Futsum Zienasellassie To Join NAZ Elite

Wow, looks like he has already joined as well since he's wearing the shirt! I remember him as a freshman from Indiana, knew he would be special.

Seems like an odd choice unless he was married to staying in the Flagstaff area and against moving to the PNW. Also looks like NAZ Elite has removed two runners from their roster - Katja Goldring and Lauren Kleppin (in addition to adding Aaron Braun). Wonder what the story is. Maybe a roster overall?

Jerry said NO. He had a rough interview. Came across as way too entitled and the team helped to give some input. He needs more freedom than BAC would afford him. We wish him luck.

Seriously?

Please share Kleppins best race in an NAZ uniform?

I'm telling you, his best races are already behind him. How old is he now?

I didn't say that the roster drops were or were not warranted. I simply mentioned that they occurred. Seriously.

Imagine running Footlocker and having to deal with Lukus one year and then Ches the next year.

TrackCoach wrote:

Imagine running Footlocker and having to deal with Lukus one year and then Ches the next year.

Imagine being 21 and competing against 18 year olds. Ches and futs were in the same age bracket.

I've always had this weird feeling he'd go there. Kinda cool to see him actually with them

3 NAZ guys qualified for the Olympic Trials in the 10k this past summer, Martin Hehir and Futsm both qualified for the Olympic Trials this past summer for the 10k as well while finishing up there senior year of college. 5 Olympic Trial qualifiers makes for a pretty good group, 2020 should be interesting.

does he represent USA now?

Don't think so.

I believe the vast majority of letsrun messageboarders are very mistaken as to the recruitment of post-collegiate distance runners. The overwhelming majority of the very few that are even recruited at all almost exclusively have one company/group interested in them. So that offer is both their best and only option.

A lot of inconsistency in the group as a result of a young self proclaimed coach. Futsum probably needs stronger more experienced direction.

Wish him the best but don't look for great things.

Futsum join nazis!!! What SHAME!

Also, I see that Hawi is his agent so Nike was a no go after the Boris incident. Futs didn't really have any choices.

welcome to real world wrote:

I believe the vast majority of letsrun messageboarders are very mistaken as to the recruitment of post-collegiate distance runners. The overwhelming majority of the very few that are even recruited at all almost exclusively have one company/group interested in them. So that offer is both their best and only option.

Have a friend in the business and I would agree. However, out of curiosity, what would you guess he signed for? Buddy thought $20,000 + travel + equipment + big bonuses only if he makes National teams.

Beaver Street wrote:

A lot of inconsistency in the group as a result of a young self proclaimed coach. Futsum probably needs stronger more experienced direction.

Wish him the best but don't look for great things.

What inconsistencies are you referring to?

Every athlete's performance 50+% of the time.

Ex: Fauble at US XC = good. Fauble at NACAC = bad. Fauntleroy at World XC = good, etc. etc. etc.

Insert every name on the roster (Llano, all the women, Herir)

Only Stephanie Bruce seems to be consistent on a good level. Probably because she is the most experienced and self coached.