Bryant, Ueoka commemorated as top Santa Clara athletes

From Staff Reporters

For the past 13 years, The Santa Clara's sports staff has honored the top Santa Clara athletes, teams and coaches with the TiSCy awards. Here are the 2008-09 TiSCy awards.

Team of the Year

- Women's Water Polo

At the Western Water Polo Association tournament, the Broncos beat No. 6 seed Colorado State and No. 2 seed CSU Bakersfield before falling to No. 1 seed Loyola in the championship game.

The No. 20 Broncos finished 17-15 overall and 10-3 in the WWPA. Their No. 3 seed in the WWPA was the highest in the program's history. Three players were named to the All-Tournament Team.

During the season, the team overcame significant injuries, including their starting goaltender Wren White.

Honorable Mention: men's water polo, men's crew

Coach of the Year

- Keith Wilbur

Keith Wilbur, head coach of the men's and women's water polo teams, made significant strides with both programs this year.

Wilbur earned his 100th career win when the men's team defeated University of Redlands in the first round of the WWPA tournament. They finished No. 15 overall after a fourth place finish at the WWPA tournament.

The men's team was ranked in the top-20 all season, reaching as high as No. 12 for four weeks straight. They defeated conference rival UC Davis, 10-8 after falling to the Aggies the last five consecutive seasons.

Wilbur led the women to their first WWPA Championship game appearance, finishing at No. 2.

Honorable Mention: Jon Wallace (volleyball)

Female Athlete of the Year

- Miki Ueoka

After a season of constant accomplishments, sophomore Miki Ueoka capped her run off with a ninth place tie at the NCAA West Regional. Her appearance in the NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championship Regional marked the first time a Bronco reached this tournament. Ueoka helped the team finish 3rd at the WCC Championships.

Honorable Mention: Ana Cmaylo (volleyball)

Male Athlete of the Year

- John Bryant

John Bryant's senior season completed an illustrious career during which he led the men's basketball team with more rebounds this year than any other player in Division 1 play, and was second in the nation in rebounds-per-game with 14.2. He also led Santa Clara with 18.1 points per game. The 6'11" center was named WCC Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference and First Team High Major All-American.

Bryant's wrapped up his Bronco career as Santa Clara's all-time leader in blocks and rebounds, and finished fourth in scoring. Next up may be the NBA Draft, in which Bryant has been ranked as high as the No. 6 center and the No. 42 prospect by various scouting agencies.

Honorable Mention: Men's Open Four rowers (crew)

Rookie of the Year

- Kevin Foster

Moving from the bench to the starting lineup, freshman Kevin Foster sparked the men's basketball team with his offensive ability.

Foster received the accolades of WCC Co-Newcomer of the Year and was named to the WCC All-Freshman Team. Averaging 14.7 points per game and leading Santa Clara in three point shot made, the freshman guard started 28 of the 33 games this season. His breakout game came at home against Saint Mary's, when he scored a team-high of 26 points.

Honorable Mention: Tanya Schmidt (volleyball)

Breakthrough Athlete of the Year

- Geoff Klein

Junior Geoff Klein elevated his performance when he forewent his infield position and replaced injured catcher Tommy Medica for 44 games. Klein also enjoyed a breakout year at the plate. He co-led the WCC in batting with a .379 average. He belted 21 doubles and 5 home runs, leading the team in slugging percentage.

Honorable Mention: Veronica Vasquez (cross country)

Game of the Year

- Men's Basketball routs St. Mary's

The 70-52 home blowout against previously top-25 ranked Saint Mary's left the crowd chanting and screaming at center court. Freshman standout Kevin Foster exploded offensively with 26 points, and John Bryant added 21 points and 15 rebounds. The packed Leavy Center contributed to the March Madness-like intensity.

Honorable Mention: Volleyball upsets No. 13 Kansas State in first round of NCAA tournament

Contact Margo Consul, Jackson Morgus, Nick Pinkerton or Gabe Taylor at (408) 551-1918 or sports@thesantaclara.com.