Not going to happen. Schools want as many women possible to count in as many sports possible. Six teams...one staff...big reason why baseball, mens tennis, mens golf and wrestling all had more programs cut from COVID budget crunches compared to track.
On the other hand it would be very easy for NCAA to apply the 5/6 scholarship cap to all programs in XC. A school could recruit 12.6 and 18 scholarships worth of distance runners if they want...but only 5/6 can be declared to practice and compete in the XC season. All other scholarship athletes, distance or not, would be on 8 hours and could not race.
Does not change overall funding requirements...not a big rule change...would be extremely effective in encouraging programs to scholarship beyond XC.
Not sorry for hijacking the thread. A good amount of DI distance coaches see this.