The Washington State University football team defeated Southern Methodist University in a thrilling, come-from-behind overtime victory last week, but this week came a more predictable victory as Wazzu athletic director Jim Sterk formally announced the public launch of the third phase of the Martin Stadium Renovation project.

"Today marks an exciting and historic day in Cougar Athletics as we unveil Phase III of the renovation of Martin Stadium," Sterk said.

Originally budgeted at approximately $40 million, Phase III involves the construction of luxury suites, loge boxes, and club seats atop the north stands. It follows the completion of Phases I and II, which included the addition of concession and restroom areas throughout the stadium, a concourse at the stadium's north side, many new comfort and safety enhancements, a Martin Stadium sign at the east end, a state-of-the-art scoreboard, and the Cougar Pride statue at the newly created plaza area on the stadium's northeast side. Phases I and II began in December 2006 and were completed in the fall of 2008.

"The significance of completing the initial phases of the renovation cannot be overstated; however, our goal at Washington State University is to make the complete renovation of Martin Stadium, and we are ready to move on to the next phase of doing just that," Sterk said.

"We had originally intended to do this a year ago; however, the state of the economy prevented us from moving forward at that time," Sterk added. "While the economy forced us to postpone the project last year, it now offers us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with the potential to take advantage of favorable construction costs and other economic factors which could provide additional support for the project."

The motto of the renovation project is TeamBuilt, a slogan that Sterk says communicates the importance of the involvement of all Cougar fans in this project.

"With the initial phases we have received the support from many generous and dedicated Cougars, and I greatly appreciate it," Sterk said. "We need the support of each and every member of Cougar Nation to make Phase III a reality, and I am inviting all Cougars to be a member of the team. That is what TeamBuilt is all about.

"People can be a part of the team in many ways," Sterk added. "They can purchase premium seating, renew their season tickets, or become a season-ticket holder, if they have not previously been one, and make a donation to the renovation project."

Once 80 percent of premium seats have been committed, the construction of Phase III will begin. Phase III will be completed by the 2012 football season. However, if premium seat sales and fundraising benchmarks are met earlier, construction can begin sooner, and Phase III could be completed in time for the 2011 season.

More information can be found at the official site for the renovation project.

Autumn is here…and you know what that means…It's time for a whole new season of Cougar Athletics! Football, soccer, volleyball, men's & women's basketball, baseball, track & field and tennis, just to name a few, are coming up right around the corner. If you need "game action" photographs for your newspaper, magazine, web site, blog, etc., then Greg Davis Sports Photography should be your choice for all things "Cougar" and "Pac-10 Conference"! Coverage for specific athletes or upcoming events is also available. Check out the images from games, practices and events from last season, and be sure to come back often for uploads from all of this season's action.