April 21, 2005

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara University men's tennis program has signed Los Gatos product Brian Brogan to a national letter of intent, head coach George Husack announced during the spring signing period which began last Wednesday. Aneal Vallurupalli of Plano, Texas will also join the Broncos for next season. With the addition of Tommy Hicks (Portland, Ore.) and Kenzo Hirakawa-Wong (San Francisco), inked during last November's signing period, Husack will bring in four newcomers to the program in the fall.

"I'm ecstatic about our incoming class, as we have some big shoes to fill," Husack said. "The seniors' contribution to the program has been invaluable, as they led us to new levels of regional and national success in rankings, recruiting and credibility. The new Broncos will continue the upward trend to accomplish even bigger things. It's a very exciting time for Santa Clara tennis."

Brogan is currently ranked 30th nationally in USTA Boys 18s singles, and listed second in the Northern Californian section. In Boys 16s, he was the nation's top-ranked doubles player while ranking 42nd in singles. He led Los Gatos High School to back-to-back Central Coast Section Team Championships in 2003 and '04, and also added a Northern California High School Championship during his junior season. As a senior, Brogan led the Wildcats to a second-place finish at the prestigious Corona Del Mar/National High School All-American Invitational.

Brogan has also represented Northern California at the USTA Junior Davis Cup and Intersectional Championships, while achieving success at all national junior tournaments. He has a personal connection to the mission campus, as his parents have taught at the University's Leavey School of Business. Brogan chose the Bronco program over others at USC, UCLA, Washington, California and UC Santa Barbara.

"We've had Brian on our radar for a few years and he's continued to garner success at every level," Husack detailed. "He made some big moves late last year at the SuperNational Hardcourts and Winter SuperNationals. His best tennis is ahead of him and I'm pumped that he'll represent Santa Clara University during the process."

Vallurupalli has been ranked as high as fifth nationally in doubles by USTA. In singles, he is ranked 10th in the state of Texas in Boys 18s, and was ranked third in Boys 16s. Nationally, he was ranked 27th in Boys 14s and 91st in Boys 16s. He has led Plano West High School as the team's top singles and doubles player the last two seasons as has been voted team MVP. He led the Wolves to the State Championship last fall and a second-place finish as a junior. Vallurupalli chose the Santa Clara program over others at Texas, SMU and Tulane.

"Aneal is athletic and covers the court very well," Husack said. "His aggressive serve and volley game will strengthen our doubles lineup and transition itself nicely to singles. He's a solid team guy and will make his contribution felt."

The pair will join the two fall signees: Hicks and Hirakawa-Wong. Hicks is one of the top juniors from the Pacific Northwest Section and is currently ranked 52nd nationally in USTA Boys 18s national rankings. He has yet to lose a Portland Interscholastic League match while representing Grant High School. Hirakawa-Wong is out of the NorCal section and is currently ranked 94th nationally in USTA Boys 18s national rankings. He is attempting to become the first player in the history of the Academic Athletic Association to win four straight titles, representing Lowell High School.

Santa Clara (12-10) will return to action on Friday, with the first round of the West Coast Conference Championship. The Broncos are seeded fourth and will face San Francisco at 11 a.m. in its opening match. The tournament is being hosted by Pepperdine University in Malibu.