Being a non-revenue sport, X-C scholarships are undoubtedly hard to come by. Does anyone have any recommendations on the best way to pursue these? Tips?

I think it deals with times you put down.

 

At least have to run 17:30 or below, for guys that is.

In looking at college times, that was about what I was thinking might be required to get a look...my son is running an 18:23 right now as a sophomore, so I'm hoping he's on track to eclipse that 17:30 mark by the time he's a senior.

 

Got recommendations on how to pursue a X-C scholarship? Good resources?

In looking at college times, that was about what I was thinking might be required to get a look...my son is running an 18:23 right now as a sophomore, so I'm hoping he's on track to eclipse that 17:30 mark by the time he's a senior.

 

Got recommendations on how to pursue a X-C scholarship? Good resources?

 

If he hasn't done it already, have him attend an XC camp or two.

 

Stay in the coach's ear.

 

Check out some of the smaller schools. Lindsey-Wilson comes to mind.

 

Is that 18:23 on a tough course, on a flat course, or consistent?

 

Good luck to your son!:thumb:

This goes to any kid but I have to agree mpapa on this where he says stay in the coach's ear. Also have him/her write an interest letter to the coach stating that they are interested in their school, their major and a LITTLE about them. It can be about half a page long. It can be the same letter that they write to every college they are interested. The coaches then will send an information package to him/her and there will be a questionnaire. Have them fill out and send it back in right away. Make sure they send their CC/Track schedule to the coach once it is complete. The key word is CONTACT CONTACT CONTACT.

His 18:23 was actually on one of the tougher courses he ran on this year, at North Oldham HS (Rumble in the Jungle).

 

Then he ran some slower times on a couple of easier courses...go figure.

 

Although he never got under 18, he consistently ran sub-19s this year, his sophomore year (with one horrifyingly BAD exception) Hopefully, he should improve and be in the low 17s, I would think, by his senior year...

 

Thanks to everyone for the helpful comments...Rebel strongly encouraged me to try the Nike camp in NC...

 

 

:thumb:

Yeah my PR in High School was 17:32. The 5 mile races kinda really didn't work for me.

Ummm ... I am not real sure who actually believes that anything under 17:30 is going to get you money .. but that isn't close to the truth.

 

We have two kids right now under 16:00 ... and they have received middle of the road interest at this point (and this is coming from a program that has good connections--and has a boatload of kids running in college right now).

 

The "coaches ear" suggestion is a complete joke when it comes to cross country. You keep nagging a cross country coach about a certain kid (especially one who doesn't break 16:30 ish) and all you are doing is causing issues. I doubt that you want to hear that .. but it is the truth.

 

Here are are few things that have really helped the kids in our program:

1. GRADES--the overwhelming majority of cross country runners perform well in the classroom--and most of the time cross country programs offset the financial strain with academic money. This is what they are always looking to do--so the grades better be there.

2. Don't just excel at Cross. College coaches want a runner whose talents can be used in more than one area. That way--they are getting the most bang for their buck.

3. Put the miles in during the summer. If you are more interested in "getting to college" you need to be GREAT in high school. Not just good. That also means that your potential to get better later on will be minimized. But in the end, extra miles are only going to hurt you if you are not doing things correctly.

4. Make sure that your team runs in high profile meets (of which there are very few in KY). Travel ... and again .. not just Cross .. but track as well.

 

If you are a boy--and you want money from a college (a middle of the road or larger--and remember--smaller schools usually do not have money to give because they don't offer athletic scholarships) here are some numbers to think about:

5000 Meters: Under 16:30 CONSISTENTLY (with a BETTER PR)

3200 Meters: Under 9:40

1600 Meters: Under 4:20

 

If you aren't hitting those times ... colleges are not going to look for you and they aren't going to give you a shot. These statments are based on 15 years of experience as a head coach of a high calibar program.

 

In closing--the "coaches ear" thing still kills me. When we have parents who think that they are going to get in my ear .. the above information is what they hear--backed up with factual data (every school usually has guidelines which they use for recruiting--and we keep up with those regularly--and make sure that our kids know what they are).

 

I don't want to sound rude here (and I am hoping that your son will use this more for motivation) .. but there are middle school runners who are breaking 18 right now--and some lower than that. There are MANY freshman in the past few years in Kentucky (which isn't a great cross country state) who are running in the 16's. Again--sorry if that sounds rude or discouraging ... but I feel like you have to be realistic with young athletes so they understand 1. What they are up against. 2. To provide more realistic goals.

 

The beauty of cross country .. is that major improvement can and usually does occur if the athlete is willing to be in the time and effort.

 

If anyone has any specifiic questions ... send me a PM.

If you have a high or above average ACT and a round 17:15 or under you can run period. Maybe not a DI but smaller schools.

If you have a high or above average ACT and a round 17:15 or under you can run period. Maybe not a DI but smaller schools.

 

Yeah .. but you aren't going to get a "Cross Country Scholarship" (which is the title of the thread).

 

And lets be real honest here ... you are going to run at a D3/NAIA type school that will still cost you a boatload (even with the academic money).

 

You have to remember .... there are GIRLS at midlevel colleges who can run 17:15.

 

I don't think that you are painting a very realistic picture when it comes to the reality of this situation. Right now--we have 5 sophomores and 6 juniors who have ran 17:15 ... and those times don't even result in form letters for them.

Yeah .. but you aren't going to get a "Cross Country Scholarship" (which is the title of the thread).

 

And lets be real honest here ... you are going to run at a D3/NAIA type school that will still cost you a boatload (even with the academic money).

 

You have to remember .... there are GIRLS at midlevel colleges who can run 17:15.

 

I don't think that you are painting a very realistic picture when it comes to the reality of this situation. Right now--we have 5 sophomores and 6 juniors who have ran 17:15 ... and those times don't even result in form letters for them.

 

Where do you coach at or did coach at?

Where do you coach at or did coach at?

 

Lets put it this way .... if you are from Maysville like it says next to your user name ... you may have seen us before at a Mason County meet.

While I have no clue about XC times and scholarships, I do trust that QS knows his stuff. You may not like his delivery but I'd take the words as truth.

Lets put it this way .... if you are from Maysville like it says next to your user name ... you may have seen us before at a Mason County meet.

 

PM me. :idunno:

His 18:23 was actually on one of the tougher courses he ran on this year, at North Oldham HS (Rumble in the Jungle).

 

Then he ran some slower times on a couple of easier courses...go figure.

 

Although he never got under 18, he consistently ran sub-19s this year, his sophomore year (with one horrifyingly BAD exception) Hopefully, he should improve and be in the low 17s, I would think, by his senior year...

 

Thanks to everyone for the helpful comments...Rebel strongly encouraged me to try the Nike camp in NC...

 

 

:thumb:

 

Mike try this link http://www.ussportscamps.com/Camp.aspx?camptype=10&camp=4626&sport=RUNN

 

Like I told you on the phone, never say that this college is out of my price range. Let them make an offer, after financial aid has taken a look. You might be suprised what's available. My son wasn't a state champion, his PR was 17:04 in high school and he had alot of interest from colleges. I was not looking for a full ride, only help to pay for college, and I got that (more than I expected). To better your chances, the schools do like that the runner could be counted on for Track, Cross Country, and Indoor track. Go to the college websites and fill out their questionaires here's one of many http://www.lindseyathletics.com/recruiting/14/4.php You have my number and call me for any questions you might have. I am more than happy to help out a fellow CC parent!

Edited October 30, 200916 yr by Rebel