Inside HOKIE SPORTS | Vol. 9 No. 3

RETURNERS

Courtney Blanden, Jada Gundran,

Ama-Selina Tchume, Shanel Burr,

Nora McKiver, Kacia Vines

NEWCOMERS

Arlicia Bush, Amanda Thomas,

Kyra Parker

OVERVIEW

McKiver anchors an experienced group of

sprinters who hope to produce on the ACC stage.

The senior enjoyed her best indoor season in 2016

when she earned All-ACC honors in the 200 and

the 400. Unfortunately, an injury set her back, and

she missed the outdoor season, but the Hokies are

expecting big things this year.

Blanden ran a personal best in the 400 at the ACC

outdoor meet, and she qualified for the 200 at the

NCAA East Regional. Burr gained ACC experience

last season, competing in the 60- and 100-meter

hurdles at the league’s indoor and outdoor meets,

respectively. Gundran ran a personal best in the

400-meter hurdles at the ACC’s outdoor meet,

while Bush was a three-time state champion in high school and could

be a factor in the 400 early in her career.

There is a lot of potential in this group. Continued progression could

result in many of them scoring many points for the women’s team at

ACC meets this year—ones they’ll need to complete for a league title.

SPRINTS/HURDLES COACH

TIM VAUGHT’S

TAKE

“Nora is like Darius—she is one of the leaders. Courtney is definitely

making strides and was the only sprinter who made outdoor regionals

last year. She is a hard worker, and she wants to be No. 1.

“We are going to make an impact—on both sides. Last year was last

year. I always tell them that last year is in the past. We have nothing

to do about that now,

but we have everything

to do with the future.

They have to stay focus

and keep working hard,

and great things are

going to come out of

this year.”

WOMEN’S

SPRINTS/

HURDLES

Nora McKiver