Recruiting for 2014 - General
- Thread starter sebastianc
- Start date
Sebastianc:
Regarding Ohio you are referring to the great Buckeye! May he RIP.
I have talked with Coach Talley about recruiting Texas and I understand his position. He has the budget to recruit Florida and California and that's it for out of the immediate region. He has a great track record in both states so why mess with success.
We have had our share if nationally ranked cross country runners. Many leave the state. Ask and they may come - don't ask and they won't.
Regarding Ohio you are referring to the great Buckeye! May he RIP.
I have talked with Coach Talley about recruiting Texas and I understand his position. He has the budget to recruit Florida and California and that's it for out of the immediate region. He has a great track record in both states so why mess with success.
We have had our share if nationally ranked cross country runners. Many leave the state. Ask and they may come - don't ask and they won't.
It seems as though Canadian Nicole Armstrong has committed to Villanova. She referred to Villanova signee Erin Jaskot (NY) in a December 7 tweet as a "future Nova Team mate."
Armstrong is an 800/1500/XC runner from Sydenham, Ontario, Canada and has run 2:10 and 4:29. Some good work in XC as well. Nice addition, to be sure.
I have linked a video interview from 2012.
Nicole Armstrong interview
Armstrong is an 800/1500/XC runner from Sydenham, Ontario, Canada and has run 2:10 and 4:29. Some good work in XC as well. Nice addition, to be sure.
I have linked a video interview from 2012.
Nicole Armstrong interview
This is good. Armstrong has been one of my "sleepers." She has some "speed" - 58.0 (400) in 2012 - and improved by 5 sec in 800 from 2012 to 2013. 5'7" 120 lbs. Dropped 400, last season, and picked-up 1500. Read interview.
She was having some early success in XC, this fall. Might have won a regional championship or finished 2nd, but did not compete in the Ontario Secondary Schools Championships even though she was entered. Suspect she got hurt prior to that race. Finished 74th in national juniors. Again, suspect she was coming off some injury or illiness.
See her as miler / XC and leg on 4x800.
Girls in Canada seem to revere Sheila Reid. Maybe that helps.
So far Jaskot and Armstrong. Not bad. Hopefully there is more...
Nicole Armstrong Interview
She was having some early success in XC, this fall. Might have won a regional championship or finished 2nd, but did not compete in the Ontario Secondary Schools Championships even though she was entered. Suspect she got hurt prior to that race. Finished 74th in national juniors. Again, suspect she was coming off some injury or illiness.
See her as miler / XC and leg on 4x800.
Girls in Canada seem to revere Sheila Reid. Maybe that helps.
So far Jaskot and Armstrong. Not bad. Hopefully there is more...
Nicole Armstrong Interview
Guess I am a bit of an optimist so I want to believe that VU has a chance at Zak Patterson. He was the runner I was alluding to in my post of 11/24. He ran a 3:45.51 (1500), in February, which converts to 4:03.48 mile. One of his rivalries is with the winner of the aforementioned Under 20 3000, Jake Birthwhistle, who won 8:11.32 to 8:12.59. In 2012, Patterson again finished 2nd in a remarkable 8:08,63 to Decan Wilson's (NZL) 8:07.9. Birthwhistle was 3rd in 8:09.12. Patterson's time was just outside the Australian Junior top 10. Patterson has different national rivals at mile.
Closer to home, the indoor season has begun. Since there is a VU quest for an outstanding 400/800 man, there are several to pay attention to. We have mentioned Matt Murrray (NY) - from Whitecat territory. He is defending NY 600 champ. Opened his season with a 1:22.43 (600) win at Ithaca College's Bomber Invitational, over the weekend. This is also Don Paige territory..
This post was edited on 12/15 3:09 PM by sebastianc
Closer to home, the indoor season has begun. Since there is a VU quest for an outstanding 400/800 man, there are several to pay attention to. We have mentioned Matt Murrray (NY) - from Whitecat territory. He is defending NY 600 champ. Opened his season with a 1:22.43 (600) win at Ithaca College's Bomber Invitational, over the weekend. This is also Don Paige territory..
