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NEW ORLEANS – The Virginia Tech men’s indoor track & field squad opens the 2013 season ranked No. 14 as announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association on Tuesday.

The Hokies are the top-ranked ACC team and one of three schools from the conference ranked in the preseason poll, with Florida State two spots back of Tech at No. 16 and NC State just behind the Seminoles at No. 17.

“We recognize the ranking as an accomplishment of what our athletes have done in the past,” Virginia Tech Director of Track & Field Dave Cianelli said. “This is a new season and we have an opportunity to earn our ranking at the national meet where our goal is to finish in the top 10.”

Last season, the Hokies earned their highest-ever finish at the NCAA Indoor Championships, and first ever top 10 finish, after tying for eighth place. Tech returns seven All-Americans this year, including Alexander Ziegler who has finished in the top of three in the weight throw during each of his first three seasons. High jumper Ronnie Black also returns after placing 13th at last year’s indoor championships.

The outdoor season saw five other returners earn All-America status aside from Ziegler and Black. Darrell Wesh took fourth in the 100m while also teaming up with Jeff Artis-Gray and Jonathan McCants to set a school record in the 4x100 meter relay. After redshirting the 2012 indoor season, Michael Hammond placed fourth in the 1500m at the outdoor championships. Javelin thrower Matthias Treff also garnered national honors after a recording a season-best mark to earn a third-place finish.

The Hokies open up the 2013 season on Jan. 18-19 as they host the VT Invitational at Rector Field House. Events are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18 and resume at 11 a.m., the following day.

For updates on Virginia Tech track & field, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_Track).