Airey Bros.'s Radio

By Airey Bros. Radio

Airey Bros Radio is the #1 podcast for Wrestling, Cross Country & Track & Field athletes chasing opportunities at the HS, NAIA, JUCO, NCAA DII, DIII & D1 levels. Hosted by brothers ... more

· Society & Culture

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FAQs about Airey Bros.'s Radio:

How many episodes does Airey Bros.'s Radio have?

The podcast currently has 644 episodes available.

Airey Bros.'s Radio episodes:

May 20, 2026ABR 458: Coach Dustin Dimit on Rowan’s NCAA DIII Indoor National Championship | Building a National Power in Track & Field
Coach Dustin Dimit returns to Airey Bros Radio after leading Rowan University Men’s Track & Field to the 2026 NCAA Division III Indoor National Championship.

In Episode 458, we dive deep into Rowan’s historic national title run, the culture behind one of the top NCAA DIII track & field programs in the country, and what it takes to build a championship-caliber team year after year.

Coach Dimit breaks down the emotional rollercoaster of winning the NCAA title by ONE point, balancing team chemistry across every event group, recruiting high-level student-athletes, managing pressure at nationals, and transitioning from indoor success into another outdoor championship chase.

We also discuss:
NCAA Division III Track & Field recruiting
Building championship culture
Coaching philosophy & leadership
Team-first mentality
All-Americans & national champions
Managing athletes during finals week
Indoor vs outdoor track season preparation
Rowan Track & Field’s rise to national prominence
Recruiting New Jersey & national talent
The mental side of championship competition
Rowan finished the indoor season with:
🏆 NCAA DIII Indoor National Champions
🔥 17 All-Americans
🥇 Multiple Individual National Champions
📈 21 Conference Titles
💪 One of the deepest rosters in Division III Track & FieldWhether you’re a coach, athlete, recruit, parent, or fan of college track & field, this episode gives incredible insight into what separates good programs from national championship programs.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all podcast platforms.
☕ Support the show (Value for Value): 👉 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AireyBros
🏃‍♂️ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching: 👉 https://www.blacksheependurance.com
🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Aireybros📸 Follow on Instagram:
👉 https://www.instagram.com/aireybrosradio

Show Notes / Time Stamps
0:00 — Intro / Rowan Track & Field history & New Jersey track connections
1:06 — Airey Bros Radio opening & episode introduction
2:17 — Coach Dustin Dimit joins the show
3:31 — Rowan Track & Field recruiting & social media strategy
4:15 — Coach Dimit talks traveling through Japan & New Zealand
6:07 — Upcoming Laos trip & traveling internationally as a coach
7:53 — Coach Dimit’s origin story into track & field & coaching
10:32 — Growing up in Ohio near Mount Union
11:43 — Teaching while coaching & grinding toward full-time college coaching
13:12 — Advice for young coaches trying to break into college athletics
14:50 — Taking a lower-paying coaching job for long-term growth
17:28 — How athletic director experience helped him as a head coach
20:34 — Breaking down Rowan’s NCAA DIII Indoor National Championship
21:59 — The pressure and emotion of a one-point national title win
23:24 — Big performances that changed the team race
24:12 — Managing emotions during championship meets
26:36 — What finally pushed Rowan over the hump to win nationals
28:29 — The importance of depth in NCAA track & field
30:19 — Team culture, accountability & athlete leadership
32:01 — Transitioning from indoor season to outdoor track
34:42 — Rowan dominates the NJAC Championships
35:30 — Chasing another NCAA national title outdoors
36:35 — Preparing athletes physically & mentally for nationals
38:21 — Managing finals week & championship preparation simultaneously
41:08 — Competing at nationals on Wisconsin-La Crosse’s home track
43:50 — Last chance meets & qualifying drama
44:53 — Recruiting momentum after winning a national title
46:14 — Building elite training groups within event squads
46:44 — Internal competition & brotherhood on championship teams
48:04 — Friendly rivalries between teammates & event groups
...more
1h 11min
May 13, 2026 ABR 457: Jeremy Provence | Building Jacksonville State Track & Field, Gritty Recruiting & Conference USA Growth
On episode 457 of Airey Bros Radio, we sit down with Coach Jeremy Provence, Head Track & Field and Cross Country Coach at Jacksonville State University. Coach Provence shares his journey from growing up on a rural Arkansas farm to becoming a Division I head coach, building programs at the University of the Ozarks, North Alabama, and now Jacksonville State.