This post was edited on 12/15 3:09 PM by sebastianc
Lost one today according to Washington Post, "Poolesville's Chase Weaverling has committed to Virginia after considering American, Villanova, Pennsylvania and Brown. Weaverling won the 2013 Maryland 2A cross-country state tile in Westminster, Md., with a time of 15:42."
G'town has surpassed VU's women in XC. They are out-recruiting VU. And now their PR department (outdoing VU's) is wooing other potential young women. VU still has the Penn Relays - maybe for another year ...
http://ny.milesplit.com/articles/117816-throwback-thursday-the-girls-of-georgetown#.UrSYv9JDs40
http://ny.milesplit.com/articles/117816-throwback-thursday-the-girls-of-georgetown#.UrSYv9JDs40
Maddy Berkson (RI) is not going to Harvard after-all. She will be attending Stanford. VU was never considered.
I have lost count of how many outstanding east coast runners are going to Stanford. It is impressive. And that doesn't count the runners from west coast and mid-west and Canadian and even Australian and ... Stanford calls and the runners come.
TFE, Piccirillo and Margey are not enough. Right now, with the runners Stanford will have available in 2015, the Penn Relays Women's DMR belongs to Stanford - and maybe the 4x800 and 4x1500 as well. I am not sure Jaskot and Armstrong or Williams and Brislin will alter that.
However, Jaskot and Armstrong may have enough "speed" to alter that assessment, but that would mean a big improvement over their past results. So one should pay close attention to how Jaskot compares with Berkson during the indoor and outdoor seasons.
Note that Anita Hinriksdottir (ICL) will be competing in a sort of super 800 at the Millrose Games, in February. Check it out. http://www.armorytrack.com/News/Post/worlds-rising-stars-featured-at-the-nyrr-millrose-games Sign her and VU is still in the game. That would be a major accomplishment. There are not too many other young women available in this class that will alter that calculus. Raevyn Rogers (TX)? Is she on VU's radar? 2015 class has some notables that might be better - e.g., Sawyer (CAN).
A lot is riding on Marcus' trip to Ireland.
http://ri.milesplit.com/articles/117293-berkson-looking-forward-to-competing-for-stanford#.UrYRR9JDs40
I have lost count of how many outstanding east coast runners are going to Stanford. It is impressive. And that doesn't count the runners from west coast and mid-west and Canadian and even Australian and ... Stanford calls and the runners come.
TFE, Piccirillo and Margey are not enough. Right now, with the runners Stanford will have available in 2015, the Penn Relays Women's DMR belongs to Stanford - and maybe the 4x800 and 4x1500 as well. I am not sure Jaskot and Armstrong or Williams and Brislin will alter that.
However, Jaskot and Armstrong may have enough "speed" to alter that assessment, but that would mean a big improvement over their past results. So one should pay close attention to how Jaskot compares with Berkson during the indoor and outdoor seasons.
Note that Anita Hinriksdottir (ICL) will be competing in a sort of super 800 at the Millrose Games, in February. Check it out. http://www.armorytrack.com/News/Post/worlds-rising-stars-featured-at-the-nyrr-millrose-games Sign her and VU is still in the game. That would be a major accomplishment. There are not too many other young women available in this class that will alter that calculus. Raevyn Rogers (TX)? Is she on VU's radar? 2015 class has some notables that might be better - e.g., Sawyer (CAN).
A lot is riding on Marcus' trip to Ireland.
http://ri.milesplit.com/articles/117293-berkson-looking-forward-to-competing-for-stanford#.UrYRR9JDs40
A small meet held at Rockland Community College yesterday. For those somewhat unfamiliar with the area, Rockland County is just northwest of NYC on the NJ border. Do a Google.
Jaskot won the girls 1000 in 3:02.2, which would be about 20th in the nation and a far cry from Karina Shepard's (Stanford-bound) 2:52.6. However, Shepard's was run at the Armory. There is a difference, but 10 sec? I don't know. And level of competition ... What was more gratifying, however, was Brian Cook winning 600 in 1:28.2 and finishing second in 1000 in 2:38.2. Not great times, but considering facilities, level of competition, and that he was doubling, it suggests that Cook is a bit more than just a distance guy. A good possibility that he might also be a leg on the 4xmile. Makes him more attractive as a recruit.
Both Jaskot (Tappan Zee) and Cook (Pearl River) live in Rockland Count.y.
