SANTA CLARA, Calif.- After maintaining a top-20 ranking throughout the 2012 season, the Bronco men's water polo team is looking for another strong season this year. The team is back in full swing now as they gear up for the fast approaching 2013 season, reporting back on Aug. 21 for the start of their preseason training.

"We have a tough schedule loaded with top-20 teams, and our conference is going to be very strong and balanced," said Santa Clara head coach Keith Wilbur. "It should make for great competition and many exciting games throughout the season."

The Broncos open up their season on Sept. 7 against the University of Pacific and then head off to their first major tournament of the season at Princeton, which will be broadcast on ESPNU.

With only two seniors graduating last year, the Broncos have a strong returning class for the 2013 season, including three fifth-year seniors, Jimmy Moore, Theo Nasser and Patrick Weiss.  Along with these fifth-year seniors, the Broncos will also have senior Tucker Carlson, who received All-WWPA Honorable Mention and Co-WWPA Player of the Week Honors in 2012.

Another player to look out for this season is sophomore James Rude. In his first season with the Broncos Rude started all 30 games, was fifth in goals scored on the team and received WWPA All-Freshman Team honors.

"We have a lot of returners coming back this season. These guys already know our system and the freshmen have a high water polo IQ and are getting up to speed quickly," said Wilbur. "The majority of our team has come to preseason in good shape, so I also like our starting point in terms of conditioning.  We are excited for the upcoming season."