May 23, 2002

On the heels of his announcement to retire from his head coaching duties at Santa Clara, former and current players share their thoughts on what Sean Burns has meant to the Bronco Tennis program.

George Husack - Current Assistant Coach

"Sean has been a tremendous coach, teacher, business man, and very close personal friend. Seven years ago, when I first started, I remember sitting in a shack with him and we entered into a partnership to try and do something with the program. He is the reason why I am here today, without a doubt. It's the reason why I love college athletics, it's the reason why I love to coach... I never knew I wanted to coach until I met Sean and he started coaching me. Coming from where the program was to where it is now, so many improvements have been because of Sean. Sean is never the one to ever take credit for it. He's always the one to thank and appreciate his assistants, players, the donors, and the families. But the fact is, none of those people would be here without Sean. The tennis center wouldn't be here without Sean. The scholarships and the players wouldn't be here without Sean. The tremendous amount of camaraderie we have as a team wouldn't be here without Sean. It's been very fun, it's been tough at times, and it's been an unbelievable learning experience. We all set a goal and just never stopped. I never wanted to see this day happen. I always thought we'd leave together. I'm definitely very sad, but I'm very excited for a new life for him. It's been a lot of time on the courts, in the office, on the road, and he's dedicated his life to it.

"One thing that was big for us to attract more recruits was to have a better facility. Sean had a vision. He asked me about and we drew it up together. We wanted to make it Santa Clara; very family-esque, friendly, making people appreciate the grounds and the tennis itself. It was his dream and that's why we have what we have today.

"Finally, Sean is the classiest guy I know. He's the most professional guy I know. I love the guy. It's going to great seeing him doing something else in his life. He's going to have a lot of success in whatever he does."

Lars Nelson - Class of 2000

"As far as I see it, Sean was the heart and soul of Santa Clara tennis. He transformed the program from a non-existent status to one of the top 60 teams in the United States and one of the best on the West Coast. He definitely put the Broncos on the collegiate tennis map. And look at the facility he fundraised for and brought to campus. That effort cannot be overlooked. We used to play on an old set of courts where the recreation center now is but teams now have a state-of-the art facility to call home. Personally, I think he maxed out my potential as a player an upped my game up a couple of levels. He taught me how to compete, about the intensity on the tennis court, and how to have a good time. He was hilarious; quite the comedian. He made college very enjoyable. He was a good role model and a great friend. He taught us a lot. It's amazing at what he's done. I don't think there's too many schools that have made as much progress in one program as Sean has for SCU men's tennis."

Rick Ruso - Sophomore All-WCC performer

"Sean has taught me a lot more about life than about tennis... always enforcing being honest and holding yourself accountable. From there, he showed me if you're honest with yourself, you can really make things happen; you get a real gauge of where you are. He always stresses work ethic and he may be the most understanding and loyal person I've ever met in my entire life. When I think about him, he's the most incredible combination of a teacher and a friend. I've never had that with any other coaching experience in my life. At the same time, I've never grown so much as a player and a person with someone in that situation. There's something to be said for that. The athletic department will definitely miss his sense of humor. He's a character. Every team dinner with that guy was a circus. But seriously, he brings all the values a company like the University wants. I personally feel he's going to be impossible to replace. He's one of my few heroes in life. That's why I came to Santa Clara. To date, he's given me everything I was hoping to get."

Ben Hidalgo - Redshirt Freshman

"Sean transformed the tennis program at Santa Clara into a team to be recognized and respected. He provided the team with a world-class training environment, and brought in the players who deserve and respect it. He built up a group of loyal fans and boosters that have helped carry the team from year to year. Sean taught me how to develop my tennis to compete at the college level. All these accomplishments Sean has done as a coach, fundraiser, and organizer cannot compare to the friendship he has and will continue to extend to the Santa Clara family. All those who have ever met Sean, even once, know of his unparalleled goofy humor. Beyond the hilarious commentary he randomly interjects into conversations, there lies a man unmatched in class, kindness, and integrity. Sean has done his best to instill such virtuous qualities upon the young men who have had the fabulous opportunity to consider Sean as their coach, and forever their friend. Sean has always made himself available to his players for advice and help on the court, but more importantly off the court. He could be found late at night working in his office, figuring out ways to help the team. He has also trusted us to be honest with him, and in doing so made use feel important and needed. He has done a tremendous job developing the tennis program here at Santa Clara, but he has done a better job at developing people with unrivaled integrity. I will miss him as a coach dearly, but mostly, I will miss him as a friend, counselor, and role model."

Marcell Hlousek - Former Player (2000) and Current Assistant Coach

"Sean's always been dedicated to Santa Clara University, on and off the court. I always wanted to be around him. He made me a good athlete and a person. I learned it's not all about winning. It's about being a team and coming together at critical times. He taught us that the most important thing is that we have each other... whether we win or lose. The athletic department is losing a very valuable person. He adds a lot to everybody he meets."

Marcy Crouch - Head Softball Coach

"Sean has been a true asset not only to the tennis program, but also to the Athletic Department and the entire Santa Clara community. He genuinely cares about this institution, and more importantly, about the people at this institution. Throughout my three years working as one of Sean's colleagues, some of my best experiences have come in watching him interact with other people. Whether it be his players, fellow coaches, or professors he has come to know over the years, Sean just has a way about him. I believe it is his unique combination of intelligence, wit, sincerity, charm, and heart. Sean is always willing to lend an ear to a friend and put serious thought into his responses. The example he sets with hard work -- or what he likes to call "the grind" -- make him a leader on and off the court. You are the best one, Sean, and those of us that know you well know that is the truth. Thank you for your thoughtful advice and your friendship over the past three years. My program and I would never have grown to be where we are today without you!"

	SantaClaraBroncos.com
WEB