Institution: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Date: February 13, 2026

Violation Summary: Pursuant to Bylaw 19.10.6, this resolution has no precedential value. This case centered on tampering violations in the cross country program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). The parties agreed that director of track and field Ben Thomas impermissibly coordinated with Timothy Sykes—then the head cross country coach and assistant track and field distance coach at the University of Akron—regarding possible transfers from Sykes’ program before any of the student-athletes had entered the transfer portal. The tampering violation rendered the student-athlete ineligible when she transferred, and she competed in one contest prior to being reinstated. Approximately three months later, Virginia Tech hired Sykes as an assistant coach for distance and cross country. The parties agreed that the tampering violations also supported a Level II head coach responsibility violation for Thomas.

Penalty Summary: The parties classified the case as Level II-Standard for the institution, Sykes and Thomas. Virginia Tech and the enforcement staff agreed to the following penalties: one year of probation; a fine of $30,000 plus 1% of the cross country budget; recruiting restrictions in cross country and football; vacation of records in which the ineligible cross country student-athlete competed; and disassociation of the football booster. Sykes and Thomas both agreed to a 10% suspension.

Involved Sports:
Men's Cross Country ,  Men's Track, Indoor ,  Men's Track, Outdoor

Case Level: II

Involved Penalties:

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