how to get recruited for cross country
The Stars of The Event
Cross country running has produced some of the most enduring figures in distance running. Legends like Steve Prefontaine and Frank Shorter paved the way for American distance runners, while more recent stars like Galen Rupp and Dathan Ritzenhein have continued to push the boundaries of the sport. Shalane Flanagan is a key figure on the women's side, with multiple NCAA championships and an Olympic medal. When it comes to collegiate dominance, a few programs consistently stand out. Northern Arizona University has been a men's cross country powerhouse, winning multiple NCAA titles in recent years. Other top-tier programs include the University of Oregon, known as "Track Town USA," and the University of Arkansas, which has a storied history of success for both men's and women's teams. Other consistently strong programs include BYU, Stanford, and North Carolina State University for women
Division 1
High school cross country runners hoping to compete at the Division 1 level should aim for highly competitive 5k times. For boys, a time of around 15:52 or faster is generally the minimum to be considered by D1 coaches, with top-tier programs looking for times closer to 14:00. For girls, a time of 19:08 or faster is a good starting point, and top programs often recruit athletes who can run closer to 15:45. These are general guidelines, and times can vary depending on the specific program's prestige and the difficulty of the courses in the athlete's region. Coaches also heavily consider an athlete's finishing place in state or regional meets, as well as their track times.
Division 2
For high school cross country athletes looking to compete at the Division 2 level, the recruiting standards are still challenging but can be a bit more flexible than D1. For boys, a competitive 5k time is typically in the 16:20 to 17:00 range. To secure a scholarship, times closer to the low end of that range are often required. For girls, a good target time for the 5k is between 17:00 and 21:10. As with D1, these are general benchmarks, and coaches will also look at an athlete's potential for improvement, their track performances, and their placement in major high school meets. There's a great opportunity for dedicated runners at this level.