Cianelli announces 2014 recruiting class

July 24, 2014

20 student-athletes join Hokie track & field for 2014 season

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Director of Track & Field Dave Cianelli and his staff comprised of Greg Jack, Charles Foster, Ben Thomas, Bob Phillips, Natalie Hall and Paul Zalewski have announced a six member recruiting class for the women’s team and a 14-member recruiting class for the men’s team.

All 20 student-athletes will join the Hokies for the upcoming cross country, indoor track and outdoor track seasons.

Women

Name: Ama-Selina Tchume

Event: Sprints

Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.

High School: Wakefield HS

Personal Bests:

100 Meter Dash 11.85
200 Meter Dash 24.04
300 Meter Dash 39.21
55 Meter Dash 7.06
60 Meter Dash 7.64
Long Jump 18-3

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards:

9x All-American
2014 NC 4A 300m State Champion
2014 NC 4A 55m and LJ State runner-up
2014 NC 4A Girls’ Indoor State MVP
2013 New Balance National Champion (4x200m)
NSAF Caribbean Scholastic Participant
15^th Annual Bill Carver Girls’ MVP
News & Observer Athlete of the Year (2014 Girls)

Zalewski on Tchume: “Selina is a great sign for our program. She’s the kind of sprinter every coach dreams of; rangy, strong, fast, and ready to work hard to get herself to the next level. I see her being an immediate impact sprinter at the conference level, and soon at the national level as well. Her ceiling is pretty high, so really the sky is the limit for this young lady.”

Name: Shanel Burr

Event: Hurdles

Hometown: Kennesaw, Ga.

High School: North Cobb HS

Personal Bests:

100 Meter Hurdles 13.88
200 Meter Dash 25.07
300 Meter Dash 39.21
400 Meter Hurdles 1:01.01
55 Meter Hurdles 8.09
60 Meter Hurdles 8.63
Long Jump 18-11.5

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards:

2013 and 2014 State Champion- 100MH
2014 Atlanta All-Metro Team Selection
2013 Track Woman of the Year - Hurdles
2012 State Runner Up- 100MH
2012, 2013 and 2014 All-County Selection
Four-year letter winner

Zalewski on Burr: “When I first met Shanel, I immediately knew this young lady was special. She’s got a great deal of experience in the sport already, so she’s coming pretty polished and ready to go, which is great. She’s had some great coaching already and that puts her ahead from the get go. I see big things in her future, not just at the ACC level, but at the NCAA level as well.”

Name: Courtney Blanden

Event: Sprints

Hometown: Charlotte N.C.

High School: Weddington HS

Personal Bests:

100 Meter Dash 12.02
200 Meter Dash 24.62
300 Meter Dash 43.06
55 Meter Dash 7.29

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards:

100 Meter, 200 Meter, 4x100 and 4x200 school record holder
Two time state champion
2013-14 Student Athlete of the Year
2014 Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field MVP

Zalewski on Blanden - “Courtney is a good developing sprinter that I think is going to make huge strides in our program. Getting her around the kind of training environment we have here at Virginia Tech will pay dividends for her very soon. She certainly steps in and helps make our relays better immediately.”

Name: Katie Kennedy

Event: Distance/XC

Hometown: Springfield, Va.

High School: West Springfield HS

Personal Bests:

1,000 Meter Run 3:01.29
1,600 Meter Run 4:59.43
Three Mile Run 17:26.00
5,000 Meter Run 18:08.20
800 Meter Run 2:15.80
One Mile Run 5:01.94

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards:

2014 Penn Relays Champion – DMR
2014 New Balance Indoor National Qualifier
2013 New Balance Outdoor National Qualifier

Thomas on Kennedy: "Having been on very strong teams at West Springfield HS, Katie Kennedy is used to winning. Her best performances in High School came when her team needed her most, and you love to see that as a coach. I am excited about her potential as a Hokie!!"

Name: Morgan Gallagher

Event: Distance/XC

Hometown: Corning, N.Y.

High School: Corning HS

Personal Bests:

1,000 Meter Run 3:00.66
1,500 Meter Run 4:51.40
2.5 Mile Run 16:15.60
3,000 Meter Run 10:42.76
300 Meter Dash 45.83
Three Mile Run 18:31.20
400 Meter Dash 1:00.62
5,000 Meter Run 19:33.29
600 Meter Dash 1:41.88
800 Meter Run 2:16.07

Thomas on Gallagher: “Morgan finished up her High School career with a couple of nice personal bests. I think she will progress very well working with the strong returning group of middle distance runners we have.”

Name: Sarah Swantko

Event: Pole Vault

Hometown: Oak Ridge, N.C.

High School: Northwest Guilford HS

Sarah Swantko is a high-level gymnast who will make the switch to pole vaulting in college. Sarah was a state champion in both the vault and all-around events during her gymnastics career while competing for the High Point Gymnastics Academy under coaches Rob Travers, Buddy Thorburn, and Jenna Squires.

