Santa Clara Head Basketball Coach Kerry Keating announced the lone 2012 Bronco signee on Wednesday: forward Nathaniel Kratch of Watertown, Minn.

"We are thrilled to add Nate to our family. He's a very good student, and an extremely hard worker. He comes from an athletic-minded family, and his competitiveness will fit right in as soon as he arrives. We are looking forward to having his skill, toughness and willingness to compete in our program," said Bronco head men's basketball coach Kerry Keating.

NATE KRATCH  (last name rhymes with Match)

6'6 ∘ 210 lbs. ∘ Forward ∘ Watertown, Minn. (Watertown-Mayer High School)

High School Experience: Is a 2012 graduate of Watertown-Mayer High School in Watertown, Minn. … Coached by Bob Hennen in high school and played for Al Harris' AAU team, 43 Hoops … Played one year of varsity of football (played tight end and defensive end) and three years of varsity basketball (played his freshman year in both as well) … Captain his junior and senior years … His senior year he averaged 20 ppg, 14 rpg and 6 bpg ... Had 1,000+ points, 1,000+ rebounds and 500+ blocked shots in high school ... His senior year they went to the state tournament and were undefeated conference champions ... all-conference and MVP of the conference (unanimous) his senior year, leading league in ppg, rpg and bpg ... AP Third Team All-State in 2012 ... His junior year he averaged 15.8 ppg, 12.7 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.8 spg and 5.7 bpg … Team went to the 2011 sectional championship … Averaged 14.2 ppg, 13 rpg and 4.5 bpg his sophomore year … Honorable Mention All-Conference in football (once) and All-Conference basketball three times … AP Honorable Mention All-State in 2011 … Member of the Honor Roll, Member of the Business Club and won the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award three straight years.

Personal: Born in Wayne, New Jersey … parents are Robert and Kristi Kratch … Dad played football at Iowa and later won a Super Bowl ring with the NY Giants in 1991 … Mother was a high jumper at Iowa … Parents own a furniture and interior design store in Watertown … Older brother Colby (21) plays tight end at Toledo University … Younger sister MacKenzie is 16 …. Grandma on mother's side played professional basketball for the Redheads, who will be inducted into the Professional Basketball Hall of Fame in New York City at Madison Square Garden … Grandfather on his father's side played baseball at Long Island University and two Uncles played football at Cornell and Central College.

Why Nathaniel Chose Santa Clara:

"I chose Santa Clara because I felt like this was the place where I could push myself to get better as a basketball player and as a student.  I also loved the coaching staff and the players when I was on my official visit."

Bob Hennen, Head Boys Basketball Coach at Watertown/Mayer High School on Nate:

"Nate is a great player. He is so versatile on offense. He can hit the three, drive to the hoop, or post up. He is a great mid-range shooter. He can shoot off the dribble or off the catch.  Defensively, Nate is a great rebounder and shot blocker. Nate is able to defend in the post or on the perimeter. He works real hard in practice and is a great leader. He is well-respected by his teammates because of his commitment to success and his high character."