By: Garrett Zatlin
It took me a bit longer than I anticipated to get Part 2 done and out, but I think it turned out pretty well! In case you missed Part 1, you can find the post in this link here. The recruitment list can also be found below (so please comment if you noticed anyone missing).
Villanova: Rob Morro
The Program: What can we say about Villanova? We could talk about Patrick Tiernan and how he just made the Olympics for Australia in the 5k. Or we could discuss how Jordy Williamsz just ended his career as one of the most explosive and entertaining runners in NCAA history. We could even talk about how other guys like Sam McEntee are continuing to thrive on the pro scene after coming out of the Villanova program. But why talk about all of that when we could be discussing the exciting future of their XC team? Despite not making nationals last year, a slew of redshirt freshmen (which include three PA alumni) make this cross country team a team of the future.
How They Fit: I always felt like Rob Morro was an underrated talent in high school. The guy seemed like he was able to run just about anything and still stay competitive against some of the top guys in the state. For some reason, he reminds me a lot of Andrew Marston who just happened to finish his first year at Villanova. Morro may not have the 9-flat marks like some of the past recruits, but he is a winner and has shown off some pretty solid range.
The Villanova team is now more than just a mid-distance oriented program. Past stars like McEntee and Tiernan have established themselves in the longer distances and have since given way to guys like Comber, Marston, and Power who all had excellent freshman years despite being redshirted. I imagine Morro will be going through the same three-season redshirt process that the previous PA trio did.
At Nova, Morro will have a long time to build up his mileage, learn from experienced veterans, and train with a talented group of teammates. If only he had that same kind of experience at O'Hara...(he did).
The Villanova team is now more than just a mid-distance oriented program. Past stars like McEntee and Tiernan have established themselves in the longer distances and have since given way to guys like Comber, Marston, and Power who all had excellent freshman years despite being redshirted. I imagine Morro will be going through the same three-season redshirt process that the previous PA trio did.
At Nova, Morro will have a long time to build up his mileage, learn from experienced veterans, and train with a talented group of teammates. If only he had that same kind of experience at O'Hara...(he did).
The Bottom Line: As I alluded to above, I think there are a lot of similarities between the Villanova and O'Hara programs. Morro has been through this kind of process before and we saw how well that worked out for him. We also saw how Coach O'Sullivan was patient and redshirted Comber, Marston, and Power. All three of them are now primed to have huge breakout seasons.
It's tough to say how well Morro will do under Coach O'Sullivan mainly because we haven't seen how the redshirt process has worked out for Comber, Marston, and Power. Still, give Morro enough time to develop, and we could see him as the key piece that brings this team back to XC nationals by the time he's a junior.
It's tough to say how well Morro will do under Coach O'Sullivan mainly because we haven't seen how the redshirt process has worked out for Comber, Marston, and Power. Still, give Morro enough time to develop, and we could see him as the key piece that brings this team back to XC nationals by the time he's a junior.
William & Mary: Cooper Leslie
The Program: William & Mary is the small fish in a big pond among D1 competition. At times, the school with barely over 6000 students has struggled to stay competitive in a very strong Southeast region. Ryan Gousse has kept Colonials on the map thanks to his 8:42 PR in the steeplechase, but has now graduated and left the team looking for a new star. Yet, fans of W&M should not fear as the rest of the team is filled with freshmen and sophomores who are already throwing down impressive times. Riley Covert just ran 14:38 as a freshman, while sophomore Connell Dawson led the team in the mid-distances with PR's of 1:53 and 3:46. Add in a freshman talent like Ryan McGorty who ran 1:55 and 3:51, and the future for this team is very promising.
How They Fit: Out of all of the schools Cooper Leslie could've picked, W&M was probably the best option for him. William and Mary needed a recruit who knows what it's like to compete against the goliaths of track and field and succeed in a small school system. Cooper Leslie, of course, knows exactly what that's like as Camp Hill was classified in the smallest of all of PA's athletic divisions (single A).
