So I came up with 8 teams rather than 12 because I didn't want to spread out the talent too much. These are the 8 team captains and their team names. Next week I will release the draft results as these guys build their franchises. Let me know what you think! (And if you have any better team names than I do that you would like to insert).
8 Team Captains
Chris Derrick, Los Angeles Miles: Chris would be a great first piece for any franchise. He is a strong runner with tireless work ethic and excellent big race experience. He is the reigning US champ at 12k in Cross and was a member of the 2013 world champs squad at 10k. He's still a pretty young prospect as well, entering just his second year as a pro and with virtually no injury history his potential to be a long term piece for this squad is encouraging.
Dathan Ritz, Detroit Motor Company: Ritz is making the transition from track to road at this stage in his career, but last spring he showed he could still get around the track at a quick clip as he competed well at 10k all the way down to 3k (Ritz boasts a 5k PR of 12:56, at the time a US record). He was second to Derrick at the US champs meet for XC and his high school XC credentials include two national titles. Ritz is an aging vet who probably doesn't have a lot of years left at the top level, so he won't be the future of the franchise. However, he has fantastic work ethic and leadership with years of "I've been there" type experience. He will be a strong captain for his team.
Galen Rupp, Portland TrailRunners: Rupp is the #1 pick in any expansion draft no doubt. He's not as young as Derrick, but he's smack in the middle of his prime. He's the American Record holder and Olympic Silver medalist in the 10k with a slew of US champs at that event. He has spent the last couple years taking an assault on the record books from the mile up and against national competition he has been untouchable. Rupp likely would hold out or force a trade to end up on the Portland based squad or possibly in Eugene and with Al Sal has his coach general managers and team goals during the season may be down on the priority list, but Rupp is a can't miss talent and the best runner in the NXL, passing on him would be like passing on Lebron.
Ben True, New England Tough Mudders:
Little known fact, the last time there was a big time cross country race, Ben True was the top American and a top 7 guy in the world. He might be the best XC guy in the nation on a true XC course (no pun intended). On the track he has been pretty solid as well, running 13:02 and 27:40. He is a man who operates of strength and heart, perfect for the XC circuit. The graduate of Dartmouth is a true new englander, ready to lead the Mudders on the big stage.
Luke Puskedra, Eugene Storm: Puskedra is a man unafraid to push the pace and hammer out the miles. He was a top 10 finisher in the NCAA XC meet for 3/4 years of his college career at the U of O because he was unafraid to take risks and chase a fast pace. He also has a strong half marathon PR down around 62 minutes and a 10k best sub 28. Puskedra has been a top 8 finisher at Footlocker, NCAAs and USAs for cross country in his career, a feat few can boast. He's a logical choice to lead the Eugene boys as Tracktown USA looks to become Crosstown. Wow that was corny, even for me.
Matt Tegenkamp, Green Bay Pack:
Tegenkamp, like Ritz is a bit of an aging star, but his experience and impressive range over his long and successful career make him a candidate to help out the Green Bay Pack in this first professional XC season. He has made the transition from 10k to Marathon now after making a slew of US teams at 5k and 10k, breaking 13 minutes in the 5 and just missing a world championship medal. Teg was third at last years USA championships in Cross Country and clearly has the strength to dominate longer XC races.
Evan Jager, Chicago Cheetah Cubs:
Jager has become far and away the greatest steeplechaser in US history in the last 24 months or so (and in Monaco today he may further cement his legacy). But he's more than just a steepler: he ran 13:02 last summer and nearly beat Galen Rupp. Jager skipped out on a serious collegiate career to pursue professional goals (made a US team at 5k with future teammates Solinsky and Tegenkamp in 09) so we aren't exactly positive what his XC ceiling is, but the potential is there. He knows how to balance fun and work and is likable yet influential leader. Plus he has great hair.
Lopez Lomong, New York Armory:
Lopez Lomong has been one of the most versatile athletes in our Nations history. Early in his career he excelled mainly at 800m and 1500m, but he also had a runner up finish at NCAAs in cross on his resume. As he transition to a pro career he made an Olympic team at 1500, an Olympic team at 5k and ran an American Record indoors. He has great speed but also impressive strength. Lomong has the most famous miscounting of laps in US history and finished his actual last lap at a blazing speed considering how tired an mentally fatigued he must have been. That's the heart of a champion and the grit and determination needed to chase guys in XC.
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