Rider University Director of Cross Country & Track & Field Bob Hamer joins Airey Bros Radio to discuss how the Broncs built a complete team — sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws & distance — and turned under-the-radar recruits into conference champions and even Olympic Trials qualifiers.
We cover Hamer’s origin story (Penn State roots & Coach Groves), Rider’s developmental culture, the mental side of performance, and his take on training trends like double-threshold. Plus — favorite NJ/PA training spots, academic majors, MAAC rivalries, and why he swears Central Jersey exists.

🕐 In This Episode
0:00 – Intro / Howdy & Aloha
The Bros head back to Jersey to chat with Rider University Director of XC & TF Bob Hamer. Pork roll vs. Taylor Ham settled early.
4:30 – Coach Origin Story: From Council Rock HS to Penn State under legendary Coach Groves — how Wall Street dreams shifted into a life of coaching and mentorship.
9:00 – Building Rider’s Culture (23 Years Strong)
Developing student-athletes, creating a “complete team,” and balancing performance with academics.
12:45 – Program Evolution & Facilities: Honoring Coach Brady, the new Brady Building and track complex, and how alumni support fuels Rider’s growth.
14:55 – Development vs. Recruiting Stars: Why Rider thrives as a developmental program and what Coach Hamer looks for in recruits.
17:25 – Tegan’s Breakthrough Story: From 11:20 two-mile to Olympic Trials and pro runner with Brooks Beasts — how buy-in and lifestyle choices sparked the jump.
23:35 – Lifestyle & Mindset Lessons: Sleep, nutrition, mental health, and “choices over sacrifices.” Creating long-term consistency and team buy-in.
26:10 – Training Philosophy & Confidence Workouts: Adapting volume vs intensity, freshmen adjusting to 8K/10K, and how to build mental resilience in college runners.
33:00 – The Double-Threshold Conversation: Why Rider hasn’t implemented it yet, what Coach Hamer is watching for, and training-age considerations.
35:30 – Data, Finance & Running a Program Like a CEO: How a business background helps in budgeting, planning, and analytics-based coaching.
39:00 – Coaching Challenges & Decision Fatigue: Managing staff, athletes, and the weight of daily decisions in a program that values development first.
40:30 – Fall Season Update & MAAC Championship Preview: Young teams, injuries, conference goals, and the course at Twin Ponds at the Farm (NY).
42:40 – Training Grounds of Central Jersey: Washington Crossing Park, Rosedale, Tyler State, Round Valley — soft surfaces, scenery, and Broncs territory.
47:00 – Central Jersey Confirmed ✅ The great debate settled — Coach Hamer says it exists!
47:40 – Academic Majors & Career Prep: Business (5-Year CPA), Exercise Science, Education, Psych, Sport Media — internships & job placement success.
49:00 – Team Culture & Social Life: Balance between books and Broncs — apple-picking, Philly vs New York sports rivalries, and team bonding.
52:30 – Complete Team Philosophy: Why Rider values every event group and how that culture creates championship runs.
55:00 – Respect for Coach Joe Compagni & Monmouth Legacy: The rivalry, mentorship, and friendship that raised the standard for NJ track programs.
57:00 – Final Four Rapid Fire
☕ Coke > Coffee ☕
🎵 Metallica & Taylor Swift DJ setlists 🎶
🚴‍♂️ Cycling & mental recharge rituals
🏈 Penn State football fandom + Colorado Buffs bonus
1:04:00 – Closing & Takeaways: Rider’s future, why complete programs win, and Coach Hamer’s hope for his athletes beyond the track.

Coach / Program Links: @RiderXCTF (Instagram • X/Twitter • Facebook)
GoBroncs.com → Cross Country / Track & Field → Recruit Questionnaire + staff emails

Episode 408 of Airey Bros Radio brings you the complete 2025 NJCAA Cross Country National Championship Preview Show — a three-division celebration of grit, team culture, and championship ambition from Fort Dodge, Iowa.

