The men's golf team won its first Pac-12 Conference title in school history when the Golden Bears captured the championship on the second playoff hole yesterday at Trysting Tree Golf Club.
The Bears started the day six shots off the pace of third-round leader Oregon and remained five back with three holes to go before catching the Ducks and forcing a playoff when Brandon Hagy drained a 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th green.
Here is the video and reaction of Hagy's amazing put.
There is plenty of excitement up in Corvallis, Ore. this afternoon for California.
Led by senior Joanne Lee's three-hole score of 219 (77-71-71) to finish fourth overall, the women's golf team captured the Pac-12 title. The Golden Bears beat USC by one stroke to win the conference crown. Fellow senior Daniela Holmqvist (220=77-68-75) was one shot behind Lee to tie for fifth overall in the tournament.
The men finished the first 72-holes tied with Oregon for the top spot. The two teams are beginning their playoff right now. They will go out in three foursomes with the #5 and #6 players in a foursome, the #3 and #4 players in a foursome and the #1 and #2 players in a foursome (based on the order they played today).
The low 5 individual scores for each team will determine the champion.
They will start on No. 18 and play No. 16 if it is tied after the first playoff hole. Then to No. 17 if it is tied after the second playoff hole. And continue those three holes until there is a champion.
A historic night in rounds two and three of the NFL draft saw three Cal players selected tonight. It all started around 4:30 (PT) with OL Mitchell Schwartz being selected by the Cleveland Browns with the fifth pick of the second round (37th overall). Less than a half hour later, LB Mychal Kendricks was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with 14th pick of the second round (46th overall). A little after 5:30 (PT), Cal saw its third star of the night drafted when the Jacksonville Jaguars selected P Bryan Anger with the seventh pick of the third round (70th overall).
Schwartz talked about his reaction to being drafted by the Browns saying, "It is real exciting. It was a cool feeling to pick up that phone and hear it all come to fruition."
He joins former Golden Bear teammate Alex Mack, a center with the Browns. "He texted me and said congrats and that he will show me the best places to eat in Cleveland," Schwartz said. "Alex has helped me through this whole process. It will be a lot of fun to play with him again."
Schwartz also joins LB Scott Fujita, who has played with the Browns for the past two seasons.
Kendricks joins former Cal stars Nnamdi Asomugha (CB) and DeSean Jackson (WR) with the Eagles. Asomugha, a nine-year veteran in the NFL and considered one of the league's elite at his position, played his first season in Philadelphia last fall. Jackson, who was drafted in 2008 by Philadelphia, has played the last four seasons with the Eagles.
Anger was not only the first punter selected in this year's draft, it was the highest selection for a punter in nearly 20 years. Anger's selection was the highest pick for the position since 2005, when Todd Sauerbrun was selected by the Chicago Bears with the 56th overall selection.
On learning about his selection on the phone, Anger said "I went kind of numb for a second and my heart started racing. I heard congrats we are going to pick you with the next pick."
On being selected by Jacksonville, Anger said "I hit it off well with the Jacksonville coach when he came out for a workout. I am definitely excited to be a Jaguar."
He joins fellow former Bears Tyson Alualu (DE) and Nick Harris (P) in Jacksonville. Alualu, the 10th overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, has played the last two seasons with the Jaguars. Harris, an 11-year NFL veteran, played his first season in Jacksonville last fall.
With four more rounds set for tomorrow in the NFL Draft, look for many more Golden Bears to hear their name called.
As we see punter Bryan Anger selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the NFL Draft (70th overall pick) tonight, we look back on his standout career with the Golden Bears with this highlight reel.
As we see linebacker Mychal Kendricks selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the NFL Draft (46th pick overall pick) tonight, we look back on his standout career with the Golden Bears with this highlight reel.
As we see offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz selected by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the NFL Draft (37th overall pick) tonight, we look back on his standout career with the Golden Bears with this highlight reel.
Cal leads the way through the first 18 holes of the Pac-12 Men's Golf Championship at the Trysting Tree Golf Club in Corvallis, Ore. The Bears were the lone team under par through the opening round, carding a one-under 359 as a squad. Cal is three shots up on second-place Oregon State's two-over par (362).
