Hokies sign U-20 British national champion for 2017

Tech signs United Kingdom native Joel Leon Benitez for the 2017-18 season

November 22, 2016

BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech track and field and cross country director Dave Cianelli announced Tuesday that Joel Leon Benitez (Nottingham, United Kingdom) has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Hokies for the 2017-18 season.

“Joel is a great sign for us,” said pole vault coach Bob Phillips. “He is already jumping at a high level, and his height, strength and speed suggest that there are bigger jumps to come. He could be one of the best ever at Virginia Tech. During his visit, he immediately fit in with the other vaulters on the team, so I feel really good about our team chemistry going forward and Joel’s potential to contribute in a big way to our team goals.”

Benitez comes to Blacksburg from Nottingham, United Kingdom, where he proved to be one of the best athletes in the country. In 2016, he was ranked the No. 1 U-20 pole vaulter in the United Kingdom. Benitez was crowned the British U-20 National Champion, jumping a personal-best 5.25 meters (17 feet, 2.75 inches) to qualify for his second international team. However, a minor injury kept him from competing on that team.

In 2015, Benitez broke a long-standing record in the United Kingdom and was a finalist at the 2015 World Youth Championships. He also is a two-time U-17 British National Champion.

“I wanted to experience the level of competition that the NCAA offers for a really long time, and I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to do so at Virginia Tech,” Benitez said. “My visit just blew me away. I loved everything about the athletic and academic programs at Tech. The track and field squad has a great sense of family, and being able to join such a talented pole vault group with an exceptional coach gives me the best opportunity to develop and achieve my ambitions as an athlete.”

The Hokies will open their 2017 indoor season at home with the Virginia Tech Invitational from Jan. 13-14, held at the Rector Fieldhouse, in Blacksburg.

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