🎽 Division III: Steven Davis (Mineral Area College — #1 W / #4 M) | Jeff DeGraw (Joliet JC — #2 W / #3 M) | Mallory Dominguez (College of DuPage —  #3 W #2 M)
🎽 Division II: Jim Robinson (Lansing CC — #1 M) | Anthony Crider (Wallace State — #2 M / #3 W) | Michael Melchert (DMACC — #3 M) | Daniel Pescador (Mesa CC — #1 W)
🎽 Division I: Marc Bierbaum (Iowa Western — #1 M / #2 W) | Jafet Molinares (Hutchinson CC — #2 M) | Dee Brown (Iowa Central — #3 M / Host School) | Jeff Becker (New Mexico JC — #4 M / #4 W) | Felix Hinojosa (El Paso CC — #3 W)

From top ranked teams to underdogs with a shot at the podium, this is the ultimate look at the NJCAA Cross Country Nationals.☕ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching

📺 Watch the full show on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@AireyBros
📲 Follow @AireyBrosRadio on Instagram
🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 

Ladies and gentlemen — howdy & aloha! We are HERE, you are THERE, and you’re now rockin’ with the best. We’re lacing up with Coach Bradley Sowder, Director of Cross Country & Track & Field at University of the Cumberlands—back for Round 3 on ABR. We dig into the Patriots’ rise (WXC currently top-3, MXC top-4), winning NAIA indoor/outdoor national titles (first men’s double in program history), the women’s 2025 NAIA Indoor Championship, double-threshold evolution, culture in the transfer/NIL era, and why elite athletes still choose Williamsburg…including the story behind Luca Madeo’s return and a run at the German half-marathon record.Listen / Watch Everywhere
• YouTube: @AireyBros
• Spotify
 • Apple Podcasts
Follow & Support ABR
• Instagram: @aireybrosradio
• ☕ Buy Me a Coffee
 Apple Podcasts
• Fueled by: Black Sheep Endurance Coaching 

Coach / Program Links
• Coach: Bradley Sowder (University of the Cumberlands)
• Program site: Cumberlands XC (Men / Women) & Track & Field (Men / Women)
 • Team IG: @ucpatriotsxctf (day-to-day updates, recruiting DMs



SHOW NOTES / TIMESTAMPS 
00:00 – Howdy & aloha intro; ABR mission to spotlight NAIA/NJCAA/D2/D3 distance programs
01:01 – Guest intro: Coach Bradley Sowder; current polls (W #3, M #4); UC Patriot pedigree
02:57 – Where to send recruits/parents/fans; @ucpatriotsxctf and SIDs doing work 
03:59 – Flowers: how Coach Sowder helped launch ABR’s TF/XC run; opening doors across divisions
06:00 – Kentucky/UK years; teammates John Richardson & Chris Landers; faith & growth arc
09:23 – Fall update: depth, vibe, individual meetings, mid-season reset; coach becoming present
15:01 – Therapy, pressure, “fear of losing,” hospital scare; reframing wins/losses; leadership growth
18:42 – Delegation to staff; balance & family time; being Director and Coach
25:01 – Women’s rise without last year’s “superstars”; transfers/frosh stepping up; depth matters
27:27 – Culture with the portal/NIL: 1-year “contracts,” honesty with athletes, helping them level up
29:58 – Personal: losing an athlete vs supporting them; why relationships outlast rosters
33:36 – Keeping culture strong when top sticks leave; gratitude practice at weekly 125-athlete meeting
36:55 – From jail to graduate: why UC’s program is built on second chances & accountability
38:20 – Silver linings: when multiple athletes earn bigger scholarships—you’re doing something right
41:07 – Luca Madeo story: Raleigh Relays breakout → altitude year → returns to UC; fifth-year plan; fall target for German HM record & indoor focus (context: UC roster page) University of the Cumberlands Athletics
47:00 – Lactate-guided training: double-threshold tuning (AM vs PM lactate), European athletes bringing meters, individualization
54:41 – Benchmarks: Patriot session (tempo + Ks + 600s/400s), classic 12-8-4 x2 ladder, Michigan; last-5-weeks template
58:38 – Why fitness is built before November; don’t “win the workout/lose the week”
59:50 – Who to watch? Everyone. Multiple Conference Athletes of the Week = depth & competition
1:02:00 – Load plan to Conference & Nationals (Appalachian Challenge; Milligan, Montreat, TWC in field)
1:04:34 – Nationals site strategy: Tallahassee course demands > weather; BYU/ND film study
1:09:05 – Final Four: gratitude list; shout to Coach James; daily walk; cappuccino count
1:14:16 – Lifting vs running cycles; Boost treadmills for durability; 305 bench @ 44; old-man strength
1:21:00 – Deftones dad-daughter car rides; 90s/00s alt-metal lifeblood
1:25:49 – Shoutouts to AD Chris Kraftick & staff; UC season outlook; ABR NJ week preview

