Jan. 4, 2005

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Senior right-handed pitcher Anthony Rea was named to Collegiate Baseball's Preseason All-America Third Team. The award marks the second preseason All-America honor for the Palo Alto, Calif. native.

"Anthony has command of four pitches in the strike zone," said pitching coach Mike Zirelli. "He had a phenomenal year for us last season. We just look for more of the same from him in the upcoming year."

After setting the Santa Clara record with 13 saves in 2004, Rea was named to the NCBWA Preseason All-America Second Team prior to the start of the 2005 season. He also was named to the 2005 Wallace Award Watch List, which will be awarded to the top player in college baseball.

Both the NCBWA and Collegiate Baseball honored the right-hander following his stellar 2004 campaign as each organization named him to All-America teams at the conclusion of the season. Rea also earned All-West Coast Conference Second Team honors a year ago.

Two fellow West Coast Conference players were also named to the Collegiate Baseball Third Team. San Diego's Jordan Abruzzo and Gonzaga's Kiel Thibault join Rea on the list.

A two-time All-Academic WCC selection, Rea will return to the mound in 2005 for the Broncos. Along with his Bronco record, Rea ranked fourth in the country and paced the conference in saves. He also was tops on the team with a 1.68 ERA in 2004. He put together a 5-1 record on the mound, while striking out 53 batters in 53.2 innings of work.

The Broncos will start their 2005 campaign on Friday, January 28. SCU will host UC Riverside in its season opening series. Friday's game time is set for 3:30 p.m.