I don't think I am underestimating them. Name the last time our region had four all americans? I would have to look, but I think its been a while.
And, for what it is worth, I think this is a REALLY tough group of individuals. Blood is a machine. He ran like one at states and regionals. And, lots on this board have doubted him and referred to him as a choker at big races. And, while I don't know the guy, he seems like the type of runner that will eat the skepticisim up and use it to get pumped up and bust a big race at Nats. And, Weiss -- though quiet -- is one tough mo'fo. These are clearly the best 1-2 runners I can rememberr sending from our region since Wu (Boro) and Ryan (CW Post) ran at Nats in Spartansburg (1996)...although, admittedly, I'm fuzzy on some of he early 2000 years so I may be overlooking something here. I think both of these guys will be top 15 runners and probably both top 10 runners. And, that's a hell of an accomplishment.
And, when the third best runner from your region is Jorge...that's a pretty damn tough region. He's the nicest guy you'll ever meet, but he loves -- LOVES -- to get out on a cross country course (or a track for that matter) and just bang heads with people. This guy just leaves it all out on the course. But, he's never run at Nats before. He's used to being at/near the front of the pack. I think he'll go out hard and hang on tough and finish something like 15th - 23rd...which is freaking great.
And Shepherd, I think the guy was 19th last year, wasn't he? I'm under the impression he's not running quite as well as last year, but it could just be that Jorge made a big leap this year and makes it seem that way. Maybe he's as good as last year, which puts him right around 20th.
That's a pretty damn good top-four runners for the East Region...so, i don't think I've underestimated them at all. I'm predicting four AA's...and that's tough...damn tough.
So, if somehow, my last post implied that I don't think these guys are good...my apologies...as I think this is the best four we've sent to Nats in a long time.
Hoovis