Track and Field Updates - October 2024

Because I occasionally throw some money at the track and field teams during fundraising events, I am on there mailing list. I got a lengthy email today that had some interesting things in it that I thought might be of interest to folks here.

-Starting off with the stated goal of winning a national title. Aggressive, but I like the enthusiasm.

-The new scholarship/roster size rules allow 17 athletes per team for cross country so 34 total between the men and women. Scholarships can be applied amongst those 17 as the team sees fit as either whole or partial with no limit. I looked up the old rules and the old scholarship limits and it was 5 scholarships for men and 6 for women divided up amongst the team. T&F is now 45 for men and 45 for women. The old rules allowed 12.6 for men and 18 for women. If funding is there, this has to help some of those kids. Of course there is also NIL but not in the stupid scale of football and basketball.

-The coaching staff has collectively coached 180+ all Americans, 28 NCAA champions, and 13 Olympians.

-quoting the email to make sure I am accurate

Another thing I'm excited about is the assembling of high-quality, post-collegiate athletes pursuing their dreams in Blacksburg, alongside our student-athletes. Many of you know that Cole Hocker, Cooper Teare and the SOVA team migrated to Blacksburg last year under my coaching. Additionally, Neal Gourley (Paris 1500 meter finalist) and Bridget Williams (Pole Vault) are training here. Having these high-quality athletes with us raises the level and continues to attract athletes to our program that have similar aspirations.

-Current fundraising goals are to fund 5 additional scholarships that the athletic department isn't funding and to fund the design/construction of a shelter/restroom/Pavillion at the outdoor track