July 29, 2004

SKILLMAN, N.J. - Three Santa Clara University men's tennis players earned All-Academic Scholar Athlete status by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.

Senior Erich Chen, junior Ben Hidalgo and freshman Bobby Rasmussen were among 250 Division I student-athletes honored by the national organization. To earn the honor, players had to meet the following criteria: 1. be a varsity letterwinner, 2. have at least a 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for the current academic year, and 3. have been enrolled at their present school for at least two semesters.

"I'm very proud of these athletes for receiving this impressive honor, as academics play an important role in our players' Santa Clara experience," head coach George Husack said. "I also think it says a lot about their ability to manage time during such a hectic year."

Chen, a San Jose native, graduated in June with a 3.40 GPA and a degree in computer engineering. A two-time team captain, he closed his college career with the most singles and doubles victories in Bronco recordbooks. He is also a three-time All-West Coast Conference honoree, and a two-time WCC All-Academic recipient.

Hidalgo averaged a 3.80 GPA as a graduate student in the Leavey School of Business. An aggressive doubles player, he registered starting lineup experience this past season in both singles and doubles. Hidalgo ranked second on the team with nine wins after fall tournament play and also received WCC All-Academic recognition.

Rasmussen posted a 3.72 GPA as an undeclared business major. Voted Most Improved by his teammates at the end of the year banquet, he worked his way into a starting position in singles and notched 12 wins, including his first six straight of the dual season.