The USTFCCCA rankings are out, and the coaches continue to be bearish on Abilene Christian. The erstwhile national title contender is ranked only fourth in the South Central Region and No. 18 nationally (as of last week).
It's tough for me to understand that. Of course, the coaches have better info than I.
Here's what I know about Abilene's roster:
- Their Kenyan contingent is tough, led by Danial Maina, including Amos Sang and Cleophas Tanui. Maina and Tanui have missed one of the two consequential meets that ACU ran (pre-nationals and their home meet), but we'll assume they're ready to go Nov. 7.
- International recruits Craig Peters (Wales) and Romain Rybicki (France) have yet to race. But they're on the roster.
- Americanos Colby Delbene and Spencer Lynn have run well and not-so-well, respectively. Lynn missed ACU's recent home meet.
- Sophomore Charles White (30th in Slippery Rock) now runs for Purdue. He was 11th at the Sam Bell Invite recently.
Central Missouri -- No. 1 in the South Central and No. 12 nationally -- averaged 25:35 for its top five at the Cowboy Jamboree. (For comparison's sake, Adams State and Western State were in the mid-24s; Missouri Sourthern was about 25:40.) But I can't imagine ACU (with its foursome of Maina, Sang, Tanui and Delbene) and even a very weak fifth weak (if our Welshman and Frenchman don't compete) being much slower. Time to pay closer attention to Central Mizzou.
I am very intrigued to see how head coach Sam Burroughs manages his troops in the coming weeks. While maybe not a national title contender, I suspect they'll win the South Central.
Regarding ACU, I doubt that Peters or Rybicki will be cleared in time for regional competition. If I were to bet, I'd say Peters has the best shot of getting cleared. I've heard Peters is returning from an injury & at about the same fitness level as Maina.
ReplyDeleteIf Peters gets cleared & is healthy, then ACU could be a top 6 team. Sang is in great shape & should be top 5 at CC Nats.
If Central MO wins South Central over ACU, it will only be a big deal to Central MO. They won't have a chance of beating ACU in a larger field @ CC Nats.
Also, South Central is hosted by ACU, and it's flat & fast. Good course for a home team with a few iffy runners.
Rybicki is clear since 1 month, but he is injured, Peters is not clear yet.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. I agree with your analysis: Abilene has too many horses and a very long history to be overlooked. It'll be a great race against Central Mo -- and the other solid teams in the region.
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