Cornell University, renowned for its academic excellence and prestigious Ivy League status, is also home to a highly competitive track and field program. The Big Red has a rich history of success, producing numerous NCAA champions and Olympians. For aspiring student-athletes hoping to join this illustrious team, it is essential to understand the rigorous standards set by Cornell Track and Field.
Athletic Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to compete for Cornell Track and Field, prospective student-athletes must meet the following standards:
- NCAA Division I Academic Eligibility: Comply with the NCAA’s initial-eligibility requirements for Division I student-athletes. This involves meeting certain GPA, SAT/ACT score, and core course completion requirements.
- High School Transcript: Submit a transcript that includes a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA and demonstrates strong academic performance in core subjects.
- Athletic Resume: Provide a comprehensive athletic resume that showcases your track and field accomplishments, including meet results, personal bests, and awards.
Event-Specific Recruiting Standards
Beyond the general eligibility requirements, Cornell Track and Field has specific recruiting standards for each event. These standards are based on the performance levels required for the team to compete at a championship level.
| Event | Men’s Standards | Women’s Standards |
|---|---|---|
| 100m | 10.65 seconds | 12.00 seconds |
| 200m | 21.50 seconds | 24.00 seconds |
| 400m | 47.50 seconds | 56.00 seconds |
| 800m | 1:50.00 minutes | 2:10.00 minutes |
| 1500m | 3:50.00 minutes | 4:30.00 minutes |
| 5000m | 14:40.00 minutes | 17:00.00 minutes |
| 10000m | 30:00.00 minutes | 34:00.00 minutes |
| High Jump | 6’6″ | 5’8″ |
| Long Jump | 23’0″ | 19’0″ |
| Triple Jump | 49’0″ | 39’0″ |
| Pole Vault | 16’0″ | 12’6″ |
| Shot Put | 55’0″ | 44’0″ |
| Discus | 175’0″ | 140’0″ |
| Hammer Throw | 200’0″ | 160’0″ |
| Javelin | 190’0″ | 140’0″ |
Recruiting Process
The Cornell Track and Field recruiting process is highly competitive. Prospective student-athletes should begin contacting the coaching staff as early as their sophomore year of high school. The following steps outline the typical recruiting timeline:
- 10th-11th Grade: Reach out to the Cornell Track and Field coaching staff, provide your athletic resume, and express your interest in the program.
- Senior Year: Continue communicating with the coaching staff, attend team visits, and submit your official NCAA Eligibility Center form.
- National Signing Day: Sign your National Letter of Intent to commit to Cornell University and the Track and Field program.
Tips for Success
To increase your chances of being recruited by Cornell Track and Field, follow these tips:
- Train diligently: Work hard to improve your times and distances. Set challenging goals and dedicate yourself to a rigorous training regimen.
- Compete at a high level: Attend prestigious meets and perform consistently against top competition.
- Build a strong relationship with the coaching staff: Communicate regularly with the coaches, show enthusiasm for the program, and be open to feedback.
- Focus on academics: Maintain a strong academic record. Cornell University is a highly selective institution, and your GPA and test scores will be considered.
- Be a team player: Demonstrate leadership skills and a commitment to working with others. Track and field is a team sport, and the coaching staff will look for athletes who are willing to contribute to the team’s success.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure the smoothest possible recruiting process, avoid these common mistakes:
- Not reaching out to the coaching staff early enough: The sooner you contact the coaching staff, the more time they have to evaluate you and get to know you as an athlete and a person.
- Underperforming at meets: Put in the effort to perform your best at every competition. Every meet is an opportunity to impress the coaching staff and demonstrate your potential.
- Neglecting academics: Don’t let your academic pursuits fall behind your athletic ambitions. Cornell University is an academic powerhouse, and the coaching staff will prioritize athletes who can succeed in both the classroom and on the track.
- Being disrespectful to the coaching staff: Always communicate with the coaching staff in a respectful and professional manner. They have a heavy workload and will be more receptive to athletes who show appreciation and respect.
- Not understanding the recruiting process: Familiarize yourself with the NCAA recruiting rules and the timeline for recruitment. This will help you avoid making costly mistakes that could jeopardize your chances of being recruited.
Why Cornell Track and Field?
Becoming a member of Cornell Track and Field is more than just about competing for a championship team. Here are just a few of the many benefits of joining the Big Red family:
- World-Class Facilities: Train and compete in state-of-the-art athletic facilities, including the newly renovated Robert J. Kane Sports Complex.
- Expert Coaching Staff: Learn from experienced and knowledgeable coaches who have a passion for developing student-athletes.
- Academic Support: Access a range of academic support services, including tutoring, counseling, and writing labs, to help you succeed in your studies.
- Ivy League Prestige: Represent one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world and compete against the nation’s top universities.
- Lifelong Connections: Forge lifelong friendships with teammates and coaches who share your passion for track and field.
Conclusion
Earning a spot on the Cornell Track and Field team is a highly sought-after honor. By understanding the recruiting standards, following the tips for success, and avoiding common mistakes, you can increase your chances of joining this elite group of student-athletes. Remember, the journey to Cornell Track and Field is not just about running fast times or jumping high. It’s about embracing the challenges, pursuing excellence, and contributing to a team that values hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship.