Pac-Tending 08-20-08

"When I went into this meet, I was so nervous going into this Olympics with six events. I have never done it at such a high caliber, but it got better as it went."

- Former California swimmer, Natalie Coughlin, who became the first American woman - in any sport - to win six medals [one gold, two silver, three bronze] in one Games.

The 2008-09 season continues to close in on the Creek but before it begins, there are the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, where, led by California, former and current conference athletes have racked up 37 total medals as of Monday.

Meanwhile, at NCAA HQ, to replace the current regional qualifying setup, the NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Track and Field Committee has proposed a a pair of first-round qualifying systems for athletes to advance to the NCAA championship finals.

California

In women's swimming, former Bear Natalie Coughlin became the first American female athlete in any sport to win six medals at a single Olympiad at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

WSU

In football, receiver Gino Simone verbally committed to Wazzu.

In swimming, sophomore swimmer Rugile Mileisyte won her 50m heat at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, but failed to advance to the finals.

In track and field, former Cougar athletes Diana Pickler, Ian Waltz and Bernard Lagat all failed to medal in their respective events. Pickler pulled out of the heptathlon due to a hamstring injury while both Waltz and Lagat failed to make the finals in the men's discus and 1500 meters, respectively.

Oregon State

In administration, senior associate athletic director Mark Massari was hired as the new AD at UC-Santa Barbara.

Oregon

In track and field, senior distance runner Galen Rupp finished as the top American in 13th place in the 10,000-meters – the top American finisher – at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

USC

In men's hoop, North Carolina junior forward Alex Stepheson will transfer to USC.

Arizona State

In football, junior defensive lineman Eric Tanner has quit football due to a knee injury.

Stanford

In rowing, two Stanford athletes won gold medals at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China as sophomore Elle Logan won as part of the American women's eight squad and alum Adam Kreek won as part of the Canadian men's eight.

Washington

In football, Washington received a verbal commitment from defensive lineman Deandre Coleman.

Arizona

In softball, the American team, under Arizona head coach Mike Candrea, remained undefeated at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China with wins over the Netherlands and host China.

UCLA

In football, JC transfer Kevin Craft was tabbed as the Bruins' starting quarterback for the season opener against Tennessee. Receiver Gavin Ketchum will miss the season opener with mononucleosis.

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