Hokie ClubGREENSBORO, N.C. – Incoming freshman Tyson Jones is putting the final touches on his standout prep career, as the future Virginia Tech track and field student-athlete won the national championship in the shot put at the New Balance High School National Championships on the campus of North Carolina A&T.
The Arizona native put together a top mark of 21.37 meters (70 feet, 1.5 inches) on his third throw at Aggie Stadium, winning by roughly a foot. The field consisted of all high school athletes who achieved a qualifying mark throughout the season.
"It felt good to win the national championship," Jones said. "It really means a lot, especially compared to what happened last year. I'm very excited to have finished the year ranked No. 1 in the nation.
"This national title and the No. 1 ranking is something I have been working on really hard throughout the entire season and I'm really excited that it happened."
The meet, which is in its 28th year of existence, is the high school national championships, sponsored by New Balance. Athletes from all over the country and from all classes – freshmen through seniors – come together to compete for a national championship.
"It was exciting to watch Tyson compete," Tech throws coach Andrew Dubs shared. "I know he had been working hard all year with this meet in mind. There was a great competition out there and some other top-level throwers.
"For him to battle the way he did and come out with a national championship, I'm just really excited for him. I can't wait for Tyson to get to campus this coming fall and to begin his college career in Hokie Nation!"
Jones is set to enroll in August for the 2018-19 academic year. He is the top overall recruit, according to DyeStat Track and Field.