By Marc Coburn
Cross-country and track & field are considered one sport by many colleges and universities. With this being the case a college coach needs to get the most out of the few scholarships they have every year. College coaches typically award more scholarships to distance runners than to sprinters or fielders. College-bound track & field athletes can maximize their marketability by running distance and/or participating in multiple events.
The NCAA allows each Division I track program 12.69 scholarships for men and 18 for women. In Division II both men and women are allowed 12.6 scholarships per program. Track & field coaches typically award partial scholarships, enabling them to distribute their allotted scholarship dollars between several athletes. Partial scholarships allow track & field coaches to do more with less.
Track & field coaches must get the most for their money while recruiting high school athletes which is why they look favorably upon, and in many cases award substantial scholarship dollars to, cross country runners. In one scholarship a college coach gets an athlete for cross-country, indoor and outdoor track. This means sprinters and fielders have to find ways to enhance their marketability. Rather than focusing on one event, sprinters should involve themselves in similar distances, relays or field events. Fielders should also try to combine events, such as discus throwers and shot putters becoming familiar with the hammer and javelin. Jumpers should concentrate on learning high jump, long jump and triple jump. If a coach has two similar athletes, but one also shows potential in other events the college coach’s choice is made easy.
Track & field athletes should consider adding new events to their repertoires. Multi talented athletes can improve their marketability and their chances of receiving a collegiate scholarship.
