Story Links
Charlottesville, VA Virginia men’s golf coach Bowen Sargent announced today that Gregor Orlando from Erie, Pa., has signed a national letter of intent to enroll at Virginia and play for the Cavaliers starting next fall. One of the top junior players in the Northeast, he was the PIAA state champion in 2007 while attending Erie Cathedral Prep and was the runner-up in 2008.
“Over the past two years, Gregor has proven to be the best junior golfer in Pennsylvania, if not the Northeast,” Sargent said. “Gregor has consistently proven his abilities by winning the 2008 Pennsylvania State Junior, 2007 Pennsylvania State High School as well as the AJGA New Castle event this past summer. In addition to being an accomplished athlete, Gregor is very dedicated to his academics as proven by his intentions of entering the McIntire School of Commerce while at Virginia.
“As I spoke to various people throughout the recruiting process, I consistently heard stories of his work ethic, commitment to excellence, and desire to be a champion. As a coach these are the intangibles you look for in every recruit. Combine this attitude with his physical abilities and Gregor should have a wonderful experience at Virginia.”
A four-time all-region selection, he was named the region’s top player as a sophomore, junior and senior. He finished each of those seasons with a stroke average under par. He helped his team to the 2008 PIAA state title after runner-up finishes in 2007 and 2006.
Orlando has had a very successful year on the junior circuit in 2008. He won the Pennsylvania State Junior Amateur and also took top honors at the America Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournament at New Castle. He was 13th at the prestigious North and South Junior Amateur in Pinehurst, placed third at the International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) at Colleton River and was eighth at the IJGT at Kiawah Island. He was fifth at the McDonald’s Tournament in Kingsport, Tenn.
In 2007 he was second at both the Pennsylvania State Junior Amateur and the Western Pennsylvania Junior Am.
Orlando will become the second player from Erie Cathedral Prep to play golf at Virginia. Tim Dunlavey, who was the 1985 PIAA state champion, played for the Cavaliers from 1987 to 1990. He earned All-ACC honors as a junior and senior.