Back to the Washington State Cougars Newsfeed

Washington State's Hercules Mata'afa is ready for his next labor

Hercules' 11th labor is an instructive one. Ordered to fetch some golden apples that are guarded by a 100-headed dragon, the Greek demigod instead enlists Atlas to get them while he takes over holding up the sky. This demonstrates his considerable strength. Then, once Atlas returns with the apples, Hercules must fool him into taking the world back onto his shoulders. So guile is demanded, too.

Spoiler alert: He does just that, and thereby is able to bring the apples to labor-master Mike Leach. Er, King Eurystheus.

We wade into Greek mythology because our subject is Hercules Mata’afa, the Washington State defensive lineman who despite not starting was a 2015 honorable mention All-Pac-12 performer and a freshman All-American, and who will be a certain member of the 2016 All-Name Team.