what is the hype about wrote:
i dont really know aj acostas entire running career but the only times ive seen him race are when he made a show of himself at the indoor games and lost to a quality irish kid and when he finished 9th or something at junior nationals...
Not exactly a comprehensive sample then, is it?
First of all, the kid won the national HS cross-country title, and he has clocked the fastest 3200 time in the nation this season with his victory at Arcadia. Those are fairly good reasons to be optimistic about his collegiate potential, especially since he's going to be running for one of the most successful NCAA XC coaches in Vin Lananna.
Finally, Acosta is a strength-based runner. His strength is rooted in the longer distances (as opposed to Michael Coe, whose remarkable speed makes him a top-notch HS miler).
Every time a successful distance runner bubbles to the surface (such as Webb, Ritz, Acosta, etc.), the LetsRun armchair coaches end up crucifying them! Let's wait and see how things work out, shall we?