Coonan inks five-year extension

In late August, Santa Clara University announced that Dan Coonan, who took over as Director of Athletics and Recreation on August 27, 2004, had signed a five-year extension to remain in the position through the summer of 2015.

Since being appointed Athletic Director six years ago, Coonan has helped improved the Bronco athletic program in various ways. Santa Clara has won two WCC Commissioner's Cups, awarded at the end of the academic year to the league's top performing school in conference play, taken 10 WCC Championships, and sent teams or athletes from ten different sports to postseason play. In fact, 20 teams have advanced to NCAA Tournaments.

Coonan refuses to take individual credit for anything he has accomplished during his six years as Athletic Director. "When we talk about accomplishments," he insists, "I want to talk about the collective accomplishments of all of us working here because we do have a phenomenal... staff." He takes pride in the facilities renovations that have taken place over the past several years.

Recently, the Sullivan Aquatic Center, which hosts home contests for Santa Clara's water polo program, has been renovated to better service coach Keith Wilbur's immensely successful water polo teams.

The men's team is currently No. 15 in the nation and features snipers Stephen Hobbs (15 goals in 12 games) and Mitch Klipa (12 goals) and stalwart goal keeper Michael Wishart. Last year the women's team, which is also coached by Wilbur, won two games in the WWPA Championships by a 30-7 margin before being eliminated by Cal State East Bay 9-8.

Another notable renovation took place in the Leavey Center. Seven years ago students were seated behind the basket, where capacity and sight lines were limited. In Coonan's first year as Athletic Director the student section was moved to the west side of the court, displacing season-ticket holders who currently sit above the students in a new structure with seat backs.

"Everything we do, we're trying to do with [student experience] in mind," says Coonan. "Making it a better experience not just for the athletes playing on the field or the courts, but for the spectators [as well] so we can create a real exciting college-like atmosphere at each of these venues."His work has already paid dividends. Last year Ruff Riders from on and off campus filled the student section for the men's basketball WCC opener against San Diego. "I understand that they'll show up for St. Mary's and for Gonzaga­"-far and away the most difficult opponents Santa Clara faces during conference play-"but to get them to the first conference game... was a big victory for us," says Coonan.

Without a football team, men's basketball is Santa Clara's biggest revenue-generating sport. Understanding that success in men's basketball, which has become a national phenomenon due to the ecstasy that surrounds the annual NCAA Tournament, will help the university gain attention on a national scale.

The basketball program has brought in recruiting mastermind Kerry Keating, who previously served as an assistant coach at UCLA, has brought in outstanding recruits­-most notably All-American Kevin Foster and Robert Smith, set the school record for minutes played as a freshman-but has struggled to get his team to perform. Last year the Broncos went 3-11 in the WCC and went 0-3 against ranked opponents. Coonan feels that because Kevin Foster-who missed most of his sophomore season due an injury sustained early in the season-is returning and since Keating has three years of recruits running his system, the Broncos have a legitimate chance of becoming a contender in the WCC next season.

Although Coonan is focused on creating winning programs at Santa Clara, he does not want athletic success to come at the expense of academic excellence. Santa Clara's student athletes posted a 3.13 grade point average (GPA) for the spring quarter last year, the highest GPA on record for the university. Coonan says that the coaches set the tone by buying into the school's effort of creating a strong academic atmosphere and recruiting good students. Additionally, the school has a strong Academic Support Staff headed by Zoe Segnitz and Jason Stock, who Coonan feels do an excellent job of inspiring student athletes to excel academically. "I really appreciate their efforts," says Coonan in praise of Segnitz and Stock. "They assist, not just students who might think they need assistance with the challenge of academics, but they assist students who want to excel and are shooting for a 4.0."

The Broncos are off to a good start across the board. The women's soccer team is currently No. 10 in the nation and is coming off a win against Pac-10 powerhouse Oregon. Men's water polo stands at No. 15 after splitting games at the Aggie Shootout in Davis, CA. Reigning WCC Player of the Year Scott Travers will take his expertise to the Querencia Los Cabos golf club on Saturday, October 2 for a three-day tournament at Mexico's top rated course.

"When [the athletes] set their mind to it and set goals and set a standard for themselves and stick to it and hold each other accountable, they can generate some real success," says Coonan. "Others can witness that and do it in their sport as well."

Contact Tom Schreier at tschreier@scu.edu or (408) 554-4849.