ajee wilson opts out of college

The NCAA system is good if you want to peak for NCAA meets multiple times per year and have little left for USAs (if you qualify).

While I do think that a college education cannot be overlooked, I think that if her stated goal is to make the World team in '13 is genuine, her plan is a good one.

Consider this her red-shirt year.

Could someone of her talent level just tell a college coach:

"Look pal, here is what I am going to do..800m X times/yr. No 1500s, no relays, no XC." Take it or leave it.

I'd think most coaches would be happy just to have a celebrity runner on the team to attract other talent.

Educated Guess wrote:

I can't think of a single USA mid-distance distance runner who has benefitted from skipping the NCAA system.

Um...ever heard of Evan Jager?

I think that for Ajee personally, this is a tragedy, and it is also an indictment of our college track system. In America a person needs a college degree; while there are plenty of examples of people who "succeed" without one, the vast proportion of people leading economically-secure lives went to a four-year college. Because of her brilliance as an 800-meter runner, Ajee will have a few years, maybe even a decade in the sun, at which point she becomes what? A coach? At best. In all likelihood she will not come out of her running life wealthy. She should increase her options and opportunities by going to a college where she has an understanding of how much she will be "used," She will endure maybe a few years of competing a bit too much (if she can work that out with her school), and then be ready to meet life with something more than just her running talent. Ajee, if you read this, take heed.

You know, you can go to college without running for a team. That's usually what Americans do when they go pro in college (Webb did). You can also take more than 4 years if you want.

Pretty stupid wrote:

She is good, but not bypass college good.

You chose the right handle, but for the wrong reason. How many NCAA 800m runners ran faster than she did this spring?

Shouldn't take long for you to add up the total.

What an idiot! Does her coach not understand how much developing her body will do in the next year. I remember freshman year of college we had 2 girls run high 17's in the 5000m.... The next year there hips spread and there knees were screwed... All of a sudden they are in the 19's. Should take the free education... DUUUUMMMMBBBBB!!!!

You're kidding, right? Do you realize that it's possible to attend college without competing in the NCAA? IF she goes pro, it's not like the NCAA gets to kick her out of higher education. She just can't be an "amateur" NCAA athlete while on a pro contract. Also, there's no law that says she has to start college right at 18 and finish by 22 or she can't have a degree.

Wow!! The reading comprehension of this thread is pathetic - is this what NCAA education does for people?

It's a year - maybe she should travel in Europe instead - she is not forgoing her University career yet. However, if she were to run 1.57-58 next year (certainly possible without the HS/NCAA seasons)then maybe turning pro (and still getting her College paid for, just not on a scholarship, or just increasing her worth a bit more) can be a plausible consideration.

She is a huge talent who perhaps shouldn't be left to the cauldrons of FSU - who is being developed there under Karen Harvey? How many sub-2.00 runners has she developed? This gives her another year to check out the NCAA scene (without other distractions) and really then decide what the best College choice is for her (even if only to be a student and an athlete on her own time).

A club coach is just that, and is no worse than many of those in the NCAA system. Being paid, doesn't make you better (right Paula?). Time was when many lambasted Rupp for choosing a club coach (Salazar) during his College career - funny how things work out. How many others got medals at 800m and up? Instead of rushing into a Collegiate career that could destroy her, steeping back for a year to reassess seems like a prudent thing to do, if her club coach can't get to World's, then perhaps it will be time to move on - that's her decision, not some idiot's on a message board.

Educated Guess wrote:

Club track is usual in Europe, and a far better way than college if you want to make it as an athlete. College wears you out. So does HS actually, its not long term training. Its short term to get your schools points and trophees. If you want to be the best club track is far more likely to get you there.

Look at USA, so many talented runners and so few who make it. Its sad.

Well if she lived in Europe that would be great, she doesn't. How is the NCAA program bad? Did you watch the Olympics? Look at the USA 800m group of Women, how many went through the NCAA system? All of them. The NCAA system is where they learn to race. It is where they learn to compete through rounds of a championship.

I can't think of a single USA mid-distance distance runner who has benefitted from skipping the NCAA system. The single biggest mistake Alan Webb ever made was skipping out of the NCAA stsytem.

Best of luck to her, but if she is not going pro and she is going the club system, how is that going to work?[/quote]

Not that I think Wilson shouldn't enter the NCAA; however:

Mary Decker and Kim Gallagher

...they did go to college, but did not not have an NCAA career.

no female as run as fast as Wilson in the last 30 yrs.

no female has run as fast as Wilson in the last 30 yrs.

Do you think Evan Jager skipped the NCAA system?

In 2008, Jager placed 8th in the 1500 metres at the NCAA Outdoor Track Championships

Felix won Olympic Silver in the 200 at 19, Jelimo won the 800 gold at 19. Wilson is 5-6 seconds off the PR's of Jelimo and Savinova. She's talented, very talented indeed, but she's lacking strength. Her 400 time is probably in the low 53's, close to some elite female 800 runners, but she's far off in the full 8.

AstuteObserver wrote:

Do you think Evan Jager skipped the NCAA system?

In 2008, Jager placed 8th in the 1500 metres at the NCAA Outdoor Track Championships

1 season in NCAA, whoop-di-doo. He was no more in the NCAA system than Webb (who is criticized for skipping the NCAA system!) or Andrews.

the interesting part is the end where she is "non-commital about where she will attend"

sounds to me like she just changed her mind and doesn't want to go to FSU. this is the only way out of her NLI.

.............................. wrote:

the interesting part is the end where she is "non-commital about where she will attend"

sounds to me like she just changed her mind and doesn't want to go to FSU. this is the only way out of her NLI.

This is exactly what it is.

But the truth is that she isn't competing against the top NCAA runners right now. She is going to compete against pros who can easily run 2:02.

Ignorant Buffoon wrote:

Felix won Olympic Silver in the 200 at 19, Jelimo won the 800 gold at 19. Wilson is 5-6 seconds off the PR's of Jelimo and Savinova. She's talented, very talented indeed, but she's lacking strength. Her 400 time is probably in the low 53's, close to some elite female 800 runners, but she's far off in the full 8.

Accept for Alysia, her 400m credentials are as good if not better than most of the top U.S. 800m runners. I agree with anyone who says she should not pass up or even delay her education, but I am not sold on the NCAA system for an athlete who has beaten the best Jr. 800m runners in the world. Keep in mind that for events 800m and above, world juniors is as competitive as the NCAA championship.

Personally, I think Wilson can benefit from running 2 NCAA seasons and focus on Rio as opposed to WCs next year where it might be a struggle just to make the finals. With that said, I have faith in her family and camp, these are t&f people who I am sure have thought this through.

neptune? only good thing from neptune was jack nicholson.