April 21, 2026

ABR 451: Building a National NAIA Track Program | Coach Jacob Simms

1 hour

On Episode 451, we’re stepping on the track and lacing up the spikes with Coach Jacob Simms, Director of Cross Country & Track & Field at Montreat College.

Since taking over in 2022, Coach Sims has led Montreat to national prominence in the NAIA, including:
✅ Women ranked as high as #3 in the nation
✅ AAC Conference Championships
✅ Multiple NAIA All-Americans & National Qualifiers
✅ Record-breaking performances across XC & Track
✅ A culture built on faith, leadership, and team-first mentality🔍 In this episode, we cover:

How to build a championship NAIA track & field program
What coaches ACTUALLY look for in college recruits
Why NAIA, D2, D3 & JUCO are elite pathways
The importance of team culture vs individual performance
Recruiting philosophy: no standards, just opportunity
Life and training in Black Mountain, North Carolina
Balancing cross country, indoor, and outdoor seasons
Coaching philosophy: developing better humans first

🎯 Whether you're a:

High school runner
College recruit
Parent navigating recruiting
Track & field or cross country fan

👉 This episode is packed with real insight into competing at the next level.🌎
Why We Do This / At Airey Bros Radio, we shine a light on the programs and coaches we wish we had access to coming up.

If you or someone you know is looking for the right fit at the next level — share this episode.🔗
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⏱️ TIMESTAMPED SHOW NOTES
0:00 – ABR mission: spotlighting opportunities beyond D1
1:50 – Show intro: stepping on the track with Coach Jacob Simms
2:25 – Coach Sims bio + Montreat program success
3:45 – Recruiting contact info + program accessibility
5:25 – Coach Sims origin story (football → track)
7:30 – Walking onto a college track team (life-changing moment)
8:50 – When he knew he wanted to coach
9:20 – Events: 400m / 800m background
10:00 – Multi-sport athletes & burnout prevention
12:30 – Coaching ALL events philosophy
14:30 – Growth as a coach (patience, leadership)
16:30 – Becoming a head coach at 23
18:30 – Why Montreat is a special place
19:30 – Recruiting advantage: location & training environment
20:10 – Program culture before he arrived
21:13 – Coaching philosophy: building PEOPLE first
22:20 – “Winning is the easy part” mindset
24:00 – Outdoor season update + performance trajectory
26:45 – NAIA All-Americans & program milestones
29:20 – Balancing XC, indoor, outdoor peaks
30:30 – Managing athlete burnout & mindset
32:50 – What makes a Montreat athlete
34:50 – No recruiting standards philosophy
36:30 – Transfer portal & college athletics landscape
38:30 – Recruiting battles & athlete loyalty
41:30 – Role as Director (CEO of program)
44:30 – Unique majors (Cybersecurity & Outdoor Education)
45:50 – Faith-based culture at Montreat
48:00 – Campus life + environment
49:30 – Coaching relationships & mentorship
50:50 – Team culture & connection
51:00 – Trail run challenge (Lookout climb)
52:00 – Why Montreat stands out
53:10 – Final Four (coffee, routines, mindset)