Ashburn, Va. — Aidan Clark’s resume is as illustrious as it could be. The Briar Woods track and field superstar has cleared every metaphorical hurdle on his path to becoming one of the best jumpers in the State of Virginia. Now, he’ll prove it in Blacksburg, as the Ashburn native has committed to Virginia Tech to compete in both the high jump and the triple jump.
“I chose Virginia Tech because I loved the coach and program, but also felt I could really succeed there,” Clark said. “It also feels like home since I will be attending VT at the same time as my older brother who has always been my role model.”
[adrotate group=”5″]Clark will join a Hokie track and field team that back in the 2019 ACC Championships placed first in the men’s high jump and seventh in the men’s triple jump. Clark thinks he can help with that.
“I believe I will add a lot of points in the conference meet in both the high jump and triple jump for the Hokies.”
The 6-foot-1 Clark has reason to think he’s going to impact the Virginia Tech team next year. In his time at Briar Woods, Clark posted a personal best 6-foot, 10.5-inch leap on the high jump, which would have won the ACC Championship title in 2019. He earned All-America honors in the high jump after a fourth place finish at the 2019 New Balance Outdoor Nationals and was the 2019 VHSL 5A State Champion in both the high and triple jumps. In addition to track, Clark also played basketball, where he scored more than 1,000 points in his Briar Woods career.
“One thing that keeps me motivated to work hard and compete is the fear of losing,” Clark said. “Not only is it awful to lose, but it’s even worse to know if you did not perform at your full potential.”
Committing to Virginia Tech achieved a dream for Clark.
“Being committed feels pretty cool because I have dreamt about playing a Division I sport since I was a young kid,” he said.
Clark started jumping in the eighth grade, on the recommendation of one of his gym teachers at Eagle Ridge, Mr. Welheim, who was also a track coach at Loudoun County High School. After teaching them the basics, Welheim let his class jump, and Clark was a natural.
“By the end of the class he came over to me and told me that as a middle schooler I could’ve qualified for the high school conference meet,” Clark said.
Welheim recommended him to a private coach, Bruce Bornath.
“The rest is history,” Clark said. “I am forever thankful for both Mr. Welheim and Mr. Bruce for getting me into track and supporting me.”
The next year, Clark went to Briar Woods, and started one of the most dominant careers in Falcon history.
“My experience at Briar Woods has been amazing, I could not have asked for more dedicated and supporting coaches,” Clark said. “Not only did they care how I was doing on the track, but also off the track, and I will always appreciate that.”
1 Comment
Congratulations Aiden!!! Follow your dreams with all of your heart.