So you would have no problem with prime Lebron James being able to play NCAA basketball at age 30 since he never went to college?
You'd be fine with Noah Lyles joining the NCAA after making all his pro money?
That's one of the dumbest opinions ever.
No, I am in favor of age limits.
I would, however, lose zero sleep if Cooper Lutkenhaus went to college and competed in the NCAA. Carson Beck is getting millions why should I be bothered by Cooper getting paid and running at NCAAs?
That's idiotic. If pro athletes can join the NCAA then why even have the NCAA? It 100% depletes the purpose of having a collegiate athletic system.
Right now Carson Beck is a 4rd string QB in the NFL and is using the NCAA to develop skills for the NFL.
A Record-Breaking Moment: 60 Townhall Athletes Qualify for NCAA Nationals! A historic milestone is coming on November 22, when 60 alumni of Townhall Athletics line up at the NCAA National Cross Country Championships at Gans Creek in Columbia, Missouri. For these young Kenyan runners, it’s more than a race—it’s the fulfillment of dreams built on opportunity, education, and world-class talent. Townhall athletes advanced through nine regional qualifiers, earning their spots both individually and through team berths. Their journeys began on high-altitude Kenyan trails and continued in U.S. classrooms—balancing early-morning workouts with lectures, exams, and campus life. Townhall’s development pipeline is changing lives. Athletes like Brian Musau, Dennis Kipngetich, Laban Kipkemboi (Oklahoma State), Kelvin Cheruiyot, Desma & Judy Chepkoech (Florida), Debora Cherono (Texas A&M), Evans Kiplagat & Vincent Chirchir (New Mexico), and Joash Rutto & Mercylin Kirwa (Iowa State) are proving how coaching, mentorship, and scholarships can transform futures. Others—including Meshack Kuiyo (Boise State) and Gilbert Rono (Tulane)—continue to shine academically and athletically. The Challenge Ahead Gans Creek’s rolling hills and technical curves will test every athlete. But for Townhall’s runners—raised at altitude and hardened by years of disciplined training—the course is an opportunity to showcase endurance, strategy, and mental strength. Leaders Speak Out Kenyan sports officials emphasize the importance of pairing running with education: • “These scholarships are life-changing,” says Barnaba Korir (AK Youth Development Director). • “Study + sport protects athletes from burnout,” adds Ibrahim Hussein (AAD Centre). • “We aim to build well-rounded individuals,” says AK President Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei. Why It Matters These 60 qualifiers represent more than athletic talent—they demonstrate how structured development can open doors for rural youth across Kenya. Their success inspires the next generation and shows what’s possible when education and athletics work together. As athletes like Rosemary Longisa, Caroline Jepkorir, Evans Tanui, and Diana Cherotich step onto the NCAA stage, they carry the hopes of families, coaches, and communities back home. From dusty Kenyan tracks to the national stage in Missouri, their journey proves that the finish line is never the end—but the beginning of something even greater. Written by Robert Kibet
A Record-Breaking Moment: 60 Townhall Athletes Qualify for NCAA Nationals! A historic milestone is coming on November 22, when 60 alumni of Townhall Athletics line up at the NCAA National Cross Country Championships at Gans Creek in Columbia, Missouri. For these young Kenyan runners, it’s more than a race—it’s the fulfillment of dreams built on opportunity, education, and world-class talent. Townhall athletes advanced through nine regional qualifiers, earning their spots both individually and through team berths. Their journeys began on high-altitude Kenyan trails and continued in U.S. classrooms—balancing early-morning workouts with lectures, exams, and campus life. Townhall’s development pipeline is changing lives. Athletes like Brian Musau, Dennis Kipngetich, Laban Kipkemboi (Oklahoma State), Kelvin Cheruiyot, Desma & Judy Chepkoech (Florida), Debora Cherono (Texas A&M), Evans Kiplagat & Vincent Chirchir (New Mexico), and Joash Rutto & Mercylin Kirwa (Iowa State) are proving how coaching, mentorship, and scholarships can transform futures. Others—including Meshack Kuiyo (Boise State) and Gilbert Rono (Tulane)—continue to shine academically and athletically. The Challenge Ahead Gans Creek’s rolling hills and technical curves will test every athlete. But for Townhall’s runners—raised at altitude and hardened by years of disciplined training—the course is an opportunity to showcase endurance, strategy, and mental strength. Leaders Speak Out Kenyan sports officials emphasize the importance of pairing running with education: • “These scholarships are life-changing,” says Barnaba Korir (AK Youth Development Director). • “Study + sport protects athletes from burnout,” adds Ibrahim Hussein (AAD Centre). • “We aim to build well-rounded individuals,” says AK President Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei. Why It Matters These 60 qualifiers represent more than athletic talent—they demonstrate how structured development can open doors for rural youth across Kenya. Their success inspires the next generation and shows what’s possible when education and athletics work together. As athletes like Rosemary Longisa, Caroline Jepkorir, Evans Tanui, and Diana Cherotich step onto the NCAA stage, they carry the hopes of families, coaches, and communities back home. From dusty Kenyan tracks to the national stage in Missouri, their journey proves that the finish line is never the end—but the beginning of something even greater. Written by Robert Kibet
This is absolutely despicable. Those Kenyans are each on full scholarships that can be going towards Americans. In another thread, someone did an analysis that over 40% of the athletes at NCAAs are international, all of which on full scholarships.
Meanwhile Americans owe 2 trillion dollars in student loan debt, and that number climbs rapidly every year.
There are approximately 200 internationals racing at NCAAs - if you assume each gets a 50,000 dollar athletic scholarship per year (out of state tuition) then that's $10,000,000 per year just in international cross country scholarships.
And there are thousands more international athletes that didn't qualify or that are in D2. NCAA schools are easily spending more $100,000,000 dollars on international cross country scholarships. That number at least doubles including into track, probably more than triples.
Imagine how much stronger our economy would be if that money went to Americans. To pay off $300,000,000 after interest is a half a billion or more. AND THATS JUST FROM 1 YEAR - college is 4 years!!!!!
People would be able to buy houses earlier, start families earlier and more children, retire earlier. People would be able to afford medical care.
I would, however, lose zero sleep if Cooper Lutkenhaus went to college and competed in the NCAA. Carson Beck is getting millions why should I be bothered by Cooper getting paid and running at NCAAs?
That's idiotic. If pro athletes can join the NCAA then why even have the NCAA? It 100% depletes the purpose of having a collegiate athletic system.
Right now Carson Beck is a 4rd string QB in the NFL and is using the NCAA to develop skills for the NFL.
Why have NCAA sports? Because in revenue generating sports, there's a market for it. Neither of the two As in NCAA stand for "amateur" - that ship sailed with NIL.
And I said they (Clearinghouse) SHOULD confirm whether or not they are on a doping suspension as a part of eligibility confirmation.
In the era of NIL the times of receiving pro money being a concern to people is gone.
So you would have no problem with prime Lebron James being able to play NCAA basketball at age 30 since he never went to college?
You'd be fine with Noah Lyles joining the NCAA after making all his pro money?
That's one of the dumbest opinions ever.
I will take it you would not be fine with Noah Lyles running in the NCAA after making all his pro money. How would you be about it if Lyles "paid back" the money like Rupp "did?"
