Pac-Tending 05-30-07

"The panel supports this action and hopes it has the committee's intended effect on the game."

- Big West senior associate commissioner Rob Halvaks, who is the chairman of the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel for men's basketball, commenting on the switch to a three-point line that is a foot farther away.

The Creek is immersed in post-season play this week as three conference softball teams make up the eight-team field of the Women's College World Series and four more baseball teams were invited to play in the NCAA baseball playoffs beginning this week while virtually all conference schools will be sending athletes to the NCAA track and field championships next week in Sacramento.

Meanwhile, at NCAA HQ, the three-point line in men's basketball was approved to be moved back one foot from 19 feet, nine inches to 20 feet, nine inches beginning with the 2008-09 season while a new academic enhancement group for men's basketball has also been formed in an effort to address perennially low academic performance and APR's in the past years. The group will be headed by UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero and includes Arizona State head coach Herb Sendek.

In baseball, beginning in the 2008 season, rosters will be capped at 35 athletes and only 30 will be eligible for scholarships, then in 2009, the scholarship numbers will be reduced to 27 with the condition that one-third of that total be given full scholarships with the remainder [baseball is allowed 11.7 scholarships per year] to be divided. Also starting in 2008, transfers must sit out one year before becoming eligible to play.

Arizona

In softball, the defending champion Wildcats returned to the Women's College World Series with a win over Cal State-Fullerton. They will open the WCWS against Baylor.

Stanford

The Cardinal will be paired with Tennessee and Oklahoma State in the first round of the NCAA men's golf championships beginning today in Virginia.

USC

Junior safety Josh Pinkard was arrested earlier this month on DUI charges after a traffic stop.

Washington

In softball, Washington defeated Alabama and advanced to the Women's College World Series where they will take on DePaul.

Arizona State

In men's hoop, assistant coach Archie Milleris reported to be expected to join the staff at Ohio State.

In softball, the Sun Devils beat LSU and advanced to the Women's College World Series where they will play Northwestern.

Oregon State

In baseball, the defending NCAA champion Beavers were invited to this year's playoffs and will play Rutgers in the first round.

WSU

In men's hoop, Wazzu received a verbal commitment from Oregon guard Michael Harthun.

In track and field, the Cougars will send 10 athletes to the NCAA track and field championships in Sacramento next week.

In baseball, the WSU lost their season-ending series to UC-Davis to finish 28-26 on the year with a 10-14 record in conference play.

UCLA

In baseball, the Bruins were invited to the NCAA playoffs and will play Pepperdine in the first round.

Oregon

Senior men's pole vaulter Tommy Skipper broke the Pac-10 record with a vault of 19-0.25 at last week's NCAA West regional and will be one of 18 Ducks going to the NCAA championships in Sacramento next week.

California

In men's hoop, shooting guard D.J. Seeley made a verbal commitment to the Bears last week.

+++++++sponsored by Clark's Restaurant+++++++++

Attention COUGAR Fans! Spring is here and you're famished! How can you afford to go one day further without some tasty morsels from Clark's Restaurant in Grays Harbor – home of the Best Hamburger in Twin Harbors for seven consecutive years. Come in for the burger, fresh homemade fries and milkshakes concocted from homemade ice cream. Go ahead, we dare you to try and pass up more than 12 varieties of hamburgers to choose from, full dinners, lunch and full breakfast served daily. Clark's Restaurant 360.538.1487. Seven miles south of Aberdeen, Washington on Highway 101. Proud supporter of CougZone. Mention this ad for a free small ice cream.