recruiting 2011

[sebastianc]

Re: recruiting 2011 - Mark English

English just set a new national junior record in the 800. Check-out the video. Still have to believe that Marcus is trying to get him for this recruiting class.

English Sets NJR

 

[LSU-Nit]

Re: recruiting 2011 - Mark English

I haven't heard a peep. Last I heard it was fall 2012 for English (if he indeed decides to come to the US). One year out for 2012 London.

Aug 12th 2011:

1 english mark 1:47.09
2 ghamanda ram 1:47.50
3 smith kyle 1:47.64
4 james jamaal 1:47.72
5 aston ed 1:48.00
6 coemans nicky 1:48.68
7 omey hans 1:49.27
8 schletterer sebastien 1:49.59
9 balhan pierre antoine 1:50.21
van den broeck jan dnf
lomba jimmy dnf

 

[LSU-Nit]

Speaking of a master list of incoming T&F athletes, one potentially disturbing piece of news is this: Every recruit mentioned above who was reported as a Villanova signee has indeed registered (by which I mean has an official Villanova student e-mail address) -- all, that is, except Amanda Burroughs. Not sure if that means anything, but . . .

Here's the list:

Tom Trainer
Rob Denault
Elbert Maxwell
Robert Hurlbut
Charles Kido

Megan Venables
Courtney Chapman
Stephanie Schappert
Leanne Tucker
Qualitra Brown
Alex Wasik
Sydney Harris
Kiki Litvak
Tori Catanzano
Kathleen McPhillips

ps: there are two students named Ryan O'Connor and six named Michael Williams -- no way to tell if they're the ones discussed above. Time will tell.

 

[sebastianc]

LSU-Nit, you seem to have gotten them all except Varonica Johnson. Amanda apparently spells her last name as "Borroughs." Check it out.

My view on English is really not based on any tangible facts. Aside from Denault, the men, thus far, are kind of minimal. There has to be at least one more sterling talent coming. I am still puzzled about the second trip to Ireland. Doesn't add up unless an outstanding talent is being pursued. And that means English, McBrearty or Robinson. Maybe even two of the three - one being English.

Maybe I am biased, but if English is thinking 2012 Olympics, he will advance faster here with Marcus and the level of competition in the U.S. as opposed to what he will encounter in isolation in Ireland. Think Mageean. She has actually regressed in the past year. She was way ahead of Telzic, last year, in 1500. This year, Telzic runs her down at European Juniors (there is a video out there) in the stretch even though Telzic had won the 3000 a day or so earlier. Look how O'Lionaird has progressed facing U.S. collegiate competition.

Of course this is all supposition ...
This post was edited on 8/18 5:54 AM by sebastianc

 

[LSU-Nit]

Whew -- glad your corrected my spelling, SebCoe -- Yes Amanda Borroughs (not Burroughs) is on the registered list. Ditto for Varonica Johnson.

No Darren McBrearty listed. There is a Paul Robinson, but it's not the Irish guy we're discussing.

I hope that you're right and that Marcus has someone in his back pocket for this year. If so, it's a well kept secret. Keep in mind that Marcus is not above bringing a guy in mid-year (Gibney showed up in January, for example).

On O'Lionaird, rumor had it that when he decided to leave Michigan, he contacted Marcus to see if Villanova was still interested. Let's just say the interest was lukewarm at the time. Recall that (a) O'Lionaird wasn't terribly impressive while at Michigan, and (b) he was considered a bit of a difficult guy to deal with. That being said, he sure has blown up down at Florida State. More power to him.

By way of a teaser, linked below is a video of English's 1:47 Irish Junior record race -- powerful and graceful runner (and only 18 years old).

Mark English 1:47 Irish Junior Record

 

[sebastianc]

LSU-Nit, we seem to be talking the same language - i.e., the same concerns.

Didn't know O'Lionaird had reached-out to Marcus after Michigan. Can understand Marcus' reluctance. The kid totally blew him off when Marcus visited him in Ireland. I believe he might even have been from Cork. Kid had no respect and talked solely about Michigan.

English is a lot better than we realize. Runs a 48.02(400). This is a serious 800 man who will probably be a force eventually at 1500. Guess I want to believe that Marcus is making a concerted effort to bring him aboard for the next season.

There are other possibiities. Think Jordan Williamsz (AUS). Recall, if he does come to U.S., it will be VU. Kid just ran 1:47+ and has run a 3:42+. And you are right about Marcus bringing guys in at mid-year. Think McEntee. Can't wait to see what the final recruit class will be.

 

[excattyguy]

7/27/2011 Jordan Williamsz Aus. 3:40.96. Add 17 seconds to that time. I know it's not an exact conversion, but it's close enough.

 

[TheFoyeEffect]

English sounds like he has the speed that would make him best to stay at 800m, with the occasional 400m/mile relay mixed in.

i hate to speculate about what an 18 year old will do, but i'm crossing my fingers.

 

[UncleBill57]

I was privileged to have been in the Class of 57. Witnessed some awesome feats by a number of Villanovans during those years and beyond. It was a travesty that Jumbo was never selected to coach at our Olympics or Pan Am games eithe as head coach or assistant.

 

[whitecat]

UB57,

I always had the feeling that Jumbo was a tough person to deal with; I believe he had some tifs with the AAU.

 

[LSU-Nit]

Not to cause trouble, but I believe a close reading of Kenny Moore's book about Bill Bowerman will suggest that he had something to do with Jumbo getting passed over. That rumor has been out there for a long time. Moreover, I'd bet that Dave Patrick would have something interesting to say about Bowerman's role in the 1968 Olympic Trials debacle. A recent Letsrun.com message board thread (see link below) saw more than a few curse words being used to describe Bowerman.

Dave Patrick -- Bill Bowerman 1968 thread