The Texas Tech University track and field program has a rich history of producing talented athletes who excel in various events. As a prestigious NCAA Division I institution, the program attracts top-notch recruits from across the country. If you're a high school athlete looking to take your track and field career to the next level, understanding the recruiting standards for Texas Tech is essential.
Why Texas Tech Track and Field?
Texas Tech University offers a unique blend of academic excellence, athletic prowess, and a vibrant college experience. The track and field program, led by Head Coach Wes Kittley, has a reputation for developing student-athletes into champions. With state-of-the-art facilities, a experienced coaching staff, and a strong team culture, Texas Tech provides an ideal environment for athletes to thrive.
Recruiting Standards: What Coaches Look For
The Texas Tech track and field coaching staff seeks student-athletes who possess a combination of athletic talent, academic achievement, and personal qualities that align with the program's values. Here are the general recruiting standards for each event group:
Sprinting Events (100m, 200m, 400m)
- High school PRs:
- 100m: 10.70 or faster (male), 12.20 or faster (female)
- 200m: 21.50 or faster (male), 24.50 or faster (female)
- 400m: 47.50 or faster (male), 55.50 or faster (female)
- Collegiate PRs:
- 100m: 10.40 or faster (male), 11.80 or faster (female)
- 200m: 20.90 or faster (male), 23.50 or faster (female)
- 400m: 46.00 or faster (male), 53.50 or faster (female)
Hurdling Events (110mH, 400mH)
- High school PRs:
- 110mH: 14.20 or faster (male), 14.80 or faster (female)
- 400mH: 52.50 or faster (male), 61.00 or faster (female)
- Collegiate PRs:
- 110mH: 13.80 or faster (male), 13.90 or faster (female)
- 400mH: 50.50 or faster (male), 58.50 or faster (female)
Middle Distance Events (800m, 1500m, Mile)
- High school PRs:
- 800m: 1:54.00 or faster (male), 2:14.00 or faster (female)
- 1500m: 3:58.00 or faster (male), 4:38.00 or faster (female)
- Mile: 4:15.00 or faster (male), 5:03.00 or faster (female)
- Collegiate PRs:
- 800m: 1:49.00 or faster (male), 2:06.00 or faster (female)
- 1500m: 3:42.00 or faster (male), 4:22.00 or faster (female)
- Mile: 4:03.00 or faster (male), 4:42.00 or faster (female)
Long Distance Events (3000m, 5000m, 10,000m)
- High school PRs:
- 3000m: 9:20.00 or faster (male), 10:45.00 or faster (female)
- 5000m: 15:30.00 or faster (male), 18:15.00 or faster (female)
- 10,000m: 32:00.00 or faster (male), 38:00.00 or faster (female)
- Collegiate PRs:
- 3000m: 8:20.00 or faster (male), 9:40.00 or faster (female)
- 5000m: 14:00.00 or faster (male), 16:45.00 or faster (female)
- 10,000m: 29:30.00 or faster (male), 35:30.00 or faster (female)
Jumping Events (High Jump, Pole Vault, Long Jump, Triple Jump)
- High school PRs:
- High Jump: 6'6" or higher (male), 5'8" or higher (female)
- Pole Vault: 15'6" or higher (male), 12'6" or higher (female)
- Long Jump: 23'0" or longer (male), 19'6" or longer (female)
- Triple Jump: 48'0" or longer (male), 42'0" or longer (female)
- Collegiate PRs:
- High Jump: 7'0" or higher (male), 6'0" or higher (female)
- Pole Vault: 17'6" or higher (male), 14'6" or higher (female)
- Long Jump: 25'0" or longer (male), 21'6" or longer (female)
- Triple Jump: 52'0" or longer (male), 46'0" or longer (female)
Throwing Events (Shot Put, Discus, Javelin, Hammer)
- High school PRs:
- Shot Put: 55'0" or farther (male), 45'0" or farther (female)
- Discus: 170'0" or farther (male), 140'0" or farther (female)
- Javelin: 190'0" or farther (male), 140'0" or farther (female)
- Hammer: 180'0" or farther (male), 160'0" or farther (female)
- Collegiate PRs:
- Shot Put: 60'0" or farther (male), 50'0" or farther (female)
- Discus: 190'0" or farther (male), 160'0" or farther (female)
- Javelin: 210'0" or farther (male), 170'0" or farther (female)
- Hammer: 200'0" or farther (male), 180'0" or farther (female)
Academic Requirements
In addition to athletic ability, Texas Tech track and field coaches also consider an athlete's academic qualifications. The NCAA requires student-athletes to meet specific academic standards, including:
- Minimum GPA of 2.3
- Completion of 16 core courses, including:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of math
- 2 years of science
- 2 years of social science
- 1 year of additional core course
Recruiting Process
The recruiting process for Texas Tech track and field typically begins during an athlete's junior year of high school. Here's an overview of the steps involved:
- Initial Contact: Coaches may initiate contact with athletes through email, phone, or social media.
- Unofficial Visits: Athletes may visit campus unofficially to meet with coaches, tour facilities, and attend practices.
- Official Visits: Coaches may invite athletes for official visits, which include expenses-paid trips to campus.
- National Letter of Intent: Athletes who receive scholarship offers may sign a National Letter of Intent, committing to attend Texas Tech.
- Admissions Process: Athletes must complete the admissions process, including submitting transcripts, test scores, and other required documents.
Gallery of Texas Tech Track and Field Recruiting Standards
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recruiting standards for Texas Tech track and field?
+The recruiting standards for Texas Tech track and field vary by event group. Athletes can check the specific standards on the university's athletic website.
How do I get recruited by Texas Tech track and field?
+Athletes can initiate contact with Texas Tech coaches through email or social media. Coaches may also attend track and field meets to scout talent.
What is the admissions process like for Texas Tech track and field?
+Athletes must complete the admissions process, including submitting transcripts, test scores, and other required documents. The NCAA also requires student-athletes to meet specific academic standards.
If you're a high school athlete looking to take your track and field career to the next level, understanding the recruiting standards for Texas Tech is essential. By meeting the academic and athletic requirements, you can increase your chances of being recruited by the university's track and field program.