The University of Puget Sound and the cross country/track and field coaching staff are pleased that you have expressed an interest in Puget Sound and our program. We hope that your interest grows throughout the coming year and that you take the opportunity visit campus and meet the coaching staff, student-athletes, and faculty. We have much to offer you as a student-athlete.

The University of Puget Sound has enjoyed a great deal of success in track and field on the national level for many years. Throughout the past ten years, Puget Sound has produced 42 All-Americans and 18 Academic All-Americans in track and field. We have had 5 national champions in the last 14 years, including: Jim Cairns from Hermiston, Oregon, in the marathon in 1985 and 1986 (setting the national record); Danita Erickson-Parkhurst from Gig Harbor, Washington, in the 1500m in 1994; Sarah Andrews from Seattle, Washington, in the 3000m in 1997; Amy Wells, from Ashland, Oregon, in the pole vault in 1998; and Dana Boyle, from Carbondale, Colorado, in the 3000m in 1999. More recently, Katie Heaton was fourth in the pole vault in 2002 and fifth in 2003.

The track and field program welcomes all student-athletes who have a desire to learn and improve in their sport and who are willing to take collegiate athletics and academics seriously. Our coaches work in conjunction with the runners to ensure a balanced and excellent liberal arts education. Puget Sound's Baker Stadium is a recently renovated all-weather, 400-meter track. Our first track and field meet is held in late February or early March. We are members of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division III and the Northwest Conference (NWC).

Financial aid in the form of academic and need-based grants, guaranteed student loans, college work-study and a host of other resources is available to qualified students. You will need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1, 2006 for priority consideration. You may obtain this form from your high school counselor or from our financial aid office by calling 253-879-3214 or 800-396-7192.

If you are interested in becoming a student-athlete at the University of Puget Sound, please complete and return the enclosed track and field questionnaire. If we can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time. Thanks again for your interest in track and field at Puget Sound, and we look forward to working with you as a Logger.