Moreover, the Florida distance kids also know that it really bites to train for distance in Florida, where it is absolutely miserable for distance runners from the end of February to November. Why wouldn't the best of them head for Oregon (Harrison), Stanford (Hicks, Wells), and other greener trails?
To say it is "absolutely miserable... from the end of February to November" is an over-reach. It is true that in North Florida from mid-May to Octoberish running in the afternoons is not advisable. During the summer, if runners are from Florida and don't like it, they can always travel and train like many collegians do. That leaves during the competition seasons the month of May and the 1st couple months of XC to deal with - and many coaches in the south simply move workouts to am runs before the heat/humidity become oppressive. It isn't that big of a deal. So staying home in Florida to run is totally doable.
Doing your larger run in the morning is preferable anyway. That’s how pretty much all pro runners do it. East Africans are out there at 6AM every morning to beat the heat. Seems to work well for them.
Worrying about Chris' recruiting at Florida doesn't matter anymore. Do you think being contacted by Jerry/Shalane/Chris in their current situation (hosting World Athletics, world class stadium, immediate professional opportunities, NLI favorability, etc.) at Oregon are going to have a hard time getting who they want? Jerry built great teams at Wisconsin with less help. I would expect Chris to adapt well under his leadership.
Recapping the men’s basketball loss at Colorado and how it affects Oregon after a busy night of Pac-12 basketball, and a look ahead to Saturday’s game at Uta...