Hello everyone,
I've currently finished my junior year and am already gearing up for my final year of high school track and cross country. My profession throughout the years looks something like this:
Fr:
400m split: 52
800m: 2:00
1600: 4:52
Soph
400m split: 50.7
800m: 1:57
1600: 4:43
5k: 17:30
Junior
400 split: 49.07
800m: 1:56
1600: 4:38
5k: 17:14
Okay, now for the details. All through my years of cross country and track I've never had a coach for a period longer than a year. Essentially, every year I had a different coach. With that brings different coaching styles and various ways of doing things (example, my coach freshman year wanted me to be a 8/16 guy, while my coach junior year geared me towards the 4/8 approach). Judging by competition and common sense, I pretty much see myself as a 4/8 guy with a hint of endurance. This year our new coach wants me to be a 4/8 while still participating on the cross country team. Also, injury wise, my junior year a had a nagging hip pain the whole season. I managed to run through it but I'm sure it hindered my chances of running faster instead of having minimal improvements.
Now for the questions. For colleges I've been looking at some liberal arts as well as a few D1s. I'm not all for the division hype because I'm really set on picking a school off of academics first and athletics second. I've contacted a few ivies (Brown, Dartmouth and Columbia) and I'll give you the summary.
Brown: "Thanks for the interest, we'll keep in touch."
Dartmouth: "thanks for the interest. However, you must know that the admissions process is extremely selective. I can help you with admissions as much as I can but there is no guarantee
Columbia: "Unfortunately, we cannot support your interests. I'll keep your information and I'll contact you if anything changes."
Things aren't looking the best right now, but I'm always optimistic. The liberal arts schools however are taking extreme notice, one in particular being Pomona College. I'm set for an official visit in August and Coach Jordan's Carpenter seems like a really nice person.
My question really goes out to anyone who has been in a similar situation before and how it all panned out? My parents are basically no help when it comes to these kinds of things, and with my coaches always coming in and out, I never really have any true guidance. What are my odds of division I? Would division III be a better fit? Personal opinions or thoughts? I know it's just speculation and nothing is a turn key, but any advice would he appreciated. Is there any things I should work on for the upcoming school year running wise? I'm planning on trying to run a sub 1:54 and 49 open my senior year. If I run fast enough, will colleges take any notice, or have I missed the boat on that entirely?
For anyone taking the time to read this, I appricate you greatly.