BLACKSBURG, Va. – Saturday – The Hokies took over in field events on Saturday of the VT Invitational, with multiple athletes reaching the podium and putting up strong results. Tyson Jones, Rachel Baxter and KJ Moore won their events while three others placed in the top three.
"The effort was outstanding, and we had some outstanding performances individually, but we have a lot of work to do between now and the end of February," Director of Track and Field Dave Cianelli said. "We have to focus on getting back to work and keep everybody healthy. Next week we'll have another meet here with very good teams, and the goal is to continue to improve and increase our level of competitiveness."
While the distance and sprint groups excelled on Friday, the field event athletes took center stage Saturday. Tyson Jones won the men's shot put on his final throw, his 61 feet 10.25-inch (18.85m) throw propelling him into first place. Lauded pole vaulter Rachel Baxter reached 14 feet 2 inches (4.32m) to win the women's seeded pole vault, and KJ Moore's final long jump gave him the event at 23 feet 11.5 inches (7.30m).
A successful first meet gives the Hokies a great launching point, as the season will continue in earnest in the coming weeks. Virginia Tech competes next at the Hokie Invitational Friday, Jan. 22 – Saturday, Jan. 23.
BLACKSBURG, Va. – Friday – After over ten months without competition, the Hokies returned to Rector Field House and posted impressive numbers in their first meet back on the track. Lindsey Butler moved into fifth on Virginia Tech's all-time 1000-meter run list with a time of 2:46.64, and eight athletes recorded personal best marks.
"For most of our athletes it's been almost a year since they competed in a meet," Director of Track and Field Dave Cianelli said. "A lot of them ran close to their PR and competed well, and that's what I was looking for. It's hard to be away from your sport for that long and all of a sudden flip a switch, so this is a good start for us. Obviously, we still have a lot of work to do, but its where we should be right now."
Various athletes shone during day one's events, with notable performances coming from Lindsey Butler's 1000-meter time and Jacory Patterson's 300-meter sprint. Patterson posted a 32.61, giving him three of the top-four all time indoor collegiate 300 times. Another sprinter with a memorable evening was Matthew Mitchell, who ran a personal record 8.06 in the 60-meter hurdles to notch another event win for the Hokies.
The Hokies return to action tomorrow for day two of the Virginia Tech Invitational. Field events are set to begin at 11 a.m., while events on the track will start at 1 p.m.
Gallery: (1-16-2021) 2021 VIRGINIA TECH INVITATIONAL DAY 2
Gallery: (1-15-2021) 2021 VIRGINIA TECH INVITATIONAL DAY 1