This guy is living my honest-to-goodness real-life track fantasy
About 10 years ago, whenever I saw Steve Scott at Cal State San Marcos, where he coaches, I would say, “Hey, Coach! I still have two years eligibility left!” That was a reference to my having run track for two years at Kansas and then kicked off the team. (Actually, my NCAA eligibility expired somehow.) But not for Sean Smith in the San Diego area. He’s 36 and is using his leftover collegiate eligibility to put the shot for the University of LaVerne. Great story, and love his attitude: “When you get to be this age, you learn what real pressure is. Real pressure is working a job, trying to make a living, it’s not throwing a 16-pound ball of lead.” Go, Sean! Show the kids you can bring it!
Sean is in college track at 36 — and well after his original collegiate experience.
8 Responses
A new record Nolan.Congratulation. I am not surprised. Seems so easy for you. When will you share your training secret with me. Just a word. I am not a Jazzman, not playing trumpet.
Take care.
It’s no mystery, you get five or six years to use your four years of eligibility, all of which must occur before you’re 25.
That’s D1 and maybe DII. The NAIA and JC’s are much more relaxed.
Lad Pataki competed for West Valley Community College when he was 55. He had a Ph.D. from Charles University in Europe but never competed for a collegiate team. Community colleges are a good place to compete for people who didn’t use their college eligibility.
NCAA rules change all of the time, but it used to be that the eligibilty clock did not start until you actually played a sport. The NCAA also used take away years after age 25. However, there are exemptions, made for hardship cases such as military service.
Also, keep in mind that Chris Weinke and Brandon Weeden were both 28 years old when they were DI QB’s and NFL draftees.
I was turning 40 when I competed in a final season of cross country and track for a California state college. I had actually competed for them 20 years prior, but still had 1 year of eligibility remaining. If anything I hoped it gave the younger college runners the idea that this is a sport that can keep them young and fit throughout thier lives.
im pretty sure Carla Hopie competed also at the age of 53
Nolan, I am ready to learn horn if it is your secret to run so fast. Congratulations
These stories are always Great to hear. In 2006, my wife and i competed for Hancock College. She was 36 and I was 41. She ran cross country (72nd in State) and did the hepthalon in TF. I threw the javelin. But what fun.
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