Stanford’s Leland takes Pacific job
Ted Leland, the athletic director at Stanford since 1991, announced Tuesday that he will take a job at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif.
In his time at Stanford, Leland has become one of the nation’s most prominent college administrators in athletics. The Cardinal have claimed 11 consecutive Directors’ Cups, a trophy awarded to the nation’s best overall athletic program.
“Leaving Stanford is one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make in my life, and I would only consider it for a few select positions,” Leland said in a statement. The 57-year-old will be a vice president for university advancement at Pacific, his alma mater. “There is no question I will miss coming to work every day at Stanford. … It has been an unbelievable experience, and I am thankful for the opportunity provided me 14 years ago.”
Leland will remain in his current post until Jan. 1.
Trouble hits Oregon State
Oregon State head coach Mike Riley commented on the newest piece of legal trouble coming from his locker room, a common problem since the end of the 2004 season.
Three football players – junior J.C. Ronnfeldt, 21, and freshmen Mike Marks, 18, and Gregg Peat, 18 – were indicted in the alcohol-related death of an 18-year-old over the Labor Day weekend.
“We’re obviously very disappointed,” Riley said. “It’s a tragedy that this occurred and it’s almost beyond belief. We’re very disappointed about our players’ involvement and we’re dealing with them from a disciplinarian area and in other areas of their life.”
Ronnfeldt left the team shortly after the incident (the 18-year-old was found dead in an unoccupied dorm room with a blood-alcohol level of .43), but Riley has told The (Portland) Oregonian that there is a possibility he could return to the team.
The two freshmen have not played this season.
Trojans offered surprise
Arizona State head coach Dirk Koetter’s team suffered a second narrow loss at home this season when USC eked out a 38-28 win in the final moments.
The Sun Devils had a chance to break USC’s then-25-game win streak but couldn’t hold onto a big first-half lead down the stretch.
“I don’t think there is a way to stop USC’s offense when they’re rolling on all cylinders,” Koetter said. “Of all their weapons, where they hurt us on crucial third downs was throwing the ball to the fullback in the flat. You name off all of USC’s weapons, and nobody out there is saying, ‘Hey, you got to stop that fullback’ It just goes to show again, they have a lot of weapons and they’re very well coached.”
Koetter said his team was successful early by mixing up defensive looks often and trying to keep the vaunted Trojans offense off balance. But the head coach also admitted in defeat that a team beating USC this season is probably going to need aid it can’t provide, too.
“You’ve got to get some help from SC,” he said.
Notes
ASU coach Dirk Koetter was an opponent of instant replay before its installation this season, but said he’s been “pleasantly surprised” by the system’s effectiveness. … California’s rushing attack has been the best in the conference this season, even though head coach Jeff Tedford is known by reputation as a quarterbacking guru. “Until somebody stops it we’re going to keep running it,” Tedford said, while giving a nod to the passing game. “We’re not going to be one-dimensional.” … Stanford coach Walt Harris called Beavers quarterback Matt Moore’s scramble and touchdown throw to Mike Hass against Washington State last week “one of the plays of the year.” … California left tackle Andrew Cameron is out for the season after tearing a ligament in his right knee last weekend.