We talk recruiting diamonds in the rough, developing gritty student-athletes, creating a family culture with athletes from 14 countries, the jump from Division III to Division I, Conference USA competition, double threshold training, ultra running, trail racing, and why Jack State is a program on the rise.

☕ Support the show (Value for Value):
👉 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AireyBros
🏃‍♂️ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching: 👉 https://www.blacksheependurance.com

Show Notes
2:04 — Welcome to Airey Bros Radio
2:16 — Introducing Coach Jeremy Provence of Jacksonville State
3:00 — Coach Provence’s coaching resume and program-building background
3:50 — Where recruits can find Jacksonville State XC/TF
5:17 — Jacksonville State summer track & field camp
7:09 — Through line: Coach Nathan Rankin and the Ozarks connection
7:37 — Coaching a dual-sport wrestling and running athlete
12:16 — Coach Provence’s origin story
12:42 — Growing up rural in Arkansas
14:18 — Finding cross country through basketball conditioning
16:18 — Running at the University of the Ozarks
18:25 — Falling in love with coaching as a grad assistant
19:35 — Recruiting athletes with similar rural, gritty backgrounds
20:44 — Finding diamonds in the rough
25:15 — From Ozarks to North Alabama to Jacksonville State
25:54 — Biggest differences moving from D3 to D1
28:39 — What makes a good fit at Jack State
30:17 — Grit, growth mindset, and team-first culture
32:12 — Recruiting Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and internationally
34:31 — Building a unified team with athletes from 14 countries
36:16 — Creating family through community service and team activities
38:03 — Jacksonville State’s relationship with the town
40:13 — Conference USA outdoor championship preview
41:16 — Key event groups for Jacksonville State
43:11 — Double threshold training philosophy
45:51 — Athlete input, training debates, and coaching transparency
48:40 — How much coaching is science vs. art?
50:57 — Balancing coaching, family, and ultra running
53:22 — Pinhoti 100 and Alabama trail running
55:29 — Why it’s an exciting time at Jacksonville State
57:45 — Final Four: coffee, daily rituals, music, and guilty pleasures
58:32 — Running streak and coaching by example
59:28 — Listening to Zach Top and classic country sounds
1:00:38 — Disc golf as a guilty pleasure
1:02:08 — Closing thoughts with Coach Provence
...more
1h 3min
May 08, 2026Building a D3 Distance Program from Scratch | Coach Cash Kunkel (Ozarks XCTF) | Airey Bros Radio 456
On Episode 456 of Airey Bros Radio, we’re stepping back onto the oval and going Belly to Belly with Coach Cash Kunkel, Head Men’s & Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at University of the Ozarks.

In his first season leading the program, Coach Kunkel has already made an immediate impact — rebuilding culture, developing athletes, and setting the foundation for long-term success at the NCAA Division III level.

A former standout at Arkansas State University and University of the Incarnate Word, Kunkel brings a championship pedigree as a:
Sun Belt Conference Steeplechase Champion
Indoor 3K Champion
First-Team All-Conference athlete
In this episode, we dive into:
Transitioning from athlete to head coach
Taking over a program weeks before the season
Building culture and trust with athletes
Recruiting philosophy at the Division III level
Developing distance runners from the ground up
Indoor & outdoor track success (17+ school records broken)
Double threshold training & modern distance trends
What makes Ozarks a unique opportunity for recruits
If you’re a high school runner, college recruit, or coach — this episode is a real look at what it takes to build a program and create opportunity at the next level.
🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Aireybros
🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61TKhMCXCfmfZRYb22saFe
☕ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching
👉 https://www.blacksheependurance.com/
💪 Support the Show (Value for Value):
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/aireybros

