The Virginia Tech track and field team, also known as the Hokies, has a rich history of producing talented athletes and competing at the highest level. As a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the team has consistently ranked among the top programs in the country.
The Hokies' track and field program was established in 1895, and since then, the team has won numerous conference and national championships. The team's success can be attributed to the dedication and hard work of its athletes, coaches, and staff. The program is led by head coach Dave Cianelli, who has been at the helm since 2012.
The Virginia Tech track and field team competes in both indoor and outdoor seasons. The indoor season typically runs from January to March, while the outdoor season takes place from March to June. During these seasons, the team participates in various meets and championships, including the ACC Championships and the NCAA Championships.
The Hokies have a strong tradition of producing talented athletes who have gone on to compete at the professional and Olympic levels. Some notable alumni include Queen Harrison, who won the gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2010 NCAA Championships, and Darrell Wesh, who competed in the 100-meter dash at the 2012 Olympic Trials.
The team's home venue is the Rector Field House, which features a state-of-the-art track and field facility. The venue has hosted numerous championship meets, including the ACC Championships and the NCAA Regionals.
In addition to its on-track success, the Virginia Tech track and field team is also committed to academic excellence. The team has consistently ranked among the top programs in the country in terms of academic performance, with many athletes earning All-ACC Academic honors.
Overall, the Virginia Tech track and field team is a program with a rich history of success and a strong commitment to excellence both on and off the track.
Team Roster and Coaching Staff
The Virginia Tech track and field team has a diverse roster of athletes from across the country. The team is led by head coach Dave Cianelli, who is in his 10th season at the helm. Cianelli has a proven track record of producing talented athletes and has led the team to numerous conference and national championships.
The team's coaching staff also includes associate head coach Adam Smith, who oversees the distance and cross-country programs, and assistant coaches Travis Geopfert and Brad Herbster, who work with the sprints, hurdles, and jumps events.
The team's roster includes athletes from across the country, including Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Florida. Many of the athletes have earned All-ACC Academic honors and have competed at the national level.
Notable Athletes
The Virginia Tech track and field team has produced numerous talented athletes who have gone on to compete at the professional and Olympic levels. Some notable alumni include:
- Queen Harrison, who won the gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2010 NCAA Championships
- Darrell Wesh, who competed in the 100-meter dash at the 2012 Olympic Trials
- Jeff Artis, who competed in the high jump at the 2016 Olympic Trials
- Hanna Green, who competed in the 800-meter run at the 2016 Olympic Trials
These athletes are just a few examples of the many talented individuals who have come through the Virginia Tech track and field program.
Facilities and Training
The Virginia Tech track and field team trains and competes at the Rector Field House, which features a state-of-the-art track and field facility. The venue has hosted numerous championship meets, including the ACC Championships and the NCAA Regionals.
The team's training facilities include a 300-meter track, a 400-meter track, and a number of jumps and throws areas. The team also has access to a strength and conditioning room, which is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
In addition to its on-campus facilities, the team also has access to a number of off-campus training venues, including the nearby Blacksburg High School track and the Virginia Tech Golf Course.
Strength and Conditioning
The Virginia Tech track and field team places a strong emphasis on strength and conditioning. The team's strength and conditioning program is designed to help athletes develop the strength, power, and endurance needed to compete at the highest level.
The team's strength and conditioning coach, Brad Herbster, works closely with the athletes to develop individualized training programs that meet their specific needs and goals. The program includes a combination of weightlifting, plyometrics, and conditioning exercises.
Awards and Accolades
The Virginia Tech track and field team has earned numerous awards and accolades over the years. Some of the team's notable achievements include:
- 2019 ACC Outdoor Championships: The team finished third overall and won five individual event titles.
- 2018 NCAA Indoor Championships: The team finished 10th overall and won two individual event titles.
- 2017 ACC Outdoor Championships: The team finished second overall and won six individual event titles.
These are just a few examples of the many awards and accolades that the Virginia Tech track and field team has earned over the years.
Community Involvement
The Virginia Tech track and field team is committed to giving back to the community. The team participates in a number of community outreach programs, including the Virginia Tech Athletics' "Hokie Outreach" program.
The team also hosts a number of clinics and camps throughout the year, which provide young athletes with the opportunity to learn from the team's coaches and athletes.
Recruiting and Scholarships
The Virginia Tech track and field team offers a number of scholarships to talented athletes who are interested in competing at the collegiate level. The team's recruiting process typically begins during the athlete's junior year of high school.
Athletes who are interested in competing for the Virginia Tech track and field team can submit their information through the team's website. The team's coaching staff will review the information and contact athletes who are eligible for scholarships.
Scholarship Requirements
To be eligible for a scholarship, athletes must meet the NCAA's eligibility requirements, which include:
- A minimum GPA of 2.3
- A minimum SAT score of 1010 or ACT score of 86
- Completion of 16 core courses
Athletes who meet these requirements can submit their information through the team's website.
Conclusion
The Virginia Tech track and field team is a program with a rich history of success and a strong commitment to excellence both on and off the track. With its talented athletes, experienced coaching staff, and state-of-the-art facilities, the team is well-positioned for continued success in the years to come.
Whether you're a prospective athlete, a current student, or a fan of the Hokies, there's no denying the excitement and energy that surrounds the Virginia Tech track and field team.
Final Thoughts
As the Virginia Tech track and field team continues to strive for excellence, we encourage you to follow along and support the team every step of the way. Whether you're cheering from the stands or following along on social media, your support means the world to the athletes and coaches.
Let's go Hokies!
What is the history of the Virginia Tech track and field team?
+The Virginia Tech track and field team was established in 1895 and has a rich history of producing talented athletes and competing at the highest level.
Who is the head coach of the Virginia Tech track and field team?
+The head coach of the Virginia Tech track and field team is Dave Cianelli.
What are the facilities like for the Virginia Tech track and field team?
+The Virginia Tech track and field team trains and competes at the Rector Field House, which features a state-of-the-art track and field facility.