Freshman Keelan Kilpatrick leads the Bears and is tied for fifth overall with a two-under 70 in the individual results from round one.
Click here for a full list of the first-round results from today.
The second round of the four-round tournament is underway right now. The Pac-12 Men's Golf Championship continues Saturday with the third round and concludes with a fourth and final round on Sunday.
Senior Valerie Arioto (you can read her full bio here) is certainly a dynamic player on the softball field. Her standout play, coupled with the senior's infectious personality and great character, is what makes this Golden Bear a Lowe's Senior CLASS Award finalist.
Also a finalist for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award, Arioto owns six player of the week awards already this season. She leads the top-ranked Bears (42-3 overall, 13-2 Pac-12) offensively with a .416 batting average and a 1.059 slugging percentage, thanks to 20 home runs, on the season. In the circle, the senior owns an 18-2 record in 20 starts with a 1.35 earned run average and 138 strikeouts in 113.2 innings pitched.
If these numbers don't convince you, check out Val's play in person this weekend as the Bears host UCLA with the series opener slated for 3 p.m. on Friday, followed by a 1 p.m. contest on Saturday and a noon game on Sunday.
Watch our interview with Val below and make sure to vote for Val for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award by clicking here.
Former Cal star Jason Kidd has enjoyed an All-Star career spanning nearly two full decades in the NBA. The Dallas point guard was back in his hometown recently as the Mavericks played the Golden State Warriors and we had the unique opportunity to discuss his time as a Golden Bear, his stellar career in the NBA and his experiences with Team USA in the Olympics.
Click here to learn more about one of the greatest guards to ever play the game.
Check out the brand new Cal Olympics website on CalBears.com here for the 2012 games in London as we highlight Cal's Olympic standouts from years past and current Olympic hopefuls.
With just a few hours remaining until tonight's NFL Draft, this outstanding video recaps Cal's rich history in the draft as we get set to usher in the newest class of Golden Bears to the league. Who's next?
Senior linebacker Mychal Kendricks, the 2011 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, discusses his preparations leading up to the NFL Draft. We talked to the former Golden Bear standout during Cal's Pro Day last month where the senior continued to impress with the NFL scouts in attendance.
The NFL Draft begins tonight with the first round set for 5 p.m. (PT). Rounds 2-3 will be tomorrow beginning at 4 p.m. (PT) and rounds 4-7 will be Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. (PT).
Head football coach Jeff Tedford discusses the Golden Bears' rich history in the NFL draft and talks about the 2012 class of NFL prospects prior to this weekend's draft.
The Oakland Athletics asked head swimming & diving coach Teri McKeever to throw out the first pitch prior to their 12:35 p.m. game against the Chicago White Sox today at the Oakland Coliseum. The nearby Major League Baseball team is lauding McKeever for her appointment as the head coach of the 2012 U.S. Olympic women's swimming team.
This video was captured earlier today from Memorial Stadium. It gives a good visual of the excavation of the dirt to lower the playing field, one of the noticeable enhancements to the facility that will improve site lines for fans this fall.
Senior defensive lineman Ernest Owusu discusses his preparations leading up to this week's NFL Draft. We talked to the former Golden Bear standout during Cal's Pro Day last month where the senior continued to put up some impressive numbers on the bench with the NFL scouts in attendance.
The NFL Draft begins on Thursday with the first round set for 5 p.m. (PT). Rounds 2-3 will be Friday beginning at 4 p.m. (PT) and rounds 4-7 will be Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. (PT).
The women's soccer team faced Stanford in an exhibition match at Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon, Calif. Saturday evening. While The Cardinal came away with the 1-0 win thanks to a goal in the 49th minute, it was Team Breezy that highlighted the day.
Team Breezy is the support network that the several thousand people in attendance on Saturday night showed Brianne "Breezy" Bochenek, a nine-year-old girl who was recently diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her left thigh bone. All proceeds and donations from Saturday's special event went towards assisting Breezy and other local families facing cancer. Before and after the match, both teams posed for pictures and signed autographs for all in attendance.
