Nov. 9, 2006

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara men's golf team announced the signing of Tyler Ichikawa to a National Letter of Intent during the early signing period. Ichikawa, a local product from Mountain View, Calif. will enter Santa Clara as a freshman in the fall of 2007.

"We are just thrilled get what we think is one of the top local players", said head coach Rob Miller. "To get a player of that talent, is great for our program and we hope he can make an impact next year."

Ichikawa, who has spent his last four years in the number one position at Mountain View High School has also excelled at the Junior World Golf Championships, with Top-25 finishes in 2001, 2002 and 2003. In 2003, Ichikawa was the winner at the Diablo Grande Men's Club Championship at only age 14. In 2006, he finished in a tie for 4th place at the Alameda Commuters Championship with rounds of 70 and 69. He qualified for the 2006 USGA U.S. Jr. Amateur, and finished in the top 64 through the first two days to qualify for match play.

With the expected graduation of team captains Eric Lillibridge and Jong Yoon, the addition of Ichikawa will add depth to Santa Clara's young team.