A Record-Breaking Moment: 60 Townhall Athletes Qualify for NCAA Nationals! A historic milestone is coming on November 22, when 60 alumni of Townhall Athletics line up at the NCAA National Cross Country Championships at Gans Creek in Columbia, Missouri. For these young Kenyan runners, it’s more than a race—it’s the fulfillment of dreams built on opportunity, education, and world-class talent. Townhall athletes advanced through nine regional qualifiers, earning their spots both individually and through team berths. Their journeys began on high-altitude Kenyan trails and continued in U.S. classrooms—balancing early-morning workouts with lectures, exams, and campus life. Townhall’s development pipeline is changing lives. Athletes like Brian Musau, Dennis Kipngetich, Laban Kipkemboi (Oklahoma State), Kelvin Cheruiyot, Desma & Judy Chepkoech (Florida), Debora Cherono (Texas A&M), Evans Kiplagat & Vincent Chirchir (New Mexico), and Joash Rutto & Mercylin Kirwa (Iowa State) are proving how coaching, mentorship, and scholarships can transform futures. Others—including Meshack Kuiyo (Boise State) and Gilbert Rono (Tulane)—continue to shine academically and athletically. The Challenge Ahead Gans Creek’s rolling hills and technical curves will test every athlete. But for Townhall’s runners—raised at altitude and hardened by years of disciplined training—the course is an opportunity to showcase endurance, strategy, and mental strength. Leaders Speak Out Kenyan sports officials emphasize the importance of pairing running with education: • “These scholarships are life-changing,” says Barnaba Korir (AK Youth Development Director). • “Study + sport protects athletes from burnout,” adds Ibrahim Hussein (AAD Centre). • “We aim to build well-rounded individuals,” says AK President Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei. Why It Matters These 60 qualifiers represent more than athletic talent—they demonstrate how structured development can open doors for rural youth across Kenya. Their success inspires the next generation and shows what’s possible when education and athletics work together. As athletes like Rosemary Longisa, Caroline Jepkorir, Evans Tanui, and Diana Cherotich step onto the NCAA stage, they carry the hopes of families, coaches, and communities back home. From dusty Kenyan tracks to the national stage in Missouri, their journey proves that the finish line is never the end—but the beginning of something even greater. Written by Robert Kibet
This is absolutely despicable. Those Kenyans are each on full scholarships that can be going towards Americans. In another thread, someone did an analysis that over 40% of the athletes at NCAAs are international, all of which on full scholarships.
Meanwhile Americans owe 2 trillion dollars in student loan debt, and that number climbs rapidly every year.
There are approximately 200 internationals racing at NCAAs - if you assume each gets a 50,000 dollar athletic scholarship per year (out of state tuition) then that's $10,000,000 per year just in international cross country scholarships.
And there are thousands more international athletes that didn't qualify or that are in D2. NCAA schools are easily spending more $100,000,000 dollars on international cross country scholarships. That number at least doubles including into track, probably more than triples.
Imagine how much stronger our economy would be if that money went to Americans. To pay off $300,000,000 after interest is a half a billion or more. AND THATS JUST FROM 1 YEAR - college is 4 years!!!!!
People would be able to buy houses earlier, start families earlier and more children, retire earlier. People would be able to afford medical care.
It's f*cking sickening.
Three hindred million dollars is pocket change next to two trillion. Using it to pay off student loan debt would barely make a dent. And even that dent would not happen because no one is going to take that money college athletic departments spend on scholarships for these runners to indebted students. It would probably go to football and basketball players for NIL money.
This is absolutely despicable. Those Kenyans are each on full scholarships that can be going towards Americans. In another thread, someone did an analysis that over 40% of the athletes at NCAAs are international, all of which on full scholarships.
Meanwhile Americans owe 2 trillion dollars in student loan debt, and that number climbs rapidly every year.
There are approximately 200 internationals racing at NCAAs - if you assume each gets a 50,000 dollar athletic scholarship per year (out of state tuition) then that's $10,000,000 per year just in international cross country scholarships.
And there are thousands more international athletes that didn't qualify or that are in D2. NCAA schools are easily spending more $100,000,000 dollars on international cross country scholarships. That number at least doubles including into track, probably more than triples.
Imagine how much stronger our economy would be if that money went to Americans. To pay off $300,000,000 after interest is a half a billion or more. AND THATS JUST FROM 1 YEAR - college is 4 years!!!!!
People would be able to buy houses earlier, start families earlier and more children, retire earlier. People would be able to afford medical care.
It's f*cking sickening.
Three hindred million dollars is pocket change next to two trillion. Using it to pay off student loan debt would barely make a dent. And even that dent would not happen because no one is going to take that money college athletic departments spend on scholarships for these runners to indebted students. It would probably go to football and basketball players for NIL money.