Howdy & Aloha! We’re lacing up with Coach Brian Decker, Head Cross Country Coach at Point Pleasant Boro, fresh off one of the most dominant seasons in program history.In 2024, the Panthers swept the Ocean State Invitational, B-South Division, Ocean County, and Central Jersey Group 2 — the first sectional title in school history. Decker was named 2024 Coach of the Year by the Shore Track Coaches Association and the Asbury Park Press.With 30 + years in the sport, Coach Decker has led programs at Toms River South, Ocean County College (JUCO), and Point Boro — building one of New Jersey’s most respected small-school programs. We talk training philosophy, community buy-in, and how he runs the legendary Shore Coaches Invitational at Holmdel Park.

⏱️ Show Notes with Timestamps
00:00 – 02:00 | Howdy & Aloha Intro Rich & Jim welcome Coach Brian Decker back to the Shore — Point Pleasant Boro head coach with 30 + years of experience.
02:00 – 05:00 | Point Boro Roots & Community Support, Nostalgia from the Point Boro days, Ocean County ties, and how local buy-in powers a small-town program.
05:00 – 08:30 | Origin Story & Switch from Soccer to XC, A broken arm in high school leads to a new path in running — the unexpected start of a 30-year coaching journey.
08:30 – 12:00 | Early Coaching Years & JUCO Lessons
How Ocean County College shaped Decker’s approach to athlete development and the realities of recruiting at the JUCO level.
12:00 – 18:00 | Building Point Boro XC
Taking over a rebuilding program, instilling structure and standards, and earning community trust through work ethic and accountability.
18:00 – 24:00 | The 2024 Breakthrough Season
Ocean State → B-South → Ocean County → CJ Group 2 titles; the first sectional in school history and how the team came together.
24:00 – 30:00 | Coaching Freshmen & Developing Depth, Rebuilding after a senior-heavy class, coaching multiple sets of twins, and teaching young athletes confidence and patience.
30:00 – 35:00 | Adjusting Coaching Styles Over Decades. From old-school intensity to modern balance — what Decker has learned about communication and recovery.
35:00 – 41:00 | Training Talk & Benchmark Sessions
How he structures workouts at Ocean County Park, tests fitness with surprise miles, and why “feel over numbers” still matters.
41:00 – 47:00 | Tech, Watches & Mental Discipline. The battle against data dependency, getting kids off the watch, and building race-day instincts.
47:00 – 53:00 | Meet Director Life at Holmdel Park
15 years of running the Shore Coaches Invitational, working with out-of-state teams, course maintenance, and fast times at Holmdel.
53:00 – 57:00 | B-South Format & Competition Evolving from dual meets to divisional championships; racing Manchester and CBA to stay sharp.
57:00 – 1:03:00 | Culture & Tradition at the Burrow
Why Point Boro kids don’t miss practice, how the community shows up, and keeping banquets and recognition alive.
1:03:00 – End | Final Four & Wrap-Up Coach Decker’s coffee ritual, day-to-day habits, favorite sports teams, and guilty-pleasure Twizzlers before a meet.

