tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4506887802174553845.post2603526900120990892..comments2024-03-12T06:26:20.751+09:00Comments on japan running news: 2012 Hakone Ekiden and 2011 NCAA Division I XC Top Five Teams Compared Over 5000 mBrett Larnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13416317533206849280noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4506887802174553845.post-85630379684038235562012-01-22T23:43:25.547+09:002012-01-22T23:43:25.547+09:00One major issue affecting American schools is Titl...One major issue affecting American schools is Title IX, where men's athletics (T&F) and cross-country programmes are eliminated or not even started because of such restrictions. The Southeastern Conference has one school that can't do men's XC because of the stupid rules. As more men's athletics programmes are eliminated, the Japanese advancement will continue while AmericanBobbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02366544608847776006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4506887802174553845.post-52090985874378295472012-01-08T08:56:56.891+09:002012-01-08T08:56:56.891+09:00I'm not sure of the total numbers but in the K...I'm not sure of the total numbers but in the Kanto region there are 50-60 universities with competitive running programs. Of these about 25 are good enough to be in contention for a Hakone spot. I don't know what the numbers are like in the rest of the country but there are at least decently competitive schools throughout Japan, some with a runner or two at the sub-14 or sub-29 level. Brett Larnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13416317533206849280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4506887802174553845.post-45504629464310212342012-01-08T06:11:47.723+09:002012-01-08T06:11:47.723+09:00How many universities with running programs are th...How many universities with running programs are there in Japan? I was curious if we are looking at a trend where most runners are funneled into a few universities or if the numbers are comparable to the United States. If you look at XC teams finishing mid-pack or lower, they often have 13:30-40 runners but lack depth and rely on 14:20 guys to score in the 3,4, or 5 spots.Jasonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4506887802174553845.post-65322796920395539482012-01-07T15:38:28.637+09:002012-01-07T15:38:28.637+09:00Thanks, Bruce, that's a pretty interesting com...Thanks, Bruce, that's a pretty interesting comparison. I don't think the strength of high schools outside Kanto extends to universities, though, as the Hakone Ekiden is limited to Kanto region schools. Virtually all the good high school boys will go to school somewhere in Kanto in order to have a chance to run Hakone. <br /><br />Looking at the top five Hakone schools this year, of theirBrett Larnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13416317533206849280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4506887802174553845.post-6324358200781690112012-01-07T10:13:31.304+09:002012-01-07T10:13:31.304+09:00Brett, Thanks for the vast and timely stream of da...Brett, Thanks for the vast and timely stream of data and commentary.<br /> I would like to add that similar comparisons can be made between Japanese high school boys and the USA NCAA D-1 collegiates. Averages based on 2011 best marks: <br />--------------------------------Top7 / Top 5<br />Nishiwaki Kougyou - Hyogo ---14:11.28 / 14:08.58<br />Sendai Ikue - Miyaki------------14:13.57 / Brucehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15027512748081797372noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4506887802174553845.post-70931606412453091222012-01-06T22:56:38.464+09:002012-01-06T22:56:38.464+09:00Thanks, Brett. Very interesting.Thanks, Brett. Very interesting.TokyoRacerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10293712044402763377noreply@blogger.com