⏱️ Timestamp Show Notes

0:00 – ABR Mission & Recruiting Mindset
Highlighting overlooked programs beyond Power 4
Helping athletes find the right fit
1:42 – ABR Intro + Call to Action
Like, Subscribe, Comment
Black Sheep Endurance + Buy Me a Coffee plug
2:00 – Coach Cash Kunkel Introduction
First-year head coach at Ozarks
Sun Belt champion background
4:06 – Where to Find Ozarks XCTF (Recruit Info)
Email, Instagram, recruiting contact
4:47 – Throughline Connections (ABR Network)
Coach Nathan Rankin, Vinnie Barber, Sun Belt ties
6:06 – Wrestling vs Running Culture (Fun Rivalries)
Team competitions, crossover energy
7:42 – Origin Story: Texas Roots & Grandpa Influence
Blue Bell Fun Run beginnings
Family legacy in running
10:10 – From IT & MBA → Coaching Path
Transition into sports administration
Mentorship impact
12:29 – Landing the Ozarks Job
Late summer hire
Immediate leadership role
16:48 – Taking Over a Program Late
Building trust quickly
Creating team culture
18:46 – Coaching Philosophy Shift
From performance → developing people
20:44 – First Season Results (Huge Jump)
Women: 3rd at conference
Men: 4th at conference
23:34 – Track Season Success
17+ school records broken
PRs across entire roster
24:58 – Team Buy-In & Culture Shift

25:57 – Returning Roster + First Recruiting Class

27:24 – Distance-Focused Program Structure
Unique D3 model (distance-only emphasis)
28:52 – Recruiting Pitch & Athlete Development

30:41 – First Indoor Track Experiences for Athletes

31:21 – Steeplechase Recruiting Strategy

3:18 – Training Environment (Trails, Grass, Shared Track)

34:50 – Ideal Athlete Profile at Ozarks

36:33 – Cross Country vs Mid-Distance Development

39:53 – Double Threshold Training Discussion

41:20 – Transfer Portal vs High School Recruiting

42:48 – Coaching as CEO (Sports Admin Impact)

45:11 – Academic Standards (3.75+ Team GPA Goal)

46:29 – Training in Southern Heat (Practice Strategy)

48:58 – 2–5 Year Vision for the Program
Grow roster
Compete for conference titles
Build long-term culture
50:27 – Recruiting Pressure & Breakthrough Moments

51:34 – Conference Competition Breakdown
...more
1h 4min
May 06, 2026Building a D2 Dynasty | Coach Gary Towne (Chico State XC) | 170+ All-Americans, 22 Titles | Airey Bros Radio 455
On Episode 455 of Airey Bros Radio, we go Belly to Belly with Coach Gary Towne, Head Cross Country Coach at Chico State University — one of the most dominant programs in NCAA Division II history.For nearly 30 years, Coach Towne has built a championship culture that speaks for itself:
170+ All-Americans
22 straight CCAA Men’s Titles
25+ NCAA Championship Appearances
Multiple National Champions
Elite marathoners & ultrarunners (Western States, UTMB podium athletes)
In this episode, we dive deep into:
Building a long-term championship culture in NCAA Division II
Training philosophy for elite distance runners
Developing overlooked athletes into national-level performers
The rise of Chico State alumni in marathons & ultramarathons
Double-threshold training & modern distance trends
Recruiting philosophy with limited scholarships
Life after college running and sustaining passion for the sport
Whether you're a runner, coach, recruit, or parent — this episode gives you real insight into what it takes to build and sustain greatness.
🎥 Subscribe on YouTube
🎧 Listen on Spotify
☕ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching

💪 Support the Show (Value for Value)

