May 4, 2005
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Bronco men's tennis program hosted the eighth annual Santa Clara University Bronco Pro-Am Invitational on April 30 at the Degheri Tennis Center. Rescheduled due to inclement weather in March, the round-robin doubles tournament featured a 40-player draw made up of current Bronco players, coaching staff, tennis alumni and many program supporters.
"What a great day," head coach George Husack said. "This is my favorite event of the year, as we celebrate the history and growth of Bronco Tennis with so many gracious supporters. It's a wonderful way for everyone to experience what our program is all about and join the tight-knit community that has been created over the years."
Bronco team manager Stephan Vernaelde teamed with senior Taylor Bedilion to capture the Invitational championship. The Bronco duo defeated John Giacomazzi '52 and sophomore Kevin McQuaid in the final. Stefani Tobin '05 received the event's Best Effort award, while Michele Maresca garnered Most Inspirational honors.
More than 60 guests joined the men's program to play, volunteer or support the event in some fashion, including alumni that represented seven decades of Santa Clara Broncos. These include:
Jim Benton '96
Ted Blosser '06
Ben Cabell '96
Lisa Eskey '05
Gernot Fischer '04
Chris Fowler '90
John Giacomazzi '52
John Gowey '82
Karrie Grasser '70
Phil Grasser '67
Kasey Howe '06
Jennifer King '98
Justin Lent '00
Ryan Livesay '01
Al Martin '49
Anne Mayle '00
Roshan Mehdizadeh '06
Jimmy Miller '86
Steve Milward '03
Dave Najour '77
Shanima O'Brien '05
Scott Pfeiffer '95
Nate Poulos '00
Bow Rodgers '67
Beth Ruso '76
Rick Ruso '75
Rick Ruso Jr. `03
Joe Scalmanini '67
Jenny Siegel '04
Jeff Snyder '96
Tom Stephens '83
Stefani Tobin '05
Stefan Vernaelde '05
John Von Dollen '04
Scott Watters '00
Katrina Watters '05
Henry Yamate '52
The invitational consisted of five rounds of doubles matches. The top point-getters advanced to the semifinal round, while a Bronco tennis tradition of rock, paper and scissors was held to break any ties. All proceeds generated from the pro-am benefited the Broncos' spring trip to New Mexico last month.
"We are very grateful for the tremendous support we received this year and look forward to continuing to expand our Bronco tennis family," Husack added. "This is such an important event for our program, university and community."
Semifinal (12-point tiebreaker)
Stephan Vernaelde '05 / Taylor Bedilion '05 def. Scott Pfeiffer '95 / Michele Maresca 9-7
John Giacomazzi '52 / Kevin McQuaid `07 def. Bob Ruff / Ben Cabell 12-10
Championship (12-point tiebreaker)
Vernaelde/Bedilion def. Giacomazzi/McQuaid 7-3