Visit www.teambreezy.org for more details on how you can help support Team Breezy.
Head coach Neil McGuire and sophomore Grace Leer talked about the importance and success of Saturday's event.
Head women's rowing coach Dave O'Neill and senior Kristina Lofman recap the Bears' four victories against No. 2 Washington on Saturday at Redwood Shores to retain the Simpson Cup for the ninth-year in a row.
Head men's crew coach Mike Teti and sophomore Cole Reiser recap the Bears' performance against top-ranked Washington at Redwood Shores this past Saturday.
The renovation of University of California-Berkeley's Memorial Stadium was always intended to be debt-financed and paid for with revenue generated by Intercollegiate Athletics, including the sale of football seats, over the life of the project ("Cal's Football-Stadium Gamble," Sports, April 18). The idea that we should have raised the full cost of the project upfront is absurd. Such an approach would preclude most capital projects from being undertaken in the public or private sector.
We are fortunate that we have issued debt at lower rates and for longer maturities, ranging from 30 to 100 years, than initially planned. Current commitments for seat sales exceed $144 million for a stadium under construction, the target date for seat sales was always June 2013 and we are confident in our ability to meet our goals, including philanthropy.
It is disturbing that the article leaves unreported the fact that the financial modeling used to examine different scenarios was reviewed by a special committee of our Academic Senate. That committee, which included faculty trained in finance, determined the results to be credible and robust.
Seismic and safety issues made a "do nothing" option impossible. Our Regents instructed Berkeley to address the issue. We are doing what needs to be done in a responsible and, to date, successful manner that has the support of our alumni and faculty experts.
Finally, no central campus funds have been used to finance this project, and we intend to manage it so that none ever will.
The rosters for the Blue and Gold teams have been announced by head coach Jeff Tedford for tomorrow's Spring Football Experience at Goldman Field at Edwards Stadium. Click here to see the breakdown of each team.
Here is a photo of Chad Bunting connecting on the first of his two home runs this afternoon against Utah. The Bears currently lead 7-4 in the seventh inning.
The Bears held one of their final practices at Witter Rugby Field on Thursday prior to Saturday's Spring Football Experience at Edwards Stadium. Here is a sampling of some of the photos we captured from today's drills.
The field has been treated and the lines have been painted, football is set to be played at Edwards Stadium. Here is a look at what the field will look like on Saturday.
Athlon Sports came out with its list of the top running backs in the Pac-12 Conference today. Cal tailbacks Isi Sofele and C.J. Anderson are among the publication's best backs in the league. Athlon noted "Cal and Jeff Tedford have been churning out stellar tailbacks for the better part of a decade"
Sofele is ranked fifth-best in the Pac-12, while Anderson is rated 16th in the league by the publication.
Click here to see the full list of Athlon's top running backs in the Pac-12.
As we get closer to Saturday's Spring Football Experience down at Edwards Stadium, the Bears continue drills up at Witter Rugby Field. Here is a look at practice No. 12 from Tuesday.
Why is the Memorial Stadium project being financed? It has always been the intention to use external financing for the renovation and seismic retrofit of Memorial Stadium. This is common practice in financing many types of capital projects, from large endeavors, such as the Memorial Stadium construction, to smaller ones, including home purchases. The Athletic Department, using non-public funds, will be able to make its debt payments through an increase in operating revenue generated from such avenues as the Endowment Seating Program (ESP) seat sales, enhanced Pac-12 media rights, the institution of a facility fee and donor philanthropy. It should be noted that, to date, the project has been financed using debt at lower interest rates and longer maturities than initially modeled.
Cal has received $31 million in cash from ESP sales to date. Does this mean the $270 million goal for the program is not realistic? About 85 percent of ESP participants have chosen to spread their payments over time, which means they are paying annually up to 30 years. As of December 31, Cal had received $31 million in cash from ESP sales, which corresponds to a total projected value of over $144 million to be paid by the end of the payment contracts. The original goal of $270 million remains. The plan has always been for the Athletic Department to use its operating revenues to make debt payments on an annual basis over the next 30-35 years.
