Fresno City College Wrestling is one of the most dominant programs in California community college athletics — and Head Coach Paul Keysaw has built a championship standard that lasts decades, not seasons.In Airey Bros Radio Episode 430, we go belly to belly with the Cal State Bakersfield 1991 NCAA Division I National Champion and multi-time CCCAA State Champion coach to break down Fresno City’s recent run, why JUCO wrestling is one of the best development paths in the country, and what recruits and parents need to understand about the real college wrestling process.

Coach Keysaw dives into:

• Fresno City’s 2025 season recap + competing with Mt. San Antonio and Cerritos
• Why the community college stigma is hurting athletes (and how to flip it)
• The cost/value advantage of California Community Colleges (and why it’s a “hidden gem”)
• Building culture with process, fundamentals, and accountability
• Wrestling season in the fall (and why he thinks the NCAA should seriously consider it)
• The state of wrestling in California: program cuts, admin support, and the future of growth
• A wild story: Coach Keysaw went 3–0 as an interim basketball coach 😂
• Bonus: the Randy Couture connection — “Yeah… I beat that guy.”

🎓 Recruits/Parents: Fresno City is a launching pad. “It doesn’t matter where you start the journey — it matters where you finish.”📲 Follow Fresno City Wrestling: @fccramwrestling
📝 Recruiting Form + program links:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclo_LNH6rI99qwlaxfwW-mHtKajfM3KXRamqfBu_aknwSf9g/viewform
https://fccrams.com/sports/wrest/index🌺 Fuel: Black Sheep Endurance Coaching
☕ Value for Value: Buy Me a Coffee — https://buymeacoffee.com/aireybros

SHOW NOTES + TIMESTAMPS (ABR 430)
0:00 Why ABR shines a light on JUCO/D2/D3/NAIA programs (not just “power school” coverage)
0:49 Show open + 2026 kickoff + “belly to belly” with Coach Paul Keysaw
2:03 Coach bio: titles, honors, Fresno City season recap, and program résumé
3:39 Where recruits can find Fresno City Wrestling (IG + pages)
4:25 The “throughline” moment: VHS tapes, old-school wrestling fandom, and the Randy Couture match
6:05 Origin story: how Coach Keysaw started wrestling (and the no-quitting rule)
7:16 What makes a great youth coach: fundamentals, purpose, and building the base
8:43 Pennsylvania → Cal State Bakersfield: the transfer story + “Lou was my Clarence”
10:13 Headgear wrestling from day one (no WWE angle) + Athens, PA geography
12:24 When he first thought coaching was “the coolest job”
13:28 Post-title reality check: “Now I had to get a job”
14:04 The accidental coaching start: cemetery sales → “How much would you pay me?”
15:38 “Welcome to the staff” (and instant panic)
16:09 Why he stayed: coaching should be fun — and JUCO is still his favorite space
16:47 Helping athletes who don’t know what they want to do (major/life direction)
18:31 Fear of failure + why wrestlers “turn on” to education over time
20:51 Watching the “light come on” + his “weeds” analogy for wrestlers
22:09 JUCO stigma in California: is it getting worse?
23:53 Social media + the “not into the process” problem
24:30 Transfer portal era: “D3 kid to Iowa” and why development pathways matter
26:17 Fresno City campus life: commuter school + the dorms arms race in California JC sports
27:13 Recruiting rules: open-state recruiting, out-of-state restrictions, and first contact
28:16 Debt + affordability: why JUCO helps families win long-term
28:46 Cost breakdown: California Community College affordability + residency angle
30:00 Honors program + transfer leverage: “guaranteed UC admission” pathway talk
31:25 Parents and recruiting: most families don’t understand the process
32:21 Fresno City programs: fire academy, police academy, welding, nursing, rad tech, dental hygiene
33:48 How big is Fresno City? student population + athlete count
34:41 Why California wrestling is in the fall (and why Coach loves it now)
35:27 “Wrestling season is too long” — why a fall NCAA season could save the sport
37:10 Work-life balance + why the fall model gives coaches/families a real life
38:20 Offseason structure: conditioning, strength, wrestling class
38:45 Recruiting challenges vs. results: “We didn’t have enough horses” (2025 season lens)
40:03 California’s single state champ issue + kids jumping levels too early
41:14 Correction + clarity: Fresno City’s recent title run + dynasty context
42:21 2025 season review: young lineup, state duals, and outlook for next year
43:16 Recruiting year-round: transfers, bounce-backs, and timing
44:05 Real talk: if you’re recruited early, you’re probably that level — if not, trust development
45:25 What Coach Keysaw looks for: motivated kids who love the process + want to keep climbing
46:08 “Rooting for them is inherent” — success beyond the mat
47:48 Life wins: careers, families, becoming a cop — Fresno City pride stories
48:57 Why he stayed in the CCCAA: doors, growth, and real coaching impact
50:38 D1 job rejection → no regrets: “The Lord put me here for a reason”
51:47 The California wrestling problem: tons of HS wrestlers, shrinking D1 opportunities
52:25 Why the sport struggles: budgets, admin support, and limited in-state options
54:02 The coaching pipeline issue: fewer teacher-coaches and fewer wrestling grads feeding programs
55:49 Wrestlers in administration: why AD/principal representation matters
57:49 CBU wrestling cut: money, NIL, and institutional priorities
59:01 “Wrestling doesn’t help its own cause” — telling stories and asking for support
1:00:02 The basketball coaching story: Men’s Warehouse fit, two techs, and why wrestling feels “foreign” to outsiders
1:03:14 Dual meets as the future: making wrestling accessible to non-wrestling fans
1:04:01 Fresno City history: founded 1910, first CA JC, wrestling since 1959, championships every decade
1:06:18 “It’s not where you start — it’s where you finish” (JUCO as a launchpad)
1:07:04 Randy Couture story: the UFC name that gets non-wrestling people to finally pay attention
1:09:05 ABR Final Four: coffee habits + black coffee + Guatemalan blend
1:10:10 Daily routines/superstitions: left sock/left shoe ritual + pre-practice caffeine timing
1:11:41 What he’s listening to: wrestling podcasts + history interest
1:12:28 Favorite history lane: Civil War / Gettysburg
1:13:15 Guilty pleasure: Palomas (tequila + grapefruit)
1:13:50 Off-the-mat life: fishing, mountains, Yosemite/Sequoia proximity
1:15:14 Wrap-up: Fresno City, CCCAA spotlight, and recruiting shoutout

