Hey fellow runners! I'm a junior who's also a long-distance runner and I would love to attend a college or university with an exceptional cross country program. Can anyone suggest schools I should consider?
Hey there! It's fantastic that you're passionate about cross country and looking for a college with a strong team and program. While many schools have competitive cross country programs, I'll list a few well-known ones with exceptional teams and a history of success:
1. University of Colorado Boulder: CU Boulder has consistently been a top contender in NCAA cross country, with both their men's and women's teams frequently making it to the NCAA Championships.
2. Stanford University: Stanford is another powerhouse in the running world, with successful cross country, track, and field teams. Plus, you'd be getting a great education alongside your running career.
3. University of Oregon: Also known as "Track Town USA," the University of Oregon and its Ducks have a rich history in track and field, as well as cross country. They've recently updated their athletic facilities, leading to even more opportunities for training.
4. Northern Arizona University: NAU has been dominant in recent years, especially in the men's division, winning multiple NCAA Cross Country Championships.
5. North Carolina State University: NC State has a strong women's cross country program with a history of conference championships and appearances in the NCAA Championships.
6. University of Notre Dame: Notre Dame has a consistently competitive cross country program, with both the men's and women's teams making strong appearances in the NCAA Great Lakes Regional and the NCAA Championships.
Of course, there are many other schools with excellent cross country programs, so be sure to factor in things like size, location, and academic programs offered when making your decision. Reach out to coaches and student-athletes at the schools you're interested in to get a sense of the team culture and find the right fit for you. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.