The $31 million received also comes four months before the reopening of the stadium. We anticipate the number will assuredly grow as kickoff for the first game of the year approaches and as the football season gets underway. The goal is to sell 90 percent of the available capacity in the ESP sections, and that goal is targeted for June 2013.
Will the campus have to account for any Athletic Department shortfall? No central campus funds have been used to finance this project, and it is intended to be managed so that none will be. The Athletic Department and university have gone to extraordinary lengths to inform interested parties about the financing model, including posting on Calbears.com (see Facilities Project Summary and ESP Financial Reports). This analysis suggests that even under a highly conservative, worst-case scenario, the project does not face a financial problem until at least 2038, and that case assumes that no intervening action is taken over the next 26 years.
Did the university pledge tuition revenue to obtain debt financing at a lower interest rate? The university followed standard practice for debt issuance in higher education.
Will the renovated stadium have a reduced capacity because Cal cannot sell enough tickets? Great attention has been made to ensure the preservation of the historic facility, including the outer façade and bowl-shape around the field that are so important to the followers of Cal football. The redesign of the bowl within the existing structure includes ESP sections with chair seating, sections featuring benches with backs with additional legroom, and new seating alternatives and full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. As a result of these upgrades, the capacity of Memorial Stadium is being reduced from 72,000 to 63,000, which is the maximum number of seats that can be accommodated in this new configuration.
Why is the cost of renovating Memorial Stadium more expensive than stadium projects at other universities, such as at Stanford and Minnesota? The projects are not similar in scope. Nearly two-thirds of the $321 million cost for the Memorial Stadium project is associated with seismic corrections and code upgrades. In particular, the seismic issue is not a factor the other facilities have had to manage in the same manner. Additionally, Memorial Stadium is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which adds costs to the project, and is a larger stadium than the new facilities at both Stanford and Minnesota by approximately 13,000 seats each.
Does revenue from Cal football support the rest of Cal Athletics? Yes, Cal football has consistently generated revenue for the Athletic Department. Over the five years from 2006-10 for example, football generated at least $24 million in gross revenue and $6.9 million in net revenue each season.
Is Cal playing a Friday football game because of the need to generate additional revenue? As part of the new Pac-12 media rights agreement that will take effect in August 2012, each conference school will regularly host games on dates other than Saturday. Cal has committed to one Friday night home game in every two-year cycle, meaning that there will be no Friday game in 2013, but will be in either 2014 or 2015.
In case you missed head football coach Jeff Tedford on KNBR this morning, you can listen to his full interview on the Murph and Mac show with Brian Murphy and Paul McCaffrey from 8:15 a.m.
Head football coach Jeff Tedford addressed the media following today's practice. He discussed the format for Saturday's Spring Football Experience at Edwards Stadium and provided updates on the status of several Golden Bears.
Sophomore tight end/punter Richard Rodgers talked to the media following today's practice at Witter Rugby Field. He discussed his role this spring and what he wants to show the coaches during this Saturday's Spring Football Experience.
Women's tennis seniors Stephany Chang, Jana Juricova, and Katie Visico discuss their careers with the Golden Bears and preview Saturday's showdown at Stanford. They go in-depth about an April fool's prank pulled off successfully in head coach Amanda Augustus' office.
Head women's tennis coach Amanda Augustus recaps the Golden Bears' victory over Fresno State and discusses what her three seniors - Stephany Chang, Jana Juricova, and Katie Visico - have meant to this program during their careers here.
Work is underway at Edwards Stadium to re-surface the playing field for Saturday's Spring Football Experience. Edwards Stadium is home to the men's and women's soccer and men's and women's track & field events.
We will provide a photo each day leading up to Saturday's event. Doors open at 10 a.m. on Saturday with drills set to begin at 11 a.m.
This is an inside look at Cal's spring practice from Saturday at Witter Rugby Field on campus. The Bears will conclude spring drills this week leading up to Saturday's Spring Football Experience at Edwards Stadium at 11 a.m.
