Scenario 1: Coach for a school with strong academics but not a draw in XC. Gets about 20 runners from its student body. Gets two runners to state who finish in the 20-50 zone every other year. "Bad luck" injuries most of which require surgeries
Scenario 2: Coach for a program that attracts good athletes who appear to be bred for greatness. Parents have been college runners/athletes. Program places on the medal stand at the States with consistency. Team is stacked with talent and often has a new dominant runner each year even if all 5 return
Scenario 3: Coach for a school that gets 50+ runners in their XC program. Everyone does 60+ mpw. When someone gets hurt, there is always a replacement. They place 2 in the top 30 at the state pretty much every year.
Scenario 4: Bubba is a father of 5 whose ages span more than 12 years. All are runners and do no other sports. Children came from two, possibly three mothers, all human. They live in the country and do not seem to follow any coaching philosophy other than Bubba's. All 5 athletes do well or win at every level. The two who are currently in a small countryside HS have several top 10 placements at States. Actual HS coach is in name only. Record of participation suggests no injuries. Bubba's athletes sometimes lose to Coach #2 in Invitationals but not often.
I) Rank the coaches in the 4 scenarios and justify.
II) Bubba is retiring because his belly no longer fits behind the wheel of his 1982 Chevy truck. Entryway to his trailer has recently been remodeled with a large crowbar so Bubba can get in. Where should he send his youngest boy? Choose from among the other 3 programs and justify.