Walk-on to Syracuse Track Team

No idea. Email the coach.

You could also go to their team website and see what kind of marks the current freshmen are throwing down.

Jsmith16125 wrote:

I'm posting here basically to just find out if some of my times would be in the ballpark of what Syracuse track and field is looking for or any similar d1 team for that matter. My 300 hurdle pr is 40.0s, 400 m is 50.5s, and my best decathlon score is 4866 with a no height in pole vault and little to no practice with any jumping event. I was also conference champion and competed in New Englands. These are times from my senior year of high school as well. I know the kind of work I would have to put it to be part of any d1 program, I just want to know if I'm even good enough to compete at this level.

What was your best 1500m time?

Not Cool Bro wrote:

No idea. Email the coach.

You could also go to their team website and see what kind of marks the current freshmen are throwing down.

See what kind of marks their freshman had in HS.

Syracuse Alum here.

I walked on my freshman year for the track team and had a similar skill level as you. In high school I was a jumper/hurdler, competed at New Englands, and I hoped to be a decathlete in college. Out of three of us walk ons one ending up making the team (I lasted the indoor season).

With your times, I think that you have a chance. Ask the coach. It can depend upon what direction the team wants to focus on.

Walking on was something of a shock for me. I went from being one of the best athletes on my high school team to being outrun and outjumped by nearly everybody. It was also very rewarding. Being around athletes of that calibar can really motivate you to improve.

Judging from your times and it seems like you want to go towards the multi events, here are a few tips.

-qualify for the conference championships in one event. That can give you a lock to make the team. For me it was the Big East, but Syracuse has since changed its conference.

-Improve your throwing strength and learn to jump. Getting 21 feet in the long jump would be a good goal. 40 feet for the shot put would be another goal.

Good luck, and don't give up, be persistent.

Jsmith16125 wrote:

I'm posting here basically to just find out if some of my times would be in the ballpark of what Syracuse track and field is looking for or any similar d1 team for that matter. My 300 hurdle pr is 40.0s, 400 m is 50.5s, and my best decathlon score is 4866 with a no height in pole vault and little to no practice with any jumping event. I was also conference champion and competed in New Englands. These are times from my senior year of high school as well. I know the kind of work I would have to put it to be part of any d1 program, I just want to know if I'm even good enough to compete at this level.

I would definitely email the coach, great guy, he will be straight and up front about what you need to make the team

OP,

Consider the University of New Hampshire. They are starting to put together a decent group but are in the America East conference and you would be more likely (almost sure) to make the team if you work hard.

I walked on to SU's track team (years ago when it was at the bottom of the Big East teams). I say go for it. But don't half-ass it or second guess yourself. You've gotta want it. Even if you're no longer the superstar, you will gain experiences you won't find anywhere else; nothing creates a bond like running yourself into massive oxygen debt with a buddy, and hitting the keg later. It is awesome. ... I had one class that I loved with a great professor and was doing very well in the class. When he found out I was also competing on a sports team, I'll never forget the look of respect he gave me; it was one of the most proud moments of my life. ... My try out was to basically run myself into the ground on the track against kids who were a galaxy better than me. So I ran myself into the ground best I could. My time wasn't great but I left it all on the track. Another kid who had better times than me in high school got frustrated by getting lapped by the seniors and threw in the towel in the last quarter. I got a spot and he didn't. So, go for it, as hard as you can. Expect to eat some sh1t, and get dirt kicked in your face. You will learn more that way than by being a superstar. It'll be worth it.

My best and only attempt 1500m time was about a 4:50.