Inside HOKIE SPORTS | Vol. 10 No. 4 | March 2018

inside.hokiesports.com 31 IT ’S HOW HOKI ES TRAVEL . Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or hitting the road to cheer the Hokies to victory, Martin Travel has you covered. Ensure your place in the stands or in the sand with one of our travel packages. For more information, stop by your local store: Blacksburg | 1344 S. Main Street, Suite 3 | 540-951-7854 Martinsville | 156 East Market Street | 276-632-6126 Roanoke | 3615 Franklin Road | 540-343-5400 www.MartinTravel.com | Info@MartinTravel.com some of the world’s best medical schools. However, Laidig’s reasoning for returning to Germany for medical school is a rather simple one. “In Germany, it’s for free,” Laidig said. Hard to argue that logic. And hard to argue his impact on the track and field program. Any conversation of the greatest pole vaulters in Virginia Tech history—and there have been numerous—certainly includes him, and for that, he always will be grateful. In fact, the decision to come to Blacksburg may have been the smartest one he’s ever made. “I’m really glad I made the decision,” he admitted. “I’m kind of getting nostalgic already because it’s my last semester here, and it’s slowly coming to an end. I look back on it fondly. I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I don’t have a lot of regrets.” GETTING TO KNOW … TORBEN LAIDIG Q: You’ve done a lot of traveling over your career, especially in Europe. Which city is your favorite among those you’ve visited? TL: That’s a good question. I’ve been traveling a lot, but when you’re traveling for meets, you see the hotel, and you see the track. Probably Austin [Texas] or Boston. I like Boston a lot, even though the meet [the 2016 ACC indoor meet] wasn’t very good. And when we were in Austin for the Texas Relays [last spring], I thought that was a nice place. Q: What’s your favorite form of social media? TL: I do have an Instagram account. I do have a Twitter account, but I’m never using it. Instagram is probably my favorite. I like photos. I’m not a huge social media guy. I last posted something on Instagram right after the meet [the ACC Indoor Championships], but before that, my last post was eight months ago. I’m not a huge social media person, but since I know so many athletes from around the world, it’s fun to keep following up with them and seeing what they’re doing— seeing what they’re doing in practice and getting inspiration for my own workouts. Q: What’s your dream vacation? TL: Probably going to the beach and being in nice weather with nothing to worry about. Q: Where is your favorite place to eat in America? TL: Pick any Italian place. I like Italian food. I like pasta. I’m a pasta guy. Q: What’s your favorite thing about being a Virginia Tech athlete? TL: The gear [laughing]. I really like our new gear package. That’s one thing for sure, but then also obviously the facilities, the knowledge of the coaches and that it seems like everyone wants you to do well— just the support by coaches, obviously, teammates, but also other people around campus. People are invested in sports here and are interested in your success, seeing you succeed.