Denison, Cronk top Bronco athletes

By Chris Furnari

For the last 11 years, The Santa Clara has honored the top Bronco athletes and teams with the TiSCy awards. This year's selection process was particularly difficult, with many outstanding candidates in each category. In addition to stellar individual performances, the combined effort of all the athletics programs this year led to a West Coast Conference Commissioner's Cup win. My colleagues and I have selected the best efforts in a strong year for Bronco sports. So without further ado, I give you the 2006-07 TiSCy awards.

Coach of Year -- Dick Davey

Davey finished his illustrious 30-year career as a Bronco coach with an impressive 21-10 overall record in 2006-2007. Davey led the Broncos to impressive wins over Gonzaga, Stanford and Utah State and a 10-4 conference record in his final season. In his 15 years as head coach of the Broncos, Davey posted a 251-190 overall record, including wins over Arizona, UCLA and North Carolina. He led his team to five total wins over teams ranked in the top 25, and this season, Davey moved into second place in career WCC wins. The Broncos were one win shy of an NCAA tournament berth.

Honorable mention: Keith Wilbur (men's and women's water polo)

Team of the Year -- Women's Crew

The Broncos turned in their best season since 1999 and finished in a three-way tie for second place in WCC. With that second place finish in conference, the women helped secure a WCC Commissioner's Cup victory for the university. The Broncos also finished second at the Lexington Cup on April 17 and fourth at the Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia, Pa.

Freshman Charlotte Shannon was named to U.S. Rowing's Women's National Team Freshman Camp, where she will join 21 other college freshman in June.

Honorable mention: Men's soccer

Male Athlete of the Year -- Sean Denison

Denison was the centerpiece of a Bronco basketball squad that finished second in the WCC.

Denison, perhaps the most decorated of all Bronco athletes in the 2006-07 season, was named WCC Co-Player of the Year, AP All-American Honorable Mention and All-WCC First Team. He was also selected to play in the National Association of Basketball Coaches DiGiorno All-Star Game at the final four. Denison led the Broncos in scoring, was second in rebounding and was named the team's most outstanding player.

Honorable mention: Jack Wall (men's water polo)

Female Athlete of the Year -- Chandice Cronk

Cronk was the conference's leading scorer with 16.5 points a game and was named to the All-WCC First Team. Cronk, known for her acute three-point shooting, led the WCC with 94 three-point shots and led the team in overall scoring with 480 points. Cronk ranked fifth nationally with her 94 three-pointers, and they earned her school and conference records. Cronk hit a career-high eight three-pointers this season against Saint Mary's and also recorded a career best 30 points versus San Francisco. Cronk currently has 986 career points.

Honorable mention: Megan Snell (women's soccer)

Breakthrough Performance of the Year -- Danny Pariseau

Nobody could envision the impact that the 5-foot-11-inch transfer student from Eastern Washington would make on the basketball program. Pariseau was forced to sit out for a year to gain eligibility, but when he finally got his chance, he made his presence felt in a big way.

Known for his scrappy and relentless play, Pariseau provided an offensive spark for the basketball team and was a key factor in their win over Gonzaga. As a starter in all but one game, Pariseau averaged 9.7 points per game and led the team in assists. Pariseau was named WCC Newcomer of the Year.

Honorable mention: Chris Gumbs (men's cross country)

Rookie of the Year -- Jay Wong

Jay Wong had a memorable first men's tennis season that culminated with an All-WCC Second Team selection. Wong posted a 30-11 record over the spring and fall seasons and an 18-8 dual match record. His 30 wins tied Francisco Zepponi for the most wins in school history. Wong recorded numerous big wins at both No. 2 and No. 3 singles for the Broncos and had impressive win streaks of nine and six matches this season.

Honorable mention: Kiki Bosio (women's soccer)

Game of the Year -- Men's Basketball defeats Gonzaga

The Broncos ended the nation's longest home winning streak when they defeated the Gonzaga Bulldogs 84-73. The Zags had previously won 50 straight home games, including 38 in McCarthey Athletic Center. The win marked the first of any visiting team in the new arena.

The Broncos began the game on a 13-0 run and never looked back. Scott Dougherty led four players in double figures with 23 points. Fans at Santa Clara celebrated the victory by burning couches and starting chants across campus.

Honorable mention: Women's soccer defeats Portland

Contact Chris Furnari at (408) 551-1918 or cfurnari@scu.edu