⏱️ Timestamp Show Notes

0:00 – ABR Mission & Recruiting Perspective
Creating exposure for overlooked programs and athletes
1:08 – ABR Intro + Call to Action
Like, Subscribe, Comment
Black Sheep Endurance + Buy Me a Coffee plug
1:58 – Coach Gary Towne Introduction
Chico State dominance
170+ All-Americans, 22 titles
2:53 – Where to Find Chico State XC (Recruit Info)
Instagram presence and program culture
3:32 – Throughline: Ultramarathon Success
Western States, UTMB, Mammoth 200
Chico State pipeline to ultra success
7:50 – Why Chico Produces Ultra Athletes
Training style, trail exposure, long tempos
10:30 – Life After College Running Philosophy
Sustaining passion beyond collegiate athletics
11:45 – Origin Story: Wrestling to Running
Small school background
Late start in competitive running
14:12 – Shasta College Turning Point
Opportunity that launched his path
15:50 – Becoming a Coach
Early mentorship & passion for teaching
18:12 – Current Outdoor Season Update
Women’s team leading NCAA D2 (5K/10K metrics)
22:20 – Coaching Evolution
Training women the same as men → breakthrough
24:45 – COVID Setback & Rebuild
Rebuilding program culture and roster
26:36 – Scholarship Limitations
Only 2 scholarships per team → development model
28:07 – Recruiting Philosophy
Heavy California focus
“Diamonds in the rough” mindset
31:54 – JUCO Pipeline & Development
Community college athletes impact
33:35 – Cross Country vs Track Coaching Differences35:08 – Mentoring Assistant Coaches
Preparing future head coaches
37:50 – Favorite Event to Coach (Steeplechase)39:26 – Double Threshold Training Discussion
Modern training trends + Chico adaptation
44:50 – Sub-2:20 Marathon Alumni Discussion46:42 – The Secret to Sustained Success
Culture, environment, buy-in, tradition
50:03 – Pressure of Championship Streaks
52:11 – Conference Title Outlook
53:01 – NCAA Qualification Process (D2 Track)
55:17 – Coaching Twin Athletes Dynamic
57:18 – Final Four Segment Begins
...more
1h 3min
May 01, 2026ABR Ep. 454 | Building a College Wrestling Program from Scratch w/ Coach Vinny Barber (Lynchburg Wrestling, NCAA D3 Recruiting)
On Airey Bros Radio Episode 454, we went belly-to-belly with Coach Vinny Barber, Head Wrestling Coach at the University of Lynchburg, as he builds a brand-new NCAA Division III wrestling program from the ground up.

After leading the University of the Ozarks to conference championships, national rankings, and All-Americans, Coach Barber now takes on a new challenge — turning Lynchburg Wrestling into a national contender in one of the fastest-growing conferences in college wrestling.This episode is a deep dive into:
What it takes to start a college wrestling program from scratch
Recruiting philosophy in NCAA Division III wrestling
Building culture, facilities, and a roster from DAY ONE
The realities of the transfer portal in college wrestling
How to find the right college fit as a wrestler
If you're a high school wrestler, recruit, parent, or coach, this episode gives real insight into college wrestling recruiting, program building, and long-term athlete development.

🎯 WHAT WE COVER:
NCAA Division III Wrestling Recruiting
Building a Wrestling Program from Scratch
Transfer Portal Strategy in College Wrestling
D1 vs D3 Wrestling Mindset
Lynchburg Wrestling Facilities & Investment
College Wrestling Culture & Development

