Virginia Swimming Star Ed Moses Gives Up NCAA Eligibility
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May 17, 2000
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — University of Virginia second-year swimmerEd Moses (Burke, Va./Lake Braddock) has announced he is foregoing his finaltwo years of collegiate eligibility. He has signed with Octagon Agenciesand is considering endorsement opportunities.
“This was too good of an opportunity not to take. It was a tough decisionto make, but I think I made a wise choice,” said Moses. “Other than notbeing able to compete in meets at Virginia, nothing is going to change. Iam going to be at UVa getting my education, which is extremely important tome. I will also continue my training at Virginia. Financially, it isexciting to have an income at such a young age and still have everything Iwant.”
“Obviously this is an incredible financial opportunity for Ed,”said Virginia head coach Mark Bernardino. “These types of opportunitiesrarely come along and it is even rarer for a swimmer. This is a chance toset Ed up financially for life, just too good to be forsaken.”
“At the same time, I am heartbroken for the team and our program to belosing such a tremendous competitor. Ed’s contributions to the Virginiaswimming program in two short years have been immeasurable. In addition toswimming, Ed is dedicated to getting his degree. He will remain atVirginia as a student and that is the most important point. He will alsoremain in the training pool at Virginia.”
Moses, one of the top breaststrokers in the world, is coming off aspectacular sophomore season at Virginia. He was recently selected as therecipient of the WCHV Award as Virginia’s top male athlete for the1999-2000 academic year. Moses set a pair of short course world recordsand three American records in winning the 2000 NCAA titles in the 100 and200-meter breaststroke in March. He clocked a time of 57.66 seconds in the100 and had a time of 2:06.40 in the 200 in becoming UVa’s first two-timeNCAA Champion. Moses also established an American 50-meter breaststrokerecord with a time of 26.96 seconds in the 50-meter split in the 100. Forhis performance at the NCAA meet, Moses was selected as the Swimmer of theChampionship, the first time an ACC swimmer has received the award.
After the NCAA Championships, Moses won the 100 and 200-meterbreaststroke events at the Phillips 66 National Championships. Moses, theschool record holder in the 100 and 200-breaststroke, also won the100-breaststroke title at the ACC Championships in February. For hisaccomplishments during the season, he was named the ACC Men’s Swimmer ofthe Year.
Moses, the United State’s top breaststroker, will be competing inthe 100 and 200-meter breaststroke at the U.S. Olympic Trials inIndianapolis, Ind., August 9-16. The top two finishers in each event makethe U.S. Olympic Team.