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Virginia's Moses Gives Up Final Two Years Of Eligibility

May 25, 2000

Courtesy: Virginia Swimming
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - University of Virginia second-year swimmer Ed Moses (Burke, Va./Lake Braddock) has announced he is foregoing his final two years of collegiate eligibility. He has signed with Octagon Agencies and is considering endorsement opportunities.

"This was too good of an opportunity not to take. It was a tough decision to make, but I think I made a wise choice," said Moses. "Other than not being able to compete in meets at Virginia, nothing is going to change. I am going to be at UVa getting my education, which is extremely important to me. I will also continue my training at Virginia. Financially, it is exciting to have an income at such a young age and still have everything I want."

"Obviously this is an incredible financial opportunity for Ed," said Virginia head coach Mark Bernardino. "These types of opportunities rarely come along and it is even rarer for a swimmer. This is a chance to set 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 be losing such a tremendous competitor. Ed's contributions to the Virginia swimming program in two short years have been immeasurable. In addition to swimming, Ed is dedicated to getting his degree. He will remain at Virginia as a student and that is the most important point. He will also remain in the training pool at Virginia."

Moses, one of the top breaststrokers in the world, is coming off a spectacular sophomore season at Virginia. He was recently selected as the recipient of the WCHV Award as Virginia's top male athlete for the 1999-2000 academic year. Moses set a pair of short course world records and three American records in winning the 2000 NCAA titles in the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke in March. He clocked a time of 57.66 seconds in the 100 and had a time of 2:06.40 in the 200 in becoming UVa's first two-time NCAA Champion. Moses also established an American 50-meter breaststroke record with a time of 26.96 seconds in the 50-meter split in the 100. For his performance at the NCAA meet, Moses was selected as the Swimmer of the Championship, the first time an ACC swimmer has received the award.

After the NCAA Championships, Moses won the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke events at the Phillips 66 National Championships. Moses, the school record holder in the 100 and 200-breaststroke, also won the 100-breaststroke title at the ACC Championships in February. For his accomplishments during the season, he was named the ACC Men's Swimmer of the Year.

Moses, the United State's top breaststroker, will be competing in the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Indianapolis, Ind., August 9-16. The top two finishers in each event make the U.S. Olympic Team.