Tech track teams gear up for Hokie Invitational

The field includes 13 teams, including Florida, the No. 1 ranked team in the nation on the men's side

January 19, 2017

BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech track and field teams return to action Thursday when both compete in the Hokie Invitational held over the course of three days at Rector Field House on the university’s campus.

Both squads opened the season last weekend at the Virginia Tech Invitational, and the field will be tougher this weekend. Florida headlines the field, as the Gators’ men’s team is ranked No. 1 nationally according to the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) preseason poll. The Hokies check in at No. 16. On the women’s side, NC State leads the way with its No. 16 ranking.

Overall, 13 schools are scheduled to compete. Other schools scheduled to be represented include Duke, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Charlotte, East Tennessee State, VCU, Marshall, North Carolina A&T, Hampton and Radford.

Torben Laidig, whose pole vault of 5.51 meters last week at the Virginia Tech Invitational marked the best in the ACC after two weeks of competition thus far this season, will lead the Hokies. James Steck’s vault of 5.21 meters last week ranks second in the league. Laidig and Steck finished first and second, respectively, in the event at the Virginia Tech Invitational.

On the women’s side, Hanna Green leads the Hokies after running the mile in 4 minutes, 47.62 seconds last week to win the event at the Virginia Tech Invitational. That time ranks second in the ACC so far this season.

The Hokies recorded six first-place finishes last weekend at the Virginia Tech Invitational. The winners included Laidig and Michael Davenport (300) on the men’s side and Green, Rachel Pocratsky (1,000), Arlicia Bush (500), and Eszter Bajnok (triple jump) on the women’s side.

The competition begins at noon Thursday, with events starting at 11 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday. Admission is free.

For updates on Virginia Tech track & field, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @VT_Track