The five hats sat on the table centerstage at the Athletes Academy Training Facility in Norristown, each hoping to be picked up by Miles Green.
But to the surprise of nearly everyone in attendance, Green, a standout quarter miler and intermediate hurdler at Saint Joseph's Prep in Philadelphia, didn't pick up any of the hats he'd laid out. Instead, he went for door No. 6, pulling a Virginia Tech hat out of his back pocket, announcing he will sign with the Hokies.
"I really vibe with the team and the coaches well," he said. "I really like Coach Vaught and his philosophy. The way he trains his hurdlers, I felt that I would be able to fit with Virginia Tech."
Green went on a official visit to Michigan before his visit to Virginia Tech. After returning home from Blacksburg, Green felt he didn't need to take the rest of his official visits. His mind was made up.
"I was set in stone after that one," Green said of his visit to Virginia Tech.
In early October, Green had narrowed his search to eight, which included Virginia Tech, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi State, and North Carolina. On the table Tuesday night were UNC, Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan, and Mississippi State hats. Green said he made up his mind about three weeks ago.
Tim Vaught coaches the Hokie sprinters and hurdlers. He's been in Blacksburg for three years. Green said Vaught played a big role in his decision.
"After meeting Coach Vaught in person, I got to see what type of man he be and I liked his personality," he said.
Green has personal bests of 47.56 in the 400 meters and 52.81 in the 400 meter hurdles. The past two seasons, he placed sixth at New Balance Nationals Outdoor in the 400 meter hurdles. Green placed second in the 400 meters at the PFTCA Indoor State Championships last season. He injured his hamstring at the outdoor state meet in the spring, but still managed to finish third in the 400 meters.
Green said he rehabbed his hamstring in the offseason and is healthy for the upcoming indoor season, where he'll target a state title in the 400 meters and a good showing at New Balance Nationals Indoor.
