March 19, 2004
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara University men's water polo program has signed 6-2 utility player Charlie Moore of Pasadena, and 5-8 driver Luke Oda of Honolulu, Hawaii, head coach Keith Wilbur announced during the signing period that began in February.
Both newcomers will have older brothers that are currently on the Bronco squad to look up to. Charlie is senior goalkeeper Peter Moore's brother, while Luke is the brother of senior driver Mark Oda.
"Bringing in younger siblings is a wonderful testament to the positive experience we're providing at Santa Clara," Wilbur said. "I'm proud that Peter and Mark have shared their experiences with their family and promoted our program in a manner that caught their brothers' interests."
Moore, a three-time team MVP for Loyola High School, participated in the 2003 Premier League on the San Pedro Bay National Team. A team captain, Moore has also twice earned All-Mission League and All-CIF honors. He has participated in six Junior Olympics with the AAF Rose Bowl Aquatics Club and took part in U.S. Water Polo's training camp while in junior high. Moore, who was a member of Loyola's swimming and baseball squads, also considered USC and Loyola Marymount.
"Charlie will be an impact player," Wilbur said. "He comes from one of the strongest CIF sections and has really developed all aspects of his game while playing in a highly competitive league."
Oda earned first team All-State honors this past season while playing for Iolani High School, where he led the team in scoring and steals en route to recognition by the sport's California/Hawaii All-America committee. He was the only Hawaiian to participate at the 2003 National Selection Youth Camp, which invites the top 50 high school players nationally. Oda also swam on his prep squad and considered UC Santa Cruz, Loyola Marymount and Redlands.
"Luke's biggest advantage is game sense," Wilbur said. "He's been playing this sport since an early age and understands where to go and what to do. You can easily tell he's a very intelligent player and he'll bring greater depth to the driver position."
Moore and Oda will join the Broncos in the fall, along with 18 returning players. Last year's team posted a 17-13 record, tying the 1998 squad for most victories in a single season, and was ranked nationally for the second half of the season. The team will be led by a class of five seniors: Kenny Flanagan-De La Hoz, Peter Moore, Mark Perlite, Mark Oda and Matt Sanchez.
