Pac-Tending 09-29-05

"We lost a dear, dear friend in Shawntinice Polk this morning."

- Arizona president Peter Likins, announcing the death of the Wildcat women's hoop player on Monday.

The Creek was subdued after it was dealt a major blow when senior Arizona women's basketball player Shawntinice Polk was declared dead this week after a pulmonary blood clot in her lung caused a sudden cardiac arrest.

The Hawai'i Bowl, beginning in 2006, will have a scenario that will allow them to take the Pac-10's 6th-place team. The Hawai'i Bowl currently matches Conference USA and Western Athletic conference teams.

Meanwhile, at NCAA HQ, it was announced that all 28 bowl games in the 2005-06 season will be using video review. The NCAA Championships/Competition Cabinet recommended reimbursing schools that participate in the indoor track and field championships in 2006-08 – at a cost of $869,000 [$442,000 for men, $427,000 for women]. The championship is the only one of the organization's 88 championships that is not fully funded [institutions must currently choose between the outdoor and indoor competitions for reimbursement].

WSU

In men's hoop, it was announced that associate head coach Tony Bennett, the son of head coach Dick Bennett, would take over as head coach when his father retires.

The Cougars tied Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo and lost to Nevada to fall to 5-3-1 on the year in soccer.

In volleyball, the Cougars lost to Washington, Gonzaga and Eastern Washington to fall to 7-7 on the year.

UCLA

California defensive end Jeff Miller has made an oral commitment to the Bruins. Miller chose UCLA over Boston College, Mississippi, WSU and Oregon State.

In men's hoop, sophomore projected starting forward Josh Shipp will miss the next two months while he recovers from surgery for a hip injury suffered during the summer.

Stanford

Gerren Crochet will become the Cardinal's new punt returner after David Marrero fumbled in each of Stanford's first two games.

Arizona

In men's hoop, senior guard Chris Rodgers will miss the next two months recuperating from a right knee sprain.

California

The 12th-ranked Bears defeated New Mexico State, 41-13, to remain undefeated at 4-0 on the season.

Sophomore outside hitter Angie Pressey was named as the conference's player of the week in volleyball.

Washington

The Huskies lost to Notre Dame, 36-17, to fall to 1-3 on the year. Washington received a verbal commitment from California linebacker Donald Butler. Butler selected Washington over California and Arizona. Duke receiver Chancellor Young will transfer to Washington.

In men's hoop, Washington received an oral commitment from Oregon forward Phil Nelson. Nelson chose Washington over Georgia Tech and Gonzaga.

Arizona State

The 14th-ranked Sun Devils defeated Oregon State, 42-24, to move to 3-1 [1-0 in conference play]. Senior linebacker Jamar Williams was named as the conference's defensive player of the week. The Sun Devils received a verbal commitment from California linebacker Jamarr Robinson. Robinson selected Arizona State over Nebraska, Oklahoma, Colorado and LSU. The October 8 home game against Oregon will move to 7:15 and be televised by Fox Sports.

In men's hoop, the Sun Devils received a verbal commitment from Texas forward George Odufuwa. Odufuwa chose ASU over SMU.

Oregon

The Ducks lost to USC, 45-13, to fall to 3-1 on the year. California JC offensive line transfer Pat So'oalo is academically ineligible.

In men's hoop, Oregon received an oral commitment from California JC forward Ivan Johnson. Johnson chose Oregon over Cincinnati, Oklahoma, Florida State and Oklahoma State.

Freshman goalkeeper Jessica Chatfield was named as the conference's player of the week in women's soccer.

USC

The top-ranked Trojans defeated Oregon, 45-13, to remain undefeated at 3-0 on the year. Redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Drew Radovich is expected to apply for a medical redshirt because of a hip injury. Junior running back Reggie Bush was named as the conference's offensive player of the week. The Trojans' October 8 home game against Arizona was moved to 12:30 and will be televised by Fox Sports.

Oregon State

The Beavers lost to Arizona State, 42-24, and evened their record at 2-2 on the season. Senior receiver Kevin Swanigan is out for the year with a knee injury.

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