Ben Bodipo-Memba was hired to head volleyball coach Rich Feller's coaching staff on Feb. 2. We talked to Cal's new assistant coach about his experience in Berkeley so far and what he brings to the program.
The Oakland Raiders announced on Monday night they have re-signed former Cal standout safety Matt Giordano.
Giordano played in 15 games with eight starts in his first season with the Raiders in 2011. He recorded 52 tackles, one sack, and a team-leading five interceptions.
Giordano played his first four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, winning the Super Bowl after the 2006 season. He has eight interceptions in his seven-year career.
ESPN.com Pac-12 blogger Ted Miller visited Berkeley two weeks ago and took in one of the Golden Bears' spring football practices. Following Cal's drills, he spoke with sophomore defensive back Avery Sebastian and Defensive Coordinator Clancy Pendergast.
Head football coach Jeff Tedford and Heisman Trophy candidate wide receiver Keenan Allen stopped by the Cal Athletics Sales and Service Center on Friday to assist employees in making calls to thank fans for purchasing their season tickets for the upcoming 2012 football season.
"It was great talking to the people who support us on the field," Tedford said. "We have fantastic fans that make Memorial Stadium a tremendous home field advantage. We are so excited to be back at home this year and look forward to seeing all our great fans fill the seats."
Here is a look at the latest video of the construction project at California Memorial Stadium captured Thursday afternoon. The field begins to take shape and installation of the benches is nearly complete.
ESPN.com Pac-12 blogger Ted Miller visited Berkeley last weekend and took in the Golden Bears' spring football practice last Saturday. Following Cal's drills, he spoke with wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back Isi Sofele.
Check out this montage of trick shots from Cal sophomore sharp shooter Ricky Kreklow. He transferred to Cal from Missouri and will be eligible to play for the Golden Bears this coming season. Look for more of these great shots at Haas Pavilion soon.
ESPN.com Pac-12 blogger Ted Miller visited Berkeley this past weekend and took in the Golden Bears' spring football practice on Saturday. Following Cal's drills, he spoke with offensive coordinator Jim Michalczik.
Want proof Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year Mychal Kendricks is showing the NFL scouts why he was so successful at Cal, just ask ESPN's veteran NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. He sent out this tweet yesterday.
@MelKiperESPN: "Cal's versatile MLB/OLB Mychal Kendricks has gained a lot of momentum during the draft process. Could go anywhere from mid 2nd to early 3rd."
Senior C.J. Anderson talks to the media following the Golden Bears' spring football practice at Witter Rugby Field in Berkeley Tuesday evening. He talks about the thumb injury he suffered last week and the latest on his recovery.
Former Cal swimming star Nathian Adrian was also featured in USA Swimming's weekly feature, 20 Question Tuesday. To learn more about Adrian and his thoughts on the Golden Bears' second straight NCAA title, click here.
ESPN.com Pac-12 blogger Ted Miller visited Berkeley this past weekend and took in the Golden Bears' spring football practice on Saturday. Following Cal's drills, he spoke to both head coach Jeff Tedford and quarterback Zach Maynard.
Former Cal star and Olympic Gold medalist Nathan Adrian was featured on Team USA's website on Monday after his standout performance at the Indianapolis Grand Prix last week. He captured the 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle at the event.
Check out this inside look at a Cal football spring practice. There are seven practices left leading up to the Spring Football Experience on April 21 at 11 a.m. at Edwards Stadium.
Cal head football coach Jeff Tedford held his post-practice news conference following the Golden Bears' spring drills this afternoon at Witter Rugby Field in Berkeley.
Linebacker Jason Gibson highlighted the Bears' defensive efforts with a team-high six tackles, including 2.0 tackles for loss and also had a pass breakup during the team session of Saturday's spring football drills.
Here is Gibson's post-practice news conference with the media.
Quarterback Zach Maynard carried the ball six times for 39 yards and also completed 6-of-10 passes for 69 yards during the team session of Saturday's spring football practice at Witter Rugby Field.
Here is Maynard's post-practice news conference with the media.