Howdy & Aloha! 🌺 Airey Bros Radio Episode 429 is now LIVE on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms — featuring Coach Sean McLachlan, Head Men’s & Women’s Cross Country Coach and Assistant Track & Field Coach at Spokane Colleges, one of the most dominant JUCO / NWAC distance programs in the country.Coach McLachlan breaks down what it takes to sustain a championship culture year after year — from developing depth (not just stars), to recruiting the right fit, to maximizing elite training environments in the Pacific Northwest.In this episode we cover:

• Spokane’s NWAC dynasty history and how the tradition started
  
  
• Why JUCO can be the BEST path for distance runners (development + opportunity + fit)
  
  
• The brand-new Spokane XC course and the vision to host major events (college + national level)
  
  
• The Podium indoor track facility (banked 200m track) and why it’s a game-changer for recruiting
  
  
• How Spokane competes against (and beats) NCAA D1, D2, D3, and NAIA programs at meets
  
  
• 2025 season recap: Spokane men win the NWAC title led by Alex Wright (NWAC Athlete of the Year)
  
  
• Training talk: mileage management, freshman development, and double threshold “dabbling”
  
  
• Team culture, assistant coaches, and why athletes say they “wish Spokane was a 4-year school”
  
  
• Plus: Vision Quest Spokane stories, coffee talk, podcasts/books, and holiday vibes 🎄☕
  
  

📍 Guest: Coach Sean McLachlan — Spokane Colleges XC/Track
🏃 Conference: NWAC (Northwest Athletic Conference)
🔥 Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching
☕ Support the show: BuyMeACoffee.com/AireyBros

Podcast Show Notes + Timestamps 
0:00 Why ABR is covering NWAC + JUCO XC (shining light on overlooked programs)
0:59 Sasquatch mascot love + Spokane identity
1:22 ABR intro + episode mission (value-for-value, recruiting, development)
3:34 Where recruits can find Spokane XC (Instagram + athletics site)
4:33 Throughlines: JUCO roots, NWAC spotlight, Vision Quest Spokane connection
6:14 Vision Quest filming at Spokane + classic running scenes downtown
7:06 Coach origin story: raised at the track, family coaching lineage
8:13 Multi-sport background (soccer/basketball/wrestling) + how it builds the “motor”
9:03 HS success (800/3200/XC), choosing Spokane, transfer to Southern Utah
10:09 Returning to Spokane to coach — mentors, roots, and long-term vision
10:34 Coaching the program you ran for + what Spokane means to him
11:18 Spokane “chip on the shoulder” + building with mostly local 509 talent
12:19 When the dynasty started: two campuses, two programs, then joined forces
13:43 Title streaks + “dark ages” + track dominance (men’s + women’s titles)
14:52 Spokane running history: Jerry Lindgren, Prefontaine clashes, Pat Tyson legacy
18:15 “What’s the secret?” Resources + leadership + recruiting grind in JUCO
20:45 Family atmosphere: staff continuity, 13 track coaches, assistants’ impact
23:12 JUCO stigma vs value: how Spokane wins recruits with proof + performance
25:04 Competing vs 4-year schools + being seen in mixed-division meets
26:05 Podium facility advantage + recruiting through performance (wins vs D1/D2/NAIA/D3)
27:49 Facilities deep dive: new XC course + Podium banked indoor track
28:17 New XC course vision: WCC meet hosted, future NXR, NCAA-level goals
29:08 Spokane Sports Commission shoutout + sports tourism strategy
29:40 The Podium: why it paid for itself fast + year-round multi-sport venue
31:03 Downtown Spokane training ecosystem (Riverfront Park, trails, warmups)
32:10 Trails, Rimrock dirt road workouts, hills, and why the training is tough-but-great
34:20 No HS indoor track in WA (West Coast facility scarcity)
35:50 No official NWAC indoor season — why that can be a blessing
36:42 Two campuses explained: Spokane Falls vs Spokane Community (transfer vs technical)
38:34 No dorms — Spokane housing solution + why apartments can be better
39:56 2025 season recap begins: men’s title expectations + championship execution
41:42 Alex Wright story (Purdue grad, aerospace engineer, came back to run w/ brother)
42:57 Holland Herd “gamer” championship performance + step-ups
43:45 Isaac Riggsby comeback story (missed senior year, stress fracture, 4.0 student)
44:42 Winning but not satisfied: holding standards while still celebrating
46:21 Culture fit: giving everyone a shot + JUCO as fresh start and development
47:21 Freshman transition to 8K: mileage range management + avoiding overloading
49:23 Early-season racing vs older collegiate runners + confidence + patience
50:14 Training hot topic: double threshold — “dabbling,” not chasing trends
52:44 Women’s season reflection: lessons, injuries, refocus, building back stronger
54:04 Balancing men & women at championships + pre-race prep systems
56:13 Family shoutout: spouse support, kids, Eugene trips, being “track nuts”
57:13 Coffee talk: pour-over setup, local spots, lighter roasts, Spokane coffee culture
59:24 Daily routines + learning inputs (running vids/podcasts, ski vids, books)
1:00:49 What he’s reading/listening to + 90s music nostalgia (grunge/punk/reggae)
1:02:49 Food + recruiting visits: no chain restaurants, Spokane local spots
1:04:08 Spokane weather + outdoors (lakes, fly fishing, sunshine days)
1:05:34 Christmas movies + holiday traditions + skiing New Year plans
1:07:10 Closing: program shoutouts, gratitude, and sendoff

