Parker Valby Will Win Bowerman

Tuohy did nothing outdoor. Why even mention her? If Valby wins 4 track titles and breaks all records, she will win.

She broke the NCAA Outdoor collegiate 5000m record running 15:03 in May, ... so yes, she did something.

But yeah, her performance in the final lost her a spot as a finalist for the award.

Cam Levins won in 2012. It’s a simple formula, people: championships + absolute college records (no qualifiers) + world or national caliber marks. Cheserek had the championships but he didn’t run fast enough. You need both to win.

I have given up on that award. It should be split into the field/distance, and sprints. Why does anyone take an award seriously that quite literally doesn't account for what it takes for distance runners running doubles and being just as historically great as their sprinter counterparts. Cheserek not winning one was the last straw for me.

Be realistic. She is not going to break every record. She could break one, two max. I could just as easily say, "I guarantee if Valby breaks Gudaf Tsegay's 14:00 WR in the 5000m and Faith Kipyegon's 4:07 WR in the mile she will win the Bowerman."

I agree. For distance it should include cross country as those runners are 3 season athletes, and that makes a difference. They should consider the whole year.

I don't have the data in front of me but without looking I would be willing to bet more 200m/400m athletes have won this award than anyone simply from being able to run the most events at their absolute best. If you are a capable 100m-400m athlete there is an inherited advantage compared to a 1500m-10k athlete. On a yearly basis imagine if that years indoor meet is at altitude or the outdoor championship is in texas in 90 degree weather. It is a sprinter award.

When you say “breaks all records,” what records are you specifically referring to?

Her best chance of breaking any record is the 5000. She won’t get Tuohy’s 3000 or the other 10000. She has absolutely no chance at the 1500 or indoor mile. Some mentioned the steeple above and as odd as that sounds, it’s probably not unreasonable if she can get the hang of that event.

Also, I’ll second the suggestion of Julien Alfred winning the Bowerman.

Way more likely that she breaks those records than it was for Tuohy to win XC title this year, yet Tuohy fans predicted Tuohy would win. Lacctic gave her no chance.

I truly believe we could see two distance runners win next year. Valby and Blanks are that good. If Valby does what I’ve suggested, and if Blanks becomes the first collegian to go sub 13 and sub 27 plus wins championships indoors and out, they will be strong contenders for the award.

Lol. Lacctic gave Tuohy the SAME exact odds last year, and she won. What odds did it give Markezich to get third? (Hint: 0%).

She is not running 3:59 low... or a 4:23 mile... (this year). Have to draw the line somewhere. Her best shot is 5k / 10k records. I personally would love to see what she could do in the 10k.

I think Markezich and Lemnegole have a shot to take down Wayments steeple record. Markezich ran 9:17 over the summer, and Lemnegole has run about 9:14 altitude converted.

Again, not comparing her to Tuohy. We’re only talking about Valby. Also, again, what “records” are you referring to?

You’re starting to sound like a subjective and overzealous fan boy.

Because indoor is counted, as well as outdoor.

And Valby SHOULDN’T strive for winning 4 track titles; that is the clearest way for her to get injured.

She should race as much as her body can handle. I’d love to see her try the 5,000 or 10,000 at the Olympic trials. She’s bigger than the Bowerman.

Seeing Tuohy humble Lacctic again would have been so sweet. Sigh. Was never a factor.

Agree. Lemngole and Markezich are best bets for Bwrmn honors on the distance side. Both have higher ceilings and a wider range than Valby and are more consistent and durable.

Just a reminder that ZERO distance runners were named to the pre-season watchlist for the Bowerman last year. After 15 years of being snubbed, why do distance fans even care about the award?

…what?
Markezich, I can understand, since she’s a nationally-ranked steepler. But we just saw Lemngole lose 3 races to Valby and they run the same events. Exactly how does she have a higher ceiling?