You have no idea how it works. If we started giving those scholarships to AMERICAN cross country/track runners, it would reduce the amount of new student loans that Americans take out by $300,000,000 PER YEAR. Just in cross country/track athletes.
If you think 300 million is too small to even make a difference, then you are part of the problem.
It costs so much per month to pay off student loans that 25% of post graduates see their debt increase over the first 5 years of the loan because they aren't making enough to cover the interest.
Casey Clinger at BYU was absolutely ridiculous. He was like 26 with a kid, and still had track eligibility at BYU. Did his wife tell him to GET A JOB!!! He finally stopped running for BYU even though he had at least a semester of BYU eligibility. The Stanford twins from Carlsbad, CA at BYU are ridiculous too. They are like 25 year old juniors? NCAAs need an age 24 cut off no matter what, your religion, or your country.
Remember Kenyan Edward Cheserek who magically appeared at a New Jersey Private HS many years ago? My relatives saw him run in HS, and they, and all the spectators said there was no way he was HS age 16-17. He was balding in HS and they all said he looked to be 22+ as a HS "senior." Fake birth certificates.. multiple NCAA champion. Ya right. Doping big time like Marion Jones was doping in HS.
I have no issue with foreign runners on U.S. college teams except for when they take so many spots from U.S. kids. Especially at public universities. But when 8 of the top 10 in a race are Kenyans aged 25 to 30, that just doesn't seem right.
I applaud the programs that aren't playing this game.
Don't be surprised when America gets smoked on the next level after college
Arkansas in the 90s/00s, UTEP in the 80s, Oregon in the 60s/70s, they all had foreign born athletes dominate from countries without restrictions. I think people forget that. The point has always been to drive up competition and have the best athletes compete. This is doing that. It’s just concentrated like it always has been
Three hindred million dollars is pocket change next to two trillion. Using it to pay off student loan debt would barely make a dent. And even that dent would not happen because no one is going to take that money college athletic departments spend on scholarships for these runners to indebted students. It would probably go to football and basketball players for NIL money.
You have no idea how it works. If we started giving those scholarships to AMERICAN cross country/track runners, it would reduce the amount of new student loans that Americans take out by $300,000,000 PER YEAR. Just in cross country/track athletes.
If you think 300 million is too small to even make a difference, then you are part of the problem.
It costs so much per month to pay off student loans that 25% of post graduates see their debt increase over the first 5 years of the loan because they aren't making enough to cover the interest.
Student loan debt is a terrible problem but like someone else said, you aren't going to do anything remotely significant about it by giving scholarship money now going to foreign athletes to US cross country runners if only because the percentage of college students on cross country teams is well under 1%. There were about ten of us on my team in a school with undergraduate enrollment of about 4,000.
The University of New Mexico has over 22,000 students enrolled and something like 7 Kenyans getting scholarships. Let's say a quarter of those 22,000 are taking on significant loan debt, so a bit over 5,000. Now give those Kenyan scholarships to US distance runners, assume that the seven getting that money would be among the 5,000 taking on significant loan debt, and you still have a bit over 5,000 UNM students who are likely to struggle with student loan repayment.
I get it. You really don't like seeing foreign students getting scholarship money that you want US kids to get and are looking for a reason why they shouldn't. But this "solution" does nothing to address the problem except for an absolutely tiny segment of the population.
The silver lining is that, if they know they'll be going up against stiffer competition in college, maybe the Americans an will train to compete? We've also had a few Americans take the individual title as well, for what it's worth...
You have no idea how it works. If we started giving those scholarships to AMERICAN cross country/track runners, it would reduce the amount of new student loans that Americans take out by $300,000,000 PER YEAR. Just in cross country/track athletes.
If you think 300 million is too small to even make a difference, then you are part of the problem.
It costs so much per month to pay off student loans that 25% of post graduates see their debt increase over the first 5 years of the loan because they aren't making enough to cover the interest.
