Awesome! I would have never have thought that a few objective comments would have fetched spirited responses! However, I find it quite odd that while most of you basically agree with me, you seem rather indignant towards me.
Scotth, you're funny! On the one hand you are finally realizing that I know what I am talking about here, that maybe the reason that I am not using my name is because it really wouldn't be all that prudent of a thing to do at this time, and that I am merely offering constructive criticism to friends. On the other hand, you seem a little too interested to obtain dirt. You already said your kid(s) are not in jeopardy of going there, and I think you probably know the questions you need answered by a prospective school, coach, etc. to make a good decision. Perhaps it's just me, but I feel hesitant to answer to a guy who says "Do tell". Sounds like something out of a Jane Austen read.
Observer, I am speaking from the guys side. I don't know Goodpastur as well, so I can not comment as definitively. Hopefully, the girls tear it up.
northern boy, I don't know how to make what I've said easier to understand. Sorry. If you roomed with someone who went to Hillsdale, how could I ever dispute what you know about their running program.
Another Hillsdaler, ding-ding-ding Bingo! You should win a prize!
hillsdale runner, oops... my bad.. you're totally right. You wrote CU and I mistakenly read CMU, or maybe I confused the Buffs with the Chippewas. Nontheless, the point still stands.
Tim, are you saying that I am bashing? Maybe you have not read my posts. I said that the distance crew and the school were nice, that Lundberg was a terrific guy, and that the place very well may be a great fit for a number of people. Man, sure wouldn't want to get bashed by me everyday!
AH, you have a really good feel for Hillsdale academia. It's not that tough, but I guess it makes some feel better to say that it is.
Steve, for someone who agrees with me, you have the most peculiar way of showing it. It almost sounded as if you read my post with a fair amount of distaste, and by the end of your post I think you were even trying to insult me. Oh well, if you have a hard time responding to the issues, what can I do?
Apparantly, one guy says that Eastern was easier for him than Hillsdale. So, it looks to me that the verdict is still out on that. Do you agree, or would you like to continue to talk about how the academic pressures of Hillsdale are too great to run well? (yawn)
Moving on to your next point, you said, "Secondly, elite runners don?t necessarily make great coaches." Exactly what I was sayin' bro. "?" - who is not me, by the way, as I already knew the answer to his question and was simply trying to help him out - said, "I'm surprised you don't see any hillsdale college runners turning out top-quality times. Their coach ( former 8:30's 3k SC and 4 min. miler Bill Lundberg) must know what he's doing?" So, if we both tell "?" that being a great runner doesn't necessarily make a great coach, why do you seem emotionally disturbed about it? Anyway, you're right, Lundberg shouldn't be held to a higher standard coaching-wise even though one would think that his athletic experience would help him out. He shouldn't be held to a lower standard either. And, personally, I don't find it all that appealing to compare to others when the goal is to do YOUR best.
Secret training regime? Please. Let me get this straight, you say that Lundberg had extraordinary talent that none of you guys have, and this is why he was better? Granted, Lundberg may very well be more gifted than most, but how does it help you (or any of the runners) to harp on this? Enough with this pity party about how you and the guys have no talent. I imagine by this point it has been inculcated in you, but I think a guy that was 14th and 4th in the Iowa state meet in XC and who was the 1600m state champ has a little talent too. Quit relying on the "no talent" excuse that has been provided to you. And by the way, all this talk about how the other schools snatch up all the recuits is ludicrous. Hillsdale as you know, but conveniently left out, is a private school that costs the same regardless if you coming from out of state or not, so the recruiting field (as you personally can attest) is not just MI... You guys get dudes from all over. Anyway, yes, every athlete is unique, but at the same time, athletes are more similar than not (you should read some of the Hadd posts to learn about effective training, so you at least do not walk away from Hillsdale without even knowing the basics)... Lundberg knows what it takes to develop well, but this is not passed down to you guys. Sorry.
You didn't seem to like my questions about whether or not the team dreams much. You actually sounded a tad defensive. I know the truth hurts, so I hold no grudge - it wouldn't be the first time that person who tells the truth gets negativity back. You are probably jut frustrated because what you envisioned coming in was likely undercut. Of course, I don't know for sure.
Lastly, you said, "I will say?to the credit of Coach Lundberg and the professors and students I?ve met here?that I dream about running less than I used to, because not only has being at Hillsdale helped me become a better runner, it?s shown me there?s more to dream about than just running." While I said, ". The distance squad is nice too, and all the more power to them if they run well, but you don't go to Hillsdale with the intention of squeezing the most out of your running... not even close." Again, why are you acting like we're on different pages? One thing, though, that you should be privy to is that the guys who can/do run well are not necessarily poor in academics, socially undeveloped, or even spiritually lacking or whatever, like you seem to indicate. A person can actually grow in different ways at the same time. It is not a this or that proposition.
Oh, enough on this. Again, Hillsdale a nice school with lots of neat people. Coach Lundberg is a great guy, and for the right person, Hillsdale is a superlative choice!
I wish you all well!