Help a Brother Compete at NCAAs

Askker wrote:

Was recruited to a D1 school.

Didn't adjust very well to the program and ended up quitting the sport after 2nd year with a lot of eligibilities left....and have already graduated now at 22. I’m back to the sport now and can be in a better shape than I ever was.

What are my chances of competing at an NCAA again (either D1, D2, or other divisions, but preferably D1) and how may I do that after already finishing undergrad? Will I be able to use the eligibilities I didn't use while undergrad? Is there an age limit (noticed some D1 college athletes are allegedly btwn 24-26)? Any suggestions? Your responses are much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

How many semesters did you spend in college? You don't have much eligibility left. 5 year clock in D1

and a 10 semester clock in D2.

The clock starts when start the sport and it doesn't stop when you quit. You probably only have a year left. Sorry to be harsh.

the truthman wrote:

The clock starts when start the sport and it doesn't stop when you quit. You probably only have a year left. Sorry to be harsh.

Harsh? That's reality. He did it to himself- NEVER quit.

Oh okay, I guess I’ll ask my friend, Google, for other options then. Thanks again for your responses, y’all! :)

Cheers!

You might look into NAIA schools - I know they have different rules, restrictions, etc. because they are not part of the NCAA system. So you may have eligibility to use if you join one of their teams. Not an expert though, so you'll have to do some digging!

Agree with the other posters - once you start, you've got a five year clock at all NCAA levels.

Never mind - if you have a four year degree it looks like you can't start competing for an NAIA school. Sorry!

SomeThings wrote:

You might look into NAIA schools - I know they have different rules, restrictions, etc. because they are not part of the NCAA system.

The rules are pretty much the same in the NAIA. You have one year left for D1 or D2 only. You can't compete in D3 (or NAIA I believe) as a grad student unless it's the same school you did undergrad, so that's ruled out. Unless you've been putting up good times unattached, they probably won't let you walk on to a good D1 team. Furthermore, you shouldn't attend grad school just to run one questionable year of NCAA. So, it looks like your options are limited. If you're attending grad school you could run club but that's about it.

answer first wrote:

SomeThings wrote:

You might look into NAIA schools - I know they have different rules, restrictions, etc. because they are not part of the NCAA system.

The rules are pretty much the same in the NAIA. You have one year left for D1 or D2 only. You can't compete in D3 (or NAIA I believe) as a grad student unless it's the same school you did undergrad, so that's ruled out. Unless you've been putting up good times unattached, they probably won't let you walk on to a good D1 team. Furthermore, you shouldn't attend grad school just to run one questionable year of NCAA. So, it looks like your options are limited. If you're attending grad school you could run club but that's about it.

I see. Thank you both for your elaborated answers.

answer first wrote:

SomeThings wrote:

You might look into NAIA schools - I know they have different rules, restrictions, etc. because they are not part of the NCAA system.

The rules are pretty much the same in the NAIA. You have one year left for D1 or D2 only. You can't compete in D3 (or NAIA I believe) as a grad student unless it's the same school you did undergrad, so that's ruled out. Unless you've been putting up good times unattached, they probably won't let you walk on to a good D1 team. Furthermore, you shouldn't attend grad school just to run one questionable year of NCAA. So, it looks like your options are limited. If you're attending grad school you could run club but that's about it.

I ran NAIA and we had a grad student compete in our team last year. So NAIA would be an option. Not sure where you guys are getting your information.

the truthman wrote:

The clock starts when start the sport and it doesn't stop when you quit. You probably only have a year left. Sorry to be harsh.

True for D1 but not for D2. The clock only counts semesters/quarters in which you are a full-time student. If OP ever went part time, those don't count against him. Additionally, if OP was a student at a school on a semester system and transfers somewhere on e a quarter system, the math may award a "bonus" season of eligibility. For example, if OP graduated early, 7 semesters of school equates to 10.5 quarters which allows for 2 seasons of either XC or track.

Furthermore, I believe an athlete is only required to be a full-time student during the season. If OP wants to run only XC or only track, there may be an opportunity to go part time in the off season to preserve eligibility.

Finally, if OP ever had a medical hardship, they may be eligible for a 6th year of eligibility.

Every school has a compliance officer who can answer these questions. I advise the OP to talk to a school of interest and let them determine how much eligibility is available. Then you too can be chosen by the long arm of..... D2.

Former D3 coach here.

We had a sprinter a while back who had the most convoluted case our compliance team had ever seen. Try to follow this one! No track in high school, only tennis and a year of soccer. Completes freshman year, then goes part-time for one semester his sophomore year because his Mom was sick. His grades suffered (top 25 national university - very tough school) and ended up academically a year behind. He gets convinced by one of his fraternity brothers on the team to show up for an intramural track meet his third year, and wins the 100, 200, 400, and LJ.

He joins the team his fourth year (academically a Junior) - mostly to hang out with friends and get free training for an unrelated activity. Ends up competing three years, immediately becomes our most vocal team leader and wraps his career with a Masters degree and multiple A-A honors.

I think D3 only allows 5 years from start date so you cheated with this guy.

More or less wrote:

I think D3 only allows 5 years from start date so you cheated with this guy.

I didn't ask. They cleared him, and I took it from there. C'est la vie.