Bees and Cleeves:
I stated that the USports has TRULY outstanding athletes, the issue is DEPTH, MONEY and INSTITUTIONAL-CAPACITY.
I do not think any of our USports schools could beat an Oregon, Texas, Texas A&M, Florida, USC, etc. If I am wrong, I am not so proud as to admit that I am wrong.
On an individual man/woman basis - ABSOLUTELY !!!! As a team, I am not convinced. It will take time and a significant shift in the way track and field is viewed in Canada.
Example: A few years ago my province wanted to do away with High School Provincial track and field. Track in the 'States is by far the most popular sport (by registered number of high school athletes for boys AND girls Source: Runner's World - U.S. Edition). Can you imagine Texas, California, or Florida suggesting the same?
What does a USport 4X100m look like, or 4x400m, what about javelin, discus, hammer?
We as a nation do not really recruit track and field athletes. This weekend, a 21 year old, Pierce Lepage scored 78XX, almost 7900 in the Gotzis decathlon. He does not go to university. Do you really think a 6'7" (2m) guy who can run a 10.49 sec. 100m would not be picked up by a school in the 'States?
As a coach who conducts track and field clinics I have seen incredibly "naturally" talented athletes (they do not come from track families, track backgrounds, have track coaches, or even a track) in all the event-groups who do not even consider track as an option or even as a way to go to school. When I asked, "Have you been recruited by the local university or anyone.". They almost always answer, "No".
NCAA schools' rosters are seasoned with World Youth and World Junior athletes. There is a big difference.
About a month ago, I was at a hockey tournament (as a fan - not a hockey guy), There were scouts from all over, strength and conditioning coaches, position coaches, and head coaches all evaluating the athletes.
My question is to you and my fellow coaches and fans of track and field in the 'North is , "Why can't we do the same?".
If we as the track community could get our act together like the hockey community, joining the NCAA would NOT be an issue.