Unlike cross country or a few other event areas, there are only a handful of schools in the NCAA that are true powerhouses when it comes to the middle distances, specifically in the 800 meters.
In recent years, these schools specializing in the half-mile distance have battled for the title of "800U," a nickname first popularized by Penn State.
However, more programs than just Penn State have arisen when it comes to collecting and producing elite-level middle distance talents.
Schools like Georgetown, Virginia Tech, Iowa State, Texas A&M, Mississippi State and Ole Miss have historically (and recently) developed some of the best 800 meter runners in the NCAA.
Now, as a new era of recruits enter the collegiate realm and the older middle distance runners near the end of their eligibility, we have seen these 800 meter powerhouses begin to collect new talent...