🔥 COACH BARBER HIGHLIGHTS:
Built University of the Ozarks Wrestling Program
Conference Championships & National Rankings
Developed First All-Americans at Ozarks
Now launching Lynchburg Wrestling (D3)
Leading one of the fastest-growing new programs in NCAA wrestling
⏱️ TIMESTAMP SHOW NOTES
0:00 – ABR Intro + Mission (Highlighting ALL levels of wrestling)
1:35 – “Belly-to-Belly” Intro: Coach Vinny Barber
2:00 – Show Support + ABR Community Message
2:40 – Coach Barber Background + Ozarks Success
3:15 – Welcome to the Show
4:00 – Camps, Recruiting & Lynchburg Wrestling Resources
5:00 – NJ Debate: Pork Roll vs Taylor Ham 😂
6:30 – Origin Story: Late Start in Wrestling
7:30 – College Career + FloWrestling Experience
9:00 – Transition into Coaching
11:00 – Opportunity at Lynchburg
13:00 – Why Lynchburg? Facilities + Culture
14:30 – Leaving Ozarks (Hardest Decision)
15:30 – Building a Program: What Carries Over
16:30 – Recruiting Philosophy Shift
17:30 – East Coast Recruiting Pipeline
18:30 – First Year Without Competition (Recruiting Year)
19:00 – Standalone Wrestling Facility (Largest in D3)
20:00 – Why Lynchburg Added Wrestling
21:30 – Goal: National Contender Mindset
22:45 – Year One Expectations (Top 15 Vision)
26:00 – 44-Man Recruiting Class (!)
28:00 – Selling “Be the First” to Recruits
29:30 – Transfer Portal Strategy (D1 → D3)
31:30 – D1 vs D3 Reality Check for Recruits
34:30 – What Makes Lynchburg Different
37:00 – Academics + Career Pathways
39:30 – Multi-Sport Athletes (Wrestling + Track)
43:30 – Lessons from FloWrestling
46:30 – Key Matches to Watch (Roanoke Dual)
48:30 – “Battle of the Bergs” Mindset
50:10 – Final Four (Coffee, Habits, Life)
...more
55min
April 28, 2026ABR Ep. 453 | NAU Distance Recruiting, D1 Coaching & Building Champions w/ Coach Jake Reed (Northern Arizona XC/Track)
Tonight on Airey Bros Radio Episode 453, we go stride-for-stride with one of the fastest-rising minds in collegiate distance running — Coach Jake Reed, Assistant Distance Coach and Head Men’s Distance Recruiter at Northern Arizona University (NAU).

After building a powerhouse at the University of Lynchburg — producing 4 NCAA National Champions, 33 All-Americans, and multiple NCAA Championship teams — Coach Reed has stepped into the elite world of Division I distance running in Flagstaff, Arizona, home to one of the most dominant programs in NCAA history.

In this episode, we break down:
The transition from D3 to D1 coaching
What it takes to recruit elite distance runners
Inside the NAU training environment & altitude advantage
Building championship culture at every level
What student-athletes should look for in a college program
If you're a high school runner, recruit, or coach, this episode is packed with insight on collegiate cross country, track & field recruiting, and athlete development.

🎯 KEY TOPICS:
NCAA Cross Country & Track Recruiting
NAU Distance Program & Flagstaff Training
Division III vs Division I Coaching
Building Championship Culture
Athlete Development & Performance
College Running Recruitment Process
🔥 COACH REED RESUME:
8x ODAC Coach of the Year
9x Region Coach of the Year
4 NCAA DIII National Champions
33 All-Americans
First Women’s Regional Title (Lynchburg)
⏱️ TIMESTAMP SHOW NOTES
0:00 – ABR Intro (Howdy & Aloha + Show Kickoff)
1:10 – Coach Jake Reed Intro + Lynchburg Success
3:30 – Journey from Athlete → Coach
8:45 – Building a D3 Powerhouse at Lynchburg
15:20 – Coaching National Champions & All-Americans
22:10 – Transition to Northern Arizona (NAU)
28:00 – Differences: D3 vs D1 Programs
34:15 – Inside NAU Distance Culture
40:30 – Training in Flagstaff (Altitude Advantage)
46:50 – Recruiting Elite Distance Runners
55:10 – What NAU Looks for in Athletes
1:03:00 – Day in the Life of a D1 Distance Coach
1:12:20 – Academics + Athlete Balance
1:20:45 – Advice for High School Recruits
1:29:00 – Lessons from Growth & Career Moves
1:38:10 – Final Four (Coffee, Habits, Books, Podcasts)