📺 YouTube → @aireybros
📸 Instagram → @aireybrosradio
🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/61TKhMCXCfmfZRYb22saFe
🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/airey-bros-radio/id1451351543☕ Support the show: Buy Me a Coffee
🏃‍♂️ Fueled by: Black Sheep Endurance Coaching

We are HERE, you are THERE, and you’re now rockin’ with the best.
In EP 405, we go Belly to Belly with Billy George, head wrestling coach at Long Branch High School—a Shore Conference lifer carrying the Green Wave tradition.Coach George digs into Region 6 history, District 23 wars, NJ’s realignment era, the public vs. private debate, and how Long Branch rebuilt its room with a family-first culture (football, lifeguarding, surfing) where “life is wrestlebacks” still rings true.What you’ll hear: origin story, handing off/stepping up, building athletes from the ground up, lineup churn every year, schedule strength, division foes, district placement, and keeping Shore pride alive.

Follow Long Branch Wrestling: @wavewrestlingnj
Follow us: @aireybrosradio
☕ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching (@blacksheependurance)
💡 Support Airey Bros Radio → https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AireyBrosRadio
Watch the full conversation on YouTube and follow the show everywhere: youtube.com/@AireyBros

Show Notes / Timestamps

• 00:00 Cold open — Region 6 roots
  
  
• 00:32 ABR intro + guest setup (Billy George, Long Branch HS)
  
  
• 01:20 Bio: Green Wave family → Cornell → LB head coach
  
  
• 02:19 Plug: @wavewrestlingnj
  
  
• 02:50 Pork roll / Taylor ham
  
  
• 04:01 Origin story: dad & “Coach George,” community pride
  
  
• 09:53 Taking over, Rumson years, rebuild mindset
  
  
• 12:01 Ambassadorship: school, beach, lifeguards, surfing, family ethos
  
  
• 19:00 Rebuild blueprint: fundamentals, athleticism, “don’t get pinned”
  
  
• 24:46 Diverse room → one family (languages, culture, buy-in)
  
  
• 27:30 Schedule & rivalries (TR South/East, Colts Neck, Jackson)
  
  
• 31:34 Non-negotiables: school, behavior, homework → earn the mat
  
  
• 33:40 From 3–8 to hosting sectionals—what changed
  
  
• 34:56 Football ↔ wrestling pipeline; tackling = neutral
  
  
• 37:06 Realignment & districts: parity vs. tradition
  
  
• 47:45 Public vs private: new rivalries, still wrestling the best
  
  
• 55:02 One state champ—why NJ must keep it
  
  
• 57:11 Final Four: coffee, daily practices, books/music, guilty pleasure
  
  
• 1:12:56 Close: next episodes (Point Boro XC, Cumberlands XC)

This special Airey Bros Radio roundtable previews the 2025 Jayhawk (Region 6) Cross Country Championships — featuring head coaches from the top-ranked NJCAA programs across the state. They break down training philosophy, course strategy, and what it’ll take to bring home the Region 6 title on Friday, October 24 in Colby, KS.

🎤 Featuring (in order of appearance)
🏃‍♂️ Mark Emerson — Butler CC (Men #4 • Women #12) [@butlercctf]
🏃‍♀️ Mathew Scott — Colby CC (Men #2 • Women #8) [@colbytrojanxctf]
🏃‍♂️ Cameron Rieth — Cowley CC (Men #5 • Women #23) [@cowleyxctf]
🏃‍♀️ Jeremy Winzer — Highland CC [@scottiesxctf]
🏃‍♀️ Juliette Rios — Garden City CC (Men #9 • Women #13) [@gc3_tfxc]
🏃‍♂️ Trey Brutin — Neosho County CC [@goneoshotracknfield]
🏃‍♂️ Jafet Molinares — Hutchinson CC (Men #2 • Women #8) [@hutchtrackxc]🗣 Topics we cover

• Form charts & top athletes to watch in Colby
  
  
• Adapting to Kansas terrain and race conditions
  
  
• The mental side of coaching JUCO athletes
  
  
• Balancing local recruits and international talent
  
  
• Team culture and academic standards
  
  
• Championship-week strategy before nationals
  
  

If you love cross country, JUCO culture, and behind-the-scenes insight from the most competitive region in the nation — this is your preview for Friday.


