Just wondering if any of the other top teams have raced less than the Oregon men. They ran their first meet of the year at Griak 9/28 and are not running again until Pac-10 championships 11/2.
Just wondering if any of the other top teams have raced less than the Oregon men. They ran their first meet of the year at Griak 9/28 and are not running again until Pac-10 championships 11/2.
Thats the old school Oregon XC approach to a championship season. I guess Martin Smith has finally learned from and conformed to the Oregon tradition. What do they have to prove at Pre-NCAA's? Nothing. I do think they should have run another low key race but, a high profile race like at Terre Haute is not necessary. Doesn't matter now, what's done is done.
Not exactly true that Martin's philosohpy is in-line with the 'traditional' Oregon cross country racing schedule... The schedule use to go something like this:
1st meet: Emerald City Classic in Seattle or some other early season meet like the one in Pasco. You typically would not see anyone in the top-5 in this meet.
2nd meet: Mountain West Classic
3rd meet: Jeff Drenth in Eugene or Pre-Nats.
4th meet: Pac-10's...
If the national meet was this Saturday, yes, they would be underaced. But they will have 2 high profile meets before NCAA's and that should sharpen them enough. These elite level college men are very mature in their running. They do not need to race often to be sharp. This isn't a bunch of freshman in high school. Martin knows what he's doing. They will run well when it counts.
By "traditional" I was going back in time a bit farther than the 90's Ducks. The schedule to which I was referring was more like a small local meet in late September, a small local meet in mid October, Pac-10s in late October, Region 8's in early to mid November. NCAA;s nine days later.
My point? Oh yeah that. Very little racing prior to PAC 10s. That's it.
Martin always seems to have the troops ready to go when it counts. I wouldn't bet against them being ready to perform to the best of their abilities.
I’m a D2 female runner. Our coach explicitly told us not to visit LetsRun forums.
Great interview with Steve Cram - says Jakob has no chance of WRs this year
RENATO can you talk about the preparation of Emile Cairess 2:06
2024 College Track & Field Open Coaching Positions Discussion
adizero Road to Records with Yomif Kejelcha, Agnes Ngetich, Hobbs Kessler & many more is Saturday
Hats off to my dad. He just ran a 1:42 Half Marathon and turns 75 in 2 months!