Virginia Men Sign Five to National Letters of Intent
Nov. 22, 2016
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.—Virginia director of track and field/cross country Bryan Fetzer announced Tuesday (Nov. 22) that five student-athletes, Rohann Asfaw, Ryan Buscaglia, Brandon Outlaw, Alfred Shirley III and Saurav Velleleth, have signed National Letters of Intent to join the UVA men’s track and field and cross country team in Fall 2017.
“This class is not large on numbers, but it fills some much needed areas,” Fetzer said. “Every year we want to continue to make progress to the next level and this group does just that.”
Rohann Asfaw • Middle Distance/Cross Country • Rockville, Md.
• Three-time Maryland 4A state champion
• Set 2-mile New Balance Indoor Nationals Emerging Elite record (9:11.08)
“Rohann is an exciting addition to the team. He is the best cross country runner in Maryland and is a presence on the national scene. He has the ability to help us from day one.” – UVA men’s cross country coach Pete Watson
“I simply could not see a reason to choose a school over UVA. The combination of academics and athletics cannot be matched by many schools, and the goal was to find that perfect balance. Charlottesville is a beautiful town and is close to home. I can visit friends and family without the hassle of long travel. Most of all, I could see myself on the team. To be with a group of guys that are all working towards the same goal is exactly what I want, and to do that at UVA is a dream come true.”- Asfaw
Ryan Buscaglia • Middle Distance/Cross Country • Midlothian, Va.
• Seven-time Virginia state champion
• Three-year New Balance Outdoor Nationals competitor
“Ryan is one of the top middle-distance runners in Virginia. He is going to be a great addition to our already strong group.” – Watson
“I chose UVA because it felt right. Everything about the environment, team, academics and atmosphere just meshed with what I wanted in a college. I think UVA is the best place for me to grow athletically, academically and emotionally. I know that whatever I pursue in my four years here, UVA will facilitate my success at every corner.” – Buscaglia
Brandon Outlaw • Sprints • Moorestown, N.J.
• New Jersey 400m state champion
• Fourth in 4x200m relay, 10th in 400m at New Balance Nationals
“Brandon is a tremendous athlete as a football player and sprinter. Focusing on track in college will allow him to reach his fullest potential as a sprinter.” – Fetzer
“After taking my visit to UVA, there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that Charlottesville is where I wanted to spend my next four years. Superior athletics, top notch academics and the warm environment around the University of Virginia made me feel right at home. Go Hoos!” – Outlaw
Alfred Shirley III • Sprints • Chesapeake, Va.
• 4x400m Virginia 6A state champion
• Three-year AAU All-American
“It is always great when one of the Commonwealth’s best chooses to stay home. Alfred is such a great young man. He is just touching the surface of his talents. He will make an immediate impact on so many levels of our program.” – Fetzer
“Believe it or not UVA has been my dream school since I became old enough to ponder the idea of going to college. Living most of my life in Virginia, I have grown to appreciate the state in which I have begun my legacy. I take my academics very serious so it is important that I continue my education at a school that is held at a remarkably high standard academically. I value my education so dearly and I truly believe that I can succeed greatly at the University and fulfil my desire of being an orthopedic surgeon in the future.
“Although academics plays a huge role in my life, athletics is also a large part of who I am. I feel that the University of Virginia has a lot to offer athletically along with its academics. especially on the track and field side, where I see great potential. I believe that with my talent, untiring work ethic and ambitious personality, I will be a great addition to the team. One of the largest factors in making my decision to go to UVA is location. Family is an important part of my life and I love the fact that I’ll be three hours away from home, where I can be far enough from them to experience life on my own, but not too far so I can always come home when need be.” – Shirley
Saurav Velleleth • Middle Distance/Cross Country • Dulles, Va.
• 2016 New Balance Emerging Elite 3,200m runner-up
• Virginia 5A 3,200m state champion
“Saurev is someone I have watched develop over the past few years. He came to our cross country camp and really impressed me with his desire and commitment to be a member of our program. He is one of the top distance runners in the state and we are excited to have him.” – Watson
“Deciding on going to UVA was one of the most exciting decisions I have made. UVA provides the best of both worlds, with its extraordinary athletics and academics. The coaches are very dedicated to ensure that their athletes perform at a top level in both the track and the classroom. The guys I met on my visit were incredibly nice and made me feel right at home. They have very similar goals in their running and academics as well, allowing everyone on the team to fit in well and work hard together. In addition, Virginia makes sure to take care of each athlete with its world-class facilities and friendly staff. The Grounds are beautiful and has a great college town atmosphere, but also has a neighboring countryside that is perfect for training. I look forward to a great athletic and academic experience here.” – Velleleth