Anderson Leaves Football For Track

The inevitable finally occurred. After setting record after record, Washington State University junior wide receiver Jeshua Anderson has decided to leave the Cougar football team and focus solely on his track endeavors.

"This is a decision I have been thinking about for quite a while and at this point I want to focus all my attention on track," said Anderson. "I love the game of football and appreciate all the support from (WSU head football) Coach (Paul) Wulff, the entire coaching staff and my teammates. This team is really headed in the right direction and I would like to be a part of it, but I can't give 100 percent to both and still reach my goals."

Anderson has played in both games this season, catching four passes for 66 yards. For his career he has played in 26 games, 13 as a starter, catching 48 passes for 743 yards and four touchdowns. He posted a career-best 127 yards receiving as a freshman at Oregon, his first career start, and capped that season with a 28-yard touchdown reception against Washington in the 2007 Apple Cup.

"I support Jeshua 100 percent in his decision and wish him nothing but the best," said Wulff. "We're dealing with a once in a lifetime athlete and he has had so much success on the track that I know it was a very difficult choice for him. If you want to be the best in the world you have to commit to that year-round and I fully respect his decision."

On the track Anderson has dazzled during his first two seasons in a Cougar uniform. He is a two-time Pacific-10 Conference, NCAA West Regional and NCAA champion in the 400-meter hurdles. He earned outdoor All-America honors twice and indoor All-America recognition once, and holds the school record in the 400m hurdles (48.47 seconds) and 4x400m indoor relay (3:06.74). Anderson was also the 2008 USA Junior Outdoor and IAAF World Junior intermediate hurdles champion. He finished ninth at the 2008 Olympic Trials and fifth at the 2009 USA Outdoor Championships.

Washington State University Sports Information contributed to this report.

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