Life After Football

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by Michelle Dapper, SWX Anchor/Reporter - bio | email

After a life on the football field, Drew Bledsoe returns to his hometown of Walla Walla, Wash., to continue a career in business. From one field to another, Bledsoe opened up the Doubleback Winery. The region is home to some of the most unique wines in the country.

Bledsoe took pride in producing the winery from the ground up and was blessed to partner alongside his childhood friend Chris Figgins.

Bledsoe took SWX around Walla Walla to show he's still calling the shots, even though he's not on the football field.

Tune into SWX Tonight at 10:30 p.m. as Bledsoe takes us behind the scenes at Doubleback Winery.

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WSU Football Announces Practice Schedule
WSU Football Announces Practice Schedule
Washington State University Head Football Coach Mike Leach and the Cougar football team open fall camp Saturday, Aug. 2, with an 2:30 p.m. practice at Sacajawea Middle School in Lewiston, Idaho.More >>
Washington State University Head Football Coach Mike Leach and the Cougar football team open fall camp Saturday, Aug. 2, with an 2:30 p.m. practice at Sacajawea Middle School in Lewiston, Idaho.More >>
EWU Football Adds Texas Tech Clash In 2017
EWU Football Adds Texas Tech Clash In 2017
Eastern Washington University head football coach Beau Baldwin will forever remember his first trip to Lubbock, Texas, and now his Eagles will make a second trip to play at Texas Tech on Sept. 2, 2017 in an announcement made jointly by the two schools...More >>
Eastern Washington University head football coach Beau Baldwin will forever remember his first trip to Lubbock, Texas, and now his Eagles will make a second trip to play at Texas Tech on Sept. 2, 2017 in an announcement made jointly by the two schools...
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Pippins Cruise Past Walla Walla, 12-2
Pippins Cruise Past Walla Walla, 12-2
After narrowly holding on for an 8-7 victory Tuesday night in Walla Walla, the Yakima Valley Pippins found themselves in a much more comfortable game Wednesday night, scoring eight runs the first three innings to take a 12-2 win over the Sweets.More >>
After narrowly holding on for an 8-7 victory Tuesday night in Walla Walla, the Yakima Valley Pippins found themselves in a much more comfortable game Wednesday night, scoring eight runs the first three innings to take a 12-2 win over the Sweets.More >>
Pippins Hang on for 8-7 Win Over Sweets
Pippins Hang on for 8-7 Win Over Sweets
Updated: Wednesday, July 30 2014 12:48 PM EDT2014-07-30 16:48:01 GMT
The last time the Yakima Valley Pippins traveled to Walla Walla, the Sweets rallied for nine runs in the final three innings to shock the Pippins in an 11-10 defeat. Tuesday night, lightning almost struck twice, but the Pippins buckled down to secure an 8-7 win over the Sweets in the series opener.More >>
The last time the Yakima Valley Pippins traveled to Walla Walla, the Sweets rallied for nine runs in the final three innings to shock the Pippins in an 11-10 defeat. Tuesday night, lightning almost struck twice, but the Pippins buckled down to secure an 8-7 win over the Sweets in the series opener.More >>
EWU Football Readies For Earliest Start In Program History
EWU Football Readies For Earliest Start In Program History
With the earliest game in school history comes the earliest practice start, as the Eastern Washington University football team begins practices for the 2014 season this Thursday, July 31, on the Sports and Recreation Center practice fields in Cheney, Wash.More >>
