You should check out the Sub-5 challenge, which has been running for several years now and collects information on top high schools about how many runners are going sub-5. Created by a coach at Hinsdale Central HS in suburban Chicago (8th place, NXN XC this year):
Statthunker6969297 wrote:
I’d be inclined to say no. I used to think yes but as I’ve really looked into I now think no. Lots of towns with good schools and good athletic opportunities field 1000s of these kids, however there are over 26,000 high schools in the USA.
I'm not lying- back in about 2011 we had this completely useless dual meet. So we decided to have all 17 boy distance runners do the 1600. We had the sub 5 guys (about 6-8) pace the rest.
All 17 broke 5:00. The opposing coach looked at me and said- Now THAT'S imprressive.
450 high schools and about 1/3 had nobody break 5:00 so I am leaning toward more schools having a guy sub 5.
450 high schools and about 1/3 had nobody break 5:00 so I am leaning toward more schools having a guy sub 5.