The Washington State received a boost yesterday after the announcement that defensive end Matt Mullennix was granted a sixth year of eligibility.

Here is the release from the university:

"PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State University senior Matt Mullennix has been granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, the university announced today.

Mullennix, a defensive end from Spangle, Wash., missed the entire 2006 season after suffering a knee injury prior to the school's football opener at Auburn. Additionally, Mullennix suffered a season-ending injury early in the 2004 campaign. Following a medical appeal process to receive an additional year, the NCAA approved the request earlier this week, clearing the way for Mullennix's return.

"I am very excited to get another opportunity to return to the field for WSU," said Mullennix, who this past year earned bachelors degrees in both management and operations and psychology, and will pursue another degree this fall. "I have been very impressed with the new coaching staff and look forward to spending another year in a Cougar uniform."

WSU opens its 2008 season against Oklahoma State at the Cougar Gridiron Classic, Aug. 30, at Qwest Field in Seattle."

Although he's not a game breaker, Mullennix brings more experience (and leadership...even though he seems like a pretty quiet guy) to the defensive line. The 6'6 258 pounder played in all 12 games last year for Wazzu, making 33 tackles (2.5 for loss) and one sack. He also recovered one fumble.

The key for him now is to stay healthy...

P.S. To baseball...senior first baseman Jim Murphy has been hit by a pitch 20 times this year, 61 times in his career. That's a new Pac-10 record (the old record stood for 12 years) and puts him 10th on the NCAA all-time list.

The season comes to a close this weekend. Washington State plays USC at Bailey-Brayton Field. The series starts tonight and rolls through Sunday (Senior Day).

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