how to get recruited for the 110m Hurdles
The Stars of The Event
The 110m hurdles is an event that demands both blistering speed and impeccable technique. Its history is defined by athletes who mastered this unique combination. Aries Merritt holds the world record with his astonishing 12.80-second race, but the event's legacy is also shaped by legends like Renaldo Nehemiah, the first to break the 13-second barrier, and Colin Jackson. More recently, Grant Holloway has become a dominant force, consistently running among the fastest times ever and winning multiple world championships. On the collegiate scene, powerhouse programs like the University of Arkansas and the University of Florida frequently produce elite hurdlers, while other top programs like LSU and Texas A&M also have a strong history in this event, attracting some of the best high school talent.
Division 1
For a male high school hurdler aiming for a Division 1 program, the recruiting standards for the 110m hurdles are highly competitive. To be considered by most D1 schools, you'll need to run a time in the range of 14.3 to 15.9 seconds. However, to be a top recruit or to receive a scholarship offer from a major program, you'll likely need to be running much faster, closer to the 13.95-second mark. Coaches at this level are looking for athletes with not only great times but also the potential for further development. Many of these top recruits have also excelled at national-level meets, such as the USATF or AAU championships.
Division 2
For athletes aiming to compete at the Division 2 level, the 110m hurdles recruiting standards are challenging but a bit more attainable than D1. A competitive high school time for D2 programs is typically between 14.9 to 15.8 seconds. This range can vary depending on the school's conference and the individual program's success. It's important to remember that these are not strict cutoffs but rather a general guideline for what coaches are looking for. D2 programs often offer a great balance of academics and athletics, and a strong track record of improvement and dedication can also be a significant factor in the recruiting process.