The Washington State University marching band performed the University of Washington fight song Friday at the Apple Cup after the Husky band didn't make the trip due to a charter bus crash.
The Cougar band learned the song after the crash and performed it before the game started.
A section of the stands at Martin Stadium was also marked off and left empty in honor of the UW band members.
One of the six buses carrying members of the band and spirit squads to Pullman overturned near George, Washington. The bus was carrying 56 people and 47 were transported to local hospitals for evaluation Thursday night. Of those 47, two remain under medical care for non-life-threatening injuries, according to UW spokesperson Victor Balta.
“The Husky Marching Band is like a family, and we do everything together. With that in mind, the band will not attend the 2018 Apple Cup game in respect and consideration of the recovery our students and staff need following our bus accident last night," Director of Athletic Bands Brad McDavid said in a statement.
Jennifer Cohen, University of Washington's director of athletics released this statement to KREM 2 on Friday:
“The health and well-being of our students is our top priority, and it became evident that our band members need to recover and return home. I would like to commend Brad McDavid, Director of Athletic Bands, for his outstanding leadership, and to express deep and heartfelt gratitude to the people of Grant County, especially the first responders, Quincy School District and the administration and staff of George Elementary who went far out of their way to take such incredible care of our students on Thanksgiving night. Many of the most helpful and supportive community members were Cougars fans, who demonstrated the caring values of WSU which transcend rivalry.”
The rest of the students and staff were sent on other charter buses to George Elementary School where they will be checked by medics. The students received Thanksgiving meals and other goods brought by concerned citizens. The Grant County Sheriff's Office said the show of support has been huge and no more supplies are needed.
Washington State Patrol is warning people to be careful on the roads, which may be icy due to recent snowfall and wet weather. The area is expected to get more wet weather on Friday.
KING 5 contributed to this report