⏱ Show Notes / Timestamps
00:00 – Intro | Setting the table for Colby 2025 Jayhawk Championships
00:05 – 1:10:00 | Mark Emerson (Butler CC) • Mathew Scott (Colby CC) • Cameron Rieth (Cowley CC)
1:13:00 – 1:23:30 | Jeremy Winzer (Highland CC) — building culture & protecting athlete minds
1:24:40 – 1:45:20 | Juliette Rios (Garden City CC) — double thresholds & team chemistry
1:45:30 – 2:07:20 | Trey Brutin (Neosho County CC) — development & fun in training
2:07:50 – 2:31:30 | Jafet Molinares (Hutchinson CC) — Hutch vs Iowa Western & deep-end mentality
2:31:45 – End | Wrap-up • Race-day predictions • Next-week’s D1/NAIA shows



🎧 Listen / Watch Everywhere📺 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@AireyBros
🎧 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/61TKhMCXCfmfZRYb22saFe
🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/airey-bros-s-radio/id584404045 ☕ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching → https://www.blacksheependurance.com/

In Episode 403 of Airey Bros Radio, we head to Lansing, Michigan, to sit down with Coach Jim Robinson, longtime Head Coach of Lansing Community College Cross Country & Track.Now in his 19th year with LCC, Robinson has been part of seven NJCAA National Championships, earning three USTFCCCA National Coach of the Year awards. Since taking over in 2014, he’s led the Stars to four women’s titles (2015, 2016, 2021, 2022) and back-to-back Men’s NJCAA DII titles (2023 & 2024) — and as of Sept 2025, his men’s squad is ranked #1 nationally while the women sit #7.We dive deep into Robinson’s journey from Penn State runner to pastor to JUCO legend — exploring the parallels between ministry and coaching, the power of persistence, and how LCC has built a true family culture rooted in trust, hard work, and fun.

🎯 Topics Include:

• Robinson’s origin story and Penn State days under Coach Harry Groves
  
  
• Transition from ministry to coaching and building a program of purpose
  
  
• LCC’s four pillars of success: trust, excellence, hard work, fun
  
  
• Sustaining a dynasty in NJCAA DII Cross Country & Track
  
  
• Michigan’s running culture and the importance of team over individuals
  
  
• Academic and vocational opportunities at LCC
  
  
• JUCO vs NCAA pathways — why JUCO is a hidden gem for student-athletes
  
  
• Training philosophy: tempo work, team culture, and “every yes has a no”
  
  
• Reflections on faith, discipline, and lifelong learning
  
  

🎙 Hosted by the Airey Bros — shining a light on the coaches and programs we wish we’d had access to growing up.👉 Watch on YouTube: @AireyBrosRadio
👉 Listen on Spotify: Open in Spotify
👉 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Apple Podcasts Link
☕ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching

Howdy & aloha! We’re joined by Coach James Majenge, Head Cross Country Coach at Ranger College (@rangersxctf1926).  In just two seasons, Majenge has guided the Ranger women to a conference title and top-12 NJCAA finish, while leading the men to a top-15 national finish and producing multiple All-Americans and national qualifiers.We dig into his journey from South Africa → JUCO → NCAA All-American, mentoring international student-athletes, building a culture of family and discipline, and how Ranger’s small-town gravel-loop training grounds have become a distance runner’s dream.Highlights

