I'm an Ole, so obviously I'm biased, but I'm also an out of state athlete recruited by Phil and I don't see an effort to avoid recruiting Minnesota by the new coach. I see a lot of sour grapes from schools/athletes that want things to go back to how they were before Phil came to St. Olaf and Power continued his success. Phil speaks well of Power and that's good enough for me. I think he make a real effort to welcome the alumni and the athletes I've interacted with enjoy their experience. I'm sure he has his faults, but we can all find good and bad about our coaches, bosses, etc.
I think the idea that HS coaches don't like him is largely made up. 19 of his 41 runners are from Minnesota. That tracks largely with the school's demographics. The school isn't a local institution any more and that's likely why it is not struggling financially like some of the MIAC schools. It is an expensive school that requires the student to be either really poor and smart or very rich and smart, which likely rules out a lot of the middle class. I'm not certain that I'd get into St. Olaf anymore. Power isn't turning away a high 16's athlete, but it's likely he's turning away a high 17's athlete and that's probably a good thing for the program. Yes, he may miss on some developmental athletes, but he'll have a more condensed group. I always thought a roster of 50-60 people didn't create the best experience for all of us.
And the state meet was largely run by the women's program. The High School league stated they outgrew St. Olaf. That happens. I know the State makes a lot more charging Admissions at Les Bolstad. It's still a great course, but it always seemed really stressful to be hosting a championship meet on your course when you're also trying to win a MIC championship the same day.
Good luck to all this weekend. I'll be there to support the Oles. I miss competing in the MIAC and hope you all enjoy your opportunity to compete in one of the best conferences in DIII.