<p>My youngest runs track in a competitive D-III program. It does take time management (normal day is an hour to an hour and a half in the pool in the morning before classes and a couple of hours on the track or in the weight room in the afternoons). That's pretty much a year long commitment as they start up a couple of weeks into the Fall semester. They also tend to miss Friday classes in season when they have away meets.</p>
<p>So, the time is significant, but not prohibitive. Offspring had an outstanding academic first year and, in addition to the track team, participated in a number of other demanding ECs. The team also provided a social center that, although there was some partying involved, was a nice alternative to the near constant insanity of the first year dorms.</p>