Former Yelm High School lineman Chris Hauss will take his talents down Interstate 90 to play for the Central Washington University (CWU) Wildcats in Ellensburg.
Hauss, who played along the offensive and defensive line for the Tornados, signed his national letter of intent on Wednesday, Feb. 5. He plans to enroll at CWU in the spring to pursue a degree in biology.
The 2024 4A first team all-South Puget Sound League honoree had 13 offers to choose from before deciding to become a Wildcat. He said his official visit to the campus and meetings with coaches were a big factor in his commitment, but what really sold him was his conversation with players.
“I fell in love with the coaching staff, the players, just everything is perfect. We got to go with our host, and that’s where I got to ask some of the players the deeper questions like, ‘How is it really here?’” Hauss said. “Everyone said the same thing. They love it there. It’s a family. Hearing that from the players when there were no coaches around was definitely a big part.”
Hauss will play defensive end for the Wildcats under head coach Chris Fisk, defensive coordinator Grant Torgerson and defensive line coach Patrick Belony. He said he is excited to learn from an experienced coaching staff.
“My primary position coach Belony played at Fresno State, so he had that Division I ball experience, and he coached at Fresno,” Hauss said. “Having that experience coaching me is definitely a big plus. Torgerson is like the typical guy you would expect out of a defensive coach, just crazy, balls to the wall and super energetic. That’s what I was looking for in a coach.”
Hauss described CWU’s indoor football facility and weight room as “top notch” and said the program is a place where he believes he can thrive as a student athlete.
“On the field, I definitely want to grow into a starting role and better myself. Off the field, I just want to grow into a student athlete and get my degree,” he said. “I was thinking about being a physical therapist assistant. I like the human biology and science side.”
The idea to explore a career in human biology came from Hauss’ involvement in the sports medicine program at YHS.
Hauss admitted that the fact that he gets to play football at the next level didn’t hit him until he put pen to paper. He said he is grateful for the chance to continue his career and for Yelm for helping him advance to the next level.
“When you’re in high school, you’re like, ‘What are we doing next season?’ But now, you could get injured and you’re never playing again,” he said. “I’m definitely taking it for everything it is and being grateful for every opportunity. For Yelm, I think there’s definitely going to be success in Yelm forever.”
Hauss finished his senior season with 66 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and four sacks, and he was also named an all-SPSL honorable mention as an offensive lineman. He also earned first team all-South Sound Conference recognition in 2023 for his success on the offensive line.
