Cory Mackay determined to rejoin teammates

THE COUGS' Cory Mackay is determined to rejoin his Washington State football teammates, even if he won’t be in uniform.

Cory Mackay, the promising defensive end who was seriously injured in a May highway accident, said Wednesday he plans to be in the locker room and on the field prior to the game when the Cougars take on Hawaii on Sept. 12 at Qwest Field in Seattle.

Mackay said he also plans to attend some Cougar games in Pullman this season, starting with the Sept. 19 contest against Southern Methodist.

“I don’t know how easy it’s going to be, but I’m going to be there,” Mackay told CF.C by phone from the family home in Redmond.

Mackay has been paralyzed below the waist since he apparently fell asleep at the wheel and overturned his pickup truck on his way home from WSU after final exams for spring semester.

Mackay remains hopeful he can walk again, and he is still listed on WSU’s official roster.

Mackay said his physical therapy is “going pretty good.”

“He’s healthy … (and) his attitude’s good,” said Don Mackay, Cory’s father.

Cory said he’s taking 12 WSU credits on-line this semester and “definitely” will return to Pullman for spring semester, which begins in January.

Mackay redshirted as a freshman last season. He was projected to start at defensive end this season following a strong spring ball showing.

KHQ-TV of Spokane recently visited with the Mackay family. Interviews, video of Mackay in physical therapy and more are at swxrightnow.com.