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May 5, 2008
BERKELEY - Ryan Taylor scored five tries and played every minute of the national semifinal and championship on back-to-back days in California's culminating drive to the 24th title in program history, making him the Muscle Milk California Student-Athlete of the Week.
In Friday's 10-point semifinal win over Saint Mary's, Taylor scored a try and defended the corners against the Gaels' back-oriented attack. The junior from Eldorado Hills followed up on Saturday with two tries in a decisive first half, a hat trick early in the second half and the Bears' final try late in the contest against Brigham Young.
Cougars supporters wanted a yellow card against the graduate of Jesuit High School in the waning minutes of the championship, after Taylor tackled a ballcarrier above the shoulders. But the BYU scrumhalf had slipped to the turf as he approached to create the moment without malice, and Taylor, a member of Cal's Student-Athlete Advisory Council, defused the situation with his concern for the player and discussion with the referee, ensuring that sportsmanship prevailed in the final match of Cal's 24-1 season.
Muscle Milk California Student-Athletes of the Week
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