On the recruiting front, in general, there are a lot of unknowns - i.e.,do not know what is on the horizon other than Jaskot and Armstrong for the women and the pole vaulter from Fordham Prep. The only positive would be Marcus' visit to Ireland. He did visit with Siofra Clerigh-Buttner. Believe they are trying to arrange a visit. So that is still good. Nothing new is known about the men. Coaches are busy - even making home visits to prospective recruits - but ...
Rockland Coaches Invitational
Jaskot won the girls 1000 in 3:02.2, which would be about 20th in the nation and a far cry from Karina Shepard's (Stanford-bound) 2:52.6. However, Shepard's was run at the Armory. There is a difference, but 10 sec? I don't know. And level of competition ... What was more gratifying, however, was Brian Cook winning 600 in 1:28.2 and finishing second in 1000 in 2:38.2. Not great times, but considering facilities, level of competition, and that he was doubling, it suggests that Cook is a bit more than just a distance guy. A good possibility that he might also be a leg on the 4xmile. Makes him more attractive as a recruit.
Both Jaskot (Tappan Zee) and Cook (Pearl River) live in Rockland Count.y.
On the recruiting front, in general, there are a lot of unknowns - i.e.,do not know what is on the horizon other than Jaskot and Armstrong for the women and the pole vaulter from Fordham Prep. The only positive would be Marcus' visit to Ireland. He did visit with Siofra Clerigh-Buttner. Believe they are trying to arrange a visit. So that is still good. Nothing new is known about the men. Coaches are busy - even making home visits to prospective recruits - but ...
Rockland Coaches Invitational
The 1000 is interesting because it's the lone rec. --I think-- that Cain hasn't attacked but that's going to change in the next few weeks. There's some debate if Cain goes sub 2:46 --which she should do fairly easily-- will it count now that she's not competing for her HS?
Shepard is a unique talent in that you don't see many 5'10 wirey girls with that kind of coordination and powerful stride. It's just a matter of leg turnover for her: she's going to be very fast. I think when really pushed she could go 2:48. I'm optimistic about Jaskot as well, as she probably has a 2: 52 within range of her capabilities. Looking forward to that match race between Cain and the girl from Iceland as well.
Shepard is a unique talent in that you don't see many 5'10 wirey girls with that kind of coordination and powerful stride. It's just a matter of leg turnover for her: she's going to be very fast. I think when really pushed she could go 2:48. I'm optimistic about Jaskot as well, as she probably has a 2: 52 within range of her capabilities. Looking forward to that match race between Cain and the girl from Iceland as well.
Run Nova (Twitter) has a link to an article about the relationships amongst three former Arkansas greats from Ireland (Frank O'Mara, David Swain) and England (Gary Taylor). We know that Frank's son, Colin, is now a freshman at Villanova. His reasons for choosing Villanova: academics and Marcus. Now Taylor's son, Brendan is a senior at the same high school - Little Rock Catholic - (as was Alex Tully). Brendan is the state XC champion and has run 4:13.4 (mile) and 1:57.4 (800). Is he a possible Villanova recruit for the same reasons as Colin? And possibly without $? If so, a very attractive possibility. Think Michael Kerrigan.
Caught the girls Millrose mile trial. Weisner was clearly the class of the field. Not close. Jaskot is not ready for prime time yet. Trailed the field for most of the race and closed to finish 6th - one behind Berkson (whom I believe will be the best of this group in college).
Sons of Arkansas Greats
Caught the girls Millrose mile trial. Weisner was clearly the class of the field. Not close. Jaskot is not ready for prime time yet. Trailed the field for most of the race and closed to finish 6th - one behind Berkson (whom I believe will be the best of this group in college).
Sons of Arkansas Greats
Speaking of relatives and Arkansas, Alex Tully's younger brother Matt has been admitted to Villanova for fall 2014. Seemingly not quite as talented as Alex. See link.
Matt Tully (Little Rock Catholic HS)
Matt Tully (Little Rock Catholic HS)
Armstrong did recently wish good luck to her future Nova teammate Jaskot if that means anything. Women still need another recruit -- i.e the Irish girl.
