Pac-Tending 07-09-08

"It's amazing going into your final throw knowing you're the Olympic Trials champion. It's pretty cool."

- Former Wazzu discus tosser, Ian Waltz, who won the men's discus competition at the U.S. Olympic Trials at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field and will represent the USA at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing next month.

The 2008-09 athletic season is upon the Creek as several current and former Pac-10 athletes qualified for the USA Olympic squad at the recently completed U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene.

Meanwhile, at NCAA HQ, men's golf will employ an eight-team match play championship for 2009 and regional championships will be expanded from three to six.

Stanford

In women's soccer, junior Ali Riley will play at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing as a team member of her native New Zealand.

Washington

In track and field, former Washington men's pole vaulter Brad Walker and former women's discus tosser Aretha Thurmond both qualified for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

WSU

In track and field, former Wazzu discus tosser Ian Waltz and former distance ace Bernard Lagat both qualified for the USA Olympic team with Lagat becoming the only American athlete to qualify in two events [1500 and 5000 meters].

In football, the Cougars received a verbal commitment from defensive linemen Chris Mastin and Justin Clayton.

Arizona State

In women's hoop, Arizona State will open their 2008-09 season as a participant in the WNIT pre-season tournament, opening play against Cleveland State on November 14.

Arizona

In men's hoop, the Wildcats received a verbal commitment from wing Mike Moser.

Oregon

In track and field, assistant coach Kelly Blair-LaBounty was fired to make room for a third distance coach.

USC

In track and field, former Trojan Jesse Williams won the men's high jump and will represent the USA at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

UCLA

In track and field, former Bruins women's hurdler Dawn Harper made the USA Olympic squad in the 100-meter hurdles and will be going to Beijing for the 2008 Olympics.

California

In women's swimming, former Bear Emily Silver was awarded a spot on the 4x100 freestyle relay team for the USA Olympic squad at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Oregon State

In football, senior safety Bryan Payton has left the team.

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