The Western Athletic Conference is looking into ways to elevate sportsmanship at its events, notably its men's basketball tournament where two coaches and several players were sanctioned this year.

Commissioner Karl Benson said sportsmanship initiatives, which received some review yesterday, will be taken up again in today's final day of the WAC Board of Directors meeting at Half Moon Bay, Calif.

"After what occurred over the past year, we're trying to put into place initiatives that will put further attention on the importance of sportsmanship," Benson said.

He said he expects the WAC Board, which is comprised of presidents or chancellors from the nine member schools, to form a task force to, "study the situation, develop some processes and try to create a healthier environment in terms of sportsmanship across the WAC."

Nevada basketball coach Mark Fox was reprimanded for charging a referee following the Wolf Pack's elimination from the WAC Tournament in March, his second reprimand of the season involving officials. New Mexico State coach Reggie Theus was reprimanded for coming off the bench and onto the floor at the tournament.

The WAC meetings are scheduled to conclude today. Outgoing UH-Manoa chancellor Denise Konan's term as board chair will end July 1. Idaho president Timothy White will be the incoming chairman. Incoming Manoa chancellor Virginia Hinshaw is attending the meetings as an observer. Her UH appointment begins July 1.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com.