Just learned that Elise Cranny (CO) has committed to Stanford. Stanford's women's recruitment this year is phenomenal. It is way past envy. One simply has to admire their success. Think about it: McNulty (MA), Shepard (MA), Howlett (CT), Berkson (RI), Baker (NJ), Wilson (DC), Flanagan (MN), Cranny (CO), ... And those are just the ones I know of. There are probably more. And since most things are relative, compare that with VU's recruitment ... Not good. And some of them are probably not getting any $ because Stanford is the place to be. Hard to compete with that. And the weather is nice. But there is another side to this.
In some ways, Stanford reminds me of the NY Yankees. Yankees are really a poorly managed club, but they have lots of money. So their mistakes really do not hurt them like other clubs. They just write it off and go out and spend some more money. Think about the HS stars who go to Stanford and are really never heard of again. Remember there was an 800 man from somewhere in the Philly suburbs, Tom Mallon. What happened? And there was a girl from Texas, Chelsea Sveinsson? Of course, VU has Venables ...
It is doubtful that VU can compete with Stanford - or Oregon, or Arkansas, or ... - for a national track championship. It is possible, but highly improbable. However XC is a possibility and there is always the Penn Relays. Remember 2013 Penn. Very nice. Right now, Stanford and G'town are ahead of VU for Penn gold in the races that count - DMR, 4x1500, 4x800 -beginning in 2015. Actually Stanford already "owns" them unless ... And that is a huge unless. It all depends on whom VU recruits this year and next. Siofra Cleirigh-Buttner (IRL) - she just ran 2:06.3 - would be a great start. But they need more. Jaskot and Armstrong may need time to develop. Note that Berkson and Shepard are busy setting records indoors and beating Jaskot. However, VU is pursuing someone else (other than Siofra) on par with and, in many ways, better than anyone Stanford has signed. But that all remains to be seen. Still they only need two more really superb athletes to stay relevant at Penn since they start with Piccirillo and Margey.
In some ways, Stanford reminds me of the NY Yankees. Yankees are really a poorly managed club, but they have lots of money. So their mistakes really do not hurt them like other clubs. They just write it off and go out and spend some more money. Think about the HS stars who go to Stanford and are really never heard of again. Remember there was an 800 man from somewhere in the Philly suburbs, Tom Mallon. What happened? And there was a girl from Texas, Chelsea Sveinsson? Of course, VU has Venables ...
It is doubtful that VU can compete with Stanford - or Oregon, or Arkansas, or ... - for a national track championship. It is possible, but highly improbable. However XC is a possibility and there is always the Penn Relays. Remember 2013 Penn. Very nice. Right now, Stanford and G'town are ahead of VU for Penn gold in the races that count - DMR, 4x1500, 4x800 -beginning in 2015. Actually Stanford already "owns" them unless ... And that is a huge unless. It all depends on whom VU recruits this year and next. Siofra Cleirigh-Buttner (IRL) - she just ran 2:06.3 - would be a great start. But they need more. Jaskot and Armstrong may need time to develop. Note that Berkson and Shepard are busy setting records indoors and beating Jaskot. However, VU is pursuing someone else (other than Siofra) on par with and, in many ways, better than anyone Stanford has signed. But that all remains to be seen. Still they only need two more really superb athletes to stay relevant at Penn since they start with Piccirillo and Margey.
Stanford doesn't go to the Penn Relays. They hold the Payton Jordan Invitational the same weekend now.
TFE, are you sure about this? Everywhere I look, Payton Jordan is being held May 4th. Penn Relays is the previous weekend. And according to their website, Stanford will be there. But they were not there, last year ...
Along those same lines, Arkansas will not be at Penn Relays for second straight year. Going to Drake. Interesting.
My view has been that if you have something - high school or college - you come to Penn. Drake? If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound?
Along those same lines, Arkansas will not be at Penn Relays for second straight year. Going to Drake. Interesting.
My view has been that if you have something - high school or college - you come to Penn. Drake? If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound?
Guess they switched the date this year. Also, the Drake Relays has a lot of prize money behind it that's turned it into a meet of much more consequence by wooing the pros.
At the NY Armory Collegiate, Jaskot finished 4th in 600 to Olivia Baker's 11th all-time in 1:32.92, which is also 4th in nation. Her PR is 1:31.85 (2013). She is running 600 on Saturday.
