I remember posting on a similar thread last year around the same time, saying things were already giving red flag with Jerry and if they didn’t turn things around, by XC, it’s time to panic. Now things have literally gotten worse.
Collegiate athletes have a very limited window to compete, even with all the Covid extensions and redshirts. Not every athlete is becoming a pro. With that in mind, EVERY SEASON COUNTS. Jerry doesn’t seem to grasp that. I assume he must be “preparing” or “building” his talent for the right time, but meanwhile the team is missing out great opportunities to gain experience, get fit through racing, put up good marks, and contend for wins/titles. They are missing out!
And I do agree with other posters, focusing UofO’s program on distance is a mistake. Although distance has strong ties to Oregon, the team is at its best when it’s a well-rounded team that contends for team titles. Frankly, it would be a shame to be a UofO alum as a sprinter/jumper/thrower and see your program get decimated.
Whatever’s going on, something needs to change. I do tend to feel Jerry’s gotta go. How long do you really want to wait to rebuild a team? At this point it’s been 2 years and negative progress.