2019 Outdoor Draft (Men)

Women's Draft coming early next week

With a new season comes a new TSR Draft! The crew will be selecting their men's teams in a seven round, random order, snake selection style draft (with a special twist coming the in the seventh round). Once you make a pick, you cannot drop anyone from your team at any time during the season (unless we rebel and suddenly change the rules). Let's get this started...

1st Round Selections

Garrett: For my first pick, I’m taking Morgan McDonald. The Wisconsin veteran is simply too much of an overwhelming favorite to be anything but the first pick in our draft. With a far fewer doubles possible at the outdoor national meet, the 10k/5k double becomes incredibly valuable and I’ll take the guy who can win both if he wants to.

Matt: I am going with Obsa Ali. He had his best indoor season ever, getting PR's in both the 3k and 5k while qualifying for his first Indoor Nationals Championship this past winter. He did not lose a steeple race all last year and he's not going to this year!

John: Well, sign me up for the Stanford Cardinal in Grant Fisher. We’ve all talked about how he doesn’t seem to have as many titles as he should and I think that might change this outdoor season. He’s a savvy racer that’s been on the losing end of too many races and I think the 5000 this time around will be different.

Sean: Bryce Hoppel. I was not sold on Hoppel before this indoor season, but I think his undefeated winter definitely gives me hope for him qualifying for the final and making a difference. I’m not sure if he is even the favorite, but I see him as a lock for four to eight points and locks are worth the picks for me.

Sam: Sticking true to my squad from indoors, I’ll take Joe Klecker. The man is coming off of the best indoor campaign of his career and looks like he could be a serious national title threat this year on the outdoor scene. I think he benefits in the longer distances - I definitely could see him winning the 10k.

Ben: Even after a poor indoor national meet (for his standards) I’m surprised that Oliver Hoare has fallen this far. Perhaps he has less value outdoors than indoors, but he is still the favorite in the 1500. While this may be his only event, he still should score a solid amount of points.

Michael: I’m picking Clayton Young. He ran two very solid races at the Indoor National Championships and I think his best race is the 10k. He could very well go for the 10k/5k double and will be a title contender in both.

1st Round Commentary

Garrett: I really like the Klecker pick. I could see him dabbling in the 10k this season and attempting the 10k/5k double at Nationals. Outside of McDonald, I think he might be the most valuable pick from a scoring perspective.

John: I debated between Fisher and Klecker with the third overall pick. Klecker had one hell of an indoor season and I think you’ll see the same during outdoor.

Sam: The Obsa pick is intriguing to me. I think he has a really high ceiling, but I think the steeple is also very unpredictable this year.

Garrett: Agreed on Ali. The steeplechase is so competitive this year that I’m not sure it’ll be easy for him to defend his title.

Matt: I am also surprised it took so long for someone to take Hoare...did not think his “struggle” was too much to change him from being a large favorite in the 1500.

Sean: I think seeing Hoare “struggle” and then not do well in 3K really hurt how he was perceived.

John: I agree with Sean. He had a total of four races that weekend and we really saw the worst of it as he finished last in the 3000. If he just focuses on the 1500 during outdoors, he’s the favorite in my opinion.

Sam: The 1500, like the 800, seems like it could be anyone’s game. Both events saw the favorites lose at Nationals and mid-distance events seem to always have a wild finish.

Michael: Klecker is a great pick and not somebody to sleep on anymore. I also agree that Hoare can still be the favorite in the 1500 despite coming up short indoors. His plate was just too full for him and I imagine he will not be doubling (let alone tripling) come outdoors. If Ben didn’t draft him he was my first pick!

Ben: I like Hoppel, but him going as the fourth pick makes me believe that Sean thinks he is a big favorite. Like Sam said, the 800 could be anyone’s to win.

Matt: I think the 800 is so up in the air based on how the race is run that picking any of the perceived top guys is kind of scary.

Sean: If Hoppel going 4th makes him seem like the favorite of the 800, what does picking Klecker 5th mean, or Clayton Young 7th mean?

