A grown man at 24 year old is a favorite to win the NCAA XC. Does that bother anyone?

It is not my concern. Imagine if a grown man were favored to win the women’s race? That still would not be a problem for me but it would be a bigger issue.

Yeah it's not fair but a lot of things in life ain't fair.

CU Buff wrote:

The good ol' BYU team.

I'm guessing it bothers you?

Should it? Henry Rono won as a 24-year old Freshman.

A student with eligibility. Nope.

You and three or four others on the board.

Doesn't bother me in the least as long as things are done within the rules.

Not really, especially given he took two prime development years off (18-20) and came back out of shape and 30 lbs heavier. This will be his 4th NCAA XC meet, and he’s stated that he plans to turn pro after this season. He’s finished 10th, 3rd, and 1st so far. Hopefully he at least gets the elusive 4 x top ten. Conner Mantz only bothers you because he’s good.

Patrick Dever is older than Mantz and no one seemed to complain when he won the 10k outdoors. There are lots of international runners in the NCAA that are older than 18-22.

Eliud Kipsang was like a 25 year old freshman last year.

That being said, the comparison does make what Grant Fisher did and what Nico Young is doing incredibly impressive. Grant is 24 and made the Olympic team in two events after graduating from Stanford in 4 years with an electrical engineering degree. Nico is in the younger side for his grade (late July birthday) and has been running with the studs so far in NCAA competition.

I don't blame the runners at all though. Not their fault the rules are what they are.

His age is not that big of a deal.

For these top guys, a lot of stuff (Vo2 max, physical strength, heart rate, lactate threshold, running form, weight, race tactics) can make a difference between 1st and 2nd place in a 10km race.

He has had the same last 2 years as any other college seniors in the race.

I'm going to stop him from winning. I'm a white man, who doesn't like that he might win.

If him being 24 is so troublesome and you think it favors him then why is the 6 and 7 year seniors not favored to win?

CU Buff wrote:

The good ol' BYU team.

No. Why should it? He's eligible under the NCAA rules. Don't be a bigot.

Are you implying that you don’t think a 21 year old is a grown man?

No

Flagpole wrote:

CU Buff wrote:

The good ol' BYU team.

No. Why should it? He's eligible under the NCAA rules. Don't be a bigot.

What makes you think he's a bigot? I didn't get that vibe at all. I kind of get the feeling he wouldn't be too thrilled to see a 24 year old native born American winning NCAA XC. OP is that correct?

I am more curious about how many Mormon coeds he has soaked with due to his athletic achievements.

balls out wrote:

Are you implying that you don’t think a 21 year old is a grown man?

I know it’s hilarious. According to the United States of America at 18 you’re a “grown man.” Just ask some Vietnam War vets.

I am also 24, in college, and still have eligibility. I'm no different than other students walking around. I'm sure if I asked some people in my classes their ages, they would be older than me, and I wouldn't even bat an eye.

24 is normal college age for anyone going straight into their master's program. If they are still going to school I don't see why people care.