<p>I run xc/track and I'm pretty sure my times would be at least somewhat competitive in D3 sports, from what I've seen after looking at results from the D3 schools I applied to. I really want to run in college; it's obviously not the most significant factor in my decision, but it's such a significant part of my life that I would be pretty disappointed if I had to give it up.</p>
<p>I've tried emailing the track coach at Chicago multiple times to find out more about the program, and mainly to see if I would be able to make the team, but he never responded to any of my emails. I emailed the assistant coach with no luck as well. I called today and left a voicemail, so we'll see what comes of that, but I'm starting to get discouraged. If this is any indication of how he coaches, even if it does turn out I would make it, I don't want to run on a team where I'd be constantly ignored like this. Has anyone else been able to contact the track coach? What do you suggest I do at this point?</p>
<p>Hmm, I don’t know the track coaches personally but in general the coaches here are very receptive to students interested in coming out for the team. Their lack of response could be due to a huge upcoming meet on our campus, though I could see how their lack of response is disheartening either way. </p>
<p>I know many runners at UChicago and they have all had positive experiences on the team, so I don’t think there’s any blatant favoritism or team politics. I think the lack of response you have received is more indicative of the coaches’ lack of time than their disinterest in you/rudeness in general. I say give it a few more shots. If you still love Chicago and come anyway, you can always try out for the team when you get here. I know quite a few walk-ons for the track team…</p>
<p>My daughter runs XC/track at Chicago. The Head Coach – Chris Hall – is a new parent, and that has made this season a bit more hectic that most. You can actually find out quite a a bit about the program on the web site. Lot of information – the meets they run, current season times, etc. You can also go the UAA website to see how current Chicago athletes stack up against their conference rivals. If your times are competitive (or if you can compete realistically in an event that the team does not currently cover), you can definitiely find a niche. There are definitely walk ons – athletes who were not recruited, but find their place on the team. That being said, the team is not like some at schools where the coaches consciously encourage everyone who is interested to join and participate just for the sake of participating.</p>
<p>Okay, thank you for all the info! I’m glad to hear people generally like the xc/track teams, and I looked at the schedule and they hosted a meet last week and another one tomorrow, so maybe they’re just super busy with that. I’m visiting campus for the 22-23rd accepted students days, so I’ll probably end up just dropping by his office then and seeing if I can talk to him.</p>