<p>I just started running XC (Junior Year) and I was surprised to find out that I am quite decent at it and quite in love with the sport...
I was wondering what is the whole deal about running XC in College? How good do your times have to be (for the 2 mile - I live in TX :) ) ? I know there are Divisions and everything but I am clueless... how good do the times have to be for all divisions?? And for partial/full scholarships?
Thanks,</p>
<p>It really depends on the school, no matter what you run, there will be a place for you; that's what I've found. . .I have a friend that ran like 11:08 in the two-mile and is "on the Stanford team" because they don't limit walk-ons (he won't compete in any meets and stuff, but he's still technically on the team).
At the same time, my best friend ran 11:01 in the two mile (three time state champ (2 XC, 1 spring track) and is running for Georgetown, 80% scholarship, and probably the #4 or 5 XC girl this season.</p>
<p>There won't be any full scholarships available for XC; even if you happen to be a Footlocker Finalist or break a national record, I doubt you'd get a full scholarship. I'm very good friends with Chris Barnicle (running for Arkansas this year; 4:05 mile/8:50 two mile) and he was arguably the best distance runner in the country the past two years. He only got a half scholarship.</p>
<p>To be recruited as a two miler in division 1, how fast do you have to run? Division 3?</p>
<p>I know in college they run an 8K vs. the standard 5k, but look at the schools websites that your interested in. And compare your times to there. I seem to have a decent understanding of XC in college. What are your times?</p>
<p>If you're a girl and you want to run at a Division 1 school, your 2 mile time should be somewhere between 11:00 and 11:10 to be heavily recruited (or sub-11, if you're that good.) I would say that between 11:10 and 11:30 would get coaches interested, but not enough for you to be at the top of their lists.</p>