<p>I've been throwing shot put and discus on my school's varsity team since freshman year, and hold the school record for discus. I'm currently stuck at 100 feet, but have begun weight-training for the first time (previously, I just went into the season cold... not such a great move, in hindsight), and hit the gym daily. I know this will improve my distances from those I've seen in past years, but I'm curious as to what coaches are looking for in a recruit at the D1s. In the other thread, my doubts over academic ability as a flaw on my application were dismissed (I wrote up my stats in the linked post). However, I'm in a 5A district in Texas, where my marks have only taken me as far as 5th place at all-district (with a wince-worthy 97' 9"). I'm concerned that, even if I meet 115'-125' consistently in season, my lack of club involvement will make me a poor recruit.</p>
<p>It may be pertinent to mention something I'd omitted in the original post: I'm six feet tall, about 150lbs, and female. Not as big as most of the girls I compete against in TX, and until recently, totally unexposed to weight training. Will my belated effort make recruiting an impossibility?</p>
<p>If anyone would like to share any information about throwing at the Ivies, please do not hesitate to do so. I appreciate any insight you can offer.</p>
<p>Well, a quick look at the Ivy T&F championships shows that it took a 42m throw to score any points, but Yale girls went 35 and 37m. So my best guess is that an Ivy coach will be interested if you have a few throws in the 35m range (115 ft) junior year. The fact that you are tall and just starting to lift could work to your advantage in that you have a lot of upside potential. I don’t think a lack of club involvement will negatively impact your chances.</p>
<p>Hi theagent,
I agree with varska’s assessment. I’ve been to a few Ivy League track meets and (taking nothing away from the current throwers) the teams all seem a little thin in your specialty. I would guess an academically qualified thrower would get A LOT of attention in recruiting. Keep working hard this winter and see what happens this spring. </p>
<p>Have you ever tried crew? Your size and strength alone would get a lot of rowing coach’s attention. I don’t want to distract you from your immediate goals. Just saying…</p>
<p>Thank you for the responses; it is very encouraging to hear that I’m not kicking into high gear too late in the game. I’m pretty sure I can make 115+ this coming spring. Just need to deal with a little soreness for the time being; that much I can handle
The opinion on club is also a relief, as I’m not certain that the AAU would take membership dues in December, given the registration around here usually ends in September.
riverrunner, I have not tried crew; living in Texas, there is virtually no interest (football is the mantra in these parts, lol), although I’ve considered trying it in college. But I doubt I’m at the skill or strength level to be a walk-on. It seems that the sport is far more popular on the east and west coasts than in my neck of the woods, and I’ve read of some students being recruited for it. Did you have a bad experience with crew, thatguy100?</p>
