NAU’s legendary cross-country coach Eric Heins on recruiting, winning championships, and training
Searching for the right university, going through the recruitment process, and managing the pressures of high school can be overwhelming, to say the least.
Streamline Athletes helps high school track and field athletes make confident decisions about where to study and compete at the collegiate level.
Eric Heins coached the Northern Arizona University (NAU) cross-country/track and field program for nine years, from 2007 through to 2016. He led the men’s NCAA Division I XC team to their first national title in 2016 and spent the following year in transition, passing on the baton to current coach, Mike Smith. Heins is now the man behind the emerging track and field program at the University of St. Thomas (Division III), located in Houston, Texas.
I had a chance to talk with Coach Heins and this is what I found out.
How Heins recruited high-level athletes like Matt Baxter, Futsumn Zienasellassia, and Lopez Lomong
Eric Heins recruited Matt Baxter and Futsum Zienasellassia among other athletes organically by getting connected with them through friends and former athletes. Recruiting efforts made by the assistant coaches were also beneficial. Hear what Heins has to say about the recruitment process for these All-American track and field and cross-country runners.
NAU’s 2016 workout the week before winning NCAA D-I XC Nationals
Coach Heins overviewed the last week of training before winning the NAU men’s 2016 NCAA Division I Cross Country National Championship. One of their final workouts at Buffalo Park was an 8-mile tempo session at 7,000 feet of elevation with their top ten guys averaging 5:12/mile pace, even though they looked like they were jogging. (For those who don’t know, this pace, at 7,000 feet of altitude is phenomenal!)
Reaching the end of November, just in time for championship season, with a team that is ready to go and not injured or sick was also one of NAU’s strong points and key to success.
The mental aspect of elite competition: don’t take yourself too seriously
Heins discussed the mental aspect and approach that the Northern Arizona cross-country team took before big championships. Check out the video below for Heins’ reflections on:
- getting to National Championship meets without being overwhelmed;
- not pushing yourself too hard early on in order to be fresh mentally for when big races come up; and
- setting up expectations that make athletes excited but ones that don’t seem unbearable.
“The whole college track and field and cross-country journey should be about having fun.” — Coach Heins
Recruiting at Division I versus Division III schools
Athletic standards for Division I and Division III schools vary a lot. However, in the NCAA D-I, coaches can give athletic scholarships before you apply to the college. In the NCAA D-III, you will have to apply to the college and then figure out the multiple financial opportunities offered by the school once you are accepted (D-III does not offer athletic scholarships). For the University of St. Thomas, the application is free!
Coach Heins on recruiting during the COVID-19 pandemic
Through Streamline Athletes, it is possible to contact the program of your choice if you fit their academic and athletic requirements. However, there is a multitude of other things an athlete can do in order to be seen as more appealing to the eye of a college recruiter/coach.
- Student-athletes can get the support of their current high school coach, asking them to highlight their strengths and weaknesses.
- Student-athletes can mention their time trial performances and perhaps send some videos to coaches, showing they are remaining in shape and taking initiative.
- Be proactive! Check out the video below to hear Coach Heins talk about some of his top female athletes at NAU and how they reached out on their own in order to get recruited.
Who does Coach Heins want to recruit to the University of St. Thomas?
Coach Heins is not too caught up with track and field marks and performances at the moment. His sights are set on recruiting high school athletes who are ready to work hard, are hungry to get better, and want to help a brand new track and field program grow.
Want to easily get in contact with the University of St. Thomas and Coach Heins, or any other college program? Visit Streamline Athletes and access your free recruitment profile!
Streamline Athletes is happy to help you with your own journey towards collegiate athletics. We are the only free-to-use recruitment platform dedicated to track and field/cross-country. Feel free to email us at info@streamlineathletes.com if you have any questions or head here for more info!
