I really want to hear about people’s thoughts on the implications of NCAA changes on recruiting standards, but at this point the discussion seems be be going off on a tangent from the OPs question. We know the son has to get faster, but it doesn’t change his path forward at this point whether he needs to get 15 seconds or 20 seconds faster. After Junior year, when the times are in, that will matter.
Maybe its time for a separate discussion on the changing recruiting landscape for high academic track/XC programs?