NEW COMMITS: Virginia Tech has landed two new verbal commitments for the 2021-22 season and beyond from Chalfont, Pa. native Joseph Hong and Hayden Jay of Upper Arlington, Ohio.
Both swimmers will join Luan Grobbelaar and Ben Eckerson in Blacksburg as members of the Hokies’ class of 2025.
JOSEPH HONG
Photo Courtesy: Joseph Hong
He told Swimming World:
“I am thrilled to announce my commitment to continue my swimming and academic careers at Virginia Tech! I’d like to thank God, my family, coaches, mentors, teammates, and friends for supporting and helping me throughout this process. I’m so grateful for the chance to be part of such an amazing team and I can’t wait to be a Hokie?! #GoHokies #TalonsUp”
A talented breaststroker, Hong does his club swimming with Penn Charter Aquatic Club and owns a pair of U.S. Open standards. He raced the 100m breast at the Toyota U.S. Open in December and registered four top-5 finishes at Middle Atlantic Seniors in 2019. Last summer, he finished 20th in the 200m breast at Junior Nationals.
His best times include:
- 100 breast – 55.74
- 200 breast – 2:00.80
- 200 IM – 1:54.83
Also competing for Pennridge High School, Hong is a two-time Pennsylvania 3A State Championship finalist. The two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American placed fifth in the 100 breast as a junior while taking 16th in that event during his sophomore season.
HAYDEN JAY
Photo Courtesy: Mike de Bear
He told Swimming World:
“I am beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic careers at Virginia Tech. Thank you to all my family, friends, and coaches who have helped me throughout this journey. I can’t wait to join the Hokie family! Go Hokies!”
Primarily a sprint freestyler, Jay has achieved two Junior National cuts and swims year-round with Upper Arlington Swim Club. He most recently earned 100% best times at the MAKO Senior Circuit after winning the 200 free at the Ned Reeb Invitational. He also finaled in two events at Geneva Futures last long course season.
His best times include:
- 50 free – 20.94
- 100 free – 45.54
- 200 free – 1:38.93
A rising senior at Upper Arlington High School, Jay is a three-time Ohio State Championship finalist. He grabbed the bronze medal in the 200 free and raced to fourth in the 100 free during his junior campaign while finishing 12th in the former event as a sophomore.
Under head coach Sergio Lopez, the Hokies finished fourth overall in the team standings at the 2020 ACC Championships.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
Congrats Joe!!!!
Yeaaah Joe Hong! Always with the smile. Congrats buddy
Way to go Hayden Jay!!!!
Lucky Hokies!!
Congratulations to Joe! PCAC Strong and Proud!
Congrats Hayden!! Hokies are so lucky to have you Hayden!! ?
So proud of you Hayden. Go Hokies!
Congrats Joseph! You earned it!
Welcome to the team boys! Go Hokies!
Congrats Joe! Awesome in and out of the pool.