Ben: I think because Klecker and Young have two scoring opportunities they are safe bets to score well in at least one event while Hoppel has only the 800. I do like the Young pick. I was probably going to go for him in the second round if he had slid because of how consistent he has been this year.

2nd Round Selections

Michael: Sam Worley. As only a sophomore he has great experience and multiple All-American finishes. He’ll be a serious threat in 1500 following his pair of national podium finishes over the past track seasons.

Ben: After a 2nd place finish that earned me eight points during indoors, I am going with Marco Arop again. I think he is the safest bet out of everyone to finish in the top three. Losing to Hoppel hurt, but I think Arop will run much better during outdoors where he doesn’t have to worry about positioning as much. More space and less turns means Arop won’t have to lead as much of the race as he did indoors.

Sam: Rory Linkletter is always someone to watch during championship season and I think many people forget he was 2nd in the 10,000 meters back in 2017. Last year we saw him double in the 10k/5k and insider information has me confident in his abilities this year.

Sean: Rob Heppenstall. Might as well load up on people who I know will score. Banking on him going 8 for 8, especially since this indoor final went very well for him comparatively.

John: Gimme Kyle Mau! Dude had a fantastic indoor season (see Garrett’s indoor draft). He helped IU to a 4th place finish in the DMR while finishing 10th in the mile and then 9th in the 3000. It wasn’t the greatest triple ever, but still impressive in my mind. I think whatever he picks during outdoor, he'll be successful.

Matt: I know he did not have a good indoor season, but I am going to take a leap of faith here and take Vincent Kiprop. He has two chances to score and he was a Ben Flanagan kick away last year from being the 10k national champ. As the distance goes up, he gets better so I am going to have faith that he has a bounce back season.

Garrett: I’ll take Connor McMillan. I like guys who have the potential to score on the 10k/5k double and McMillan is one of those guys. He’s a phenomenal regular season competitor who has shown that he is capable of earning All-American finishes (based on the past two national meets). I like the potential points he could score for me here.

2nd Round Commentary

Michael: I thought about taking Heppenstall here. The 800 is always so difficult to predict, but Heppenstall ALWAYS scores points at NCAA's. Even if he doesn’t win, he is a great pick.

Sam: I agree with Michael’s thoughts on the 800 being difficult to predict. Honestly, picking anyone in an event with prelims is always a bit of a worry as you never know what could happen.

John: I will forever stay away from 800 meter picks after what happened with my indoor draft. But Michael is right in terms of Heppenstall always scoring points at NCAA's so it’s a great pick. As for Arop, he’s the next name in the 800 that I think we’ll have our eyes on the next couple of years.

Garrett: I don’t like the 800 because of how unpredictable it is, but Heppenstall is literally a guarantee for points. Honestly surprised he didn’t go in the first round.

Ben: John, I don’t blame you. It was stressful just watching prelims. I like the Vincent Kiprop pick by Matt. As someone who has been under the radar this year, he showed us at the indoor national meet that he is fully healthy. Kiprop at 100% can compete with anyone.

3rd Round Selections

Garrett: Give me John Dressel. He has slowly been trending upwards after an injury from last year and his cross country season showed me that he can still compete at a very high level on the national stage. His indoor season may not have ended how he wanted it to, but I’m a believer in Dressel and I think he’ll refine his fitness as we progress through outdoors. Plus, he has the potential to run the 10k/5k double and, as you can tell, I’m a fan of that.

Matt: After having a breakout indoor season and a “surprise” 2nd place finish, I am going to go with Casey Comber. I think he has proved that his race IQ is up there with anybody, and he will put himself in position to have a shot at winning the 1500 this outdoor season.

John: Might be going out on a limb here, but I’ll take Robert Brandt of UCLA. Two 8th place finishes in the 3000 and 5000 this indoor season to go along with strong personal bests is very exciting. My guess is a 10k/5k double and I like the way the Bruin is trending after the indoor season.

