stripes of a zebra wrote:
We will have a definitive boys champ - the winner of footlocker. If Anderson chooses not to partake then he is forgoing any claims to the national champion crown.
Seconded.
Also, Footlocker is one of the most exciting and entertaining events in running. NXN seems like a great motivator for top teams, and a great experience if they make it there, and it's probably a lot less great to go to NXN as an individual. I think the current system is actually pretty ideal. If you have a great team, NXN. If you are a star without a great team, Footlocker. If two stars don't race each other, it just ups the hype for their first NCAA matchup. And if one goes to the NAIA, then ditto for their first pro matchup.
I don't imagine stars who are on great teams can be too terribly bummed about not chasing individual glory as someone said. Getting to race with your team at NXN has got to be sweet, and you still get plenty of individual glory.