Student loan debt is a terrible problem but like someone else said, you aren't going to do anything remotely significant about it by giving scholarship money now going to foreign athletes to US cross country runners if only because the percentage of college students on cross country teams is well under 1%. There were about ten of us on my team in a school with undergraduate enrollment of about 4,000.
The University of New Mexico has over 22,000 students enrolled and something like 7 Kenyans getting scholarships. Let's say a quarter of those 22,000 are taking on significant loan debt, so a bit over 5,000. Now give those Kenyan scholarships to US distance runners, assume that the seven getting that money would be among the 5,000 taking on significant loan debt, and you still have a bit over 5,000 UNM students who are likely to struggle with student loan repayment.
I get it. You really don't like seeing foreign students getting scholarship money that you want US kids to get and are looking for a reason why they shouldn't. But this "solution" does nothing to address the problem except for an absolutely tiny segment of the population.
$300,000,000 per year just for cross country and track runners is massive. If we stopped all international scholarships in our sport we'd still have an amazing, exciting race at NCAAs. If anything, it would be more exciting and we'd have more interest in it.
Then factor in other sports with high populations of internationals like soccer, tennis, swimming, field hockey, + volleyball and the number is in the billions.
Some people pay 2-3x the amount of the loan when factoring in interest. So those numbers can double or triple when you consider interest.
The silver lining is that, if they know they'll be going up against stiffer competition in college, maybe the Americans an will train to compete? We've also had a few Americans take the individual title as well, for what it's worth...
The real loss here is that American athletes are missing out on college opportunities because programs are relying on older, questionably eligible international transfers sometimes 24–28 years old often coming from countries with poor anti-doping oversight. Coaches at programs like Iowa, New Mexico, and Florida are actively normalizing this trend.
The University of New Mexico is one of the most affordable schools in the country.
Get good grades! Apply for that Amigo Scholarship (real thing). Very affordable city!
But let’s stop complaining already. There will continue to be foreign athletes in all sports. Even football! Aussie punters and Euro linemen are here to stay. Polynesian bros coming by the dozens.
GET over it! Complaining does nothing.
Also if you have a shred of talent you can go to school for running but you may have to work for it a bit.
“There are athletes where they could go to [an agency like] Rosa, they’re maybe only getting a $7,000 or $8,000 professional contract, which is tiny,” says New Mexico coach Darren Gauson. “Or you can come here, get a degree, get your full cost of attendance plus your $12,000-$13,000 in room and board, you’re going to the training table and getting all your food paid for.”
It sounds kind of ridiculous. The funny part of the Letsrun article is schools are paying recruiting companies $25,000 a year to find prospective Kenyans, plus all the other expenses. You could justify it if it was a revenue generating sport like football, but I can't believe schools are spending money like this all for the purpose of building a better cross country/track team. Whether a team places top 4 at nationals or doesn't even make the meet makes essentially no difference to the school's reputation/prestige due to how niche the sport is. Absolutely no real benefit from the school's perspective besides managing egos of the athletics department. If an international athlete wants to come here and contacts a coach on their own, then that's one thing, but why get into some kind of Kenyan recruiting arms race just for cross country?
Great Post!
What is the ROI with paying a "broker" $25,000 for a Kenyan runner? Or any other runner for that matter? Any coach who has paid a "broker" for an athlete is a 100% LOSER!!! I'd personally sit face to face with any one of these coaches and tell them so. These LAME coaches are simply paying for talent to be successful. The excuse of saying "all the good programs are doing it" is a cop out, and truly shines a light on the lack of coaching knowledge and ability. There's no way this is sustainable, and eventually the bubble will burst, and these "wannabe" coaches will be exposed. It's not about sour-grapes, any quality coach isn't afraid to lose, and understands that they will have great recruiting classes and not so great recruiting classes. Giving a legitimate foreign athlete a "full ride" is great, and I'm all for it, but to undermine the running talent in your own back yard is irresponsible. Learn to be a good coach, not a horse trader just trying to take a short-cut to success.