Hey everyone!
I’m a cross country/track and field athlete, and I’m currently in the Spring Track season of my junior year. Since it seems that now is the time to start filling out online recruiting questionnaires, I have a few questions.
Can anyone describe the typical commitments of a track/xc runner at a Northeast LAC/NESCAC school?
i.e., How long are practices? Approximately how many meets per season? Are there any other major weekend or weekday commitments with the team?
I have not completely decided on whether or not I want to run in college, mainly because I do not want varsity athletics to consume all of my free time. I still want to have the opportunity to join the outing/outdoors club, as well as go on occasional quick ski trips.
Will I be able to run as a varsity athlete and still have time for these specific activities?
Any information is greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
Hopefully someone with the experience you’re looking for will answer you. I’d suggest that when you go visit a school, you meet with the coach and ask him/her these questions directly. You might also want to look at team rosters online and see if there’s anyone you know (from your school, AAU, etc.) that you can get in touch with directly to get this info.
If your top choice school wants you on their team, it will help you get in. Also, you won’t be committed to do it for all 4 years, and it can be a nice way to meet people and find friends when you’re settling in. Not trying to sway you, but point out that while your concerns are valid and mature, this isn’t like D1 where your recruitment equals a scholarship but locks you in to keep it.
One of the biggest differences between D3 and D1 sports (other than D3 not giving athletic scholarships) is that the time commitment in D3 is less. D1 sports is often called a full time job on top of school whereas D3 sports is supposed to leave more time in the schedule.
You can go on the team websites for various schools you are interested in, look at last year’s schedule, see how far the travel would be and how often the meets are. There is no downside to signing up on the recruiting questionnaires for schools you are interested in as well and requesting a coach meeting if you go for campus visit.
In terms of admission, it will depend on the school how much being a recruited athlete can help. You can read plenty of threads on this Board about D3 recruiting, NESCAC tips and slots etc.
Good luck to you.
@prospective321, good advice already given in this thread. I would only add that as far as the time commitment probably figure 2.5 hours per day, 5 days per week at a strong D3 - that would include training room time. Contrast with 4-5 hours per day, 6 days a week in D1.
Also, if you are looking for coach support at a selective D3, I wouldn’t initiate the conversation with concerns about the time commitment :). Initiate by expressing your love for the sport and the program, you can work into the time requirements after you’ve established that you’re a committed athlete.
You have nothing to lose by looking into programs now. You might be too late if you wait too long.