Dave Boling: WSU's Rueben Mayes painted a masterpiece, even as he still ‘aww, shucks’ it

Forty years ago, Mayes made a record-setting field goal against the Huskies, boosting the football program and school spirit

Boling: He was a naturally gifted athlete and an important recruiting tool for other great black players

Forty years ago, on November 25, 1972, Washington State University's Rueben Mayes kicked a remarkable 65-yard field goal against the University of Washington at Husky Stadium. It was, and still remains, the longest field goal in WSU football history.

Mayes, who was a junior at the time, had never attempted a field goal longer than 53-yards. The kick not only set a school record, but also gave the Cougars a 10-9 lead over their rivals.

Mayes' kick came at a time when WSU was struggling on the football field. The Cougars had not had a winning season since 1968, and they were 0-10 going into the Apple Cup that year. But Mayes' kick gave the team and its fans a much-needed boost.

“That kick was a big deal for us,” said WSU Athletic Director Bill Moos. “It was a sign that we could compete with anyone, even our rivals from up the road.”

Mayes went on to become one of the most successful kickers in WSU history. He finished his career with 120 points, which was a school record at the time. He was also a two-time All-American.

After his playing days, Mayes went on to a successful career in coaching. He was the head coach at Eastern Washington University from 1994 to 2013, and he led the Eagles to four NCAA Division I-AA national championships.

Mayes is now retired and living in Spokane. He was inducted into the WSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006, and he was honored by the university with a statue outside of Martin Stadium in 2012.

Mayes is still remembered fondly by WSU fans. He is considered one of the greatest players in school history, and his 65-yard field goal against Washington remains one of the most iconic moments in Cougar history.