The Dartmouth Track & Field & XC Experience: From Hanover to Heps
Dartmouth College: The Ancient Eight's Northern Powerhouse
Welcome to part 3 of eight of the Ivy Track and Field and Cross Country Recruiting Guide, this time focusing on Dartmouth College
If you envision yourself excelling both academically and athletically in a setting steeped in tradition and natural beauty, then Dartmouth College Track & Field and Cross Country might be the perfect fit.
Nestled in the picturesque Upper Valley of New Hampshire, Hanover provides a unique backdrop for the Dartmouth experience. Picture a classic New England college town, complete with white-steepled churches, charming bookstores, and the scenic Connecticut River flowing nearby. This isn't a bustling urban environment; it's a close-knit community where the outdoors is an integral part of campus life.
While Dartmouth's athletic facilities might not be the newest in the Ivy League, they are well-maintained and provide everything necessary for high-level training. The emphasis here is on a balanced experience, where rigorous academics are complemented by a strong commitment to athletic development.
If you're a driven athlete who appreciates a strong sense of community, values a challenging academic environment, and thrives in a setting that embraces the outdoors, then Dartmouth might be the place for you. The Big Green have a rich history and a tradition of success in the Ivy League, and they're always looking for talented individuals to contribute to their legacy.
Ready to experience the Dartmouth difference? Dive into this guide for a comprehensive look at Dartmouth Track & Field and Cross Country: facilities, performance stats, recruiting insights, and a glimpse into what it's like to be part of this proud program. Go, Big Green!
Location Breakdown
Dartmouth is located in Hanover, New Hampshire, in the Upper Valley region along the Connecticut River. Hanover is a quintessential New England college town, characterized by its natural beauty and close proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities.
City: Hanover, NH
Environment: Rural/Small Town Hanover
Population: 8,200
Metro Area Population: Approximately 200,000 (including surrounding towns in NH and VT)
Other Colleges in City: None directly in Hanover, but nearby institutions include Norwich University (VT) and Colby-Sawyer College (NH).
Hanover in the Last Presidential Election: Generally leans Democrat, though more moderate than urban areas.
Demographics: White (Non-Hispanic) (70.5%), Asian (Non-Hispanic) (10.7%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (7.88%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (4.01%), and Two+ (Hispanic) (2.47%).
Dartmouth Breakdown
Founded: 1769
Undergraduate Population: Approximately 4,500
Graduate Population: Approximately 2,100
Nickname: Big Green
Mascot: the Lone Pine
Endowment: Approximately $8.5 billion
Endowment Per Capita: $1,283,927
Curriculum: Liberal Arts with a focus on undergraduate education.
Politics: Generally moderate to liberal.
Fun Fact: Dartmouth is the smallest Ivy League school.
Facilities
Indoor Track Facility Rating: 7/10
Name: Leverone Field House
Seats: Limited fixed seating
Built: 1965, but renovated in recent years
Pros: On campus. 200m track. Full jumps and throwing areas. Adequate training facilities.
Cons: Not the newest facility in the league. Can be crowded with other sports and activities.
Outdoor Track Rating: 7.5/10
Name: Memorial Field
Seats: stadium seating
Built: Historic stadium, with track and field upgrades.
Pros: Classic stadium setting. Relatively well-maintained track and field areas.
Cons: Not the most modern facility.
Running Routes + Environment Rating: 9/10
Pros: Unparalleled access to trails and natural beauty. Extensive trail networks in the surrounding area, including the Appalachian Trail. Excellent for cross-country training and long runs. Quiet, rural setting.
Cons: Harsh winters with snow and ice. Limited options for flat, paved running near campus.
Recruiting Insights
Similar to other Ivy League institutions, Dartmouth has high academic standards. Coaches will be looking for athletes who can not only contribute to the team but also thrive in Dartmouth's rigorous academic environment. Be sure to check the team website for recruiting standards and contact coaches early in the recruiting process. Emphasize your academic achievements as well as your athletic accomplishments.
For more info on how to communicate with college coaches including an email template and everything else you need to know about maximizing your recruiting process, check out the Track and Field Recruiting Academy.
Make sure to check out the other Ivy League recruiting guides to learn about the other Ivy programs.
