Pac-Tending 10-22-08

"We are continuing to make progress toward the goal I established of an 80% graduation success rate. While there is still room for growth in some sports, we have seen improvements."

- NCAA president Myles Brand, speaking after last week's release of graduation rates covering a period from 1998-2001.

The championship run for the Creek continues for the Pac-10 as teams still sit at or near the top of national polls in football [USC #5], soccer [Stanford #2] and volleyball [California #4].

Meanwhile, at NCAA HQ, the NCAA graduation success rates were released and were an aggregate 78% for the period covering 1998-2001.

Oregon State

In football, senior safety Greg Laybourn was named as the conference's defensive player of the week.

California

In volleyball, sophomore setter Carli Lloyd was named as the conference's player of the week.

Washington

In administration, Washington hired Stephanie Rempe from Oklahoma, as senior associate athletic director in charge of women's athletics.

In football, senior offensive lineman Casey Bulyca suffered a knee injury and is out for the season.

Stanford

In soccer, Stanford retained their grip as the conference's highest ranked team with wins over Washington and WSU to remain undefeated at 14-0-1 overall and 4-0 in conference play.

USC

In football, running back Allen Bradford is out for the season after suffering a hip injury.

WSU

In football, the Cougars lost to USC, to fall to 0-5 in conference play and 1-7 overall.

In soccer, 22nd-ranked Wazzu defeated California but lost to Stanford to move to 7-4-4 overall and 1-2-1 in the Pac-10.

In volleyball, the Cougars were swept by OSU and Oregon to drop to 0-8 in conference play and 7-12 overall on the year.

Arizona

In football, the Wildcats received a verbal commitment from defensive back Marcus Benjamin and freshman running back Keola Antolin was named as the conference's offensive player of the week.

Arizona State

In football, the Sun Devils lost offensive lineman Matt Hustad and safety Max Tabach for the season with knee injuries and safety Clint Floyd will miss this week with a lacerated kidney. Tight end Max Smith gave an oral commitment to ASU.

UCLA

In football, sophomore kicker Kai Forbath was named as the conference's special teams player of the week.

Oregon

In men's hoop, the Ducks received a verbal commitment from E.J. Singler.

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