Oct. 8, 2003

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Western Washington University quarterback Steve Nichols stepped to the podium in the interview room of Seahawks Stadium following Western's 29-20 loss to Central Washington in the inaugural Battle in Seattle last Saturday, looked at the assembled media and smiled.

"Wow, this is different," said the junior from Stevenson. "I'm not used to this."

Nichols' quip summed up nicely the happy sentiments of event organizers from the two NCAA Division II schools after the game drew 16,392, a record for a non-NCAA I collegiate football game in the state of Washington.

"It was hugely successful," said Western director of athletics Lynda Goodrich. "The only thing that could have been better was the score, but it was a good, exciting game, which is what you ask for. What an awesome experience to be in that venue with that crowd."

Goodrich recalled walking out with the team captains for the pre-game coin toss.

"As I was going out, I said 'This is awesome,' Nyle Chambers looked over at me and said, 'This is the highlight of my career.' I said it was one of mine too."

Western coach Rob Smith agreed.

"The players had a difficult time sleeping the night before because of the excitement," he said. "When we were doing the walk through the afternoon before the game, you could just tell there were a lot of wide eyes, myself included. It was a great opportunity for everyone."

The schools are already examining the possibility of a return engagement in 2004.

"We're in discussions now about next year," Goodrich said. "We're hopeful we'll be able to do that."