30 For 30
It's rather simple. 30 words discussing 30 storylines from this summer (and maybe a little earlier). Let's get into it...
Greg Metcalf dismissed from Washington program after allegations from Husky athletes
The Metcalf resignation started a summer of coaching madness. The incident led to him leaving the Huskies, the Powell’s leaving Oregon, and the Ducks scrambling to find a competent replacement.
Rumors have suggested that Syracuse coach Chris Fox may begin his own professional group with Reebok in an effort to get Knight to sign with the brand
These are rumors (and rumors only), but earlier this summer multiple sources have suggested that this is a possibility. Would Fox really leave Syracuse? Would Knight really sign with Reebok?
Brody Smith transfers from Utah State to Purdue
The Boilermakers have a promising squad for the 2018 season. Despite being more of a miler, Smith may be the last piece Purdue needs to qualify for cross country nationals.
Geoffrey Cheruiyot passes away after sustaining injuries from car accident
Let’s put the running implications aside. Cheruiyot was not only a fantastic talent, but he was well respected within the running community. He will be dearly missed throughout the NCAA.
Thomas Staines runs 1:45 at Music City Distance Carnival
Is there anything left for Staines to accomplish at the collegiate level? He already has two national titles and the D2 national record. Could he possibly go pro or transfer?
Florida head coach Mike Holloway given 10 year contract extension
After winning as many titles as he did, it’s understandable why Florida resigned him. The only thing that this extension indicates is that the program won’t be changing anytime soon.
Isaiah Harris goes pro
The title is wide open if Saruni also goes pro. Does this mean Joe White and Robert Heppenstall can finish their careers with titles? Or will a younger star emerge?
Josh Kerr goes pro
Is he the greatest collegiate 1500 runner ever? Probably. Just like the 800, the 1500 is wide open. Can Oliver Hoare defend his title? Can Oregon regain the 1500 title?
Kansas hires former Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long as new AD
Most AD's focus on football, but Arkansas' national titles on the track have boosted Long's resume. He may be a proponent of stronger scholarship budgets for Kansas XC and track.
Washington hires Powell's
The Huskies may become far more competitive in the PAC 12 on a more consistent basis. Attempting to hire Oregon's next distance coach will be a crucial and delicate process.
Hunter Moore & Kenneth Hagen transfer to Indiana
They may not have an immediate impact, but these two could be promising. The Hoosiers have the potential to be a great cross country squad in two or three years.
Devin Myrer transfers from Baylor to Michigan
Despite a large recruiting class, Myrer will be a valuable distance addition who will help make up for the loss of veterans like Connor Mora, Aaron Baumgarten, and Ben Flanagan.
Texas to host NCAA National Championships for the next two years
It may not have been announced in the summer, but the new venue has already drawn criticism. Many argue that the conditions may be too hot for long distance runners.
Four men leave Oklahoma State, many seniors graduate
As mentioned in our article Mass Exodus, Oklahoma State has lost four different men to transfers. What is happening in Stillwater? Can Coach Dave Smith still succeed with this group?
Jorge Perez transfers from Central Arizona CC (JUCO) to Oklahoma State
The Cowboys will need to rebuild their squad. Perez will be a much needed addition with a 14:30 PR and 3rd place finish at the NJCAA Cross Country National Championships.
Edrick Floreal takes over as head coach at Texas. Who will be the new head distance coach?
After leaving Kentucky, Floreal now controls Texas’ roster. With the Notre Dame position now closed, Oregon and Texas look like the two most competitive distance positions that are still unfilled.
Georgetown brings in 3 veteran transfers
Brennan Munley will give the Hoyas even more firepower in the 800 while Christian Liddell and Matt Mahoney will help Georgetown transition through their rebuilding stage after losing veteran seniors.
Lonnie Green takes Kentucky opening, Norbert Elliott promoted to head coach
Elliott’s focus on hurdles and sprints indicates that the Boilermakers won’t have many changes within the distance events. The program will most likely not differ from their traditional roster setup.
Samuel Voelz to transfer to Notre Dame from Depauw
It may not seem like a big deal, but Voelz is a key addition for the Irish after they graduated veteran middle distance runners in Jacob Dumbford and Elijah Silva.
Cory Erdmann to replace father Rick Erdmann as EKU head coach
With Rick Erdmann’s son now the new coach, it’s hard to imagine that recruiting and training will be much different. Cory has been responsible for most of EKU’s past recruiting.
Notre Dame promotes Matt Sparks to head coach
Could Spark's specialty and focus on the distance events change the direction of the program away from the field, sprints, hurdles, etc? Could more scholarships start going to distance runners?
Emma Peterson leaves Pepperdine to become next head coach of cross country at UC Davis
UC Davis hasn’t been the most competitive program over the past few years. With the BIG Sky not getting any easier, Peterson’s new role may give life to the Aggies.
Renovations begin at Hayward Field
The beloved outdoor oval in Eugene has fans asking if the stadium additions are necessary. The bid for a potential Olympic Games is a major reason behind the new construction.
A distance runner does not make The Bowerman finalist list
After consistently robbing Cheserek, fans are beginning to ask what a distance runner specifically needs to do to win The Bowerman award. No distance runners were among the 2018 finalists.
Brooks signs Josh Kerr, David Ribich, and Dillon Maggard
It’s rare to see Brooks sign these many contracts for so many top athletes. The recent recruiting efforts from brands like Adidas, Hoka, and Brooks have overshadowed Nike so far.
Minnesota indoor track to receive major upgrades
The Golden Gophers will be receiving $7.4 million for a new exterior and better indoor track surface. Could this investment allow Minnesota to host more track meets during the winter?
Former Missouri assistant files racial discrimination charges against head coach Brett Halter, AD, and Curators
Not long after Metcalf left Washington does another head coaching allegation arise. These are only allegations, but could it evolve into an issue where Halter is forced to step down?
Wisconsin to host Nuttycombe Invite and Pre-Nats on different weekends
The National Championship XC course is moving to Wisconsin for the 2018 season. It will be interesting to see if teams adjust their race schedules to favor a certain weekend.
Frank Hayes transfers from Iowa State to Ohio State
The rising sophomore ran 1:49 last year. For Iowa State, this is not a devastating blow. However, Ohio State will happily pair him with up-and-coming star Alex Lomong.
Coach Bryan Jackson leaves Pitt for UCF
Jackson is leaving to take a new coaching position at UCF even though they don’t have a men’s program. Can anyone help the Pitt Panthers improve their stagnant ACC finishes?