News

Its been.. ⌚👀 a few days since the last update..

But we're back in full force! Welcome back to the weekly newsletters ladies and gentlemen. I've recently been informed that some people's parents read this so Mr. and Mrs. Tara's Parents if you're out there, thank you for taking the time to read the articles, it means a lot.

We have a very special soccer social recap for you at the end, courtesy of our Social Coordinator Harris Naseh, but first lets go over what's coming up for club this week right before we head to Spring Break.

Hokie Invitational Signup

That's right! It's already time to sign up for the first track meet of the season. We will be hosting our home meet, the Hokie Invitational, on Saturday, March 16th, at Blacksburg High School. This is a great way to open up the season, and it's always a fun time (weather permitting).

In order to compete,you must have paid your $100 dues, filled out the membership survey, and completed IMLeagues(more info on the join page). You will not be allowed to compete if you haven't done any of these items. Signups are due March 6th. You can access the signup here.

Hokie Invitational Volunteering

Still want to show up to our home meet but are unable to race? Well, look no further, as we need volunteers to help us run this show! If you are interested in volunteering for the home on Saturday, March 16th, then access the signup here. If you need a ride to the meet, please message either Wyatt or Roman. We really really appreciate the help.

Practice is still on for Friday (3/1)

Can you believe that March is just around the corner? We will still be having practice on Friday, March 1st, so if you're still in town then come and join us!

A message from Wyatt

It's kind of crazy that our first meet is in just a couple of weeks. I'll be fulfilling my presidential duty and racing the 100 right after I race the 5000. I have no idea what I can run in a 100. Oh, did I mention that I'll also be wearing khakis? I also don't know how to use blocks. That'll be a fun time.

Your fun fact this week is going to be about very long sports competitions. The longest-ever recorded soccer game lasted three hours and 23 minutes, way back in 1946. This game had to be spread across two days because it got too dark and floodlights apparently weren't a thing yet.

The longest baseball game lasted 26 innings in 1920. That's crazy. I hope you survive this week! You can do this. If you need to chat about anything or have any ideas for club, just let me know!

And now for what you've all been waiting for...The soccer social recap

It was a cold and rainy day in Blacksburg. Club members of all disciplines came together to determine the owner of the 2024 Club XCTF soccer title. The Sprints & Field squad was looking to defend their title while the distance team came in with a chip on their shoulder after a humiliating loss last year.

Distance came in rocking the classic Hokie orange and Sprints & Field wore the VT Maroon. Captaining the two sides was Harris Naseh for distance and Joe Gora for sprint/field. Ben Darden put his loyalties aside and refereed what would be an intense game. The rules were simple, 11 v 11 playing 4 quarters of 10 minutes each.

From the beginning whistle Sprints & Field were on the front foot with chance after chance barely allowing the ball onto their side of the field. The pressure was too high for Distance as Liam Haley broke through their defense and put his name on the scoring sheet. Sprint & Field fans were buzzing, and it seemed like the Distance team was in for a long day.

As the remaining minutes of the first quarter went by the Distance lads seemed to get going as they were mounting their attack. Just as the dying seconds of the first quarter were coming to an end Daniel Murray of Distance equalized to bring some life back into the team.

Amid a storm that saw hail and wind tear at the field nonstop, the 2024 Club XCTF soccer title drama played out with a passion and intensity that will go down in Blacksburg's sports history books. Even if the skies above were turbulent, the competition between Distance and Track & Field on the ground was nothing short of spectacular.

Sprints & Field took the lead with a second goal that was decisively scored by Liam Haley, who once again scored with the elegance of an experienced striker. His skill on the field was evident, as he made the score 2-1 and electrified the Maroon supporters.

However, the Distance team refused to let their spirits be dampened by the weather or the scoreboard. Samuel Yakulis, in a moment that seemed to defy the gravity of his experience, scored his first-ever goal, equalizing for Distance and sending a clear message: they were not going down without a fight.

The conditions on the field were brutal, but both teams soldiered on, their determination unwavering in the face of nature's fury. Sprints & Field, in a move of strategic brilliance, brought on James Paylor as goalkeeper.

His introduction was a game-changer; Paylor, standing like a brick wall between the posts, thwarted attempt after attempt from the Distance attackers. Yet, the resilience of the Distance team shone brightly against the adversity, as Jadon Peterson broke through to score the third for Distance, putting them ahead for the first time in the match.

The pendulum swung once more when Liam Haley, in a display of sheer will and skill, completed his hat trick, drawing Track & Field level and pushing the game into the realm of legends.

Overtime loomed with the golden goal rule in play, a crucible moment where heroes are forged, and tales of glory are born. It was a do-or-die situation, with Distance eyeing their first title and Sprints & Field aiming for a historic repeat.

The physical toll was evident as players from both sides laid everything on the line. Harris Naseh and Chatham Campbell, in acts of bravery, returned to the pitch despite painful setbacks, embodying the spirit of their teams.

As fatigue began to gnaw at the players, and a stalemate persisted, an unexpected twist saw Andrew Bennett, a longtime critic of Daniel Murray, subbed on for Murray, only to be sidelined for lack of proper footwear and Murray made his return to the field.

Fate had its script, and Murray, returning to the pitch, would become the architect of Distance's triumph, scoring the golden goal that crowned them champions.

The joy that the distance runners were experiencing was evident, in sharp contrast to the disappointment that the Sprints & Field team was experiencing when their heroic efforts came up short. Ultimately, the chilly and wet Blacksburg day witnessed a feat of soccer that defied the elements and destiny, with Distance winning their first Club XCTF soccer championship in a match that will live in memory forever.

Final score: 4-3 Distance win. MVP: James Paylor