UVA football’s Kirven, Trucilla announce retirements

UVA football head coach Bronco Mendenhall announced today defensive linemen John Kirven (Raleigh, N.C.) and James Trucilla (Erie, Pa.) are retiring due to medical reasons. Both players remain enrolled at the University and will continue to complete their undergraduate degrees. Kirven was a freshman this past season while Trucilla was a junior.

In 2017, Kirven appeared in 10 of UVA’s 13 games. He was one of 17 true freshmen to play for the Cavaliers. Kirven made his collegiate debut against UConn on special teams. He made his first career tackle at Boise State He did not play in the Military Bowl due to an illness. Kirven attended high school at Woodberry Forest School.

Trucilla played in seven of UVA’s 13 games in 2017. He recorded single tackles in games against Williams & Mary, UConn and Navy in the Military Bowl. During the 2016 season, he played in six games and totaled four tackles. He enrolled at UVA in 2015 but did not appear in any games that season. Trucilla attended Cathedral Prep in Erie, Pa.

“It is unfortunate when someone’s career ends prematurely,” said Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall. “We appreciate what John and James did as players for the program and they will remain a part of the team and always be members of our football family. I am excited they have decided to work as student assistants in our program. Both John and James came to UVA to enrich themselves as students in addition to playing football. I am excited to watch them continue to grow and mature as young men and to carve out their futures.”