Superintendents’ friendly playoff bet will put books in school libraries
By Dan Thesman on Friday, November 6th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — A high school football playoff matchup Saturday between Walla Walla and Stanwood will feature more than just postseason glory, as two district superintendents have agreed to a friendly wager designed to promote reading among local students.
The Walla Walla High School Blue Devils will travel to face the Stanwood High School Spartans at 2 p.m. Saturday at Stanwood High School. Ahead of kickoff, Walla Walla Public Schools Superintendent Ben Gauyan and Stanwood-Camano School District Superintendent Ryan Ovenell agreed to back their respective teams with a literary twist.
Under the terms of the wager, the losing superintendent must donate copies of “The Football Fiasco” by author Mike Lupica to every elementary school library across the winning district. Because each school system operates five elementary schools, the wager ensures a five-book donation complete with a personalized inscription from the losing district leader acknowledging the game’s final outcome.
The gridiron showdown holds personal meaning for Gauyan, who previously served as Stanwood-Camano’s assistant superintendent and led its Teaching and Learning Department before becoming Walla Walla’s 17th superintendent in July 2025. Gauyan noted he continues to maintain close friendships and strong professional connections throughout the Stanwood community.
District leaders selected Lupica’s football-themed mystery for its focus on inclusion, friendship and kindness, viewing the contest as an ideal opportunity to channel athletic excitement directly into elementary classrooms.
