Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG — Virginia Tech Director of Cross Country and Track & Field Ben Thomas announced the largest gift commitment in program history, a $1.2 million philanthropic gift from Martha and Paul Seufer of Lynchburg, Virginia.
“We are so thankful to Martha and Paul Seufer for this gift to Virginia Tech cross country and track & field. It will help us continue to provide a great opportunity for our student-athletes to reach their potential on and off the field of competition.”
The record-breaking contribution will establish the Champions For Life area within the lobby entrance of Rector Field House, where Virginia Tech will recognize program alumni whose accomplishments extend beyond the field of competition.
The gift will also support the construction of the Seufer Family Pavilion, a new covered space at Virginia Tech’s outdoor practice facility designed to enhance the student-athlete experience by providing a dedicated area for training, recovery and team activities.
“We are humbled by the generosity of the Seufer family and their belief in our program,” Thomas said. “This gift adds to the already significant impact their son Peter had on our program here at Virginia Tech. Our staff, alumni and current student-athletes continue to strive for excellence and follow the standard set by him and the many other All-Americans and national champions we have developed.”
Peter Seufer (2016-20), the youngest of the Seufer family's three children, was a seven-time All-American at Virginia Tech in cross country and track & field. He won seven ACC individual championships, claiming the outdoor 10,000-meter title in 2017 and 2018, the indoor 3,000-meter championship in 2019 and 2020, the indoor 5,000-meter title in 2020, and the ACC individual cross country title in 2018 and 2019, making him the first Virginia Tech runner since 1960 to win back-to-back ACC individual cross country titles. In 2020, he was named the ACC Indoor Men's Track MVP, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Southeast Region Men's Track Athlete of the Year, and Virginia Tech Men's Athlete of the Year. He also set the Virginia Tech indoor 5,000-meter record of 13:36.36, which still stands.
Peter's experience at Virginia Tech fostered a lasting relationship between the Seufer family and the cross country and track & field programs. That enduring connection inspired the family's record-breaking gift, reinforcing their commitment to supporting student-athletes and strengthening the program for generations to come.
“We are so appreciative of the positive experiences that Peter enjoyed while at Virginia Tech,” Martha and Paul Seufer said. “It is our hope that this gift will provide the same for the future student-athletes who follow.”
The Champions For Life area will honor Virginia Tech student-athletes who have helped establish a legacy of success academically and athletically while celebrating the achievements of former track and field standouts. Remaining funds from the Seufer family’s gift will be dedicated to the continued advancement of the Virginia Tech cross country and track & field programs.