Virginia Tech Track and Field Signs Fanning

Charlottesville, Va., native is one of the top middle-distance runners in the state

BLACKSBURG, Va. - Virginia Tech director of track and field and cross country Dave Cianelli has announced the signing of Western Albermarle High School\'s Jessica Fanning to a national letter of intent today, May 11. The latest addition to this year\'s recruiting class will come to Tech as one of the top middle distance talents in the state.

\"Jessica has been ranked among the top middle-distance runners in the state since her sophomore year,\" Cianelli said. \"She will give a huge boost to our program immediately.\"

During her scholastic career, Fanning led Western Albermarle to six team state championships in track and cross country. In 2004, she was a member of Western Albermarle\'s state championship cross country team, finishing as the meet runner-up and earning all-state accolades.

On the track, Fanning is a 2004 All-American in the distance medley relay and was also named an All-American in the 4x800-meter relay as a junior in 2003. Her 4x800-meter team at Western Albermarle was a three-time State AA Champion. Fanning currently holds personal bests of 2:14.00 in the 800 meters, 4:54.39 in the 1,600 meters and 11:03.50 in the 3,200 meters.

Fanning\'s signing adds to one of the finest recruiting classes during the Cianelli era at Tech. \"This caps off an incredible in-state recruiting year for us,\" Cianelli said. \"With our signees, this is our strongest and most talented incoming class during my tenure at Tech.\"