ABR 428 is OUT NOW on Spotify + Apple Podcasts — and the timing couldn’t be crazier.We went live on 12/22 with Coach Nate Yetzer, the head man who built Roanoke College Wrestling from the ground up… and THIS WEEKEND the Maroons won the NWCA/USMC Multi-Division National Dual Meet Championships — taking down the giants and changing Division III history.In this episode, Coach Yetzer breaks down the blueprint behind Roanoke’s rapid rise:

✅ How to build a program from scratch (and why he actually prefers it)
✅ Culture as the real “competitive advantage”
✅ Recruiting philosophy + what a “Roanoke Kid” really is
✅ Why D3 can be the best fit for development + career outcomes
✅ Scholarships, academic/need-based aid, and how families should approach the money side
✅ Fan experience + building a brand people want to watch
✅ Areas Roanoke recruits (VA/NC/Atlanta, New England… and why Denver is next)
✅ Advice for athletes: how to email coaches, sell yourself, and find the right fit

ABOUT THE TITLE RUN: Roanoke went to Iowa and shook the sport — beating Augsburg and Wartburg to bring home the national duals crown. The “Augsburg/Wartburg era” isn’t automatic anymore.🎧 Search “Airey Bros Radio” on Spotify/Apple Podcasts and find ABR 428.
📺 Full livestream archive is on YouTube.Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance ☕️
Value-for-Value: Buy Me a Coffee (link in bio / show notes)

Show notes + timestamps (ABR 428)
Guest: Coach Nate Yetzer — Head Wrestling Coach, Roanoke College (DIII)
Topic: Building Roanoke Wrestling + recruiting philosophy + culture + DIII opportunity + (now) NWCA National Duals champions

0:00 – 0:50 ABR mission: spotlight programs + real recruiting conversations
0:51 – 2:55 Full intro + resume: building Roanoke from scratch, ODAC success, rankings, fast start
2:56 – 4:00 Where recruits can find Roanoke Wrestling + social media + club (70+ members)
4:01 – 5:10 Wrestling world is small: connection to Coach Matt Hill (Edinboro)
5:11 – 8:30 Origin story: dad’s influence, falling in love with wrestling, multi-sport upbringing
8:31 – 9:55 Brother battles + “they’ll stop when they’re tired” parenting moment 😅
9:56 – 11:20 Coach as a dad: his 4 boys + when kids start specializing
11:21 – 12:45 Recruiting athleticism + multi-sport traits that translate
12:46 – 16:10 “Why coaching?” Leaving a chip-company job, getting into the profession, impact on lives
16:11 – 16:50 Troyer Farms chips story 🍟
16:51 – 19:10 Taking the Roanoke job in 2020: expectations vs reality (ahead of schedule)
19:11 – 21:10 Advice for startup coaches: you MUST be all-in (and the family piece)
21:11 – 23:10 Startup vs takeover: why starting from scratch can be “easier” philosophically
23:11 – 24:30 2025–26 start + culture: “30 guys where it’s a priority”
24:31 – 26:25 Recruiting footprint: VA/NC/Atlanta + defining the “Roanoke Kid”
26:26 – 28:35 Why Denver/Colorado fits + camp strategy + Adidas camps + local Denver wrestling talk
28:36 – 31:05 D1-or-bust mentality: “If you love wrestling, there’s a place for you”
31:06 – 32:55 Financial reality of D3: academic + need-based aid, comparing packages, NIL trickle-down
32:56 – 34:12 Roanoke academics: business, health fields, computer science + campus growth
34:13 – 37:12 Defining a “Roanoke Kid”: academics, values, fit, style of wrestling, upward trajectory
37:13 – 38:20 Core values with recruits: kids have them, but can’t always vocalize them
38:21 – 41:20 Building a fan base + creating an event (walkout songs, production, club connection)
41:21 – 42:35 Big home dates: Jan 4 vs UW–Eau Claire + Feb 6 vs Lee (ODAC title collision course)
42:36 – 44:05 Rankings mindset + how Coach uses rankings for recruiting (but not ego)
44:06 – 46:35 National tournament mindset: pressure, perspective, and the “doing dishes” story 😂
46:36 – 48:45 Breaking the Augsburg/Wartburg standard + respect for the blueprint
48:46 – 50:25 Key athletes to watch (Jude Robson, Mark Samuel, Smith brothers, Xavier Preston, Hunter Moore, more)
50:26 – 51:45 National Duals plans (at the time): why Roanoke committed to go
51:46 – 53:10 CEO of the program: culture, academics, fundraising, donors
53:11 – 54:40 Golf outing + the “wrestler obsession” problem
54:41 – 57:20 Recruiting advice for athletes: email coaches, self-awareness, “sell yourself”
57:21 – 58:55 Christmas talk: movies + food + Moscow mule holiday recipe 🎄
58:56 – 1:01:20 Coffee corner: Aeropress, roasters, Third Wave Water tip
1:01:21 – 1:03:40 Daily ritual: recommitment, prayer, self-talk + belief
1:03:41 – 1:05:20 What coach listens to: Rogan, AI episodes, classic Christmas music
1:05:21 – 1:07:30 Guilty pleasures: Moon Pies, BBQ, and the donut-burger madness 🍩🍔
1:07:31 – 1:08:29 Wrap-up + where to follow Roanoke Wrestling

