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| Arbogast: It may be that each collegiate cross country program in the United States is markedly different from all others, just as it is predictable that many high school programs also vary widely in scope and intensity, so listing absolute generalizations of the differences between high school and college cross country is a difficult task. |
| Many high school programs are relatively intense in training and personal development, a pair of characteristics that many colleges echo. But dramatic differences also exist between college programs at different levels -- almost to the same degree that we see in high school. However, it is possible to give several distinct areas where you may see drastic changes. |
| College programs expect a certain degree of initiative and self-starting. Many levels award financial aid and part of that package is a tacit or explicit understanding you will give your best to the program. That may require completion of workouts when the coach is not around, monitoring of diet, weight, rest, or academics with very few coaching intrusions and establishing priorities of running and academics without constant harassment from a coaching staff. You are expected at a college level to be professional, mature and forward-thinking. |
| At a college level, much more communication will be initiated by the athlete. The days of a coach constantly checking how you feel expire after high school. If you have issues that may deal with your running or related performance, you need to feel comfortable in approaching the coach at any time. In a larger institution, the coach may have relatively restricted office hours, unlike high school, and you need to take initiative in communication. A college athlete is responsible for all resolution of conflict, controversy or concerns with the program which may hinder personal or team development. |
| Team spirit "closes in" for college teams as opposed to the schoolwide hype that high schools have. In college, you respond to teammates and your responsibilities to them much more than to the school or institution as a whole. Advanced teams exist seemingly in their own small world, and much of what you do centers around the competitive and relatively small group you have in a collegiate situation. In high school, the social interaction, large team groups and homogenous ability levels give rise to a carnival atmosphere. Collegiate teams are always much closer in interpersonal ability level, so each runner has mutual respect for every other based on talent and sacrifice. This makes the bonds in college tighter. |
| Workouts in college do tend to be more intense, partially due to the fact that you are older, more physically mature and capable of handling the mental pressure. The workouts also increase in intensity due to the competition among team members. The pressure to perform may be greater in college due to the fact that college coaches feel a greater need to show positive team results. Few high school coaches find their jobs on the line if they don't win. That luxury may not be present at the next level. |
| Finally, in college, an internal motivation has to take over. Pride in yourself, your efforts and your fellow team members must power you. Medals, trophies and titles are fine external motivators while in high school, but collegians aren't expected to need the same. The joy and honor of competing at the next level of running provides the same incentive found in the early awards you may have received in youth programs. Running becomes more what you are and less what you do. |
| Be aware that college is not an extension of high school. Your college coach will have a different training approach, different mannerisms and thoughts and a different way of motivating, but those are unique and successful for her or him, just as your previous high school coach found an equally successful but alternate way to help you through your earlier years. Enjoy the opportunity if you get it! |