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This past week the last of the Virginia Tech student athletics wrapped up. From June 8 through June 11 the NCAA Outdoor Championships were held at Eugene, Oregon. The Virginia Tech men’s squad had a solid showing and finished the championship meet in eighth place with 19 total team points. Below is how the men’s top ten, at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, shook out.
1. Florida – 62
2. Arkansas – 56
3. Texas A&M – 50
4. Oregon – 48
5. LSU – 41
6. Tennessee – 30
7. Virginia – 20
8. Virginia Tech – 19
9. Mississippi State – 18
10. Nebraska – 17 (10T) Houston – 17
See the complete board here.
Individually, several Hokies performed well and many placed on the podium in their respective events. The highest placed finisher was sophomore pole vaulter, Torben Laidig. Laidig finished in second place with a 5.55-meter jump. His silver medal finish ties the best VT performance, in the pole vault, during a national championship meet. Laidig was named to the All-American team.
Late at night on the east coast, 2 more #Hokies earned all-America honors in the pole vault! Congrats Torben & Brad! pic.twitter.com/JQgovCOWba
— VT Track & Field (@VT_Track) June 9, 2016
Thomas Curtin finished fourth in the 5000-meter event with a personal and Virginia Tech record of 13:27.64. The senior’s fourth place is the best finish in the 5000 meters in program history, and qualified Thomas for the Olympic Trials this July. Curtin was also named to the All-American Team.
Tommy Curtin is an ALL-AMERICAN, placing fourth overall with a new LIFETIME best of 13:27.64 in the 5k! #GoHokies pic.twitter.com/bYj6kLmD9L
— VT Track & Field (@VT_Track) June 11, 2016
Marek Barta earned a third place finish in the discus event with a top throw of 60.96 meters. Barta became the first Hokie to be named an All-American in the discus.
Your 2016 BRONZE MEDALIST, Marek Barta!! Barta threw 60.96m (200-0) to take 3rd at #NCAATF Championships! #GoHokies pic.twitter.com/9rLsVQY6rX
— VT Track & Field (@VT_Track) June 11, 2016
Additional accolades earned:
Tomas Kruzliak, hammer throw, All-American second-team
Neil Gourley, 1500 meters, All-American second-team
Patrick Joseph, 800 meters, All-American second-team
Brad Johnson, pole vault, All-American second-team
Sabine Kopplin, javelin (women’s), All-American second-team
The Virginia Tech men’s track and field team were named sixth by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA – jeez what a mouthful). Additionally, Dave Cianelli, VT’s director of track and field and cross country, was named the ACC Men’s Coach of Year. This marks the tenth time he has earned ACC Coach of Year honors.
2015-2016 was certainly one of the best seasons in Virginia Tech’s history! Well done all, and congratulations! Best of luck next year, you've certainly set the bar high! Pun... totally intended.