Gannon University Wrestling is rolling — and the head man behind it is as real as it gets.On Airey Bros Radio Ep. 427, we go Belly to Belly with Tom Boyd, Head Wrestling Coach at Gannon University, to break down what true NCAA Division II development looks like year-to-year — and why the Golden Knights have become one of the most consistent programs in the country.Coach Boyd talks Gannon’s fast start (3–0 in duals), team titles at the Mount Union Invitational & Ohio Intercollegiate Open, a 4th-place finish at the Midwest Classic, and the program’s No. 5 ranking in the NWCA Coaches Poll (Nov. 20) — while keeping the main thing the main thing: peaking in March.We also dig into:

• The seamless transition from legendary coach Don Henry to Boyd
  
  
• How Gannon builds culture, accountability, and “no-hide” competitors
  
  
• Portal recruiting done the right way (finding guys with gas left in the tank)
  
  
• NIL at the D2 level — housing, health insurance, and community give-back
  
  
• Recruiting Erie, PA: lake-effect winters, hunting/fishing, and big-time academics
  
  
• Why engineering + D2 wrestling is a rare, powerful combo for recruits
  
  

If you’re a recruit, parent, coach, or fan who cares about culture + development + opportunity, this episode is a blueprint.SUPPORT (Value-for-Value): Buy us a coffee ☕
Follow / Subscribe: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts + IG @aireybrosradio
Fueled by: Black Sheep Endurance


Time Stamps / Show Notes
0:00 ABR mission: spotlighting programs athletes “should’ve known” in recruiting
0:30 Howdy & Aloha intro + Value-for-Value + Black Sheep Endurance
1:29 Who is Coach Tom Boyd: Gannon lifer, All-American, staff since 1995
2:12 2025 season snapshot: 3–0 duals, titles, Midwest Classic, No. 5 NWCA (Nov. 20)
3:01 Where recruits/parents can find Gannon Wrestling + socials
3:48 Connection to Ryan LeBlanc + coaching Boyd’s son (and now coaching together)
6:33 Coaching your own kid: balancing “dad vs coach” + letting the athlete own it
8:23 Parents & pressure: protecting wrestlers, transparency, and peaking in March
9:31 Midwest Classic breakdown: “midterm exam,” brutal match load, lessons learned
10:36 Boyd’s roots at Gannon: from forfeits/vans → top-5 national program
12:52 “Slow and steady” building: alumni, booster support, resources, closing the gap
14:02 Key Midwest performances: Jerry Echavarria wins 133 + 6 placers
15:14 Lineup upgrades coming: Dorian Crosby, Danny Kaiser, Holden Hoon + more depth
16:14 Erie location advantage: 2 hrs to Cleveland/Buffalo/Pittsburgh, endless competition
17:24 Key matchups + mindset: not satisfied with regional goals — chasing top 3 consistently
18:16 Ranked #5: embracing the target and competing “no hiding”
19:01 Injury defaults / pulling guys: character, expectations, and wrestling back
20:12 Coaching losses: process > outcome, individual approaches, confidence building
22:17 Social media era: adapt, don’t be a victim, teach kids to be good men
24:10 Leaving the sport with “a good taste”: doing everything you can, no regrets
25:40 Chiropractor + head coach: two callings, balancing time, being “wired”
29:00 Recruiting pitch: campus + student life + engineering, cybersecurity, aviation
30:48 Erie, PA vibe: walkable downtown, winter “Hallmark,” lake effect life
32:47 Outdoors recruiting: fishing, hunting, lake + steelhead/trout
33:35 Recruiting footprint: PA/OH/NY + nationwide (TX/FL/WA/Germany)
37:02 What Boyd wants in a recruit: Energy Bus, culture fit, character, commitment
38:19 Wrestling room = sanctuary: leadership, energy, showing up for athletes
41:01 Freshmen vs portal: developing 20 freshmen while using portal strategically
42:31 NIL at Gannon: real-life support + giving back through PAL/youth wrestling
45:04 Old school mindset, modern reality: adapt or get left behind
46:22 Finding portal guys with “gas”: opportunity + academics + hunger
48:32 Portal exits done right: honest conversations, good terms, opportunity matters
50:03 Internships + career prep: Erie Insurance, business pipelines, grad support
51:18 Coaching tree + alumni impact (high school coaches + program branches)
52:23 Pre-chiro pipeline + why it fits wrestling culture
55:42 Midwest Classic grind + doing adjustments at tournaments
56:35 Final recruiting message: find your home, fit matters more than the “sell”
58:02 Fun closer: 814 meaning + facilities pride + coffee habits
1:00:17 Daily rhythm: consistency, bath ritual, elliptical, being “go go go”
1:01:35 Vision Quest + 80s alternative + “What can I do better today?”
1:04:46 Guilty pleasure: candy/sweet tooth (Milky Ways, peanut M&M’s)
1:06:00 Wrap: shoutout Coach LeBlanc + best of luck vs Edinburgh + Value-for-Value outro

