PULLMAN - Washington State athletics on Wednesday announced the dedication of the Steve Gleason Recruit Suite, a new part of the Cougar Football Complex.

Gleason, who played football and baseball in a Cougar uniform from 1995-99, was on hand, expressing his gratitude. "I am stoked to be a small part of this," he said.

Gleason was a key figure on defense for the 1997 WSU squad that made the team's first Rose Bowl appearance since 1931.

Following a professional football career, Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. The release of "Gleason," a documentary depicting his life while living with ALS, debuted late last month in select theaters to high critical acclaim. The movie will be shown in Gleason's hometown of Spokane this Friday at the AMC River Park Square theaters and again Aug. 12 at Village Centre cinemas.

Gleason and his foundation, Team Gleason, have raised awareness and improved the lives of those affected by the disease.

During his seven-year NFL career with the New Orleans Saints, Gleason may be best remembered for blocking a punt that resulted in a touchdown in the Saints' first game in New Orleans in nearly 21 months, following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Alumnus Glenn Osterhout, who funded the new suite, decided to name it after Gleason since "Steve will be an inspiration to a lot of young men who will come through that room."