Early Offseason Reports
Analysis is admittedly sparse these days, but the consequences of cancelling the Indoor National Championships as well as the spring track season are slowly beginning to yield some interesting storylines and news-worthy developments. Here are just a few of the rumblings that we are able to report.
NOTE: Please keep in mind that due to privacy requests, limited information and transfers that are still in the process of happening, The Stride Report cannot release certain details surrounding an athlete's current situation.
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Duke's Matt Wisner Exploring Graduate Transfer Options
Earlier today, The Stride Report recently discovered that Matt Wisner - a 1:48 800 meter runner and two-time national qualifier out of Duke - is exploring transfer options for graduate school.
The potential for a middle distance ace like Wisner to move programs is crucial. Wisner owns a 1:48 personal best with a 1:47 flat-track conversion from the winter of 2019. The two-time national qualifier (who was unable to compete this past winter due to the national meet being cancelled) has been a consistent middle distance ace in the ACC over the past few years.
Top Collegiate Steeplechaser Exploring Transfer Options
Stemming from a trusted source, The Stride Report was able to confirm earlier today that a top steeplechaser, with a personal best well under the nine minute barrier, is exploring transfer options. The individual is on "good terms" with their current university.
As mentioned in an earlier article, the idea that steeplechase and 10k specialists may be more likely to explore transfer options seems to be increasingly more realistic. While we don't know the motivation behind this specific move, this is the first supporting evidence that athletes who specialize in spring-centric events seemingly have a higher potential to be on the move in the near future compared to other distance athletes.
Top Talents Exploring Transfers, One Decision Finalized
Last week, The Stride Report was able to confirm that multiple top distance talents are exploring transfer options. One decision has been finalized, but the NCAA's recent recruiting restrictions has forced the athlete to delay their signing until the NCAA allows student-athletes to sign their National Letter of Intent (NLI).
The other individual is exploring graduate transfer options.
Transfer Portal Reportedly "Flooded" w/ Ivy League Athletes
According to one trusted source, student-athletes that originally resided in the Ivy League are beginning to "flood" the transfer portal. This high volume of entries in the transfer portal likely stems from the fact that the Ivy League has recently declined to grant an additional year of eligibility to their student-athletes.
Despite the NCAA allowing for an additional season of spring eligibility, the Ivy League is maintaining their long-standing rule which states that no Ivy League athlete may compete in the conference for more than four years.
As a result, numerous Ivy League distance runners are evaluating their options in an effort to exhaust the rest of their eligibility.