Even with the small school classification, Leslie was still able to motivate his Camp Hill teammates to become one of the better programs in the state with a single A team title in cross country, a 7:58 4x800 relay, and a DMR that ran 10:28 at NBON. Now, Leslie will enter a program with a lot of young guys right around his talent level. The 1:53 (split) and 4:19 recruit will be able to grow alongside and create chemistry with teammates who will be there for more than just one more year. If this isn't the ideal scenario for Leslie, then I don't know what is.
How They Fit: Out of all of the schools Cooper Leslie could've picked, W&M was probably the best option for him. William and Mary needed a recruit who knows what it's like to compete against the goliaths of track and field and succeed in a small school system. Cooper Leslie, of course, knows exactly what that's like as Camp Hill was classified in the smallest of all of PA's athletic divisions (single A).
Even with the small school classification, Leslie was still able to motivate his Camp Hill teammates to become one of the better programs in the state with a single A team title in cross country, a 7:58 4x800 relay, and a DMR that ran 10:28 at NBON. Now, Leslie will enter a program with a lot of young guys right around his talent level. The 1:53 (split) and 4:19 recruit will be able to grow alongside and create chemistry with teammates who will be there for more than just one more year. If this isn't the ideal scenario for Leslie, then I don't know what is.
The Bottom Line: Leslie will almost definitely thrive on this team. He's done well with the small school atmosphere before and was still making large jumps in improvement this past spring. With each recruiting class getting better and better for the Colonials, Leslie shouldn't have to worry about lack of talent surrounding him. Assuming all things work out, it's not unrealistic to see Leslie as a 1:49/3:45 guy by the end of his time at William & Mary.
Pittsburgh: Nick Wolk
The Program: It may not be obvious, but things have been looking better and better for the Pitt team. The team that I used to say was young is now going to be headed by rising juniors which include guys like Billy Caldwell, Nate Sloan, and more. With new assistant coach Bryan Jackson now heading the distance events, the Panthers could finally be in a spot to make progress in the always competitive ACC.
How They Fit: Quite frankly, the biggest benefactor from Nick Wolk's decision is probably Matt McGoey who is in need of a younger teammate that could train with him after a slightly difficult adjustment period in his first year of college. McGoey will be able to guide Wolk through his first year experiences while Wolk will give McGoey the necessary push he may have initially been missing. The duo will be one of the few true long-distance guys on a team that has been more focused on the middle distances as of late.
Yet, Wolk's durability might be the biggest asset he brings to the team. A double win at Baldwin (4:16/9:12) shows just how strong he is overall and that he can handle a heavy workload. That is a huge advantage in college with a lot of heavy miles, intensive training, and strong competition.
Yet, Wolk's durability might be the biggest asset he brings to the team. A double win at Baldwin (4:16/9:12) shows just how strong he is overall and that he can handle a heavy workload. That is a huge advantage in college with a lot of heavy miles, intensive training, and strong competition.
The Bottom Line: Last year, I said that the Pitt program would need to get McGoey some help and it looks like they did just that. If they continue to bring in talent like this and stay healthy then their future for cross country is bright. Like Morro going through Villanova's redshirt process, we haven't seen how the entry of Bryan Jackson will impact the team. However, if Jackson is as good as he sounds, then we can bet that Wolk and McGoey will team up to be one of the better XC duo's in the ACC.
Georgetown: Kent Hall
The Program: Simply put, Georgetown is one of the best programs in the nation. They develop the best milers in the nation and despite a lot of controversy this past summer, were still able to have a top 10 XC team which was led by breakout star Jonathan Green. The Hoyas have a top name contender in nearly every distance event and often get the best recruits in the nation. If you can survive the training, then chances are that you'll be a star.
How They Fit: Like Nick Wolk, Kent Hall has shown that he is durable with his proven consistency and ability to double (see two effortless wins at Ches-Monts) throughout his time at Unionville. Just being able to handle and survive the training at Georgetown is a challenge in itself.
When it comes to cross country, Hall will most likely do very well. On the track, he'll be even better, but not in the most common way...
