RichardRider wrote:
Im arguing from watching Iowa universities, their programs and the talented kids of that state for over 40 years and just saying from their perspective, they found other programs that better fit their needs. It's NOT a mistake for an historical athlete to bypass the universities for other opportunities. Iowa St is not a good fit for most Iowa distance runners. What's the problem with them getting their experience/degrees from elsewhere? Those top kids that left helped their teams at high levels and so will QN. Let's just see how many of this years top 10 guys and gals in Iowa attend Iowa St and eventually make top 7 on their squads. Again, Arkansas, Colorado, Oregon....anywhere but Iowa. Don't take it hard. It's been going on for a long time. Iowa St will be OK without them because they can get their Africans to build around. They always have. I've cheered them on for quite some time regardless of their athletes origins but they aren't the only teams Im interested in either. Just because IA ST is ranked #1 in week 3 doesn't mean squat in November. IF they win a title, great for them but their program doesn't hinge on the greatest Iowa runner in their history. It's apparent that he actually chose to go to Oregon, not Iowa St. I really dont think you understand what that means for him in the Big picture. Maybe he has a bigger vision than just being a part of the week 3 #1 ranked CC team. He's not going to be a 10k xc guy anyway and I would compare Oregons history of milers to Iowa St if I were you to try and understand. It's not a mistake as claimed.
Why aren't you people pointing out what appears to be a HUGE mistake on Heidesch's part?
I agree Jackson made a mistake. From what I understand he was an excellent student and could have chosen more prestigious academic schools, even more so than Duke. Feel horrible for how things have gone for him and I really hope he makes it all the way back. Kid is an insane talent.