Surprise was Brian Cook's 2nd in 1000 in 2:27.75, which is now 3rd in nation. He is not pretty, but clearly effective. Ran from the front. More "speed" than expected. He is becoming a more attractive possibility. His time was better than VU's two entries in the collegiate 1000.
Surprise was Brian Cook's 2nd in 1000 in 2:27.75, which is now 3rd in nation. He is not pretty, but clearly effective. Ran from the front. More "speed" than expected. He is becoming a more attractive possibility. His time was better than VU's two entries in the collegiate 1000.
Fawn, thanks for the information. It just made me smile. Yes, it will probably impact Cook's decision, but the real beauty in your revelation is that it makes one feel good. Makes my day. Again, thanks
I was over at the Track & Field site and found this reference. It is interesting in how one school is able to gather so much talent - who are probably all good students. Obviously they are not all on $. One is a football RB & WR. It is impressive and a reminder of what VU has to do to stay in the conversation. The little engine that could ...
This post was edited on 4/15 6:46 PM by sebastianc
Stanford Recruiting Class
This post was edited on 4/15 6:46 PM by sebastianc
Stanford Recruiting Class
Oregon and Stanford are different (not for the same reasons). But Stanford may not get the max out of this large group? Actually it may be larger as I've seen two Ca AS runners mentioned for them that weren't on this list. But getting the girl from Co made this a special class.
One women's program which could be on the rise is Iona. If they begin recruiting like their men's team has and get a few more like that Fr. from UK who I think finished #3 in the NCAA's they could be tough. BE 's Butler #3 NCAA I guess has been recruiting foreigners with a great result. I didn't realize that they had this strong a program.
One note from Let's Run. USJRH Brianna Nerud/2ks has left Syra. She visited Duke,Gtn,Prov as a NY HSSr. I don't know where she might be interested in xfering to in Sept.
One women's program which could be on the rise is Iona. If they begin recruiting like their men's team has and get a few more like that Fr. from UK who I think finished #3 in the NCAA's they could be tough. BE 's Butler #3 NCAA I guess has been recruiting foreigners with a great result. I didn't realize that they had this strong a program.
One note from Let's Run. USJRH Brianna Nerud/2ks has left Syra. She visited Duke,Gtn,Prov as a NY HSSr. I don't know where she might be interested in xfering to in Sept.
Ishmael Muhammad (Oakcrest, NJ) has decided to attend and compete for Villanova. Evidently on a full ride.
Current PRs are:
400: 48.97
800: 1:51.79
1600: 4:22.62
Short post by Jim Lambert is here:
http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/4349637271624387043/ishmael-muhammad-makes-his-college-choice-the-winner-is-villanova/
Ishmael Muhammad's MileSplit page
Current PRs are:
400: 48.97
800: 1:51.79
1600: 4:22.62
Short post by Jim Lambert is here:
http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/4349637271624387043/ishmael-muhammad-makes-his-college-choice-the-winner-is-villanova/
Ishmael Muhammad's MileSplit page
Really nice addition. Range and "speed." Photos suggest an athletic body. In recent sectional championship - first in 400 & 1600 and close 2nd in 800. Reminds a little of Ellison in HS, but maybe further along. Only question: Did VU pay too much? Full ride?
Muhammad
http://parser.dyestat.com/search.jsp?athID=237395
With all the debate about whether the Irish should still come over Jr CC champ and 1500 Euro finalist Sean Tobin reported to Ole Miss for the 2nd sem.
There was some thought he may follow the guy who recruited him to Oxford,Ms, who is now employed at Wisconsin. Whether he stays in the deep South who knows?
This post was edited on 2/13 11:38 PM by Or1on
Brian Cook of Pearl River lapped the field
in the Section 1 state qualifier 3200 with
a 9:05+. Is that a good time and where do we stand
with that young man? Weather permitting, I might
drive over to Ithaca for the states next Saturday.
in the Section 1 state qualifier 3200 with
a 9:05+. Is that a good time and where do we stand
with that young man? Weather permitting, I might
drive over to Ithaca for the states next Saturday.
She's 13th currently on the national indoor list.
