A Bill Introduced to Require Huskies and Zags to Play

A Spokane lawmaker has introduced a bill that would require The University of Washington Huskies to play Gonzaga in basketball.

Baumgartner’s legislation, Senate Bill 6583,  would require the men’s basketball programs at the two schools to face off at least once each regular season – something that has not happened since 2007.

Baumgartner says, “I think it’s in the best interest of the state for the Legislature to take action by reigniting the competitive spirit embodied in the rivalry between Gonzaga and UW. "Fans of both schools loved this rivalry before UW abruptly ended it, and I think it’s about time we get it going again!”

Baumgartner noted that the Kansas State Legislature recently adopted a similar proposal to help two of its universities restore a traditional rivalry game. If the Legislature adopts SB 6583, Gonzaga and UW will be required by state law to compete each year during the regular season. The annual series pitting UW and Gonzaga had been played most recently from 1998 through 2007; while Gonzaga won eight of those 10 meetings, UW holds the all-time series edge over Gonzaga by a margin of 29-13.