Why College Cross-country?
College cross-country in the USA is a great way to continue to develop as an athlete while getting a university degree at the same time.
On top of everything else, student-athletes learn to work and thrive in a team environment, which alters and shapes them into well-rounded, unselfish, team-oriented, and driven individuals. These qualities will help you be successful, whether on or off the course.
Cross-country scholarships
Unlike other college sports, most cross-country coaches will be very upfront about what times you will need to achieve, to make their team and get a scholarship. There are about 1,400 universities (Women) and 1300 universities (Men) that offer a cross-country program in the USA. Depending on your level, you can receive up to a full scholarship that covers; tuition, rent, living expenses, and sometimes even attractive pocket money.
In addition to cross-country scholarships, an athlete can qualify for academic scholarships, through grades (GPA) and test scores, and international scholarships. It is possible to get a combination of the different types of scholarships.
The following items can be covered by a scholarship:
Tuition
vary from $10000,- to $65000,-
Training gear
Room&Board
Insurance
It is mandatory to have health insurance and some schools require international students to take a school’s policy.
Books
Spending money
How are practice and season structured?
The training schedule is characterized by high intensity, and the coaching staff often includes several assistants. You will get, amongst other things, personalized training gear with your school’s logo and have access to top-class facilities and resources like physiotherapy, weight rooms, and more.
Throughout the season, teams compete against other universities in the 5k and 10k in their conference at several different ‘meets’ (tournaments). At the end of the regular season, the top-ranked teams from their conference will qualify for the conference tournament in which you can qualify for the National tournament.
Overview of an academic year
Showtime! – You will officially begin with a 2-3 week pre-season in which you work intensively with your team on the course to prepare yourself for the upcoming season. During the season, you practice almost every day of the week and run about 6-8 races. If your team has done well in the regular season, it is able to qualify for “post-season competition” and continues in tournament mode until the National Championship is played in December.
The spring semester (often referred to as off-season) is used to prepare intensively for the coming Fall season. Some athletes are also part of the track & field team who have their main season in the Spring.
Summer break – There is a possibility to stay in The USA and take summer classes or work in camps. Most students decide to go back to their families to enjoy the 2.5-month break to rest and individual preparation for pre-season.
Day in the life of a student-athlete
Sports & academics are 100% coordinated, so you have the opportunity to excel both as an athlete as well as in the classroom.
6:30
Weight/conditioningget ready for the
weight/conditioning training.
7:45
Shower/BreakfastShower and then have breakfast with teammates or friends in one of the dining facilities on the college campus.
8:30
Classes11:45
LunchLunch with teammates and friends, again at one of the various food halls available on campus using your prepaid ‘meal plan’ card.
12:30
Classes14:30
PracticeArrive at the training room to prepare for practice. You may get stretched out or taped by an athletic trainer (physiotherapist)
17:30
Recover/Shower/DinnerBack to the training room to make sure you take care of yourself physically after practice (ice bath/physical therapy). After taking a shower you will have dinner with teammates and friends.
19:00
Study/LeisureTime to get some studying or homework done. When other sports teams are in action, a good college athlete supports their fellow athletes! The rest of the evening is your own!
Did you know?
- The schools that have earned the most national championships over the years are; Stanford, Arkansas, Colorado Oklahoma State Wisconsin, and Iowa State
- The top 7-10 runners run in the varsity race and the top 5 runners in a race score for a team. Whatever place a runner finishes in is the number of points they score for their team. The lowest score wins. If there is a tie, the 6th runner breaks it.
- Adams State in Colorado is the only college to ever accomplish a perfect score at a national championship.
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