It sounds like a great idea, but how many times has this worked at a non-BCS conference school (Ivy League doesn't count)? Not very many and the ones that did it had to go all international. Unless they plan to go with all international runners, not a lot of non-BCS schools getting to the NCAA with American kids. These schools just cannot attract the kind of talent required to get to the NCAA.
On the men's side, you have Portland and William and Mary had some great teams under Gibby. Richmond men made it once in like 2010 with all American kids but have dropped off the face of the planet it seems.
On the women's side? Stony Brook is all New Zealanders and New Mexico is all British. William and Mary women back in the day under Mrs. Gibby is only example I can think of. They had some very good kids but even then it was a school that had some Canadian kids.
Toledo women these last few years have done really well at the NCAAs but that is a pretty big school that seems to attract a lot of talented American kids and a school that seems to develop at a high rate. Certainly a lot bigger than Furman.
I don't think it can be done at a school like Furman. Gary needs to do a better job of developing and I don't really see a long history of Rita developing much talent either.