Hall enters the Georgetown team with PR's of 4:19 and 9:19. They are certainly impressive times, but are actually on the slower end of the spectrum for recruits. He would need to drop a lot of time and develop quite a bit of speed to make an impact on the track. So where does Hall best fit in on this loaded Hoya team? My answer for that would be the steeplechase.
It doesn't seem that Hall has the leg speed to run a competitive mile on the track. He could thrive in the 5k or 10k, but it would probably take until his junior or senior years (along with a redshirt season) to develop good enough of a base. So why the steeplechase?
When it comes to cross country, Hall will most likely do very well. On the track, he'll be even better, but not in the most common way...
Hall enters the Georgetown team with PR's of 4:19 and 9:19. They are certainly impressive times, but are actually on the slower end of the spectrum for recruits. He would need to drop a lot of time and develop quite a bit of speed to make an impact on the track. So where does Hall best fit in on this loaded Hoya team? My answer for that would be the steeplechase.
It doesn't seem that Hall has the leg speed to run a competitive mile on the track. He could thrive in the 5k or 10k, but it would probably take until his junior or senior years (along with a redshirt season) to develop good enough of a base. So why the steeplechase?
First off, cross country runners make the best steeplechasers. Hall's NXN qualifier and a lack of poor races already puts him in the category of being "a cross country guy" (at least in my mind). It's also encouraging to know that Georgetown typically does very well when producing steeplechasers. Scott Carpenter and Darren Fahy both qualified for NCAA's this past spring in the steeplechase. Fahy went on to become an All-American and ended up running at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Of course, PA alum Ryan Gil was also an NCAA qualifier in the steeplechase with Georgetown before he transferred to Oregon.
With a slew of Hoya steeplechasers getting older and soon graduating, Hall would be entering the program at a perfect time to learn from his experienced teammates.
With a slew of Hoya steeplechasers getting older and soon graduating, Hall would be entering the program at a perfect time to learn from his experienced teammates.
The Bottom Line: Hall running the steeplechase is one of my stronger convictions in the 'I Love College' series. I really feel like he could thrive in that area and be competitive early. Freshmen like Bailey Roth (Arizona), Steven Fahy (Stanford), and Reilly Shaw (Auburn) have shown that it is possible to excel in the steeplechase from an early age. Of course, that's not to say that Hall won't do well in other areas like cross country. If his NXN regional performance taught us anything, it's to not count him out.
When all is said and done, I see Hall becoming an All-American steeplechaser while also being part of an NCAA qualifying XC team.
UNC-Chapel Hill: Alex Milligan
The Program: For years now, UNC has prided itself on their depth and constant development of long-distance talent. The pack-running mentality seems to be their style of choice during cross country. Unfortunately, pack running doesn't often have much of an effect on the track and that seems to be the case for the Tar Heels right now who are desperate for a mid-distance ace since Isaac Presson graduated in 2014.
Thank goodness they picked up Alex Milligan.
Thank goodness they picked up Alex Milligan.
How They Fit: Milligan is a beast and was my vote for the Etrain Oscar's 'Most Exciting Runner' after his incredible 4:10 mile to upset Hoey and Kolor. To think he was coming off of a 1:51 split makes his performance even more mind-boggling.
Milligan's arrival will be celebrated by UNC as their depth in the middle distances has been lacking for the past few seasons. This past spring, 1:49 and 3:49 were the top marks for some of the Tar Heels with most of their runners around the 3:50's. Many of UNC's 800 runners are also entering their senior years or are graduating which leaves them with very little depth. With so much to address, the excitement and thrill Milligan brought to State College this past spring will certainly be welcomed at Chapel Hill.
The pressure will be on Milligan to not only lead, but also help develop and push his teammates to better times. Of course, his "must win" 4x8 and mile races at states (which led to a team title) seemed to be a fine indication of his ability to handle pressure. It's also a huge help to know that Milligan can run about anything you ask him to. Earning a state medal in XC but also anchoring a US #1 4x800 makes him one of the most versatile recruits in the nation.
Milligan's arrival will be celebrated by UNC as their depth in the middle distances has been lacking for the past few seasons. This past spring, 1:49 and 3:49 were the top marks for some of the Tar Heels with most of their runners around the 3:50's. Many of UNC's 800 runners are also entering their senior years or are graduating which leaves them with very little depth. With so much to address, the excitement and thrill Milligan brought to State College this past spring will certainly be welcomed at Chapel Hill.
