State capitol employees, lawmakers unite for Blue Friday

Staff Writer

OLYMPIA — Fluttering beside the American and Washington state flags is a green and blue symbol signifying many members of the Washington state capitol campus’s support for their favorite football team. The people behind the tradition of raising the 12 flag at the capitol every playoff game are slightly less well-known.

Fall 2013 when the Seahawks were gearing up for their win against the Broncos, an organic movement of serious fans on the capitol campus came together to show their support. Extreme fans, such as Angie Adams, the executive assistant to the legislative affairs director and Greg Payne, office coordinator for the chief clerk’s office, were among them.

“I think it gives us all a sense of pride as a state and a community,” Adams said.

Schuyler F. Hoss, the director of International Relations and Protocol for the Office of the Governor said there were fans of the Seahawks in several capitol offices, including Adam and Payne, that came together to start the tradition.

Adams works in the governor’s office and on Blue Fridays, she is allowed to go all out with her Seahawks pride. Payne, who works in an office in the back of the House chambers must abide by the official dress code. He is still gauging this year’s legislature to see how comfortable they are with Seahawks gear in the chamber.

Payne wears his Seahawks lanyard year round. On blue Fridays, he wears his Seahawks tie, autographed by former player, Warren Moon and if he can get away with it, a jersey under his blazer.

“It’s tough, and it’s warm,” Payne said. “but I just do whatever I can.”

In addition to his jersey, Payne also has a Seahawks tattoo on his forearm. He is planning on getting a Sonics tattoo as well once they return to Seattle.

Payne’s most prized items among all his Seahawks memorabilia is a blueberry muffin and a jar of water formerly belonging to Seahawks coach, Pete Carrols and player Germaine Curses. Coach Carrols visited the legislature a few years ago and was signing autographs. Payne saved Carrol’s cup of water after he visited, and took a sip of it before games for the next two seasons. He said they went to the Super Bowl both years.

“It’s pretty gross,” Payne said. “It smells like a pond now so I don’t do that anymore.”

He said he acquired the muffin in a similar manner about a year ago, but hasn’t eaten any of it.

Hoss said whenever they raise the flag, people fill the north steps. He sees the 12 flag as a way to bring the community and the capitol campus together.

“What I like the most is coming together and supporting something regardless of party,” Hoss said. “Regardless of where they live, they all come together to support our team.”

Most recently, the Seahawks flag was raise last Blue Friday with former Seahawks cornerback, Marcus Trufant and Gov. Jay Inslee in attendance.

“It’s up till we lose,” Payne said. “I like our chances, but I’ll say that every single week.”