Nov. 19, 2003

University of Illinois head wrestling coach Mark Johnson added to his already strong recruiting class of 2003 with another nationally ranked athlete, Joe Gomez, of Glenbard North. Gomez is ranked 13th nationally by Intermat and No. 2 at the 130-pound weight class.

Gomez won an Illinois state title as a freshman at 119 pounds in 2000, but finished third as a sophomore and second last season. He has an outstanding winning percentage, defeating 97 percent of his opponents. He has recorded a 131-4 mark over three seasons with 49 pins. During his time as a starter for Glenbard North, the team has won three DuPage Valley Conference championships and placed in the top three at the state championships, including a second-place finish in 2001. The Panthers notched a three-year dual record of 76-6.

Gomez joins Mike Poeta (Highland Park, Ill.) and Troy Tirapelle (Clovis, Calif.) rounding out the signings for the fall period.