April 28, 2006

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Junior Joe Ryon and freshman Tony Verna were selected to the 2006 Big West All-Conference Golf Teams, it was announced Wednesday.

Ryon, the only Gaucho to play in all 10 tournaments this season, was a First Team All-Big West choice. Verna, who played in all but one tourney for UCSB in 2005-06, was selected to the second team.

A native of Carlsbad, Calif., Ryon topped the Gauchos in stroke average at 73.34 per round for his 29 rounds of golf. He had four top-20 finishes on the season, including his final three tournaments and four of his last five. In addition, Ryon saved his best for last, finishing in a tie for fifth at the 2006 Big West Championship with a score of 217.

Verna, a native of Orinda, Calif., redshirted the 2004-05 campaign at UCSB but had an outstanding first year of activity. He finished second to Ryon with a stroke average of 74.15 and he had three top-20 finishes. Additionally, Verna led the team with three sub-70 rounds.