Southwestern Oregon just made HISTORY — winning the first NWAC Women’s Cross Country Championship in school history… and they did it with five freshmen scorers. In Airey Bros Radio Ep. 426, we go live with the architect behind the Lakers’ rise: Coach Steve Delgado (SWOCC). We talk NWAC vs NJCAA, why JUCO is one of the best pathways in college running right now, and how a program goes from non-scoring to championship culture in a hurry. We also dive into the legend and lore of Coos Bay, Oregon — home of Steve Prefontaine — plus the behind-the-scenes coaching habits that actually build alignment: recruiting truth, standards, team connection, and Coach Delgado’s best advice of the night: “Lean into conflict.” (Culture doesn’t happen by accident.) ✅ Topics Covered:

• SWOCC’s jump from last place energy to NWAC Champions
• What a true “champion experience” means at the JUCO level
• Taylor Dickey & Lydia Montes De Oca going 1–2 and gapping the field
• Men’s program podium finish — best since 1970
• Recruiting, affordability, housing, and why the JUCO path is booming
• Training philosophy, thresholds, and building the “better humans” mentality

☕ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching
 blacksheependurance.com/

📺 Originally streamed live on YouTube (Dec 10, 2025) — now available everywhere you get podcasts. 

SHOW NOTES (With Time Stamps) 0:00 ABR intro + why we’re spotlighting NWAC (new region for ABR)
1:04 What is the NWAC? Why schools formed their own JUCO conference
1:46 Coos Bay + Oregon running culture + “nickel tour” at Prefontaine Track
2:28 Full show intro: SWOCC’s historic season + episode mission
5:30 Where recruits should reach Coach Delgado (athletic.net + questionnaire)
6:17 Coach Delgado’s origin story: runner → cyclist → coaching through kids
9:19 Marshfield HS legacy + deep roots in Oregon track culture
10:34 Prefontaine impact today + famous names visiting Coos Bay
12:54 Without Limits vs Prefontaine (hot topic!) + Frank Shorter stories
14:58 Taking over SWOCC: Year 3 “the year I own”
15:05 Women’s program growth: from non-scoring to champs
16:02 Recruiting + relationships + growth as runners AND humans
18:14 Freshmen-heavy roster + wrestler/runner crossover story
19:38 Did he expect to win? (podium yes… championship no)
21:22 Season design: avoiding early PR pressure + peaking at the right time
22:49 The “we’re pretty good” moment: beating D2/D3/NAIA programs
24:11 Going 1–2: how Taylor & Lydia separated + race day decision-making
26:12 Top five spread + Spokane’s insane 11-second pack strength
27:20 Men take 3rd (best since 1970) + what’s next
28:02 Housing + student life: why SWOCC feels like a small 4-year experience
30:32 Sustaining success: process over results, building environment & character
32:20 NWAC breakdown: sports split (some SWOCC programs are NJCAA)
33:54 Recruiting barrier: “nationals” conversation + why proof is performance
35:21 NJ stigma vs West Coast mindset: cost, value, and transfer pathways
39:01 Oregon tuition waiver: 3.75 GPA = major affordability boost
40:14 Unique programs: nursing, paramedicine, fire science, welding, forestry
44:36 Coaching evolution: “board of directors” + learning from mentors
46:09 Character-first approach + Brett Ledbetter “What Drives Winning”
47:16 Double thresholds (when and for who)
48:13 Training grounds in Coos Bay: packed sand, beach, trails, ocean views
51:14 Indoor meets + travel plans (Spokane / UNR / Portland)
54:36 Balancing coaching with a full-time student-life role
56:50 CLIP MOMENT: “Lean into conflict” — standards, connection, culture
58:19 Harder job: recruiting new athletes vs recruiting experienced athletes
1:01:29 Final Four: coffee, rituals, what he’s consuming (FTC / Magnus / Sinek)
1:08:49 Guilty pleasure: Coach is a Swiftie + birthday shoutout
1:09:36 Wrap-up + recruit info + ABR close

In this episode, we head to Chapel Hill to chop it up with Coach Ian Moini, Associate Head Coach for UNC Cross Country & Track — and one of the key architects behind the Tar Heels’ national distance surge. Coach Moini breaks down what it really looks like building (and sustain) a top-10 NCAA distance culture — from recruiting and development, to training philosophy, to balancing elite performance with world-class academics. We cover:

• UNC’s rise into a national XC powerhouse + what “program standards” actually mean
• Developing NCAA champs and elite competitors (and what separates the great ones)
• Recruiting at UNC: high school, transfers, internationals — and the “fit” factor
• The “intention gap” in modern NCAA distance running
• How UNC athletes manage academics + high-performance training without burning out
• Training talk: double threshold (in moderation), strength combos, speed touch work
• 2025 XC recap + indoor season outlook + meets to watch