With the earliest game in school history comes the earliest practice start, as the Eastern Washington University football team begins practices for the 2014 season this Thursday, July 31, on the Sports and Recreation Center practice fields in Cheney, Wash.More >>
Former Cougs Baynes and Motum Make Australian FIBA World Cup Team
Former Cougs Baynes and Motum Make Australian FIBA World Cup Team
Updated: Monday, July 28 2014 6:28 PM EDT2014-07-28 22:28:13 GMT
Although they never played in Cougar uniforms together, former Washington State men’s basketball student-athletes, Aron Baynes and Brock Motum, will share a court this summer as the two were selected to the Airbnb Australian Boomers Team that will compete in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain, Aug. 30 through Sept. 14.More >>
Although they never played in Cougar uniforms together, former Washington State men’s basketball student-athletes, Aron Baynes and Brock Motum, will share a court this summer as the two were selected to the Airbnb Australian Boomers Team that will compete in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain, Aug. 30 through Sept. 14.
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Pippins Rally Late to Beat Kelowna, 9-7
Pippins Rally Late to Beat Kelowna, 9-7
Updated: Monday, July 28 2014 1:04 PM EDT2014-07-28 17:04:58 GMT
After allowing the Kelowna Falcons to walk off with an 11-10 victory Saturday night, the Pippins returned the favor Sunday, scoring twice in the 9th inning to claim a 9-7 victory over the Falcons at Elks Stadium. More >>
After allowing the Kelowna Falcons to walk off with an 11-10 victory Saturday night, the Pippins returned the favor Sunday, scoring twice in the 9th inning to claim a 9-7 victory over the Falcons at Elks Stadium. More >>
Pippins Lose 6-5 to Bellingham Bells
Pippins Lose 6-5 to Bellingham Bells
Updated: Friday, July 25 2014 12:54 PM EDT2014-07-25 16:54:59 GMT
If the Yakima Valley Pippins and Bellingham Bells meet in the playoffs, few fans would likely be disappointed after the series the two teams just completed. The Bells finished the exciting three-game set Thursday with a late rally to win, 6-5 at County Stadium.More >>
If the Yakima Valley Pippins and Bellingham Bells meet in the playoffs, few fans would likely be disappointed after the series the two teams just completed. The Bells finished the exciting three-game set Thursday with a late rally to win, 6-5 at County Stadium.More >>
Local Basketball Teams Praised By NABC For Excellence
Local Basketball Teams Praised By NABC For Excellence
A trio of local University basketball teams have been named among the best academically by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) on Wednesday, July 23.More >>
A trio of local University basketball teams have been named among the best academically by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) on Wednesday, July 23.
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Williams Shuts Down Bells, Before Bats Rally To End Skid
Williams Shuts Down Bells, Before Bats Rally To End Skid
Updated: Wednesday, July 23 2014 12:30 PM EDT2014-07-23 16:30:37 GMT
When the top two pitching staffs in the West Coast League, you can expect a quality pitching performance. That’s exactly what the Yakima Valley Pippins and Bellingham Bells delivered Tuesday night, as the Pippins rallied late to win, 6-1 at County Stadium.More >>
When the top two pitching staffs in the West Coast League, you can expect a quality pitching performance. That’s exactly what the Yakima Valley Pippins and Bellingham Bells delivered Tuesday night, as the Pippins rallied late to win, 6-1 at County Stadium.More >>