Sean: Steven Fahy of Stanford. I think he’s got a great chance to end up as the NCAA Steeplechase Champion and could even end up in the 5k if the steeplechase goes well. He’s performed well during both outdoors and indoors throughout his career (when healthy).

Sam: Somehow, he has made it all the way until now. Tyler Day is a stud over 10,000 meters and he will add to my contingent of picks already in the event. He was 4th over that distance in 2018 and two of the four finishers ahead of him from last year's national meet are now gone. I don’t see McDonald running the 10k, so I think Day could sneak away with the win on the right day.

Ben: After much deliberation, this team (of one) is happy to announce that they will be selecting Amon Kemboi from Campbell University with the sixth pick in the third round. Like Hoare, Kemboi did not have the greatest weekend Nationals, but he did have a great season. I think he will shake off the bad performance and come back strong during outdoors.

Michael: Following up Sean’s steeple pick, I’ll take Aidan Tooker. He had a breakout indoor season, going under four minutes in the mile for the first time and that isn’t even his best event. Tooker might not have made the national meet during indoors, but he’s already proven he is at the top level of the steeplechase.

3rd Round Commentary

Sam: Immediate reaction. Love the Dressel pick. He will show up big at NCAA's.

Sean: Also love the Comber pick. He’s got a decent amount of range too.

Garrett: Big fan of the Comber pick. I’m a bit biased, but he has really taken his fitness to a different level. He’s someone who could have the option of qualifying for Nationals in the 1500 or 5k, he’s that talented.

Ben: We finally got our second steeplechase pick! I was wondering who it would be, but Fahy is a great pick.

John: Fahy is such an underrated pick in my opinion. A+ pick for Mr. Collins right here.

Matt: The Dressel pick is interesting because the end of his indoor season was not what we all expected, but it could be a steal here. In reference to the Fahy pick, he has only run three races since last outdoor season, so it will be interesting to see what kind of shape he is in when we get to see him for an entire season.

John: I also love the Tooker pick here from Michael. Felt like he was in the shadow of Justyn Knight a bit at Syracuse in his first few years, but the dude is a gamer and he’ll be towards the top this spring.

Garrett: The steeplechase is one of the most exciting events for me, but I’ll never trust an event where my draft pick could fall over a barrier or into a water pit. Too much risk that follows with their overall talent.

Ben: I was really hoping Tooker was going to fall another round or two because of exactly what Garrett is saying. He should contend, but I was nervous using a high pick on a steeplechaser.

Sam: Garrett, to be fair, guys could trip and fall in any event. Especially with the way people race mid-distance events at championships, seeing people fall isn’t super uncommon.

Garrett: That’s true, and I would agree with that sentiment more during the indoor season, but the steeplechase is quite literally designed to trip you up and there are far more falls in the steeplechase than a regular distance event (I feel pretty confident I don't need to research that stat). I can’t help but think of what happened to Brian Barraza at last year's national meet as an example. I think this is more of my PTSD coming out from watching him in that final lap last year.

Michael: That’s an excellent point about the steeplechase and Barraza’s fall shows that even the most experienced racers can be subject to bad luck over the barriers. It’s a bit of a risky move, but it’s a gamble I’m willing to take!

Matt: You guys just had to bring up Brian’s race *cries internally*

4th Round Selections

Michael: Edwin Kurgat of Iowa State is my team's fourth pick. I think he will end up running the 5k, but after a huge 3rd finish in cross country this fall, he could compete for a podium spot in the 10k as well. Maybe he’ll even go for both!

Ben: Looking over the edge...doesn’t look too bad. Ok, I’m a little nervous about this pick but I’m going for it. Give me Geordie Beamish. I’m willing to go out on a limb and say that Indoor Nationals wasn’t a fluke and that Beamish will be back in contention for the 1500.

Sam: My team is all true distance guys so to add in some diversity, the squad will welcome Oregon standout Charlie Hunter. This guy had the fifth fastest mile time during indoors this past winter and while he won’t be the favorite entering the 1500, he’s good enough to get himself into the race which is all it takes to potentially score major points at NCAA's.

