Introduction
Wrestling and track and field are two of the most popular sports in the United States, and many high school athletes dream of competing at the collegiate level. However, earning a scholarship to wrestle or run track and field can be a competitive process. In 2021, just 1.6% of high school wrestlers and 2.5% of high school track and field athletes received athletic scholarships to Division I schools.
What Do I Need to Do to Earn a Scholarship?
There are a number of things you can do to increase your chances of earning a wrestling or track and field scholarship.
- Excel in your sport. This goes without saying, but the better you are at your sport, the more likely you are to attract the attention of college coaches. Work hard in practice and competition, and strive to improve your skills and abilities.
- Get good grades. Many colleges and universities have academic requirements that scholarship athletes must meet. Make sure you are taking challenging courses and maintaining a good GPA.
- Be a good student-athlete. In addition to being a good wrestler or track and field athlete, you also need to be a good student. Colleges and universities want student-athletes who are well-rounded and have a commitment to academics.
- Get involved in your community. Volunteering your time and giving back to your community shows that you are a well-rounded individual who is committed to giving back. This can make you more attractive to college coaches.
- Get exposure to college coaches. Attend college wrestling or track and field meets and camps to get your name and skills out there. This is a great way to introduce yourself to college coaches and show them what you can do.
How to Evaluate Athletic Scholarship Offers
If you are fortunate enough to receive multiple scholarship offers, it is important to take the time to evaluate each offer carefully. Consider the following factors:
- The amount of the scholarship. How much money is the scholarship worth? Is it a full scholarship, a partial scholarship, or a combination of the two?
- The academic requirements. What are the academic requirements that you must meet to maintain your scholarship?
- The athletic requirements. What are the athletic requirements that you must meet to maintain your scholarship?
- The school itself. What is the school like? Is it a good fit for you academically and athletically?
What If I Don’t Get a Scholarship?
If you don’t get a scholarship to wrestle or run track and field, there are still ways to compete at the collegiate level. You can try to walk on to a team or attend a junior college and then transfer to a four-year school. You can also focus on academics and pursue other scholarships or financial aid options.
Conclusion
Earning a wrestling or track and field scholarship can be a competitive process, but it is possible with hard work and dedication. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of getting a scholarship and competing at the collegiate level.
Additional Information
- Table 1: Division I Wrestling Scholarships
| Year | Number of Scholarships Awarded |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 8,612 |
| 2018 | 8,630 |
| 2019 | 8,648 |
| 2020 | 8,666 |
| 2021 | 8,684 |
Source: NCAA
- Table 2: Division I Track and Field Scholarships
| Year | Number of Scholarships Awarded |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 12,234 |
| 2018 | 12,252 |
| 2019 | 12,270 |
| 2020 | 12,288 |
| 2021 | 12,306 |
Source: NCAA
- Table 3: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Wrestling or Track and Field Scholarship
| Mistake | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Not taking challenging courses in high school. | This can hurt your chances of getting into a good college and earning a scholarship. |
| Not maintaining a good GPA. | Many colleges and universities have academic requirements that scholarship athletes must meet. |
| Not getting involved in your community. | This can show that you are not a well-rounded individual who is committed to giving back. |
| Not getting exposure to college coaches. | This makes it difficult for coaches to see your skills and abilities. |
| Not evaluating scholarship offers carefully. | This can lead to you making a decision that you regret later. |
- Table 4: Effective Strategies for Increasing Your Chances of Earning a Wrestling or Track and Field Scholarship
| Strategy | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Excel in your sport. | This goes without saying, but the better you are at your sport, the more likely you are to earn a scholarship. |
| Get good grades. | Many colleges and universities have academic requirements that scholarship athletes must meet. |
| Be a good student-athlete. | This means being well-rounded and committed to academics. |
| Get involved in your community. | This shows that you are a well-rounded individual who is committed to giving back. |
| Get exposure to college coaches. | Attend college wrestling or track and field meets and camps to show coaches what you can do. |