LSU Track and Field Recruiting Standards: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Louisiana State University (LSU) has a rich history of track and field excellence, consistently producing some of the nation’s top athletes. Its storied program has attracted elite recruits from across the country, contributing to its numerous NCAA championships and Olympic medals.

Recruitment Process

The LSU track and field recruiting process is highly competitive, with only a select few athletes meeting the rigorous standards set by the coaching staff. The process typically begins with identifying potential recruits through a combination of scouting, referrals, and highlight tapes.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for recruitment by LSU, athletes must:

• Be academically eligible to enroll in the university.
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA or its equivalent.
• Have a qualifying ACT score of 24 or SAT score of 1080.
• Be a United States citizen or a legal resident.

Athletic Qualifications

In addition to academic eligibility, prospective recruits must demonstrate exceptional athletic ability in their respective events. The following are the general athletic requirements for potential recruits:

• Sprints (100m to 400m): Times below 10.60s for men and 11.40s for women.
• Middle Distance (800m to 1500m): Times below 1:50.00 for men and 2:10.00 for women.
• Long Distance (3000m Steeplechase to 10,000m): Times below 8:50.00 for men and 10:30.00 for women.
• Hurdles (100m, 110m, 400m): Times below 13.60s for men in the 110m hurdles and 49.60s for women in the 400m hurdles.
• Jumps (High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump): Marks above 6’8″ for men in the high jump, 24’0″ for men in the long jump, and 49’0″ for men in the triple jump.
• Throws (Shot Put, Discus, Hammer, Javelin): Marks above 64’0″ for men in the shot put, 180’0″ for men in the discus, 200’0″ for men in the hammer, and 240’0″ for men in the javelin.

Scholarship Opportunities

LSU offers a limited number of athletic scholarships for track and field recruits. The amount and duration of the scholarships vary based on the athlete’s athletic ability and academic standing. The average annual cost of attendance at LSU for out-of-state students is approximately $60,000.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Prospective recruits should be aware of the following common mistakes to avoid during the recruiting process:

• Waiting too long to reach out to coaches: Contact the LSU coaching staff early in the recruiting process to express your interest and learn more about the program.
• Not meeting the eligibility requirements: Ensure you meet the academic and athletic requirements before reaching out to coaches.
• Not being prepared for campus visits: Schedule campus visits in advance and prepare questions for the coaches and student-athletes.
• Not following up with coaches: Send a thank-you note after visiting the campus and follow up with the coaches periodically to show your continued interest.

Conclusion

Recruiting for LSU track and field is a competitive and demanding process. Prospective recruits who meet the eligibility and athletic requirements and follow the guidelines outlined above increase their chances of being recruited by this prestigious program. By understanding the recruitment process and avoiding common mistakes, athletes can maximize their opportunities to join one of the nation’s top track and field programs.

FAQs

Q1: What is the acceptance rate for LSU track and field recruits?

The acceptance rate for LSU track and field recruits varies depending on the year and the number of available scholarships. The overall acceptance rate for the university is approximately 45%.

Q2: How can I get noticed by LSU track and field coaches?

Attend track and field camps, compete in high-level events, and send highlight tapes to the LSU coaching staff.

Q3: What are the benefits of attending LSU as a track and field athlete?

Benefits include world-class training facilities, experienced coaching staff, academic support, and a dedicated community of student-athletes.

Q4: What are some notable athletes who have attended LSU?

LSU has produced numerous Olympic champions and medalists, including Sha’Carri Richardson, Dalilah Muhammad, and Mondo Duplantis.

Q5: What is the average GPA of LSU track and field recruits?

The average GPA of LSU track and field recruits is typically above 3.5.

Q6: How many athletic scholarships are available for LSU track and field recruits?

The number of available scholarships varies from year to year, but there are typically around 10-15 scholarship opportunities for each incoming class.

Q7: What is the cost of attendance at LSU for out-of-state students?

The average annual cost of attendance at LSU for out-of-state students is approximately $60,000.

Q8: How can I learn more about the LSU track and field program?

Visit the official LSU track and field website, follow the team on social media, and attend home meets to see the program in action.

Tables

Table 1: LSU Track and Field Eligibility Requirements

Table 2: LSU Track and Field Athletic Qualifications