💥 If you're a runner looking for your college fit — this is a MUST listen
👇 DROP A COMMENT: What’s your biggest takeaway from Coach Reed?
🎥 YouTube: @AireyBros
🎧 Spotify & Apple Podcasts
📸 IG: @aireybrosradio
☕ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance
💪 Support: BuyMeACoffee.com/AireyBros
...more
1h 12min
April 24, 2026ABR 452: Building a Conference Championship Wrestling Program | Coach Nathan Rankin (University of the Ozarks)
🎙️ On Episode 452, we’re stepping back on the mat and going belly-to-belly with Coach Nathan Rankin, Head Wrestling Coach at the University of the Ozarks.In just his first season, Coach Rankin made an immediate impact:
🏆 SLIAC Conference Champions
🏆 SLIAC Coach of the Year
🏆 5 Individual Conference ChampionsA former All-American, Academic All-American, and 110+ match winner, Rankin is building a program rooted in discipline, culture, and long-term development.🔍 In this episode, we cover:
Transition from athlete → assistant → head coach
Building a championship culture in year one
The reality of college wrestling recruiting
Why Ozarks is a hidden gem for wrestlers
Managing team culture, accountability, and leadership
Multi-sport development: cross country + wrestling crossover
The difference between high school success vs college level
Developing athletes for conference titles & national contention
🎯 Whether you're a: 🤼 Wrestler 🎓 Recruit 👨‍👩‍👧 Parent 📈 Coach 👉 This episode is packed with real insight into what it takes to compete and WIN at the college level.

🌎 At Airey Bros Radio, we spotlight the programs and coaches we wish we had access to growing up—across NCAA, NAIA, D2, D3, and NJCAA. If you're looking for the right fit at the next level… 👉 this is the show for you.

🔗 Follow & Support Airey Bros Radio
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Aireybros
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61TKhMCXCfmfZRYb22saFe
☕ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching
🏃‍♂️ https://www.blacksheependurance.com/
💪 Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/aireybros

⏱️ TIMESTAMPED SHOW NOTES
0:00 – ABR mission: spotlighting ALL levels of college athletics
1:45 – Show intro: belly-to-belly with Coach Nathan Rankin
2:58 – Coach Rankin bio + first-year success
4:00 – Recruiting contact + social media outreach
5:10 – Origin story: how he got into wrestling
6:20 – Funny first practice moment (“where are the chairs?”)
7:00 – Multi-sport athlete: wrestling + cross country + track
7:30 – Recruiting journey & doing multiple sports in college
8:30 – Balancing academics + 3 sports
9:00 – COVID impact on development
10:00 – Transition into coaching
11:00 – First assistant coaching experience (grind + burnout)
12:00 – Decision point: wrestling vs track coaching
13:00 – Becoming head coach at Ozarks
14:30 – Training philosophy (wrestling conditioning vs running)
16:00 – Boston Marathon + endurance crossover
18:00 – Balancing coaching workload + training
19:00 – First year as head coach: challenges
20:00 – Recruiting, scheduling, and time management reality
21:00 – Turning point: shifting culture mid-season
22:00 – Leadership shift: friend → head coach
23:30 – Accountability and team standards
25:00 – Conference championship + season results
26:00 – Fixing weaknesses (takedown development)
29:00 – Practice structure & skill development
31:00 – Wrestling vs running mindset
32:00 – Hands-on coaching philosophy
34:00 – Training intensity & mat culture
35:00 – Returning roster + future outlook
36:00 – Recruiting pipeline: Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana
38:00 – Ideal recruit for Ozarks
39:00 – Small school culture vs party school mindset
40:00 – Academic programs & career pathways
41:00 – Unique degree structure (major + 2 minors)
42:00 – Ultramarathon experience & lessons learned
43:45 – Program goals: conference → national level
45:00 – Facilities, partnerships, and athlete support
47:00 – Arkansas wrestling growth & recruiting challenges
50:00 – “There are levels to this” (college transition reality)
52:00 – Advice to younger athletes (consistency > intensity)
53:00 – Final Four (coffee, routines, mindset)
...more
59min
April 21, 2026ABR 451: Building a National NAIA Track Program | Coach Jacob Simms
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.🔗
Follow & Support Airey Bros Radio🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Aireybros
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61TKhMCXCfmfZRYb22saFe
☕ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching
🏃‍♂️ https://www.blacksheependurance.com/
💪 Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/aireybros

⏱️ 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)
...more
1h 1min
April 17, 2026450: Building a Wrestling Program from Scratch at Andrew College | Coach Billy Gordy on JUCO to NAIA, Recruiting & Southern Wrestling Growth
Today on Airey Bros Radio Episode 450, we step back on the mat with Coach Billy Gordy, Head Wrestling Coach at Andrew College, one of the fastest-rising programs in the NJCAA and NAIA wrestling landscape.