This post was edited on 2/20 5:21 PM by excattyguy
This post was edited on 2/20 5:21 PM by excattyguy
Brian Cook has been somewhat of a surprise, this indoor season. He has outstanding times for 1000, mile and 3200. That is quite some range. Very quietly, he ran 4:14 to finish 6th in Millrose mile. He does not appear to have any "natural" speed, but is very effective and should not be dismissed as a possible leg on a 4xmile if he comes to VU.
Jaskot ranks 2nd in state in 1000.
This post was edited on 2/21 1:13 PM by sebastianc
Jaskot ranks 2nd in state in 1000.
This post was edited on 2/21 1:13 PM by sebastianc
Melissa June, a sprinter from St. Anthony's (NY) committed to Villanova
PBs
100m 12.01
200m 24.73
300m 39.68
55m 7.14
60m 7.91
Was undefeated this season before finishing sixth in the 55m at Millrose.
PBs
100m 12.01
200m 24.73
300m 39.68
55m 7.14
60m 7.91
Was undefeated this season before finishing sixth in the 55m at Millrose.
Very cool. Some "speed." She also runs on school's 4x400. There is a video interview of St. Anthony's winning SMR at Millrose website. She comes across as articulate and confident.
Siofra Cleireigh-Buttner (IRL) just finished 2nd at Senior National Indoor Championships 1500 in 4:32.8. So she is competing with the big girls. That time would rank (only) 6th amongst U.S. HS girls. However, I believe she is still running XC. Ireland's schools XC championships are March 8th. Supposedly VU is trying to arrange a visit. I would make it Penn Relays weekend.
Anita Hindriksdottir (ICL) finished 4th in Millrose 800 in 2:02.7. Did anyone from VU meet with her while she was here?
Siofra Cleireigh-Buttner (IRL) just finished 2nd at Senior National Indoor Championships 1500 in 4:32.8. So she is competing with the big girls. That time would rank (only) 6th amongst U.S. HS girls. However, I believe she is still running XC. Ireland's schools XC championships are March 8th. Supposedly VU is trying to arrange a visit. I would make it Penn Relays weekend.
Anita Hindriksdottir (ICL) finished 4th in Millrose 800 in 2:02.7. Did anyone from VU meet with her while she was here?
Montague is a good one. Believe he also has decent 800 time (1:54.5). Question: Does VU have enough $ to afford Montague? Remember, they just gave a "full-ride" (?) to Ishmael Muhammed. And I think they might be looking at someone from Australia with much better 800 / mile times.
Eastern States Championships at the Armory, yesterday, was interesting from VU's perspective. Jaskot finished 2nd in 800 (2:13.55 to 2:13.52). Melissa June finished 2nd in 200 (24.43 to 24.02), but the girl who won, Symone Darius, is some kind of super sprinter. She did beat Olivia Baker though. Baker had a busy day. VU may have something here.
Of note though was the boy's 400. Three guys under 48 and two are juniors. One, Taylor Maclaughlin (Union Catholic) would seem to be ideal for VU. There are two other juniors in the northeast running outstanding times - Izaiah Brown (NY), Colin Winslow (NJ). VU does not seem to recruit outstanding 400 guys, but you never know. And this is their recruitinbg territory. They just might be serious about winning a DMR. 4x400 is only a dream ...
Eastern States
Eastern States Championships at the Armory, yesterday, was interesting from VU's perspective. Jaskot finished 2nd in 800 (2:13.55 to 2:13.52). Melissa June finished 2nd in 200 (24.43 to 24.02), but the girl who won, Symone Darius, is some kind of super sprinter. She did beat Olivia Baker though. Baker had a busy day. VU may have something here.
Of note though was the boy's 400. Three guys under 48 and two are juniors. One, Taylor Maclaughlin (Union Catholic) would seem to be ideal for VU. There are two other juniors in the northeast running outstanding times - Izaiah Brown (NY), Colin Winslow (NJ). VU does not seem to recruit outstanding 400 guys, but you never know. And this is their recruitinbg territory. They just might be serious about winning a DMR. 4x400 is only a dream ...
Eastern States
Deutmeyer, the pole vault commit cleared 16 ft at the same meet. That's better than a Villanova guy has cleared in decades.