XC Recruiting- Track times?

OnTrack2013
Tue, 07 Jan 2014 16:12:14 +0000

You mention you want to run XC at a D1 school. If you run XC there is usually the expectation that you will run track and vice versa. The D1 commitment for running is usually 3 seasons (XC, indoor if funded and outdoor). Make sure you contact the coach and let him/her know, assuming this is the case, that once in college you will focus on running. If this is not the case, better to find out now if they will even take on a runner who only does XC.

In the meantime, to get some times without giving up lacrosse, see if you can find a local running club that will let you compete for them during the indoor and outdoor seasons. Or depending on the state, there are typically USATF meets during the HS season as well. If you join USATF, you can sign up and compete as unattached during the season as long as you are not currently competing for your school in the same time period. This is allowed, (at least I see it in the SW) where it is not unusual to find athletes competing as unattached in events (e.g steeplechase, javelin, decathlon, etc. ) that are not offered in our normal HS competitions. Also most of the JO qualifying meets go well into the summer months and athletes are not allowed to run for a school. These are official meets and post times to the internet, so if you do anything good it will help with recruiting.

The coach may also count a USATF road race or 5k run result. But make sure it is a certified course, and look for one of those 5K ads that say flat and fast! Even if you have to travel to one or two it will be worth it if you post a good time that the coach can verify on a website.