How to Walk-on to an NCAA Division 1 Track Team
A guide from a former University of Oregon walk-on
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Good news! If you weren’t recruited, never qualified for state, and didn’t make varsity until your senior year in high school (like me) you can still go D1. Here is everything you need to know in order to walk-on.
Step one: Pretty obvious. Transfer to an NCAA Division 1 school.
Step two: Tryout.
What Does Walking-On Entail?
Walking-on simply means that you are joining the team, receiving some benefits, but not receiving a dime for your efforts.
What Are Your Chances?
A Division I men’s track and cross country program only offers 12.69 scholarships. Yeah, it’s a crazy low number! That’s why walking-on is a real possibility.
When Are Tryouts?
Make sure you find out all the details on when and where the tryout will be held. Tryout dates are not always posted. Think of it as a secret meeting you need to inquire about. You can do so by asking someone on the team or emailing a coach. Oregon’s tryout happens in October.
What Sprint Tests Will They Have Me Do?
Oregon had me do two tests. Each on a separate day. The first test is called a 30-meter fly. The sole purpose of this test is to measure your max, “top end” speed. This test will be done indoors for accurate results. Here is what it looks like.
Two trials are allowed, and the best time is recorded to the nearest two decimal places. The timing starts when the athlete’s torso passes through the first timing gate, or by stopwatch when they pass the 30m cone and finish at the 60m cone marker. The flying 30m times can be used to predict 100m sprint times.
The second test is a 120-meter standing start on the curve. This outdoor trial was timed using a stopwatch.
Team Worthy Test Results
The 30m fly must be under 3 seconds and the 120m standing start must be under 13 seconds. Hit below those marks and you have a good chance of making a Division 1 track team.
Will I Get a Scholarship?
Possibly, it depends on the team’s roster and what school you go to. In collegiate track and field, supremely gifted athletes outgrow their small schools and are always transferring to powerhouse track and field programs. If you find yourself walking onto one of these powerhouse programs you will constantly be fighting a new influx of talent each year.
If you do happen to prove yourself, coaches will often reward you for your efforts with some sort of financial assistance. However, from what I’ve seen, the financial aid packages are only rewarded if you perform well at conference meets and championships. It’s not unheard of for athletes to start as walk-ons and finish their careers with full scholarships.
Thank the Coach
If a coach does give you the opportunity to join the team, make sure you let the coach know how much you appreciate the opportunity. The expectation is that you will be able to keep up with the team workouts regardless of the prior lack of conditioning.
What Happens If You Don’t Make It?
Don’t be discouraged. They will most likely tell you to continue to work and try out again next year. Coaches are always looking to add depth and competition. Coaches remember faces and might give you a chance if they see you improve.
Parting Message
One thing I want to say before closing out this article is that I don’t recommend putting all your hopes and dreams into making the team. I’ll be the first to tell you luck plays a role — as it does with anything you pursue in life. The approach I took was to become the best athletic version of myself. No doubt, making the team was surreal, but putting in the work and breaking PRs is what gave me the most fulfillment.
Hopefully, this article showed you that it’s not too late to go D1 and illuminated a pathway on how to get there. I wish you the best of luck!
P.S. When I joined The University of Oregon track team, there was one exercise in particular that we focused on extensively, which I believe greatly improved my sprinting capabilities. If you’re interested, check it out for free on Gumroad.