In just TWO seasons, Coach Gordy has:
Built a program from the ground up
Produced NJCAA All-Americans
Achieved a Top 15 national finish
Qualified all 10 weight classes for nationals
Won a district championship in year one
Now, Andrew College is making a major move—transitioning from NJCAA to NAIA competition, positioning itself as a rising force in Southern collegiate wrestling.

We dive into:
What it takes to build a college wrestling program from scratch
The realities of JUCO wrestling vs NAIA vs NCAA
Recruiting in Georgia, Florida, and the Southeast
The impact of opportunity, culture, and belief in athlete development
Why “scared money don’t make money” is the mindset behind success
Creating meaningful college experiences beyond wins and losses
This episode is packed with insight for:
Wrestlers looking for the right college fit
Parents navigating the recruiting process
Coaches building programs at any level
Athletes overlooked by the D1 spotlight
🎧 If you're looking for opportunity, growth, and real pathways in college wrestling—this is the episode you need.
☕ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching🏃‍♂️ Helping athletes push beyond limits:
https://www.blacksheependurance.com/
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, hit the bell, and join the conversation in the live chat. Let’s go!🌟 Follow & Support Airey Bros Radio!
🌟👉 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Aireybros 🎥🔥
👉 Follow us on Instagram: @aireybrosradio 📸💬
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⏱️ SHOW NOTES / TIMESTAMPS
0:00 – ABR mission: spotlighting overlooked programs
2:06 – Show intro + Coach Billy Gordy introduction
Andrew College’s rapid rise + national success
3:05 – Building a program from scratch
Top 20 → Top 15 national finish in two years
5:07 – Origin story: how Coach Gordy found wrestling
From 92 lbs freshman → lifelong wrestler
7:18 – When coaching became the path
From high school dream → college coaching career
9:00 – Academic journey & leadership development
9:42 – Year 2 as a head coach: expectations vs reality
11:46 – Wrestling growth in the South (Georgia focus)
12:07 – Only JUCO program in the Southeast
17-hour travel for conference tournaments
12:48 – Transition from NJCAA → NAIA explained
14:24 – New NAIA conference + competition level
15:26 – Recruiting impact of moving to NAIA
17:02 – “Scared money don’t make money” mindset
17:22 – Geography: Southwest Georgia recruiting base
18:00 – High school wrestling hotbeds in Georgia
20:59 – What Andrew College offers student-athletes
Facilities, academics, and admin support
22:46 – 98% athlete campus culture
23:27 – Retention & building relationships with athletes
25:12 – Recruiting philosophy: one-on-one relationships
27:32 – Transition from assistant → head coach
30:38 – Experience wrestling in NCWA
32:07 – Why NCWA is underrated
35:35 – NAIA advantages (roster depth & opportunities)
37:16 – Building depth and competition within roster
38:45 – Future vision: expanding program opportunities
40:28 – Program growth: enrollment & expansion
41:03 – Core philosophy: building men first
Father, husband, education, then wrestling
43:00 – Measuring success beyond wins 45:18 – Why Andrew College is a unique opportunity
47:17 – Wrestling events outside the box (brewery duel)
49:24 – Future: wrestling at Atlanta Braves stadium

🎤 FINAL FOUR (ABR SIGNATURE) 49:44 – Coffee habit: black coffee “built different”
50:37 – Daily ritual: confidence mindset routine
51:18 – Books: “Know Yourself as a Coach” + habits
52:10 – Music: NBA YoungBoy in the wrestling room
53:08 – Guilty pleasure: chicken biscuits + Baja Blast
...more
55min
April 14, 2026ABR 449: Building a Championship Culture at University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Wrestling | Coach Dave Malecek on D3 Power, Recruiting Truths
Tonight on Airey Bros Radio Episode 449, we go belly-to-belly with Coach Dave Malecek, Head Wrestling Coach at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse—one of the premier NCAA Division III wrestling programs in the country.

