Increased postgame security to try to prevent heckling of opponents will be instituted for tomorrow's game against UCLA at Martin Stadium.

Washington State will close sidewalks around Bohler Gym at the conclusion of tomorrow's game and future games, and not allow fan access between adjoining buildings until the visitors have walked to their locker room in the Physical Education Building.

The changes are prompted by the comment of UCLA senior safety Jarrad Page, who said fans yelled racial slurs at him when the Bruins visited Pullman in 2003.

Page also told the Los Angeles Daily News that fans threw things at the Bruins and even tried to enter the locker room after WSU won, 31-13.

"We continue to make the safety of our visitors a top priority," said John David Wicker, WSU assistant athletic director, of the changes.

"Two years ago, we fenced off a corridor for the visiting team during their walk from the Physical Education Building to the entrance to Martin Stadium," he said in a news release. "This year, we are not allowing fans access to the route the visiting team takes leaving the field and walking to their locker room at the end of the game. When all visiting team personnel arrives at their locker room, we will open access to the sidewalks."

Wicker said the decision to keep fans away from the visiting team is another step in providing a safe environment by eliminating potential fan-opponent confrontations at the end of a game when emotions can get out of control.

Cougars coach Bill Doba again yesterday urged fans to show good sportsmanship. He said taunting opponents "just gets them fired up" and said allegations of racial comments could hurt WSU recruiting in talent-rich Southern California.

"It makes us look like a bunch of rednecks up here, and that's not the case at all," he said. "I think this area of the Northwest is anything but racist."

On football matters, Doba said wide receiver Jason Hill is now considered doubtful for the game. Hill, whose third-quarter thigh bruise against Oregon State coincided with the start of three subpar halves of football and two losses by the team, is considered doubtful for UCLA's visit.

Doba was more optimistic about starting wide receiver Chris Jordan (hip flexor) being able to play. He said backup tight end Cody Boyd (heel) will see limited action at most.

Boyd, who is 6 feet 8, snared the attempted onside kick by UCLA last November in Pasadena, Calif., that preserved a 31-29 Cougars upset.

Doba said yesterday the main task for the Cougars is to regain their swagger.

"One of our coaches brought up a point," he said. "He said, 'You know, a game and a half ago walking into the locker room at Oregon State, we thought we were pretty good.'

"Now, we're struggling, and according to everyone we aren't going to win another game and all that kind of stuff. It's amazing what a game and half can do for you. We have tried to remind our kids that we were pretty good a game and a half ago. We have to get our chins off our chest and get our heads up and get after people."

Note

• California and Arizona State will be Washington State's opponents for the 2006 and 2007 homecoming games, while Arizona and Stanford will be foes for Dads' Day games the next two years. In 2006, the Cougars will play Cal on Oct. 14 and Arizona on Nov. 4. In 2007, WSU will host Arizona State on Oct. 6 and Stanford on Nov. 10.

Craig Smith: 206-464-8279 or csmith@seattletimes.com