Tips on the college recruiting process for track and field?

I'm a high school track and field athlete considering competing in college. What's the recruiting process like for track and field, and how can I make sure I'm doing everything necessary to be recruited?

The college recruiting process for track and field has some specific aspects to it, but here are some general guidelines that could aid you:

1. Know Your Times: In track and field, your times are your resume. They are one of the first things college coaches look at when considering potential recruits. Therefore, you should be consistent in your efforts to improve your times. The better your times are, the more appealing you will be to a coach.

2. Pick Your Schools Wisely: Make a list of colleges you're interested in, taking into account not only the athletics program but also your academic interests. This helps to set realistic expectations, as you should consider schools where your performance fits within their team's range.

3. Create a Sports CV or Profile: Like a job CV, this document should highlight your achievements and skills in track and field. Information that you can include: personal records, athletic awards, academic achievements, and possibly links to your races.

4. Reach out to Coaches: Proactively reaching out to coaches is an essential part of the recruitment process. Send an email introducing yourself, expressing your interest in their program, discussing your athletic and academic achievements, and stating why you believe you would be a good fit for their team.

5. Keep Your Grades Up: Your academic performance is a crucial part of this process. Most athletic scholarships require you to maintain a certain GPA. Plus, coaches look for student-athletes who can handle the demands of both sports and classroom.

6. Run in High-Profile Meets: Perform in significant meets where there is likely to be a presence of scouts and recruiters. The greater your visibility, the higher your chances of getting spotted.

7. Film Your Races: Always have copies of your races on hand. Shooting video footage showcasing your skills can be a great supplement when reaching out to college coaches.

8. Keep Your Social Media Clean: College recruiters and coaches may check your social media. So, it's crucial to maintain a positive online presence, showing you're overall a responsible individual on and off the track.

9. Ask Your Coach for Help: Your current coach can be a helpful resource in the recruiting process. They can guide you, provide you with tips and resources, and they might even have connections with college coaches.

10. Remember to Follow Up: If you contact a coach and don't hear back, don't be afraid to follow up. Things can get lost in the shuffle, so a friendly reminder can help keep you on a coach's radar.

Remember, there will be many athletes competing for the same spots, so it's essential to start this process early and be proactive about reaching out to schools. It's a competitive field, and showing that you're motivated can really set you apart!