Phillips on Swantko: "Sarah is a gifted all-around athlete who has competed in gymnastics, basketball, swimming, and a number of other sports. She has excellent speed and power and had she started her gymnastics career sooner would be competing in a Division I gymnastics program next year. She is an excellent student and an extremely motivated athlete and we are fortunate to have her joining the squad this fall."

Men

Name: Ryan Shepard

Event: Jumps

Hometown: Port Republic, Va.

High School: East Rockingham HS

Personal Bests:

High Jump 6-9

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards:

2014 Virginia 1A/2A Indoor State Champion – High Jump
2014 Virginia 1A/2A Outdoor State Champion – High Jump
Three-sport athlete (football, basketball, track & field)

Zalewski on Shepard: “What really impressed me about Ryan was the fact that he comes from a multi-sport background. He played football and basketball during high school, along with running track. That tells me a lot about his overall athleticism and I think as he matures and focuses on his jumping, he is going to make some noise for us in the ACC. I’m excited for this young man.”

Name: Will Kendall

Event: Jumps

Hometown: Midlothian, Va.

High School: Midlothian HS

Personal Bests:

High Jump 6-7

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards:

2014 New Balance Indoor National Qualifier – High Jump
Two-sport athlete (volleyball, track & field)
4A State Indoor High Jump Champion
Three-time All-State selection

Zalewski on Kendall: “Will comes to us with good talent from a very good program at Midlothian. With the right work ethic and training, he’s going to accomplish quite a bit in the high jump. There’s work to do, but it’s going to pay off for him sooner rather than later.”

Name: Cameron Holdren

Event: Jumps

Hometown: Bedford, Va.

High School: Liberty Christian Academy

Personal Bests:

55 Meter Hurdles 8.29
Discus 141-11
High Jump 6-8
Long Jump 23-2.5
Triple Jump 44-11.5

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards:

2014 Indoor State Champion – High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump
2013 Indoor State Champion – High Jump

Zalewski on Holdren: “Cameron is going to be a great addition to our program. He comes in with the ability to help us in several different events as he develops, and that makes him a valuable member of this team. I’m excited to see how this young man develops.”

Name: Mackenzie Muldoon

Event: Multi-Events

Hometown: Christiansburg, Va.

High School: Christiansburg HS

Personal Bests:

1,000 Meter Run 3:16.26
110 Meter Hurdles 14.77
300 Meter Hurdles 40.25
55 Meter Hurdles 7.76
55 Meter Dash 7.09
60 Meter Hurdles 9.15
Discus 68-8
High Jump 6-0
Long Jump 22-0
Pole Vault 11-0
Shot Put 36-8
Triple Jump 39-0.25

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards:

2014 Virginia 3A Outdoor State Champion – 110-Meter High Hurdles, Long Jump
2014 New Balance Indoor National Qualifier
2014 Virginia 3A Indoor State Champion – 55-Meter High Hurdles
2014 Virginia 3A Indoor State Runner-up – High Jump

Zalewski on Muldoon: “What I really like about Mackenzie is his eagerness to challenge himself. Wanting to be a decathlete right out of high school is rare when you haven’t done one, but he wants to jump in head first and go; I like that. Winning 4 State titles his senior year tells me he has the drive and determination to win, and I like that too. I think he’s going to progress well.”

Name: Darius Watkins

Event: Sprints

Hometown: Grovetown, Va.

High School: Grovetown HS

Personal Bests:

100 Meter Dash 10.45
200 Meter Dash 21.27
400 Meter Dash 50.06
55 Meter Dash 6.39
60 Meter Dash 6.89

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards:

2014 Georgia 5A State Champion – 100 Meter, 200 Meter
2013 Georgia 5A State Champion – 200 Meter
2012 Georgia 5A State Champion – 100 Meter
Six-time New Balance National Qualifier – 60 Meter, 100 Meter, 200 Meter

Foster on Watkins: “We are very excited to have Darius on our team. He is the fastest sprinter in Georgia and he is certainly in it for the long haul. He expects to be an elite sprinter.”

Name: John Gerard

Event: Sprints

Hometown: Midlothian, Va.

High School: Midlothian HS

Personal Bests:

100 Meter Dash 10.78
200 Meter Dash 21.92
300 Meter Dash 35.16
400 Meter Dash 48.77

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards:

2014 Virginia 4A State Champion – 300 Meter
Four-time New Balance National Qualifier – 200 Meter, 400 Meter
2014 Dominion District Runner of the Year

Foster on Gerard: “John is the kind of young man that really wants to be good. He already has a Virginia State championship to his credit in the 4A 300m. He is very competitive and tough.”

Name: Michael Kokal

Event: Sprints

Hometown: Midlothian, Va.

High School: Cosby HS

Personal Bests:

300 Meter Dash 36.29
400 Meter Dash 49.33
500 Meter Dash 1:05.84

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards:

2013 Virginia 3A Indoor State Finalist – 500 Meters
Two-time New Balance National Qualifier – 400 Meters
Two-time Virginia All-State

Foster on Kokal: “Mike loves to win and says he wants to be a contributor to this program. We will certainly find a place for him.”

