Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech track and field and cross country director Dave Cianelli and his staff have bolstered their best recruiting class ever by adding sprinter Cole Beck, who will also play football for the Hokies.
Beck, the 2018 All-Timesland Boys Athlete of the Year, comes to Tech as one of the more decorated athletes in the state of Virginia. He has won the 100- and 200-meter dashes the last three years at the Virginia High School League (VHSL) 4A state meet.
The Blacksburg High School product comes to Tech as one of the top sprinters in VHSL history. In 2017, Beck was the runner-up in the 100 meters at the New Balance National Championships with a time of 10.41 seconds.
"I am very excited that Cole decided on Virginia Tech to continue his football and track careers," Cianelli said. "He is a talented student-athlete with a wonderful family who will be able to help our program immediately.
"Coach [Tim] Vaught did an outstanding job during the recruiting process and the joint effort we made with Coach [Justin] Fuente and the football program was especially rewarding for me."
The Bruin also starred on the relay teams for Blacksburg, anchoring the 4x100-meter relay to a state title his last three prep seasons. Beck looks to be an immediate contributor in the short sprints and relays for Tech. He is one of seven newcomers on the men's side in this year's sprints/hurdles recruiting class.
"It's great for both the football and track programs," sprints/hurdles coach Tim Vaught said. "For me, looking at the high ability that he is capable of becoming, the sky is the limit. I really think he is going to help us in the ACC.
"I am super excited about this situation and I cannot wait to work with him. I think Cole is going to be a great two-sport athlete here at Virginia Tech."
A native of Blacksburg, Virginia, Beck joins the Hokies after being the No. 1 sprinter in the VHSL. His personal bests are 10.37 in the 100-meter dash and 21.28 in the 200.
"I chose VT for several reasons: the quality of education, the beautiful town and campus, the relationships I had developed with the coaching staffs during the recruiting process and the opportunity to be a part of two elite athletic programs," Beck said. "After visiting several schools and talking things over with my parents, it really was an easy decision to stay home and attend VT."
The indoor season for the Hokies will begin in January, 2019. Beck will also play football in the fall under head coach Justin Fuente.