The pressure will be on Milligan to not only lead, but also help develop and push his teammates to better times. Of course, his "must win" 4x8 and mile races at states (which led to a team title) seemed to be a fine indication of his ability to handle pressure. It's also a huge help to know that Milligan can run about anything you ask him to. Earning a state medal in XC but also anchoring a US #1 4x800 makes him one of the most versatile recruits in the nation.
The Bottom Line: Rarely have we seen a recruit as good as Milligan go to UNC. The multi-state champion will need some help in terms of training partners, but his talent will only continue to grow and prosper. Look for Milligan to add on to UNC's depth in XC, anchor fast DMR's, and compete with the top names in the ACC for conference titles.
Duke: Matt Wisner
The Program: PA alumni with a mid-distance focus have done very well in a Blue Devil's uniform. Nate McClafferty led Duke to an NCAA birth indoors in the DMR after he dropped an indoor mile PR of 3:59. Now, Alec Kunzeweiler, a former District 3 star like Wisner, has taken over the throne from McClafferty and has made some noise for the Blue Devils with a 1500 PR of 3:44. He will enter his senior year hoping to emulate McClafferty's 3:59 season.
How They Fit: For Wisner, it's a great time to be entering the Duke program. Many of Duke's half-milers are rising-seniors and are around the 1:49/1:50 mark. The top 1500 runners are a touch younger, but are still in the mid/high 3:40's. What better time for a recruit to enter the program as the top guys enter the prime and peak of their careers?
Yet, the biggest skill that Wisner doesn't need to be taught is the ability to execute race plans and wins. His 20-win high school career shows that he knows how to race. Now, all he needs is some base training and refining to become the next Nate McClafferty.
How They Fit: For Wisner, it's a great time to be entering the Duke program. Many of Duke's half-milers are rising-seniors and are around the 1:49/1:50 mark. The top 1500 runners are a touch younger, but are still in the mid/high 3:40's. What better time for a recruit to enter the program as the top guys enter the prime and peak of their careers?
Yet, the biggest skill that Wisner doesn't need to be taught is the ability to execute race plans and wins. His 20-win high school career shows that he knows how to race. Now, all he needs is some base training and refining to become the next Nate McClafferty.
The Bottom Line: I really like Wisner's decision to go to Duke. It will take him some time to develop, but the two PA alum that have already gone through this program have done some really impressive work. With a proven record of winning and history on his side, it's not too crazy to say that Wisner will go under four minutes by the end of his senior year. It may sound a bit far-fetched, but McClafferty already did it and Kunzweiler is on pace to do the same...
Notables...
- Blake Behney, Brian Delaney, Brian Iatarola, Rob Moser, David Snyder (Shippensburg): One of the top D2 XC programs in the nation just continue to get better. Coach Steve Spence is not only an excellent coach, but an excellent recruiter as well. Shippensburg seems to bring in loads of high-end PA talent every year and sure enough they've done it again. One thing is for sure, Shippensburg will be competitive for years to come.
- Jack DiCintio (Brown): It's unfortunate that we never got to see more of DiCintio this past spring as I'm sure injuries were a reason for that. Still, he'll be entering a Brown program that has seen some success lately thanks to Ned Willig in the mid-distances and Will Sheeran in the long distances. Young talent like Zach Emrich and Eli Moskowitz make Brown a team on the rise for the next few years.
- Rock Fortna & Joe Maguire (Rhode Island): These two are great pickups for Rhode Island who needed to add depth in both of their mid-distance and long distance events. There's a good chance we could see these two as team leaders for RI in the future.
- Ben Rhyerd, Zach Sieger, Kevin Lapsansky (Temple): Despite Temple no longer having an official track program, Coach James Snyder has done an outstanding job at recruiting underrated PA talent. Temple hasn't always made a splash in the running world, but recruiting these three could be the start of a very promising Temple program.
No comments:
Post a Comment