James Corrigan did NOT finish in BYU's top 5

I mean, surely this has happened with someone getting injured, but I think Corrigan was running at full strength, no?

I was certain Jenny Simpson (then Jenny Barringer) in 2009 would fit the bill, but she was the fifth scorer for the Colorado team that year.

As an aside, what a bunch of names on that Colorado team for them to finish 20th overall. Super Frosh Allie McLaughlin finishing 5th overall in a team with Jenny Simpson and Emma Coburn. The supporting cast wasn't terrible either with Laura Thweatt (future 2:25 Marathoner and ~15:00 5k).

Nope. Oregon in 2008 had Andrew Wheating as their 7th man.

Was he an Olympian that year or the year before? Or did he only become an Olympian later on?

He ran in the 2008 Olympics. 3 months before NCAA XC.

True. But an 800-1500 guy not scoring in XC is less surprising than a 3000 steeplechase guy not scoring.

But still counters what the OP said and is 100% factually correct.

Come on dude.

Was he injured at all in his buildup? Is a 10k just a little out of range? Did he prioritize ongoing 3k steeple type training even though it is cross season?

Any reporting on why it wasn’t a better year for him?

He was an All American in cross country last year. Just didn't have it today I presume.

A long Summer at the Olympics put him a little behind for cross season. Crazy he was running 4:20’s in hs and was running 20 miles a week. Incredible find by Isaac Wood. He would never be recruited in today’s situation with roster limitations. Sad we may miss out on future talent like Corrigan

He was focused on 800 training and that Oregon team was fairly deep. He used xc to more or less get ready for track.

Nuguse didn’t score for a Notre Dame team that underperformed after Carlson somehow talked him into coming back for a final year that Sean ruined.