It appears that VC's distance standout who was once hailed as the next Cole Sprout has committed to the Navy on Milesplit's signings database. Any Colorado people got the low down on why such a talented runner would go to a mediocre running program? Seems like Navy can't even hold down other recruits - '23 commit and NXN qual Gandini is nowhere to be seen on the roster.
Perhaps the superior free education and a desire to serve country is more important to him?
He signed with Navy in November. Milesplit database is a joke. surprised this is just coming out
He isn't the next Cole Sprout
Gandini is at the Navy Prep school- he will be a freshman there next year
Gandini is at the prep school getting use of the free red shirt year
Eike had a couple standout performances but at least for the running scene here, he hasn't been The Guy quite like how Cole Sprout or Parker Wolfe were. Definitely a quality runner but I don't think he is vastly superior to any other that's won a state title in Colorado.
Heard that Valor Christian is getting a new XC head coach next fall…
1. Eike remains committed
2. Supposedly Gandini will join Navy as a member of his class (2028)
3. True, Navy has not historically been competitive when compared to successful D1 XC programs aside from a few standouts, but it is also true that their trend line for development and recruitment has not stopped or slowed its progress at all this decade. Taking seemingly random, mid-range high school runners and turning them into sub-14 and sub-24/25 guys (of whom they have four currently in the 13:50s and 24:0X's) is a feat, and recognizing this may help more upper-middle to high end (Gandini, Eiken) guys tip the scales towards schools like this. Could also be the case that they have a connection with the whole military thing or are skeptical about having to be teammates with national or international blue-chips who would cause them to miss out on "reps" (race experience), so to speak. In my eyes, situation reads very similar to the Ivy schools, who don't exactly have the resources to win over the top 1%, but do well in training hard-working American dudes. This could explain their team's (and the Ivies as well) unsatisfactory performances in important races, though, as top 1-4 might be stellar, but great teams have 7, or 8, or more difference makers. Low chance Navy beats Air Force with their altitude advantage and depth, and top 10 is highly unlikely, but I say give it 5-10 years and Navy could become a household name among the rankings, barring some drastic coaching change or a world war. ;) More analysis than you asked for, but team strategy really interests me and the Ivy's/Service institutions are some of the last true progress-based programs with the new state of NIL and flashy, antic-based recruiting.
With his talent, he's pretty much guaranteed to race all 4 years. Navy goes to some pretty solid meets so he'll get his name out there if he's worthy. He'll also graduate debt free, guaranteed job $85k + right after graduation, and can still run for the all-navy team. I believe their head coach Aaron Lanzel continued to race for a handful of years during the Alan Webb era after graduating. Not a bad gig if you ask me.
5 to 10 years sounds more reasonable but im interested to see where Navy will be next year and in the near future. Definitely agree that Lanzel has been able to turn mid-range hs runners into very solid college runners. With promising freshmen in Ahten, Giraredet, and Poekert and a very talented '28 class in Eike and Gandini, along with Hom (1:53 as a junior and could improve to be Navy's top 800m recruit in some time) and probably a handful of other decent '28s, this could be a very competitive school. That is, of course, these young guns can handle their military responsibilities, academics, and running. Returning 3 sub 14:00 5ks with Murphy smith at the top is a boost too.
Partlow of MD committed - NXN individual qualifier and 4:12/8:57. Per joshuagrenade post on instagram. Not a bad pick up for Navy
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Seems like you just searched up James Partlow on Instagram and decided the first one was right. That being said, this James Partlow looks nothing like the runner. So no, not this one.
Is Cantello still coaching
He isn’t the next washed Cole Sprout. He’s better. Look for this guy to be high 8:30s this spring and run in the 3:59-4:02 range at Festival of Miles.
Sprout is done for, sad to see what Stanford has done to him.
EikeToNavy wrote:
It appears that VC's distance standout who was once hailed as the next Cole Sprout has committed to the Navy on Milesplit's signings database. Any Colorado people got the low down on why such a talented runner would go to a mediocre running program? Seems like Navy can't even hold down other recruits - '23 commit and NXN qual Gandini is nowhere to be seen on the roster.
Getting fired has given you too much free time up in Boulder. Congrats to Dane for his accomplishments. He’s got a bright future ahead of him. Smart kid.
Eike 4:04.7 full mile with Partlow at 4:03.21. With Gandini's 4:09 last year as well as a handful off 4:15ish runners, this is a very talented class on the front end with a solid group to fill the middle and back. Thoughts on where this incoming class would be ranked among other '28 freshman classes in the NCAA?