Oct. 6, 2011
IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa senior Marc Bruche has been named Big Ten men’s tennis Co-Athlete of the Week after becoming the first Hawkeye to reach the ITA All-American Championships singles main draw in program history.
“This is a great honor, and a well-deserved one based on his outstanding performance at the ITA All-American,” said head coach Steve Houghton.
The award is the first of Bruche’s career and the first for Iowa since Sebastian Delgado was tabbed athlete of the week Feb. 26, 2004.
After knocking off ranked opponents in two of his three victories, Bruche is one of 16 players to advance from the qualifying bracket to the main draw. The first round of the main draw begins today.
Bruche defeated Boise State’s 109th-ranked James Meredith 6-3, 7-6 (2) and Florida’s No. 69 Tripper Carleton 6-7, 7-5, 6-0 to advance through the qualifying bracket. He opened the tournament with a 7-5, 6-2 win over San Diego State’s Javier Pulgar.
Bruche was a second team all-Big Ten selection last season while competing in No. 1 singles and doubles. The Hoelsbrunn, Germany, native has 81 career victories.
Illinois senior Roy Kalmanovich was also tabbed Co-Athlete of the Week by reaching the ITA All-American main draw.