ne dude wrote:
In additon to being strong schools academically, the NESCAC conference is among the best, if not the best, running conferences among D3 schools.
I don't know much about d3 women, but I've gotta say that the UAA is a stronger conference on the mens side. Not to mention GREAT acedemics. Between U of Chicago, Wash U, Emory, Carnige Melon, Brandis, Case Western, NYU, and University of Rochester, there's a lot to offer both acedemically and athletically.
NESCAC is unapproached in terms of self-adulation and whiteness (although I'm sure the Ivy league comes close).
Conferences with good acedemics and good running:
NESCAC, despite my earlier snide comment
NCAC, has Kenyon, Oberlin, Denison, couple of others (although it also has OWU, Flagpole's alma mater, as well), really good acedemics, running is certainly solid
UAA, the Nerdy Nine is a potent force
SCIAC, has a couple of heavy hitters like Pomona/Pitzer/Mudd et al, has to be pretty solid
MIAC, even though its members tend to make asses of themselves here, of course Carleton, Macalester and St. Olafs tend to carry to acedemic weight
Most of the WIAC doens't really count as small (or literate, for that matter). Although UW-Stout has its moments...
I'm sure there's other good stuff in other places and divisons too, these are just a couple of "brand name" conferences I pulled out of my ass.
Hope College, Holland, Mich., arch-rival of Calvin. Mark "Nordy" Northhuis X and track coach.
[quote]almost wrote:
UAA, the Nerdy Nine is a potent force
quote]
...that they are, except John\'s Hopkins is gone from xc. It\'s now the nerdy eight.
Calvin has always had a good program, but most schools (including them) have gone through cycles... you say 1st or 2nd every year...that's only been true lately--
St Thomas has had decent consistency, Carlton has had good consistency (both even have trophied in the past), North Central is amazingly consistent for over 30 some years w/ trophying and even winning like every other year (or so it seems).
If anyone is interested, check out DIII XC history at
One of the few small liberal arts schools with excellent academics and Division 1 athletics....very unique combination
Gonzaga!
Colgate is am amazing school with a great group of guys on the team. They compete at the division I. level in Patriot League. The team is looking for some enthuisiastic runners and if you are interested in gettting more information on the program I suggest ou e-mail coach McKinnon @
or visit the athlete-run team website:
wake forest. one of the best sports conferences in the nation (not just for running, it's been proven that runners like watching other sports also) and a pretty good academic name. be prepared to pay out the ass.
If I were paid 100K/yr, I might consider running at Hillsdale. Otherwise no way would I ever go there. It's a joke.
someone mentioned North Central and above few comments about Hillsdale. Look at the Parkside results, North Central beats Hillsdale every year there at that meet is usually then a top contender for D3 Nationals. I ran against them for 4 years and I think that they'd easily be top 4 or 5 every year D2 and in certain years , top 10 D1. Definitely at least top 25 most years in all divisions.
Moravian's coach is an idiot and a tool. There program is falling quickly
excuse me, I feel like the fool...it is "their" program...their program is headed down the can to reside with del val and f and m.