Rutgers University men’s soccer coach Bob Reasso has announced that Tom Gray, of Middletown South, has signed his National Letter of Intent to attend Rutgers and play soccer for the Scarlet Knights.
Gray was a two-time All-State selection, after he scored 77 goals and added 75 assists in his four-year varsity career, breaking the school record in each category.
Gray was name the All-Shore and Monmouth County Player of the Year his senior season after registering 24 goals and 23 assists. He led the Eagles to their best record in school history at 19-2-1, including a perfect 12-0 in winning the Shore Conference Class B North Division title.
Gray also was a four-year member of the varsity wrestling team and played his club ball with the Middletown Sonics, winning three state championships and one regional title in nine years.
Gray is also a three-time member of the regional team and a four-time member of the state team. He is considered on of the top five players in the state by the N.J. Soccer Coaches Association, and competed with the U14 National Pool and U17 state team that won the regional championships and advanced to the national championship in Las Vegas.
"Tommy is fast, technically gifted and probably one of the best athletes we have ever brought to Rutgers," Reasso said. "He has the ability to go by people and shoot or knock in great crosses. He is a great striker of the ball with either foot and can play in any attacking position."
Rutgers posted an 11-7-4 record in 2003, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Scarlet Knights finished fourth in the Big East regular season standings, reaching the semifinals of the conference tournament. Rutgers ended its season with a loss at No. 21 Akron, 3-2, on Nov. 26, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.