BLACKSBURG – Dave Cianelli, the director of track and field and cross country, announced the signing of six prospects to letters-of -intent for the fall 2020 class. Two sprinters, two distance runners, one thrower and one jumps specialist make up the 2020 recruiting class for the Virginia Tech track and field programs.
MEN
AIDAN CLARK
Hometown: Ashburn, Virginia
High School: Briar Woods
Events: High Jump, Triple Jump
Career Highlights:
– Owns the No. 1 High Jump mark in Virginia with a personal best of 6 ft. 10 1/2 in. (2.10 meters).
– Finished 4th in the High jump at the 2019 New Balance Outdoor Nationals with a jump of 6 ft. 8 1/4 in. (2.04 meters) to earn All-America honors.
– Was the 2019 VHSL 5A State Champion in the High Jump and Triple Jump and owns a best of 47 ft. 3 in. (14.40 meters) in the triple jump.
Why he chose Virginia Tech: "I chose Virginia Tech because it really felt like home and because I wanted to help add to their winning program."
Paul Zalewski on Clark: "I am very excited to welcome Aidan to the Hokie Nation family. He's a great young man and really rounds out the men's jumps group. He should come in ready to contend with top high jumpers in the conference right away."
CAMERON ROSE
Hometown: Harrisburg, North Carolina
High School: Hickory Ridge
Events: 100 meters, 200 meters
Career Highlights:
– Is ranked 4th nationally in the 100 meters (10.39) and 5th nationally in the 200 meters (21.01) among returning high school athletes.
– Placed 3rd at the 2019 New Balance Outdoor Nationals in the 100 meters with a personal best of 10.39.
– Has claimed three NCHSAA 4A State Championships winning the 100 meters in 2019 and back to back 200 meter titles in 2018 and 2019.
Why he chose Virginia Tech: "Virginia Tech felt like home, I felt it was the best place for me academically and athletically. The team there now is talented and there focused, I can tell they want to get better. I could see myself succeeding in that type of environment, which is what I look forward to doing. I think as a team we'll do big things not only in the ACC but nationally."
Tim Vaught on Rose: "Cameron brings so much to our already talented team, he can run anything from the 100m up to the 400m. I can't wait to start working with him, he's going to be a very special sprinter on this level. Cameron is from a championship family, his dad was a starting defensive back for Clemson's first football National Championship team in 1981. Myself and the team are equally excited to have Cameron apart of our Hokie family. Hokie nation just got better with his signing."
WOMEN
MAXANA GRUBB
Hometown: Amherst, New York
High School: Amherst Central
Events: 800 meters
Career Highlights:
– Finished 5th in the 800 meters at the 2019 New Balance Outdoor Nationals with a personal best of 2:07.65 and is ranked 11th in the nation among all high school returners in the 800 meters.
– Placed 2nd in the 800 meters at the 2019 New York State Championships with a time of 2:07.91, finishing just behind current Virginia Tech freshman Lindsey Butler.
– Set a new sectional record in the 600 meters indoors with a time of
1:33.69.
Why she chose Virginia Tech: "I was drawn to Virginia Tech because of its long and impressive history of success in NCAA running. I was not only looking for a prestigious running program, but a school with a history of academic excellence. The team's sense of camaraderie, perseverance, and pride convinced me that Virginia Tech was the place for me. I am looking forward to being a part of such a great program and having an amazing opportunity to reach my academic and athletic goals."
Johannigmeier on Grubb: "Maxana made some very big improvements in the 800 last year as a junior, and with her background in soccer, she has lots of potential in the middle distance events. We are excited that she will be a Hokie next year."
MAKHIA JARRETT
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia
High School: Salem
Events: 100 meters, 200 meters
Career Highlights:
– Is ranked 7th nationally in the 200 meters (23.60) and 7th nationally in the indoor 300 meters (39.17) among returning high school athletes in 2020.
– Is ranked the #2 returning 100 meter sprinter in the state of Virginia with a time of 11.76.
– Won two 2019 VHSL 5A Indoor State Titles as a member of the 4X100 and 4X200-meter relay.
Why she chose Virginia Tech: I chose Virginia Tech because Coach Vaught, Coach Cianelli, and the girls on the team gave me a sense of comfort. I really felt I was a part of something and that I could grow as an athlete, even past the collegiate level. The school showed me a great learning environment that could not only help me as a student but expose me to opportunities in my career choice. In the end, Virginia Tech offered me everything I wanted as a student-athlete in a University. I am excited to be a Hokie!
Tim Vaught on Jarrett: "Makhia is one of the top returning sprinters in Virginia. She brings a wealth of track experience. Her mom was a National caliber jumper for NC State and her father is an Olympian sprinter for Jamaica. Makhia is going to be a big impact to our program. I believe Makhia has a huge upside in sprinting, I can't wait to start working with her."
STAR PRICE
Hometown: Glen Allen, Virginia
High School: Glen Allen
Events: 800 meters
Career Highlights:
– 2019 Virginia State 5A champion in the 800 meters with a time of 2:13.12. This time ranks her #2 in the state of Virginia for 2019.
– Ran the anchor leg on her 4 x 800 meter relay that finished 2nd at the Virginia State 5A outdoor championships.
– A two-time Virginia Class 5A All-State selection as a junior.
Why she chose Virginia Tech: "I chose Virginia Tech because the team was very close and accepting of me. The coaches also made me feel like they saw my potential and believed in what I could achieve at Virginia Tech."
Eric Johannigmeier on Price: "Star had an impressive track season this year moving up to the 800, going undefeated in the open event and winning a state title. She has great raw speed, and we are looking forward to her contributing to our team's success in the future."
FIONA RICHARDS
Hometown: Portland, Jamaica
High School: Edwin Allen
Previous School: Barton County CC, Kansas
Events: Shot put, Discus throw
Career Highlights:
– Owns personal best marks if 180 ft. 3 in. (54.95 meters) in the discus and 48 ft. 11 3/4 in. (14.93 meters) in the shot.
– Won the silver medal and earned First team All-America honors in the discus the 2019 NJAA outdoor championships with a throw of 174 ft. 4 in. (53.15 meters).
– Placed 5th and earned First team All-America honors in the shot put at the 2019 NJAA outdoor championships.
Why she chose Virginia Tech: "I chose Virginia tech because it was the first and best choice to further my schooling and throwing career. While visiting Virginia tech, I found the throwing squad most welcoming and I felt comfortable around the coaching staff. When I attend Virginia tech, I am looking forward to all the best possibilities and resources so I can work hard and push myself to become the best person, student, and athlete possible."
Andrew Dubs on Richards: "we couldn't be more excited to welcome Fiona Richards to Blacksburg. From our first conversation, through her visit, it was evident what a great personality she has and what a passion for the sport she has. Fiona is naturally an instinctive leader, which was evident through both conversation and seeing her train. She connected very well with the team and throwers, which make for a smooth transition. She possesses world class talent and ability and will have an immediate impact at the highest level for us here at Virginia Tech and beyond. Welcome home, Fiona!"