Sean: Heading back to the 800 for my team. Devin Dixon is coming off the board and I feel great about this pick. He’s still the only guy in the field to go sub 1:45.3 and while he maybe should be a top three performer normally, I like his ability to score consistently.

John: YESSSS! Thank you Sean! I will now select Waleed Suliman of Ole Miss. I’m not worried about his performance at the indoor national meet where he finished 9th in the mile. He ran 3:56 this past winter season and ran 3:39 and some change last outdoor season. It feels like all upside here for the Rebel.

Matt: I am rolling with my 1500 theme and going with Carlos Villarreal. This is purely based on this past indoor season and the momentum that he built up by running personal bests in both the mile and 3k. He has shown that he can run a tactically sound race, and I am just hoping that his kick can somehow hold up.

Garrett: Give me Gilbert Kigen. The potential for a 10k/5k double comes into play here and I think he’s almost a lock to finish as an All-American in the 10,000 meters, an event that he is very consistent in.

4th Round Commentary

Ben: Darn you Michael! You picked two of the guys I wanted in back-to-back picks. I would be shocked if Kurgat didn’t bounce back in a big way.

Sam: Beamish. BOLD.

John: I second Sam.

Garrett: I feel dumb for missing out on Kurgat. Seems like a fairly obvious choice for an early round pick.

Michael: I was looking through previous rounds to make sure I didn’t repeat a pick and was shocked I didn’t see his name already. I can’t believe we let him go that long.

Ben: I was between Kemboi and Kurgat and just went with Kemboi for his consistency. I am also feeling very bold with the Beamish pick.

Sean: John, you got a great pick in Suliman. I think his biggest limitation is getting through so many rounds, especially since Ole Miss utilizing team tactics in the regional rounds can get confusing.

Ben: I have the same worry with Suliman. He's been unbelievable in the regular season, but was unable to make Outdoor Nationals last year.

John: I was really picking between Dixon and Suliman here. I would have been excited with either pick. The limitation with Suliman is real, but he’s another year older and wiser and I’m hoping he learned something from the likes of Robert Domanic last year.

Matt: Sean and John, I was set on either taking Dixon or Suliman *facepalm*...thanks guys.

John: Garrett’s team is all 5k/10k guys and it’s one of those feelings that he knows something that we don't at this point....

Garrett: I’m kind of like the Fyre Festival guy. Just say things with a lot of conviction and people will think you know what you're talking about.

Ben: This is what I want to hear from the admin of our site. Not worried at all...

Sam: These pop culture references are lost on me, but I agree with Ben...

5th Round Selections (Rapid Fire)

Garrett: James West, I like that he has options between the 1500 and 5k if really wants to.

Matt: Joseph White...Please...

John: Yared Nuguse...if he didn’t opt for the DMR he might be the mile champ.

Sean: Conner Mantz! Someone from BYU has to score in the 5k/10k...right?

Sam: Carlton Orange. I need an 800 meter runner and his name makes me think of the Fresh Prince.

Ben: James Sugira. The Colonel will be back with a vengeance.

Michael: I haven’t picked an 800 guy yet so I’ll take Cooper Williams.

5th Round Commentary

Michael: I was set on Nuguse! I picked him during indoors which only gave me 2.5 points for his DMR anchor leg, but with no distance relay outdoors, he’ll probably just be in the 1500. He split 3:54 in the mile which makes him a title contender, so props to John for getting him this late.

Matt: Sean, nice pick with Mantz, was hoping he would drop to the sixth round.

Garrett: I knew there was a BYU guy I was missing. Mantz would have fit perfectly into my “just take all of the long distance guys” scheme.

Sean: Was I supposed to have a strategy for this draft? Because at this point it’s “Pick Whoever I Feel Like”

Ben: Completely forgot about Nuguse! Really bummed that I missed out on him.

John: White falling into the fifth round seems a bit odd to me too. We were just talking about him being a title contender during the indoor season.