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New Brewster Golf Course, Gamble Sands Opening Soon
New Brewster Golf Course, Gamble Sands Opening Soon
Amidst all of the bad that is happening in North Central Washington, there is a glimmer of beauty opening soon in the form of the brand new Gamble Sands Golf Course.More >>
Amidst all of the bad that is happening in North Central Washington, there is a glimmer of beauty opening soon in the form of the brand new Gamble Sands Golf Course.
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Kids World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion In Studio
Kids World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion In Studio
Spokane's own Gerondrick "GT" Taylor, 6, of Iron Lion Jiu Jitsu Academy was named the Kids World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champion at Coussoulis Arena in San Bernardino, Calif. this past weekend, July 19-20.More >>
Spokane's own Gerondrick "GT" Taylor, 6, of Iron Lion Jiu Jitsu Academy was named the Kids World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champion at Coussoulis Arena in San Bernardino, Calif. this past weekend, July 19-20. More >>
Spokane Shadow Win EPLWA
Spokane Shadow Win EPLWA
Updated: Monday, July 21 2014 2:55 AM EDT2014-07-21 06:55:39 GMT
© Spokane Shadow win Evergreen Premiere League
With Sound Sound winning 2-0 approximately an hour earlier in Vancouver, the Spokane Shadow kicked off the Evergreen Premier League’s final game of the season Sunday night at Spokane Falls CC Stadium needing a victory in order to claim the league’s inaugural championship.More >>
With Sound Sound winning 2-0 approximately an hour earlier in Vancouver, the Spokane Shadow kicked off the Evergreen Premier League’s final game of the season Sunday night at Spokane Falls CC Stadium needing a victory in order to claim the league’s inaugural championship.
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Seahawks Come To Spokane For Play 60 #12Tour
Seahawks Come To Spokane For Play 60 #12Tour
As part of the NFL's Play 60 initiative, the Seattle Seahawks will visit Spokane this Friday, July 18, at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PDT.More >>
As part of the NFL's Play 60 initiative, the Seattle Seahawks will visit Spokane this Friday, July 18, at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PDT.More >>
SLIDESHOW: NASCAR Ride Along
SLIDESHOW: NASCAR Ride Along
Before the NASCAR K&N Pro Series took over Stateline Speedway in Post Falls, Idaho KHQ's Reed Schmitt had the privilege of going on a ride-a-long in Larry Bertrand's No. 9 late model to experience what local racers like Nicole Behar do 14 times a year.More >>
Before the NASCAR K&N Pro Series took over Stateline Speedway in Post Falls, Idaho KHQ's Reed Schmitt had the privilege of going on a ride-a-long in Larry Bertrand's No. 9 late model to experience what local racers like Nicole Behar do 14 times a year.More >>
First-Ever Hockey Fest At Frontier A Success
First-Ever Hockey Fest At Frontier A Success
The first-ever Hockey Fest at Frontier Ice Arena in Coeur d'Alene took over the ice and there were plenty of goals and plenty of stars in the charity exhibition. More >>
The first-ever Hockey Fest at Frontier Ice Arena in Coeur d'Alene took over the ice and there were plenty of goals and plenty of stars in the charity exhibition. More >>
Steve Garvey Tosses First Pitch At Indians Game
Steve Garvey Tosses First Pitch At Indians Game
Former Spokane Indian great Steve Garvey visited Avista Stadium to watch his son, Ryan Garvey, play for the Tri-City Dust Devils and toss out the ceremonial first pitch. Check out the photos and videos above from Garvey's visit to Spokane!App users can use this link to see these photos:More >>
Former Spokane Indian great Steve Garvey visited Avista Stadium to watch his son, Ryan Garvey, play for the Tri-City Dust Devils and toss out the ceremonial first pitch. Check out the photos and videos above from Garvey's visit to Spokane!App users can use this link to see these photos:More >>
Ryan Garvey: Following In A Father's Footsteps
Ryan Garvey: Following In A Father's Footsteps
Hopefully soon there will be another pair of names to add to the list. Steve and Ryan Garvey.More >>
Hopefully soon there will be another pair of names to add to the list. Steve and Ryan Garvey.More >>
Brayden, Skyler Kelley's Little Brother Hits Halfcourt Shot
Brayden, Skyler Kelley's Little Brother Hits Halfcourt Shot
Skyler Kelley, a recent graduate of Shadle Park High School, was a great local prep athlete starring on the Highlanders football and basketball teams and will play basketball next year at Shoreline Community College. Apparently, his younger brother might end up being better than him.More >>
Skyler Kelley, a recent graduate of Shadle Park High School, was a great local prep athlete starring on the Highlanders football and basketball teams and will play basketball next year at Shoreline Community College. Apparently, his younger brother might end up being better than him.More >>
Michael Roos Hosts 6th Annual Fish and Chip Celebrity Weekend
Michael Roos Hosts 6th Annual Fish and Chip Celebrity Weekend
Former Eastern Washington Eagle, All-Pro tackle Michael Roos kicked off the Michael Roos Foundation's 6th annual Fish and Chip Celebrity Weekend at The Creek at Qualchan golf course on Saturday, June 21.More >>
Former Eastern Washington Eagle, All-Pro tackle Michael Roos kicked off the Michael Roos Foundation's 6th annual Fish and Chip Celebrity Weekend at The Creek at Qualchan golf course on Saturday, June 21.
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WSU Football Announces Practice Schedule
WSU Football Announces Practice Schedule
Washington State University Head Football Coach Mike Leach and the Cougar football team open fall camp Saturday, Aug. 2, with an 2:30 p.m. practice at Sacajawea Middle School in Lewiston, Idaho.More >>
Washington State University Head Football Coach Mike Leach and the Cougar football team open fall camp Saturday, Aug. 2, with an 2:30 p.m. practice at Sacajawea Middle School in Lewiston, Idaho.More >>
Former Cougs Baynes and Motum Make Australian FIBA World Cup Team