Coach Malecek just wrapped up his 20th season leading UWL Wrestling, highlighted by a 2nd place finish at the 2026 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships, tying the best finish in program history. A multi-time NWCA National Coach of the Year and Hall of Fame inductee, Coach Malecek shares elite-level insights into:
Building a championship culture in college wrestling
The reality of D1 vs D2 vs D3 recruiting
The impact of the transfer portal and NIL era
Developing athletes over time vs “instant starters”
The importance of team culture, patience, and long-term growth
Lessons from coaching All-Americans, national champions, and late bloomers
We also dive into the crossover between wrestling, cross country, and track & field, mental toughness, and how elite programs sustain success year after year.This episode is a must-listen for:
Wrestlers, runners, and student-athletes
Parents navigating the recruiting process
Coaches building programs at any level
Anyone chasing long-term athletic development
🎧 If you're looking for real insight into collegiate athletics beyond the spotlight of Division I—this is it.
☕ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching🏃‍♂️ Helping athletes push beyond limits
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, hit the bell, and join the conversation!🌟 Follow & Support Airey Bros Radio! 🌟
👉 Subscribe on YouTube 🎥🔥
👉 Follow us on Instagram: @aireybrosradio 📸💬
👉 Explore Rich's Ultra Marathon Coaching: Black Sheep Endurance 🏃‍♂️
https://www.blacksheependurance.com/💪
☕ Feeling Generous? Buy Us a Coffee!Support the show and help keep us caffeinated

⏱️ SHOW NOTES / TIMESTAMPS
0:00 – Intro: Why Airey Bros Radio exists / Mission behind ABR, spotlighting overlooked programs & athletes
1:40 – Recruiting & exposure gaps in college sports / Why D2, D3, NAIA & JUCO deserve more attention
2:06 – Coach Malecek joins the show / Family background + connection to cross country
3:30 – Cross country vs wrestling mindset / “Dark places” + mental toughness crossover
6:21 – Official intro + accolades / 20+ years at UWL, national success, Hall of Fame
9:40 – Iowa wrestling roots & origin story / Growing up in Osage, IA — wrestling culture
14:20 – Mentorship from Coach Jim Miller / From rival to mentor → shaping coaching philosophy
16:40 – When did coaching become the path?
17:20 – Building a program at UWL / Culture, alumni involvement, development model
19:00 – Self-doubt, pressure & leadership moments / Handling adversity at NCAA Championships
20:46 – Rise of D3 wrestling parity / Programs like TCNJ, Johnson & Wales, Roanoke
23:00 – Transfer portal impact in wrestling / D1 athletes moving to D2/D3
24:30 – “D1 or bust” mentality (truth vs reality) / Why fit matters more than division
28:30 – Building vs buying a roster / Development vs transfers philosophy
31:00 – Keeping non-starters motivated / Patience → All-American breakthroughs
33:30 – 2026 NCAA season recap / Injuries, adversity, and team chemistry
36:00 – The “bleach blonde hair” story / Team culture, confidence, and momentum
39:00 – Coaching evolution over 30+ years / From control → trust & adaptability
41:00 – Appreciating success & staying present
44:00 – Planning for next season / Reflection, growth, and long-term vision
45:30 – What it takes to win a national title
48:00 – Culture of excellence at UWL athletics
50:50 – Coaching daughters in cross country
54:30 – Being a coach vs being a dad
56:20 – Final Four (ABR Signature Segment)☕ Coffee habits 🧠 Daily routines 🎧 Podcasts & books (Atomic Habits) 🍺 Guilty pleasure (Spotted Cow)
1:05:50 – Closing thoughts & outro
...more
1h 2min

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How many episodes does Airey Bros.'s Radio have?

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FAQs about Airey Bros.'s Radio:

How many episodes does Airey Bros.'s Radio have?

More shows like Airey Bros.'s Radio

The Rich Roll Podcast

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