On Thursday, President Bush signed legislation naming a San
Fernando post office after former UCLA basketball coach John
Wooden. The president’s signature was the last step in a
process that began in December 2005 with a proposal from
Congressman Brad Sherman.
The legislation was authored by Sherman, in whose district
Wooden resides. The dedication ceremony will take place on Oct. 14,
2006, in honor of Wooden’s 96th birthday.
Naming federal buildings is a national tradition used to honor
Americans with distinguished accomplishments who have made lasting
contributions to society.
WOMEN’S SOCCER: The UCLA women’s
soccer team has been named No. 1 going into the 2006 season by
Soccer Buzz Magazine and Soccer America. The accolade marks the
first time in history the Bruins have been ranked No. 1 going into
the start of a season.
The Bruins came up short last season as they fell to Portland in
the NCAA Championship game. But after losing only two seniors to
graduation, they are not only poised to claim the Pac-10 title
again, they are also a favorite by many to claim the national title
as well.
UCLA was also picked as the Pac-10 favorite in a preseason
coaches’ poll released on Tuesday.
The Bruins have won the past three Pac-10 titles and have
appeared in the NCAA Women’s College Cup three years in a
row.
The NSCAA/adidas poll also released on Tuesday did not treat the
Bruins so favorably. It slotted UCLA as No. 2, right behind the
reigning NCAA champions from Portland.
WOMEN’S TRACK: In Beijing, UCLA sophomore
Rhonda Watkins became the world long jump champion as she won the
gold for Trinidad and Tobago.
The final round took place on Saturday, when she jumped 21-2.50,
beating out Germany’s Anika Leipold and China’s Yuan
Zhang, who placed second and third, respectively.
Also at the world meet on Thursday, UCLA sophomore Nicole Leach
took home the silver medal in the 400-meter hurdle competition
(55.55).
BASEBALL: The USA Baseball National Team won
the FISU World Championship, defeating Chinese Taipei on Tuesday
evening at Latino Stadium in Havana, Cuba.
UCLA sophomore Brandon Crawford finished off the season starting
10 games at shortstop for the team, boasting a .257 batting average
in 23 games played.
The championship game in Havana marks the second straight year
the U.S. national team has captured the title. The team finished
with a 28-2-1 record, and their .919 winning percentage is the best
ever by a USA Baseball collegiate team.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: The schedule for the
2006-2007 season was released last week. Among the teams facing the
Bruins this year will be NCAA tournament teams Tennessee, UC
Riverside, Oklahoma, Baylor, California, Stanford, Washington, USC
and Arizona State. Last year, the Bruins made it to the tournament
before losing in the second round to Purdue.
Compiled by Erin Wagner, Bruin Sports senior staff.