Former Cougs Baynes and Motum Make Australian FIBA World Cup Team
Updated: Monday, July 28 2014 6:28 PM EDT2014-07-28 22:28:13 GMT
Although they never played in Cougar uniforms together, former Washington State men’s basketball student-athletes, Aron Baynes and Brock Motum, will share a court this summer as the two were selected to the Airbnb Australian Boomers Team that will compete in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain, Aug. 30 through Sept. 14.More >>
Although they never played in Cougar uniforms together, former Washington State men’s basketball student-athletes, Aron Baynes and Brock Motum, will share a court this summer as the two were selected to the Airbnb Australian Boomers Team that will compete in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain, Aug. 30 through Sept. 14.
More >>
WSU's Halliday Named To QB Award Watch List
WSU's Halliday Named To QB Award Watch List
Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday has been named to the 2014 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award® Watch List, the Davey O’Brien Foundation announced Wednesday.More >>
Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday has been named to the 2014 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award® Watch List, the Davey O’Brien Foundation announced Wednesday.
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Former Coug Johnson Named To Double-A All Star Game
Former Coug Johnson Named To Double-A All Star Game
Former Washington State outfielder Kyle Johnson is an Eastern League All-Star. The Double-A circuit’s All-Star Clash is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern/4 p.m. Pacific, Wednesday at Peoples Natural Gas Field.More >>
Former Washington State outfielder Kyle Johnson is an Eastern League All-Star. The Double-A circuit’s All-Star Clash is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern/4 p.m. Pacific, Wednesday at Peoples Natural Gas Field.
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WSU Basketball Announces 2014-15 Schedule
WSU Basketball Announces 2014-15 Schedule
The Ernie Kent Era of Washington State University men’s basketball begins with five home nonconference games, as well as the return of the Cougar Hardwood Classic, a trip to the Great Alaska Shootout and a solid Pac-12 schedule, as announced by Kent in the release of the 2014-15 schedule, Wednesday.The Cougars’ nonconference schedule is set, as well as all home opponents. The Pac-12 will announce the completed conference schedule in conjunction with the Pac-12 Networks follow...More >>
The Ernie Kent Era of Washington State University men’s basketball begins with five home nonconference games, as well as the return of the Cougar Hardwood Classic, a trip to the Great Alaska Shootout and a solid Pac-12 schedule, as announced by Kent in the release of the 2014-15 schedule, Wednesday.The Cougars’ nonconference schedule is set, as well as all home opponents. The Pac-12 will announce the completed conference schedule in conjunction with the Pac-12 Networks follow...More >>
WSU DL Cooper Named To CFPA Watch List
WSU DL Cooper Named To CFPA Watch List
Washington State football defensive lineman Xavier Cooper has been named to the 2014 College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) Defensive Lineman Trophy watch list, the organization announced Tuesday.More >>
Washington State football defensive lineman Xavier Cooper has been named to the 2014 College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) Defensive Lineman Trophy watch list, the organization announced Tuesday.More >>
Former Coug Kicker Furney Signs With Jets
Former Coug Kicker Furney Signs With Jets
The Jets have signed kicker Andrew Furney and punter Jacob Schum. Both participated as non-roster invitees at the full-squad minicamp that concluded today.Furney (5’10”, 210) spent the past four seasons with the Washington State Cougars.More >>
The Jets have signed kicker Andrew Furney and punter Jacob Schum. Both participated as non-roster invitees at the full-squad minicamp that concluded today.Furney (5’10”, 210) spent the past four seasons with the Washington State Cougars.More >>
Former WSU Head Coach Ken Bone Joins Montana Staff
Former WSU Head Coach Ken Bone Joins Montana Staff
Former head coach of the Washington State University men's basketball team, Ken Bone, has joined Travis DeCuire's staff as the Associate Head Coach of the Montana Grizzlies.More >>
Former head coach of the Washington State University men's basketball team, Ken Bone, has joined Travis DeCuire's staff as the Associate Head Coach of the Montana Grizzlies.
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Klay Thompson Headed to Minnesota for Kevin Love?
Klay Thompson Headed to Minnesota for Kevin Love?
Former Washington State Cougar star and current Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson might be headed to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the deal for All-Star power forward Kevin Love, according to sources close to the situation.More >>
Former Washington State Cougar star and current Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson might be headed to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the deal for All-Star power forward Kevin Love, according to sources close to the situation.
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Best-Paid State Employees In Washington Released
Best-Paid State Employees In Washington Released
SEATTLE (AP) - No real surprise: The football coaches at the University of Washington and Washington State University were the best paid state employees in 2013.UW Coach Steve Sarkisian earned over $2.6 million in 2013. WSU coach Mike Leach earned over $2.3 million.New state salary data was posted online Monday by the state Office of Financial Management.More >>
SEATTLE (AP) - No real surprise: The football coaches at the University of Washington and Washington State University were the best paid state employees in 2013.UW Coach Steve Sarkisian earned over $2.6 million in 2013. WSU coach Mike Leach earned over $2.3 million.New state salary data was posted online Monday by the state Office of Financial Management.More >>

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