June 9, 2006

CHARLOTTESVILLE - University of Virginia head wrestling coach Steve Garland has announced that four recruits will enter the Cavaliers' program for 2006-07 and another four are expected to be added to the class. The class has been ranked No. 22 in the nation by Intermatwrestle.com.

"I'm very pleased with the job that assistant coaches Pat DeGain and Scott Moore did to bring in a top 25 recruiting class," Garland said. "They worked really hard in bringing in the student athletes that will be a good fit for our program."

The four recruits are Kellon Balum (Herndon, Pa.), Calvin Cardillo (Alexandria, Va.), John Danilkowicz (Green Oaks, Ill.) and Brent Fiorito (Palm, Pa.).

Following is information on the four wrestlers joining the Virginia program:

Kellon Balum - Hermdon, Pa. (Line Mountain High School) - Projected to wrestle at 141 pounds in college ... ranked #2 nationally by Intermat and #1 in February by Wrestling USA ... two-time state champion in Pennsylvania and finished third as a sophomore ... member of USA first-team Dream Team ... compiled a 50-0 record as a senior ... had an overall career record of 170-12 and was undefeated the last two seasons ... was Fargo Cadet All-American ... member of the National Honor Society.

Calvin Cardillo - Alexandria, Va. (Hayfield High School) - Virginia AAA State Champion at 189 pounds as a high school senior ... also won district and regional championships ... finished third in the state as a junior ... placed in the Beast of the East competition.

John Danilkowicz - Green Oaks, Ill. (Libertyville High School) - Finished third in the heavyweight competition at the Illinois State Tournament as a high school senior ... 2006 Greco Roman and Freestyle State Champion.

Brent Fiorito - Palm Pa. (Upper Perk High School) - Projected to wrestle at 165 pounds in college ... ranked as high as seventh nationally at 160 pounds as a high school senior ... Pennsylvania State Champion in 2006 ... finished third in the state as a junior ... three-time regional champion and twice placed in the Beast of the East competition ... competed in the Dapper Dan Tournament against Team USA ... compiled a 53-4 record as a high school senior and had an overall career record of 176-31 ... had 71 career falls ... is the all-time leader in victories in his district.