Cross country is traditionally not a sport followed by many. Additionally, sportwriters who do not follow the sport should not have their opinions on a cross country athlete published.
Bobby Lockhart's running has nothing to do with the charges he is facing, nor do the charges have anything to do with his running. To make any connection between the two is absurd.
Bobby Lockhart is a member of a national championship team. He earned a spot on the team and he earned the right to call himself a champion. Saying that he has 'fallen from greatness' is only an observation an ignorant outsider could make. The Wisconsin cross country team is the top program in the country.
Simon Bairu, a two time national champion, and Chris Solinksy, a multiple All-American, are almost impossible to be compared to. Any research at all you would have told you how integral to this team Bobby has become.
From Jerry Schumacher, 'He knows he was a big part of contributing to this program for the last four years ... But he knows he had a big role and a big part in everything we did and he was going to make sure he contributed to this team in every way he possibly could and he did a great job of that.' This coming from his own coach, who might know more about Bobby's athletics than Sam Pepper. Also, Bobby has had three personal bests in track and field last season. Sounds like a hard working and improving athlete to me.