cxvzcvxz wrote:
1-2 in the 800 is worth 18 pts (at least outdoors), which is more than hardly any in the 4x400. So, there's no sense in dropping the 800 for the 4x400. They rank much higher in the DMR, so it makes more sense to run that than the 4x4.
With the college weekend over, Stanford now stands 10th in the 4x400 women's rankings. All the sprint powers such as AR, TX, USC are ahead of them. With only two weeks left to qualify for NCAAs, Stanford's w4x400 looks in good shape to qualify. If it does . . . based on times posted so far . . . appears Stanford will be fighting it out with a couple other 3:32 schools for an 8th place/1 point finish.
So, your arithmetic is correct. To maximize team points, ditch the 4x400.
However . . .
Stanford rarely qualifies a 4x1 or 4x4 relay team to NCAAs, indoors or out. Maybe once every 8-10 years. Getting a sprint team to NCAAs would be historic for the program . . . and, presumably, help recruit future good sprinters to the school.
Also, from a "humanitarian" or "coach really cares for us" perspective, taking both relay teams allows for 3-4 athletes to experience NCAAs which they otherwise would not be able to do if one or both of the relays were ditched in favor of individual events.
Moreover, with no DMR outdoors . . . and outdoor NCAAs being a 4-day event vs. 2 days for indoors . . . W&W will have no worries doing an 800/relay double should the 4x400 make outdoor nationals.
Have no idea what JJ will ultimately do . . . above is just a reasonable option.