Pac-Tending 08-08-07

"It's been one heck of a ride."

- Retiring NCAA men's basketball officiating coordinator for the past two decades - Hank Nichols.

The pre-season prediction waters at the Creek are getting clearer as pre-season volleyball prognostications were unveiled by the coaches and while Stanford was the popular choice to repeat for the conference title, it appears there will be a three-way street brawl for the second spot between UCLA, USC and Washington.

Meanwhile, at NCAA HQ this week, the NCAA will revisit the baseball financial aid distribution issues, men's and women's golf competition dates and whether or not texting communications with recruits should remain off-limits.

California

In women's hoop, the Bears announced their 2007-08 season schedule featuring non-conference games against Fresno State, UC-Riverside, New Mexico, TCU, Baylor, Vanderbilt, Princeton and Rutgers.

Oregon

In track and field, Oregon signed eight athletes to letters of intent, highlighted by hurdler/jumper UCLA transfer David Klech on the men's side and Canadian heptathlete Brianne Theisen on the women's side.

Washington

In football, Washington received a verbal commitment from running backs Demetrius Bronson and Terrance Dailey.

In men's hoop, the Huskies will participate in the NIT Season Tip-Off – playing New Jersey Tech in an opening round game.

Oregon State

In football, potential starting defensive back Coye Francies and punter Kyle Loomis were dismissed from the team and backup punter Jon Strowbridge is academically ineligible.

Arizona

In football, starting defensive lineman Louis Holmes faces charges for his part in a bar scuffle last month while linebacker Ron Jackson may miss the season after suffering a hip injury in the first days of practice.

WSU

In men's hoop, junior center Aron Baynes tallied a double-double [19 points and 12 rebounds] in the opening game for his native Australia against Korea at the World University Games in Bangkok, Thailand. Redshirt freshman Thomas Abercrombie also played for his native New Zealand, scoring two points and grabbing three boards in a loss to Canada.

In football, defensive lineman Bryan Tarkington is academically ineligible and another defensive lineman, Lance Broadus will likely miss the season opener at Wisconsin as he recuperates from a shoulder injury.

In volleyball, sophomore setter Corina Beyer has transferred to Auburn while junior libero Jalen Pendon transferred to Portland State.

Stanford

In football, expected starting strong safety Bo McNally will likely miss the season opener against UCLA with a broken hand while senior tight end Matt Traverso has elected not to return to the team this year.

USC

In football, freshman defensive lineman Trey Henderson suffered a knee injury that will require surgery

UCLA

In football, tight end Ryan Moya will redshirt this season.

Arizona State

In football, expected starting strong safety Troy Nolan will likely miss two weeks with a shoulder injury.

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