Virginia Tech Cross Country Team Overview

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The Virginia Tech cross country team has a rich history of excellence, with a strong reputation for producing talented athletes who excel both on and off the track. Located in Blacksburg, Virginia, the team competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and has a long tradition of success in the NCAA Division I.

Team History and Achievements

The Virginia Tech cross country team was established in 1902, and since then, it has grown into one of the top programs in the country. The team has won several conference championships, including four ACC titles, and has produced numerous All-Americans and NCAA champions. In 2018, the men's team finished 10th at the NCAA Championships, while the women's team finished 24th.

Coaching Staff

The Virginia Tech cross country team is led by a experienced coaching staff, including head coach Ben Thomas, who has been at the helm since 2014. Thomas has a proven track record of success, having led the team to several conference championships and NCAA appearances. He is assisted by a team of experienced coaches, including associate head coach Alicia Vickers and volunteer assistant coach Ryan Foster.

Team Performance and Statistics

The Virginia Tech cross country team has a strong record of performance, with both the men's and women's teams consistently ranking among the top programs in the country. In 2020, the men's team finished 15th at the NCAA Championships, while the women's team finished 22nd.

Here are some key statistics from the 2020 season:

• Men's team:
  • Average 8K time: 24:15
  • Average finish time at NCAA Championships: 30:20
  • Number of All-Americans: 3
• Women's team:
  • Average 6K time: 20:45
  • Average finish time at NCAA Championships: 21:30
  • Number of All-Americans: 2

Notable Alumni

The Virginia Tech cross country team has produced numerous talented athletes who have gone on to achieve success at the professional and international levels. Some notable alumni include:

• Thomas Curtin: 2016 Olympic Trials qualifier and 2018 USATF Indoor Championships competitor
• Hanna Green: 2019 USATF Outdoor Championships competitor and 2020 Olympic Trials qualifier
• Peter Seufer: 2018 NCAA Championships competitor and 2020 USATF Indoor Championships competitor

Training and Facilities

The Virginia Tech cross country team trains on a variety of courses and facilities, including the university's on-campus trails and the nearby Lane Stadium. The team also has access to state-of-the-art training facilities, including the Rector Field House and the Cassell Coliseum.

The team's training program is designed to challenge athletes and help them reach their full potential. The program includes a combination of running, strength training, and cross-training, as well as nutrition and recovery planning.

Recruiting and Eligibility

The Virginia Tech cross country team is committed to recruiting top talent from around the country. The team looks for athletes who are dedicated, hardworking, and passionate about cross country.

To be eligible to compete for the Virginia Tech cross country team, athletes must meet the NCAA's eligibility requirements, which include:

• Graduating from high school with a minimum GPA of 2.3
• Scoring a minimum of 1010 on the SAT or 86 on the ACT
• Completing 16 core courses in high school

Athletes who are interested in competing for the Virginia Tech cross country team should contact the coaching staff to inquire about the recruiting process.

Conclusion

The Virginia Tech cross country team has a rich history of excellence and a strong reputation for producing talented athletes. With a experienced coaching staff, state-of-the-art training facilities, and a commitment to recruiting top talent, the team is well-positioned for continued success in the years to come.