On the strength of NCAA championships by the men's and women's swimming & diving teams, which were worth 100 points apiece, Cal has shot up to 15th in the current Learfield Sports Directors' Cup standings.
The Bears stood in 36th place at the end of the fall and have moved up 21 places due to the success in the pool, as well as points accumulated from women's indoor track & field (60 points), women's basketball (50 points) and men's basketball (5 points).
With a couple of winter sports, plus the entire spring season, still to go, Cal is right on track for its seventh consecutive top-10 finish.
Click here to see the latest Learfield Sports Directors' Cup standings.
You have seen Marvin Jones and Keenan Allen star for the Bears on the football field, now check out the duo rock as R&B singers as the perform the song "Like You Love Me."
You can read more on Jones in this feature on the San Francisco 49ers' official website here.
Men's tennis head coach Peter Wright previews the No. 12 Golden Bears matches against Washington on Friday at 1:30 p.m. and Oregon Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Hellman Tennis Complex and discusses Jim McManus/Legends Day. Fuddruckers will be on hand to provide FREE LUNCH to fans in attendance at Saturday's match so be sure to check out the Bears at Hellman Tennis Complex.
You can click here to learn more about the life and career of the legendary Jim McManus.
Here is a schedule of the activities planned for Jim McManus/Legends Day on Saturday.
9:00 a.m. - USTA Campus Kids Day: A Free Clinic for boys and girls age 6-16 coordinated by former Cal Alum and three-time NCAA Champion Amy Jensen of the USTA NorCal over at the Channing Tennis Courts.
11:00 a.m. - Cal vs. Oregon at the Hellman Tennis Complex
11:30 a.m. - FREE LUNCH, courtesy of Fuddruckers, to the first 500 fans
12:00 p.m. - Recognition of Cal Tennis Legends and announcement of newly-created Jim McManus Tennis Scholarship Endowment to take place between doubles and singles matches.
A surplus of Official Cal Tennis Team Clothing (not available in stores) will be on sale at the courts throughout the day. There will also be a raffle for some great prizes. Tickets will be sold throughout the day. At the conclusion of the team match the raffle winner will be announced. You must be present to win.
The Bay Area News Group recently toured California Memorial Stadium as well as the brand new Simpson Center for Student-Athlete High Performance. Here is a look at the video they captured from their visit to campus.
During our tour of the construction site at California Memorial Stadium, we got a first-hand look inside the new press box as well as an up-close view of the re-finished facade and a look inside the visiting team's locker room. Here is a collage of photos from our visit to the site. We will continue to update you with photos and video through the project's completion this fall.
Here is a photo from Tuesday's spring football practice at Witter Field on the Berkeley campus. Check back here later this evening for full coverage of the post practice interviews.
Follow the walk from inside the brand new Field Club at California Memorial Stadium through the tunnel and on to the field. This footage was captured on Monday, April 2.
Two-time NCAA Champion Cal men's swimming & diving head coach David Durden appeared on Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area's Chronicle Live on Tuesday, March 27. Here is the replay of last Tuesday's interview with Jim Kozimor.
Check out this photo, courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks, of former Cal standout and current Seahawks star running back Marshawn Lynch modeling the team's new NFL jersey.
Check out these newly designed tee-shirts to commemorate the men's and women's swimming & diving NCAA titles this year. You can see more and purchase the men's tee-shirt by clicking here or the women's tee-shirt by clicking here.
We toured the entire California Memorial Stadium construction site today and will have a plenty of photos and videos to share here on Tuesday. As a preview, here are two photos from today's tour.
The first one is the view from the brand new press box atop the stadium that offers an amazing view of the bay, including San Francisco. The second photo is from one of the newly-constructed lower sections offering a close up glimpse of the construction site and eventual playing field below.
Check back here on Tuesday for plenty of photos and videos.
Following back-to-back National Championships for the men's and women's swimming & diving teams, men's head coach David Durden and women's head coach Teri McKeever are featured in Sports Illustrated's "Faces In The Crowd" section in the April 9th issue of the magazine, which will hit newsstands and be available online on Wednesday, April 4.
