If you are a gifted track and field competitor, you may be exploring the possibility of following this athletic path into further education. After all, instead of living off those records, you scored in high
If you are a gifted track and field competitor, you may be exploring the possibility of following this athletic path into further education. After all, instead of living off those records, you scored in high school, wouldn’t you rather be competing for medals at the Olympics?
Okay, that might be a lofty goal to try and achieve. Yet at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, 48 college-level track and field athletes competed while still at college. This shows not only the potential for success but also the world-class talent you’ll be up against if you do choose this path.
Before you start applying to educational institutes across the country, here are five points to remember when becoming a track and field athlete at college.
1. Apply the right way
First of all, you need to apply to the colleges that match your budding track and field athlete requirements. These requirements include everything from location to facilities and financial aid packages to the coach matching your training philosophy.
To help find the right college and secure a track and field scholarship, visit asmscholarships.com. Not only are they specialists in this field that can get you in touch with coaches across the country, but they can also ensure your application features everything required.
2. It can be overwhelming
When you first arrive at college, you’ll be eager to get going. Yet, the complete change in your lifestyle – not to mention the work required – can quickly overwhelm you. You’re trying to be a good student. You’re attempting to make new friends. You also have to excel athletically.
Trying to accomplish all of this is difficult. Yet remember to take the occasional break from all of this work, have some fun, and alleviate the stress that has built up.
3. You have to stay on top of your grades
You’re not just going to be running around a track or throwing an object down a field. You also have to maintain your grades – otherwise, you could be kicked off the track and field team and lose your scholarship.
4. Travelling is part of the package
You have to hit the road and travel for meets. This can obviously be disruptive to your normal college schedule, so plan accordingly. While you may have the best intentions to complete your homework while away, this is unlikely to happen! As a result, account for the lost hours when planning to study and complete assignments.
5. It is a golden opportunity you don’t want to waste
In general, you will be spending two-to-three hours each day practicing on the track and field. This is done up to six times each week, and you will be using world-class campus facilities to improve further and refine your skills. You also build your knowledge by working with professional coaches.
Ultimately, this is an opportunity that few people receive. You are given everything needed to succeed – make sure you don’t waste this golden chance by partying too much or slacking during your studies.