MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Cougar Club announced this week that former Washington State head football coach Jim Walden will participate in the 2009 Moses Lake Cougar Golf Classic tournament and banquet Tuesday, June 9 at the Moses Lake Golf Club.

Walden coached the Washington State Cougars between 1978 and 1986, and led the Cougars to the 1981 Holiday Bowl — the school’s first bowl appearance in 51 years. Walden also led the Cougars to victory in the 1985 Apple Cup — the school’s third victory over rival Washington in four seasons. Walden currently is a color commentator for Washington State football games.

Tournament Coordinator David Thomsen said it is an honor to have Walden participate in the 2009 golf tournament.

“Jim Walden is known by a majority of all Cougars,” Thomsen said. “It is going to be a huge benefit to have a big WSU name (like Walden there) and hopefully it will be a tremendous help to get tournament participants.”

The Cougar Golf Classic is an opportunity for the Columbia Basin community to interact with Washington State University athletics, Thomsen said.

“(The tournament and banquet) allows the people of Grant County an opportunity to meet and play with WSU coaches,” he said.

After the June 9 tournament, the Grant County Cougar Club will host a banquet and auction. Proceeds from the events will support the Washington State University Athletic Foundation.

Banquet tickets are available for $50 and space is available for the golf tournament.

Registration for the tournament is $150 per individual golfer and space is limited to the first 100 golfers.

The Grant County Cougar Club is accepting tournament registration at: www.athletics.wsu.edu/foundation/moseslakecougargolfclassic.asp.

Event sponsorship is still available for the 2009 Moses Lake Cougar Golf Classic.

For more information contact Thomsen at 509-787-4513 or by e-mail at dthomsen@LeMasterDaniels.com.