The United States is home to some of the best track schools in the world, producing top-notch athletes who have gone on to dominate the sport at the collegiate, professional, and Olympic levels. With a rich history of track and field excellence, these schools have earned their reputations as powerhouses in the sport. Here, we'll count down the top 10 best track schools in the US, considering factors such as athletic success, coaching expertise, facilities, and alumni achievements.
10. University of Oregon
The University of Oregon has a storied track and field program, with a legacy of producing Olympic athletes and NCAA champions. The Ducks have won 30 NCAA team titles, including 12 men's and 18 women's championships. Hayward Field, the team's home stadium, is widely regarded as one of the best track and field facilities in the country.
Notable Alumni:
- Steve Prefontaine
- Alberto Salazar
- Galen Rupp
- Ashton Eaton
9. University of Southern California (USC)
USC has a long history of track and field excellence, with 26 NCAA team titles and 103 Olympic medals won by Trojan athletes. The school's athletic facilities, including the renowned Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, provide an ideal training environment for athletes.
Notable Alumni:
- Jesse Owens
- Florence Griffith-Joyner
- Quincy Watts
- Allyson Felix
8. University of Texas
The University of Texas has a strong track and field program, with 15 NCAA team titles and 43 Olympic medals won by Longhorn athletes. The school's athletic facilities, including the Mike A. Myers Stadium, provide an ideal training environment for athletes.
Notable Alumni:
- Sanya Richards-Ross
- Jeremy Wariner
- Bianca Knight
- Michelle Carter
7. University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas has a highly successful track and field program, with 11 NCAA team titles and 25 Olympic medals won by Razorback athletes. The school's athletic facilities, including the Randal Tyson Track Center, provide an ideal training environment for athletes.
Notable Alumni:
- Tyson Gay
- Veronica Campbell-Brown
- Jeremy Wariner
- Alistair Cragg
6. Stanford University
Stanford University has a rich track and field tradition, with 9 NCAA team titles and 32 Olympic medals won by Cardinal athletes. The school's athletic facilities, including the Cobb Track and Angell Field, provide an ideal training environment for athletes.
Notable Alumni:
- Bob Mathias
- Bill Dellinger
- Jim Ryun
- Sanya Richards-Ross
5. University of Florida
The University of Florida has a highly successful track and field program, with 6 NCAA team titles and 22 Olympic medals won by Gator athletes. The school's athletic facilities, including the Percy Beard Track, provide an ideal training environment for athletes.
Notable Alumni:
- Kerron Clement
- Bernard Williams
- Terrence Trammell
- Michelle Carter
4. University of Georgia
The University of Georgia has a strong track and field program, with 5 NCAA team titles and 20 Olympic medals won by Bulldog athletes. The school's athletic facilities, including the Spec Towns Track, provide an ideal training environment for athletes.
Notable Alumni:
- Forrest Smithson
- Dennis Mitchell
- Tim Harden
- Shannon Rowbury
3. University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee has a highly successful track and field program, with 6 NCAA team titles and 25 Olympic medals won by Volunteer athletes. The school's athletic facilities, including the Tom Black Track at LaPorte Stadium, provide an ideal training environment for athletes.
Notable Alumni:
- Willie Gault
- Jearl Miles-Clark
- Terrence Trammell
- Justin Gatlin
2. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA has a rich track and field tradition, with 15 NCAA team titles and 38 Olympic medals won by Bruin athletes. The school's athletic facilities, including the Drake Stadium, provide an ideal training environment for athletes.
Notable Alumni:
- Jackie Joyner-Kersee
- Florence Griffith-Joyner
- Quincy Watts
- Joanna Hayes
1. Louisiana State University (LSU)
LSU has a highly successful track and field program, with 4 NCAA team titles and 23 Olympic medals won by Tiger athletes. The school's athletic facilities, including the Bernie Moore Track Stadium, provide an ideal training environment for athletes.
Notable Alumni:
- Glenn Davis
- Tommie Smith
- John Carlos
- Walter Dix
What is the best track school in the US?
+Louisiana State University (LSU) is widely considered one of the best track schools in the US, with a highly successful program and a rich history of producing Olympic athletes.
How do I get recruited by a top track school?
+To get recruited by a top track school, you'll need to meet the NCAA eligibility requirements, have a strong athletic record, and make contact with coaches from top programs. You can also use online recruiting platforms to get noticed.
What are the benefits of attending a top track school?
+Attending a top track school can provide you with access to world-class coaching, training facilities, and competition. You'll also have the opportunity to network with other top athletes and potentially earn a scholarship.
Whether you're a high school athlete looking to take your skills to the next level or a college student seeking to compete at the highest level, attending a top track school can be a great way to achieve your goals. These schools have a proven track record of producing top-notch athletes and providing a world-class education.