Recently there has been an increase in the number of high school track and field athletes that have decided to go pro right away, bypassing the NCAA system. I would argue that this decision will become a more popular one as successful HS athletes realize there are some major benefits to turning pro right away (money, resources and publicity etc.) If we continue to see more HS go pro, could we see a "one and done" deal in track and field like the NBA?
The pro system in the running world is not the same as the NBA but I think there are some reasons this rule could be put in place. I think that this rule cold be instilled because of the power of the NCAA and their desire to keep the best athletes in their system. Also, the long term success of athletes could be taken into account and many feel that the decision to go pro right away may stump the longevity of a career (Mary Cain?).
What do you all think? Could high school XC/TF athletes be required to go to the NCAA before turning pro?