If you’re a recruit, parent, coach, or distance nerd who loves hearing how great programs are built the right way — this one’s for you.
Follow Coach Moini: IG: @coachianmoini | Team: @unctrack_field
Support the show: BuyMeACoffee.com/AireyBros
Powered by: Black Sheep Endurance Coaching: blacksheependurance.com


Show Notes 
Ep. 425 — Coach Ian Moini (UNC) | Tar Heels XC/Track Culture + Recruiting + Training 00:00 – Why ABR exists: conversations we wish we had during recruiting
00:51 – ABR intro + value-for-value + Black Sheep Endurance shoutout
02:06 – Guest intro: Coach Ian Moini + UNC program accolades
04:01 – Where to find Coach Moini (IG + email)
04:35 – Pork roll or Taylor ham? + Is Central Jersey real?
05:40 – Origin story: hockey → running → coaching
06:45 – Three different college coaches in three years: impact on an athlete
09:08 – Stability vs. culture: how the team kept momentum
10:39 – Why UNC: education + athletic department investment
11:54 – Princeton Day School → Pennington School shift + Coach Ritter influence
13:02 – Hockey fandom + Carolina hockey culture
14:09 – When Coach Chris Miltenberg arrived: new standards + expectations
15:37 – Major at UNC + coaching education minor (and what was most valuable)
16:32 – Early coaching pathway: volunteering/EMU internship → back to UNC staff
17:22 – “Pinch me” moments: recruiting athletes + watching them grow
18:24 – Parker Wolf & Ethan Strand arriving: what separated them early
20:36 – Reverse engineering greatness: elite lifestyle vs. elite desire to win
21:20 – The “intention gap” in NCAA distance (US kids vs. pro mindset)
22:52 – Balancing pro-level running with UNC academics
25:05 – Support systems: academic advising + sustainable success at UNC
26:42 – Recruiting process: runway, relationships, and fit
28:08 – How UNC differentiates when everyone wants the same recruits
28:57 – Handling slumps: high support + high standards (no self-deception)
30:44 – Day-to-day role: recruiting QB + increasing coaching responsibilities
32:07 – Ops reality: yes, the Concur expense reports 😂
33:27 – Training philosophy: double threshold (as one tool, not the whole toolbox)
35:12 – 2025 XC season recap: men’s transition year + women’s 11th again
37:20 – BU opener mindset: marks, sharpening, and schedule flexibility
39:07 – Why Boston feels so fast (and how the meet energy matters)
41:25 – Recruiting mix: US HS priority + transfers + internationals
42:48 – New Jersey pipeline at UNC (CBA + more NJ talent)
43:26 – Indoor meets to watch + ACC meet in Boston (New Balance Track)
44:40 – Majors at UNC: business, bio/chem, ex sci, education + unique programs
47:16 – What a “Tar Heel” means (history + pride)
48:19 – Carolina vs. Chapel Hill vs. “UNC” — what people actually say
50:24 – Rapid-fire fun: coffee, routines, podcasts/music, guilty pleasures
56:14 – Jersey Shore reset + ice cream pick
57:16 – Closing thoughts + thanks + follow UNC + what’s next on ABR Watch the full episode on YouTube and listen everywhere podcasts are found.
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Ladies & gentlemen — Howdy & Aloha! We are HERE, you are THERE, and you’re now rockin’ with the best! 🌨️🏃‍♂️

On Episode 424 of Airey Bros Radio, we’re heading back to Fort Dodge, Iowa to recap one of the grittiest national meets you’ll ever see — the NJCAA Division II Cross Country National Championship in 30° temps, snow, mud, and chaos.We’re joined by Lansing Community College Head Coach Jim Robinson as the Stars complete the three-peat, winning their 3rd straight NJCAA D2 Men’s National Title (and the 9th men’s national championship in program history) with a dominant 32-point performance — the only team under 100.

We talk:

• Race strategy in brutal conditions (get out front, control footing, secure the team win)
  
  
• The “Michigan tough” identity + why LCC’s culture is built on trust, hard work, and fun
  
  
• The Stars’ depth (interchangeable 1–7), mid-race adjustments, and championship composure
  
  
• A wild Fort Dodge moment: a slip… and even a golf cart incident
  
  
• What recruits/parents should know about the NJCAA route, development, and “fit over logo”
  
  
• What’s next as LCC turns the page into track season (and how they “reload”)
  
  

🎯 If you’re a high school runner, parent, or coach trying to find the right next-level fit — this one’s for you.