Matt: John, I hope you are right, he scares me a little though...

Michael: I’ve had my eye on White the whole draft. I picked him during indoors and think he is still a top contender outdoors, but the 800 meter is just so difficult to predict!

John: The Nuguse pick was sparked by me flipping over to TFRRS and having my mind blown that I hadn’t seen his name yet. So I’m pumped about it.

6th Round Selections (Rapid Fire)

Michael: Sleeper pick...Justine Kiprotich

Ben: Another sleeper pick...Zach Long

Sam: Nick Hauger. Portland represent.

Sean: Alex Rogers

John: Cole Rockhold. I won’t hop off the bandwagon.

Matt: Shot in the dark...Lawrence Kipkoech

Garrett: Tanner Anderson. 10k/5k. Veteran. Consistent. Fast times. Checks all the boxes.

6th Round Commentary

Garrett: Big fan of that Justine Kiprotich pick. He is one of the most dangerous 1500 runners in the country when it comes to outdoors and he has proven that on a relatively consistent basis.

Michael: For my last two picks I wanted Nuguse and Sugira, but they were taken and I had to get creative. Kiprotich had a quiet indoor season, but I think he’ll be back in form during outdoors.

Sam: Random thought. When is the last time Kiprotich raced and didn’t wear sunglasses? Or is my memory terrible?

Matt: Who wants to race without sunglasses?

Sam: True. We had a guy in high school wear sunglasses for the 4x4 under the lights.

Matt: That kid is a LEGEND!

Garrett: USC's Isaiah Jewett has run multiple indoor meets with sunglasses on. I aspire to have that level of swagger and confidence.

Sam: That is a really interesting pick Ben.

Ben: I think he has a shot at competing with anyone in the 5k. He has qualified for Outdoor Nationals over the last two years and has the speed to hang in a tactical race.

Sam: 100% agree. He won the 5k at the Stanford Invite last year if memory serves correct.

Garrett: John, I can’t believe you stole Rockhold from me!

Sean: Can I propose a 7th round? Maybe double points for the 7th round pick?

Matt: Sean is your team that bad that you need double points and a 7th round?

Sean: My team isn’t that bad!

7th Round Selections (Rapid Fire)

Special Rules: Single points for anyone who has scored at an NCAA Championship track meet before. Double points for someone who has never scored at a (track) National Championship. Triple points for anyone who has never qualified for a National Championship on the track.

Garrett: I won this one: Simon Grannetia. Never qualified for Nationals before due to injury. Thank goodness I just did the steeplechase preview...

Matt: Luis Grijalva...y’all asleep

John: Emmanuel Roudolff-Levisse from Portland. Gimme those 5k/10k points!

Sean: Thomas Ratcliffe of Stanford. Aiming for triple points!

Sam: Kyle Burdick. South Dakota State stand up!

Ben: Going with someone I picked in the indoor draft. ISAI RODRGIUEZ. He'll lead me to triple points and the promised land! Also, please run like you did at XC Nationals...

Michael: Jaret Carpenter. He had a phenomenal cross country season leading up to a disappointing finish at Nationals. Good for double points if he scores.

7th Round Commentary

Sean: I can’t believe I suggested something and now don’t know what to do.

Michael: BOLD pick Sean. That could pay off big time though so I respect it. For all we know that could get you 30 points.

Garrett: Sean could win the entire draft or lose the entire draft with that single pick. I don’t know how Ratcliffe could lose it for him, but the narrative sounds more fun that way.

Sean: For clarity, I was stuck between Isai Rodriquez, Illias Aouani, and Ratcliffe for my final pick. But then, I thought I should pick Alex Ostberg instead and just go for single points but I got too nervous and attracted by the triple points

John: Can I go back and pick Isai? That’d have been a damn good pick.

Matt: Y’all wildin’ with these 7th round picks.

Michael: I feel like the safe bet here was to pick somebody who has scored before, but the idea of double or triple points is just too attractive. I bet at least one of these picks will seriously pay off though.