June 4, 2008

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara pitcher Thain Simon became the 30th Bronco to earn All-American honors as he was named to the Louisville Slugger's Freshman All-America team. The honor also marks the third consecutive season that at least one Bronco has received the honor.

Simon was also the first Bronco since 2000 to be named as the West Coast Conference's top freshman as he earned WCC Freshman of the Year honors.

The El Dorado Hills, Calif., native made nine mound appearances in WCC play, posting a 2-2 record and recording a pair of saves, while brandishing a 2.85 ERA. Simon tied for second in the conference with nine victories on the year, and ranked fifth in the league with 71 strikeouts in 62.2 innings pitched. His 2.59 ERA ranked fourth in the league. On the season, Simon owns a 9-2 record. He began the year in the bullpen for Santa Clara and registered two saves in the opening weekend of WCC play against San Diego. He received WCC Co-Pitcher of the Week honors for his performance. Simon made the transition to a starting position on April 13 against Gonzaga. He picked up win No. 9 against Loyola Marymount on May 3 after tossing a season high 7.2 innings and tying his season-best eight strikeouts.