Seven Most Shocking Moments of NXN And Foot Locker


Great Oak Doesn't Cave Under Pressure

Being surprised by the Great Oak boys winning NXN makes me feel stupid, but I also don't regret it. In sports, champions -- particularly the enduring kind like Great Oak seems poised to be -- are frequently good enough to win the title a year or before they actually come through and do it. Think of the late 1980s Chicago Bulls, or the late 1990s Colorado cross country teams -- these programs had to take their lumps at a championship level before they knew what it took to get the hardware.

Great Oak had the best runners all year, sure. But that's a totally separate question from knowing what it takes physically, mentally, emotionally to win a national championship with zero experience at that level. This was the first time that the Great Oak boys ever qualified for NXN! To win a title in your first NXN is a legitimately shocking accomplishment, even with the best and deepest lineup in the country.

- Dennis