BLACKSBURG - Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Dave Cianelli announced the signing of four outstanding high school athletes that will join the track and field roster for the 2016-2017 season. The group of four will join the eight who previously signed in November.
As a full class, the signees have garnered numerous all-state honors with a tremendous amount of national and international experience. The group will enroll at Virginia Tech in the fall to join the group of early signees.
Owen Buck
Ballard High School
Seattle, Wash.
Personal Bests:
- 800 meters: 1:52
- Mile: 4:12.91
- 5,000 meters: 15:44
Owen Buck, who spent his first two years of high school in Virginia at West Springfield, had the 10th fastest high school time in the country at 800m this past indoor season. He also finished fifth at the Washington State Meet in the 800m last outdoor track season.
Buck on Virginia Tech: “I chose Virginia Tech because academically and athletically it had everything I was looking for and more. Everyone I met at Virginia Tech has a passion for the school and really enjoys being there, so I wanted to have a taste of that too.”
Head cross country and distance coach Ben Thomas on Buck: “We are glad to bring Owen [Buck] back to the state of Virginia and excited to see him continue to develop. His combination of speed and strength makes him a great addition to our strong middle distance crew.”
Sara Freix
Westfield High School
Centreville, Va.
Personal Bests:
- 2-mile: 10:49
- 5,000 meters: 18:09
Sara Freix comes from Westfield High School, and has finished in the top-five at the Virginia 6A state meet twice in cross country. She is also a multiple time all-state finisher in the 1600m and 3200m and looks to help the Hokies in cross country and the longer distances on the track.
Freix on Virginia Tech: “I fell in love with Virginia Tech the instant I walked on campus. After my official visit, I quickly grew to love the team, and wanted nothing more than to be a part of it.”
Coach Ben Thomas on Freix: “Sara [Freix] has made nice improvements each year of high school, and has really excelled in the longer distances this year. She fits in great with the current group of girls we have and will be a nice addition to our cross country team in the Fall.”
Catherine Stone
James Madison High School
Vienna, Va.
Personal Bests:
- 400 meters: 57.52
- 5,000 meters: 19:31
A school record holder in four different events, Catherine Stone will join the Hokies young talented group of middle distance runners. She finished fourth in last year’s Virginia 6A State Meet in the 400m, and was a part of their all-state 4x400m and 4x800m relay teams as well.
Stone on Virginia Tech: “I chose Virginia Tech because of the true passion that I saw in everyone I met there. I love the school, and wanted to be a part of something as special as the Hokie Nation.”
Coach Ben Thomas on Stone: “Cate [Stone] has very good natural speed at the 400m, and has the potential to help us out in the middle distances. The addition of Cate to our young middle distance group will help us continue our success in this area at the conference meet.”
Brandon Thomas
Saint Christopher's School
Richmond, Va.
Personal Bests:
- 60 meters: 6.94
- 200 meters: 21.44
- 300 meters: 34.40
- 400 meters: 48.27
- Long Jump: 6.94 meters (22-9.25)
Thomas on Virginia Tech: “I knew from the start of my visit that this is the school where I would be pushed the most. Great coaches, great team, great facilities, and a great opportunity that I couldn't have passed up. I know the future looks bright for VT track and I'm happy I get to be a part of it.”
Assistant coach Tim Vaught on Thomas: “I'm very excited to have Brandon [Thomas] join our team. He's a very talented sprinter, three-time state champion in the 55m, 300m, and 400m with a lot of room to grow. I can't wait to start working with him in the fall!”
With high school track in full swing, two November signees have improved their personal best times this season.
Fitsum Seyoum
Tuscarora High School
Leesburg, Va.
Personal Best:
- 1,600 meters: 4:14.23
- 3,200 meters: 9:10.12
Sarah Edwards
Bellingham HS
Bellingham, Mass.
Personal Bests:
- 600 meters: 1:32.82
- 800 meters: 2:07.82
- 1,000 meters: 2:47.61
- 1 mile: 4:51.13
This years group of 12 track & field signees will enroll at Virginia Tech in the fall.