Options..Community College

Just my opinion, even if you get your GPA up, I would suggest, community college, the expense of going to a University is very high, and if you already don't have a good work ethic(studies) and you are just starting to get it together, it would be a waste of your money or your parents money. Once you finish you could transfer to a 4 year, a more mature and seasoned student/athelete. You'll still have elegibility left. I'm glad you are positive and becoming for focused good luck.

Don't get down about community colleges either. They may not have the reputation of many large universities, but I have raced against some comm. college XC teams that had some awesome runners. Easily D-1 quality. You could always do that for a year or so and then move onto a bigger school. If you keep your grades decent while you were at comm. college I don't think you would have a problem getting into a D-1 school. Hell if you run a 9:07 in HS you could probably get into D-1 regardless of your grades.

On a similar note to the comm. colleges, you might want to look into NAIA schools as an alternative to D-1.

There are some D1 schools that take all-comers, or close to that. The problem is staying there to graduate. It will probably have to be your home state. Also, if you study hard senior year, and your times improve, a coach may want to pull strings with admissions, and get you in. Of course, you'll have to persuade him that you're for real. Good luck.

FWIW, I was in the same boat. I ran at a small state school that had a good XC program(no track), then transfered. It wasn't a bad move, considering my situation. I was also a tad slower.

Dont underestimate the power of your running resume to get you into school (you dont need to be the next pre - just show some potential). Call a coach directly - tell them your situation. You may have to be on academic probation, or attend an athletic study hall until your grades rise.

My grades were similar, with less than stellar SAT's (I was lazy in high school). I went to Edinboro U (DII)in Pennsylvania, kicked butt in running (3x AA), AND in academics (graduated w/ a 3.5).

I was turned down by a ton of schools but I called Doug Watts directly, and that was that. I only attended an athletic study hall for one semester, until I showed I could make the grade. Edinboro is a great school, and running program, you may want to give them a try.

If you think football players get in w/better grades than you - you are crazy. Pimp yourself and get into school!

1) Hit the books. If you can show a trend of increasing grades that will only benefit you. Plus, you will develop better study habits

2) A good time at VC may only help w/ east coast schools. The coaches at top programs may know a good time at VC, but many won't.

3) Your goal of 9:07 is flying, but doesn't mean anything. By then your college decision will be made. Again, if you get down that low you have some real talent.

4) 9:26 may get some $$, but not at a top program

5) May want to look at D2 program...Adams St, Edinboro,Western St. Millersville etc. that have very good programs.

Good luck

The community college route is a good option but there are ways to get a DI scholarship still. Let's be honest, even if you bust your ass this year, it will be hard to pull your overall GPA up. Make sure you study hard and get a decent score on the ACT. You could end up being a partial qualifier which would enable schools to give you a scholarship. You would not be able to compete for the first year but can practice with the team. It will really depend on what kind of school you want to go to. Some smaller DI schools could be a great fit for you based on academics. I would say that if you can get your GPA up to at least a 2.5 and get a 19 or 20 on the ACT, you'll have no problems.