How to Walk-on to an NCAA Division 1 Track Team

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?

With only 12.6 scholarships for a Division I men's track and cross country program, walking-on is a reality in track and field.

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 topflight 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.

3.30 = 11.99

3.20 = 11.67

3.10 = 11.34

3.00 = 11.00

2.95 = 10.84

2.90 = 10.67

2.85 = 10.50

2.80 = 10.34

2.75 = 10.17

2.70 = 10.00

2.65 = 9.84

The second test is a 120-meter standing start outdoor trial, timed using a stopwatch, where the runner begins on the curve of the track and sprints to the finish line. Here is a video of what it looks like:

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 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 PR’s 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!