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NCAA Coaches Clash Over Foreign Athletes in Cross Country
NCAA coaches debate recruiting agencies that bring East African runners to U.S. programs, with 97 athletes linked to agencies competing in the upcoming national championships.
- On Friday, a debate erupted at the prerace press conference ahead of Saturday's 2025 NCAA Division I Cross-Country Championships after LetsRun's Robert Johnson asked coaches about Ed Eyestone's Deseret News remarks.
- On Thursday, reporting examined the rise of recruiting services as Chris Chavez of Citius Mag found 97 athletes tied to agencies qualified for the Division I national meet, while colleges pay up to $25,000 in fees and many recruits seek NIL payments.
- Oklahoma State coach Dave Smith defended his roster with five foreign runners and team unity after last year's disappointment, while Ed Eyestone criticized foreign recruits for 'taking scholarships and roster spots' and said he'd be embarrassed to have seven foreigners on a team.
- Critics argue the practice may disadvantage American athletes, and last year’s Scholarbook-linked signing of 28-year-old Solomon Kipchoge prompted social media pushback.
- The prevalence of agency ties positions recruiting services as key players, with many top NCAA runners, including Doris Lemngole and Brian Musau, arriving via agencies and benefiting from fee-based placements and NIL incentives.
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