✅ LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT
☕ Support the show
📱 IG: @AireyBrosRadio
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💪 Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching

Episode 424 — Timestamped Show Notes
0:01 — ABR open + “Taking off the spikes” + Fort Dodge blizzard recap
0:17 — Value-for-value: like/subscribe/comment + Buy Me a Coffee
0:46 — Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance + ABR mission (shine light beyond Power 5)
1:12 — Coach intro: Jim Robinson + LCC’s three-peat + 32 points, three in top five
2:16 — Where recruits should go: lcc.edu → Campus Life → Athletics → recruiting form
3:01 — “It’s snowing in Fort Dodge…” setting the scene + course conditions through the day
4:45 — Spikes talk: last-minute change + what works (and doesn’t) in snow/mud
6:09 — Did the game plan change? Why LCC wanted to be up front early
8:37 — “Everything went to plan?” hiccups + how LCC’s depth covers off-days
11:09 — What this title meant: why this group felt especially strong (but didn’t assume)
14:11 — Old school coaching: eyeballing the race vs live scoring updates
15:00 — Who returns next year? All scoring runners were sophomores — four-peat challenge
16:20 — Transfer/recruiting landscape + D1 roster limits discussion
18:24 — Could some Stars end up at Grand Valley with Coach Baltes?
19:08 — “They looked like they had fun” — mindset in cold/snow and mental prep
22:37 — Fort Dodge chaos: slips/falls + the “bounce back” mentality
23:01 — Wild moment: runner bumps into a golf cart
23:41 — Celebration: awards in the cold + bus vibes afterward
25:11 — Shoutouts: Lucas Hopkins, Quaid Schmidt, Logan Zan, Aiden James, Jesse Carson, Ben March
26:57 — Winning with Michigan kids + pride in local development + year-over-year improvement
31:14 — Track & field at LCC + why two seasons = one sport (distance running)
32:00 — Winter base training → January specificity → indoor unattached meets → official practice in March
33:54 — Thanksgiving segment: favorite holiday + green bean casserole duty + pecan/pumpkin pie
35:05 — Wrap: congrats + Happy Thanksgiving + “they don’t rebuild, they reload” + value-for-value close

Howdy & aloha! We are HERE, you are THERE, and you’re now rockin’ with the best. 🤙

Airey Bros Radio goes LIVE for our 2025 NCAA Division II & III Cross Country National Championship Post-Show Coaches Roundtable, recorded immediately following the NCAA national championships.We’re joined by six of the top coaches in the nation, breaking down podium performances, All-Americans, race-day strategy, program culture, and what it takes to compete at the highest level in NCAA Division II & III cross country.


🏆 2025 NCAA National Championship Coaches Featured
🏅 NCAA Division III Men’s National Champions Derek Stanley — University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
🥈 NCAA Division III National Runner-Up Teams
Dusty López — Williams College (Women) . Daniel Moore — SUNY Geneseo (Men)
🥉 NCAA Division III Men – 3rd Place Ryan Chapman — Wartburg College

🏆 NCAA Division II National Champions Pol Domenech — Wingate University (Men)
Jerry Baltes — Grand Valley State University (Women)🥉 Additional Podium Finishes
• Wingate Women – 3rd Place (Pol Domenech) / Grand Valley State Men – 4th Place (Jerry Baltes)


What We Cover in This Episode• Championship expectations vs execution
• Heat, course conditions & race tactics
• Podium battles decided by single points
• All-American performances
• Building belief and sustaining elite programs
• Transitioning from cross country into indoor track season

🎯 Why We Do This
At Airey Bros Radio, we shine a light on the programs and coaches we wish we had access to growing up. If you’re a recruit, parent, or coach looking to understand development, culture, and opportunity, this episode delivers.

☕ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching🌟

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🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share — every listen helps us grow and give back to the sport we love.

Howdy & aloha! We are HERE, you are THERE, and you’re now rockin’ with the best!This episode goes belly to belly 🤼‍♂️ with Coach Ryan LeBlanc, the 8th Head Coach in Binghamton University Wrestling history, fresh off building The Citadel into a SoCon power and now bringing that blueprint back home to Upstate New York. We talk real D1 program-building — not a press conference, not coach-speak — a full ABR deep dive on:

• what LeBlanc learned turning The Citadel around (COVID roster chaos → conference champs)
  
  
• how he’s implementing culture + systems at Binghamton (EIWA)
  
  
• scholarship growth, staff support, and what’s different at a high-academic public university
  
  
• Northeast vs. South wrestling culture, club wrestling, and what he looks for in recruits
  
  
• how he navigates the transfer portal (and when it’s actually a “slam dunk”)
  
  
• leadership lessons, daily gratitude rituals, and the “Final Four” lifestyle segment
  
  

