Wheaton cleared by NCAA

Oregon State freshman wide receiver Markus Wheaton has been declared eligible for the 2009 season while the petition by junior transfer quarterback Peter Lalich (LAH-lick) to regain the 2008 season has been denied, the NCAA announced Friday.

Wheaton, who was considered a potential starter for Saturday's season opener after junior Darrell Catchings was diagnosed with a broken bone in his right hand, practiced the first two weeks of last month's preseason camp. He was declared temporarily ineligible by the NCAA Clearinghouse Aug. 24. He is expected to be available to play for the season opener.

Lalich, who transferred to OSU from the University of Virginia late last summer, was seeking to regain his sophomore season after playing the first two games of 2008 for the Cavaliers. The Springfield, Va., native is eligible to play this season and has a total of three years to play two seasons.

The Beavers open 2009 Sat., Sept. 5 at home against the Portland State Vikings at 11:37 a.m. The game is airing on FSN Northwest beginning at 11 a.m. with the network's pregame show live from Reser Stadium. Approximately 3,000 reserved seat tickets ($33) and 800 student tickets remain available. Ticket booths open at 8:30 a.m.