Virginia Wrestling Signs Two In Early Signing Period

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Nov. 23, 2004

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – University of Virginia head wrestling coach Lenny Bernstein has announced UVa’s 2005 wrestling recruiting class. Bernstein and his coaching staff signed two highly touted wrestlers, Brent Jones and Ross Gitomer, during the National Letter of Intent (NLI) early signing period. Jones (Burke, Va./Robinson) and Gitomer (Blairstown, N.J./Blair Academy) are two of the top wrestlers in the country in their respective weight classes.

Jones is ranked #2 in the country at 215-pounds. He placed fourth at the Junior National Championships in 2004 and is a three-time USA National All-American wrestler. He is also a two-time Fila Cadet National All-American and placed three times in the Virginia State Championships. Jones is projected to wrestle at 197-pounds at Virginia.

“Brent is a key upper weight recruit for us for a variety of reasons,” said Bernstein. “He has wrestled year round in and placed in national level competitions since he was young. Brent has great size to be a solid 197-pound wrestler off the bat. The fact that he is from Virginia really should help our recruiting in the state. His potential is exceptional. We believe Brett can develop into a future NCAA Champion.”

Gitomer is ranked #12 in the country at 119-pounds. He took third place at the National Prep School Championships and placed fifth at the Cadet Nationals. Gitomer is projected to wrestle at 125-pounds at UVa.

“Ross wrestles for the #1 high school in the USA, so he is used to a hard schedule and more importantly, a very tough practice,” said Bernstein. “He has also wrestled during the summer in national level competitions placing in a few of them. Ross has a tremendous upside and we believe his work ethic will make his potential unlimited.”