the well-known phrase will be worth a little more.

This year, every time the Cougs reach a first down at home, money pledged by donors beforehand will go into the Glenn Johnson Professorship. The money will be used to benefit students in the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, where Johnson, also the mayor of Pullman, has taught for more than 30 years.

Margo Myers, WSU alumna and spokeswoman for the project, said the idea was born when she and fellow graduates of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication were brainstorming ways to bring money into the professorship, which was created in 2009.

Myers said the group settled on the first down idea because most people know of Johnson from his work as an announcer. They were also hoping to drive excitement for Cougar Football, especially with the advent of Coach Mike Leach.

The group hopes to raise $300,000 by the end of the football season, she said.

Donate here: http://bit.ly/OI1dan

“We know that’s an ambitious goal,” Myers said. “But if 1,000 people pledge $250, there’s $250,000 right there.”

Those looking to support the professorship can choose an amount to pledge per first down, from $1 per down to $25. Donors can opt to give money during all home games, or just one or two. There is also an option to donate a lump sum.

Last year, the Cougars made 138 first downs during home games. Under Coach Leach, Texas Tech averaged 192 first downs per season. Those worried Leach’s offense may be a bit too much for their pocketbooks can choose to cap their donation ahead of time.