If you’re a wrestler, parent, coach, or fan who wants the behind-the-scenes of building a Division I program the right way — this one’s for you.✅ Subscribe on YouTube + follow us on IG: @aireybrosradio
☕ Support the show (Value for Value): buymeacoffee.com/aireybros
🏃 Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching: blacksheependurance.comABR 422 Show Notes (with timestamps)Episode: ABR 422
Guest: Coach Ryan LeBlanc — Head Wrestling Coach, Binghamton University (EIWA)
Originally streamed live: Nov 25, 2025 (YouTube)
Now available: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere you get podcastsTimestamps0:00 — ABR open: “Howdy & aloha…” + Value-for-Value mission
1:03 — Coach LeBlanc intro: Citadel rebuild → Binghamton hire
2:05 — Where to follow Binghamton Wrestling + Bearcat Wrestling Club
3:15 — Why Binghamton was one of the few jobs he’d leave for (family + timing)
4:10 — “Hero’s journey” coming home to Upstate NY
5:06 — How close is home now? Family, balance, Thanksgiving feels
6:43 — Lessons from The Citadel that transfer to Binghamton: culture + consistency
8:47 — Taking over an existing roster: maximizing what’s there + making changes
10:01 — Proof of concept: development happens in the room first
11:21 — Resources differences: scholarship increase, recruiting footprint, full staff
13:07 — Hired Sept 11: tough transition + building relationships fast
14:35 — Early season lineup questions, injuries, and December dual targets
15:51 — Staying healthy: training year-round + wrestling style + smart decisions
18:43 — Storytime: Jeff Boyd + individualized athlete approach
19:35 — Leadership tip: building relationships with a new team/program
21:28 — “Oil and water” athlete → captain: the Ethan Willis story
24:08 — Head coach as CEO: systems, decision-making, delegation
26:24 — Geography shift: travel, snowstorms, routines, and rebuilding systems
27:40 — Binghamton academics: student body, selectivity, majors, and fit
29:00 — Recruiting footprint: NY base + pulling nationally (FL, NC, etc.)
31:37 — Northeast vs. South wrestling culture + club wrestling impact
35:54 — Recruiting philosophy: right people > hype; avoiding “spoon-fed” types
36:06 — Early recruiting results: “5-for-5” visit weekend + momentum
37:46 — Scholarship clarification: 40 added across the department (not just wrestling)
39:25 — Jersey pipeline: upcoming NJ visits + roster notes
40:09 — Why Florida can be a strategic recruiting state (no D1 programs)
41:18 — Winter weather + why leaving home for college is healthy
43:25 — Team “ecosystem” synergy: mixing personalities + experiences
44:03 — Learning campus fast: assistants as Binghamton alums + authenticity
45:07 — Becoming the boss of returning staff: leadership + trust
47:44 — National Duals thoughts + watching as a coach vs. as a fan
51:01 — Transfer portal philosophy: “Don’t love it… but not above it”
53:51 — Final Four: coffee order, daily rituals, planning habits
56:12 — What he’s listening to: audiobooks, Wayne Dyer, stress/manifesting
1:00:33 — Thanksgiving traditions, food, and family cooking
1:02:29 — Upstate NY essentials: pizza + regional food spots
1:04:13 — Closing: Bearcats love + ABR upcoming episodes

💬 QUESTION: If you’re a recruit… what matters most to you right now: culture, scholarships, academics, or location?

Stay Connected!
Binghamton Wrestling on Instagram
Bearcat Wrestling on X 

Binghamton Bearcats Mainsite 



Love Airey Bros Radio? We deliver raw, no-BS conversations with elite coaches, athletes, and insiders from wrestling, running, ultrarunning, and strength culture — the voices and programs you won't hear on mainstream ESPN.Your support via Buy Me a Coffee keeps us caffeinated, producing consistent episodes, and spotlighting the under-the-radar stories that fuel your training and passion.Buy us a coffee today — every bit directly powers more high-level content straight to you! ☕ Value for Value

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The 2025 NAIA Cross Country National Championships are in the books — and we’re breaking it all down with the coaches who lived it.

Originally streamed LIVE on YouTube on November 24, 2025, this episode is now available on all Airey Bros Radio podcast platforms as Episode 421.Recorded just days after the championship meet at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, Florida, the Airey Bros are joined by five elite NAIA head coaches to unpack team titles, podium finishes, All-American performances, heartbreak by a single point, and the moments you don’t see on the results sheet.

🎯 Today’s Roundtable Features:

• Indiana Wesleyan — first red banner in program history
• Taylor University — women’s team & individual national champions + combined title
• Milligan University — women’s national runners-up & 3rd combined
• Dordt University — program-best women’s podium finish
• College of Idaho — young squads knocking on the podium door

This is a coach-to-coach conversation about:

• Race-day decision making
• Handling pressure at the national meet
• One-through-five splits and pack racing
• Rebuilding years vs. championship years
• Leadership, culture, faith, development, and gratitude

At Airey Bros Radio, we shine a light on the programs, coaches, and stories we wish we had access to growing up. If you’re a recruit, parent, coach, or fan of NAIA distance running, this episode is for you.

☕ Value-for-Value Show - If you get value from this episode, consider returning some value our way
🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
📺 Watch the full livestream archive on YouTube
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @aireybrosradio



⏱️ Episode 421 — Time-Stamped Show Notes0:00 – Show Intro
Howdy & Aloha + Why We Do This1:15 – Championship Overview
2025 NAIA XC Nationals at Apalachee Regional Park (Tallahassee, FL)🏆 Coach Segments4:00 – Coach Brody Beiler (Indiana Wesleyan)

• Men’s NAIA National Champions (first red banner)
• 5 Men’s All-Americans
• Women finish 11th; 4th overall combined
• Faith, freedom, and championship pressure
• The moment IWU knew they had it

24:50 – Coach Nate Wolf (Dordt University)

• Women place 3rd — best finish in program history
• 37-second 1–5 split
• Underranked → podium
• Young team confidence & belief

44:15 – Coach Chris Layne (Milligan University)

• Women’s National Runner-Up (109 points)
• Men exceed expectations with an 8th-place finish
• 3rd in the combined standings
• Coaching perspective from decades at the top

1:02:40 – Coach Quinn White (Taylor University)

• Women’s Team National Champions
• Janie Halterman repeats as Individual Champion + meet record
• Men place 5th → Taylor wins combined title
• Final season reflections & storybook ending

1:24:30 – Coach Dominic Bolin (College of Idaho)

• Women finish 5th — one point off the podium
• Men finish 14th with a young roster
• Every scorer returns
• Building the next generation of Yotes

1:48:45 – Closing Thoughts

• Gratitude, growth, and why NAIA XC continues to rise