Name: Chester Hebden

Event: Sprints

Hometown: Annapolis, Md.

High School: St. Mary’s HS

Personal Bests:

200 Meter Dash 22.54
300 Meter Dash 36.34
400 Meter Dash 49.55

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards:

2014 Maryland State Champion – 300 Meters, 400 Meters
Three-time Maryland State Runner-Up – 200 Meters, 400 Meters, 500 Meters

Foster on Hebden: “I am looking for Chet to be a quality team player – especially on the relays.”

Name: Andrew Eason

Event: Distance/XC

Hometown: Chesapeake, Va.

High School: Hickory HS

Personal Bests:

1,000 Meter Run 2:37.09
1,600 Meter Run 4:23.47
3,200 Meter Run 9:24.24
400 Meter Dash 53.32
5,000 Meter Run 15:32.00
500 Meter Dash 1:09.58
800 Meter Run 1:56.79
One Mile Run 4:20.83

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards:

2014 Virginia 5A State Medalist – 1600 Meters
2013 Virginia Cross Country top-10 finish
Three-time Foot Locker South Region Qualifier
Six-time conference champion

Thomas on Eason: “I am really looking forward to seeing Andrew develop. If he can stay healthy and is durable enough, he has potential to help us in cross country at the longer distances.”

Name: Brent Musselman

Event: Distance/XC

Hometown: Edgewater, Md.

High School: South River HS

Personal Bests:

1,500 Meter Run 4:24.22
1,600 Meter Run 4:15.64
2,000 Meter Steeple 6:44.05
3,000 Meter Run 10:10.21
3,200 Meter Run 9:17.09
Three Mile Run 16:58.20
5,000 Meter Run 16:04.68
500 Meter Dash 1:11.17
800 Meter Run 1:55.59

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards:

2014 Maryland State Runner-Up – 1600 Meters, 3200 Meters
Five-time Maryland State Qualifier
Two-time Maryland Cross Country top-10 finish
New Balance National Qualifier

Thomas on Mussleman: "Brent ran his best HS times at the end of his HS career. He developed into one of the top runner's in Maryland in his Sr. year and I look forward to seeing how much further he can go as a Hokie. I think he has a good deal of potential."

Name: Biruk Amare Ergertie

Event: Distance/XC

Hometown: Springfield, Va.

High School: Robert E. Lee HS

Personal Bests:

1,600 Meter Run 4:28.17
Two Mile Run 10:49.50
3,200 Meter Run 9:18.58
Three Mile Run 15:30.00
5,000 Meter Run 15:38.00

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards:

2013 Virginia Cross Country top-5 finish
Two-time Virginia State qualifier
Three-time Foot Locker South Regional qualifier

Thomas on Ergetie: “I think Biruk has the potential to be a force for us in the longer distances. He is just tapping into his potential, and I am excited to see what he can do in our program.”

Name: Michael Carter

Event: Distance/XC

Hometown: Blacksburg, Va.

High School: Blacksburg HS

Personal Bests:

1,000 Meter Run 2:36.48
1,500 Meter Run 4:24.87
1,600 Meter Run 4:19.60
2,000 Meter Steeple 7:10.35
3,200 Meter Run 9:52.26
Three Mile Run 18:13.00
400 Meter Dash 52.67
5,000 Meter Run 16:25.40
500 Meter Dash 1:09.63
800 Meter Run 1:56.20
One Mile Run 4:25.27

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards:

Seven-time Virginia state qualifier
Three-time New Balance national qualifier
Three-time Nike Cross Country national qualifier

Thomas on Carter: "Michael Carter has been a part five state championships in his career at Blacksburg HS. He knows what it's like to be part of a winning team. He has talent and will work hard to help us win."

Name: Kevin Cianfarini

Event: Middle Distance

Hometown: Westville, N.J.

High School: West Deptford HS

Personal Bests:

1,000 Meter Run 2:57.38
1,500 Meter Run 4:40.61
1,600 Meter Run 4:16.74
400 Meter Dash 50.85
5,000 Meter Run 15:58.00
800 Meter Run 1:52.76

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards:

2013 Nike Cross Country Nationals qualifier
2014 New Balance National qualifier
2014 New Balance Indoor National qualifier
2014 New Jersey Group 2 State Champion – 800 Meter

Thomas on Cianfarini: “Kevin made some nice improvement at the end of his senior year. I am very excited to see what he can do in our program as he will be joining a deep group.”

Name: Collin McKenny

Event: Throws

Hometown: Huntington, Md.

High School: Huntington HS

Personal Bests:

Discus 182-11
Shot Put 57-4.75

Athletic Accomplishments/Awards

2014 Maryland 3A Outdoor State Champion – Shot Put, Discus
2014 Maryland 3A Indoor State Champion – Shot Put

Jack on McKenny: “Collin is a great young thrower with a lot of upside. I cannot wait to introduce him to the hammer throw and see where his talent takes him.”

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