Sept. 16, 2004

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara University men's tennis program opened the 2004-2005 campaign this week with a pair of team events, starting with the annual trip to Lake Tahoe. The three-day retreat gave players and coaches the opportunity to discuss thoughts and goals for the upcoming season, as well as share many stories and laughs in a beautiful setting.

The Broncos then returned from the mountains in time for their own version of "Midnight Madness". The traditional opening practice began at 10 p.m. Wednesday night and concluded a few minutes past midnight Thursday morning.

"This has been a great few days for all of us," head coach George Husack commented. "The trip to Tahoe gave everyone a chance to get to know each other and the opportunity for the new Broncos to learn what Santa Clara tennis is all about. The midnight practice was intense, and by the looks of the players' T-shirts, a very good workout."

The Broncos welcomed five newcomers to the team. Transfer student Jan Macek, originally from Zolling, Germany, arrived on the mission campus by way of the University of Southern Mississippi. The freshman class included California standouts A.J. Kerin of nearby Saratoga and Blane Shields of Novato, as well as Tyler Wilson, one of the top players from the Pacific Northwest, and Chris Iwamura, a passionate competitor from Honolulu, Hawaii.

"Tahoe was perfect," Kerin said. "The returning players made it very comfortable for us and that meant a lot. Right now, however, I'm dead tired after tonight's practice and ready for bed."

"Bronco Boot Camp" will continue with double-session workouts for the remainder of the week before classes begin on Monday. Santa Clara opens its fall season on Sept. 24 in Stockton for the Tiger Fall Classic, hosted by the University of Pacific.

"There's a lot of tennis to be played and enjoyed between now and the end of May," Husack said. "I look forward to the days ahead and witnessing our progress throughout the year."