• Origin story & culture shock arriving in New York
  
  
• Recruiting international and local athletes to West Texas
  
  
• Team bonding & Friday ugali nights 🍲
  
  
• Mileage-first training philosophy and “Kenyan track” approach
  
  
• Managing academics & mental health on a small campus
  
  
• Preparing for Fort Dodge Nationals & the NJCAA Half Marathon
  
  
• Afro House music, Mountain Dew addiction 😅 and life in Texas
  
  

Follow & Support
🎥 YouTube: @aireybros
📸 Instagram: @aireybrosradio | @rangersxctf1926
🎧 Spotify / Apple Podcasts: Airey Bros Radio
🏃‍♂️ Coaching Partner: Black Sheep Endurance
☕ Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/aireybros



⏱ Timestamps / Show Notes

• 0:00 Intro – Howdy & aloha / ABR mission
  
  
• 1:18 Meet Coach Majenge – Ranger’s rise to JUCO power
  
  
• 4:15 From South Africa to the U.S. — Monroe → Cameron → LMU → Ranger
  
  
• 7:47 Culture shock & finding community
  
  
• 12:08 Recruiting balance — locals vs internationals
  
  
• 13:57 Parent trust & team meals (ugali Fridays)
  
  
• 16:54 Challenges for international athletes & support systems
  
  
• 24:51 Training environment — gravel “Kenyan track” & open roads
  
  
• 27:49 Coaching philosophy — steady mileage builds & development
  
  
• 29:05 Season recap & summer accountability
  
  
• 33:35 A day in the life of a JUCO head coach
  
  
• 35:13 Schedule preview — DBU Classic & Hobbs altitude runs
  
  
• 36:53 Preparing for Fort Dodge cold and the Half Marathon
  
  
• 38:13 Athletes to watch & program goals
  
  
• 41:44 Training cycles for older vs younger runners
  
  
• 42:23 Why he avoids double-threshold workouts (for now)
  
  
• 43:42 Advice to future international recruits
  
  
• 45:10 Language, identity & speaking seven tongues
  
  
• 47:02 Ranger’s small-campus advantage
  
  
• 48:17 Life & vibes — dogs, tea, Mountain Dew & house music
  
  
• 55:28 Closing thoughts + Fort Dodge outlook + next ABR guests

Howdy & aloha! Airey Bros Radio laces up with Coach Chase Englestead, Head Men’s & Women’s Cross Country Coach at Snow College (Richfield/Ephraim, UT). Hired in 2024 to launch the Badgers’ program, Chase already has the men ranked #6 and women #7 in the NJCAA national poll. We dig into Utah’s deep distance culture, JUCO recruiting, elevation training (5,300–10,000 ft), Lydiard-inspired aerobic development (with selective double-threshold), the benefits of a tight small-campus setup, LDS mission maturity, and why Snow wants to make D1s nervous at invites—then points to Fort Dodge in November and the NJCAA Half Marathon.What you’ll learn

• How to build a brand-new JUCO XC program into a national Top-10 in two years
  
  
• Why Snow College’s elevation, trails, housing, and price are a recruiting cheat code
  
  
• Training philosophy: big aerobic base, thresholds, strength, and when double-thresholds make sense
  
  
• Culture > times: selecting athletes who raise the standard and stick with the process
  
  
• How roster caps + Utah’s pipeline are reshaping the JUCO → D1 pathway
  
  

Links

• Snow College XC/Track: https://snowbadgers.com/sports/mens-cross-country
•  Snow XC: @snowcrosscountry
• Airey Bros Radio (YouTube): https://youtube.com/aireybrosradio
• Airey Bros Radio @aireybrosradio 
• Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching: https://www.blacksheependurance.com

Show notes & timestamps: 

• 0:00 Howdy & aloha + ABR mission (shine light on JUCO/NAIA/D2/D3)
  
  
• 2:36 Guest intro: Coach Chase Englestead — hired 2024; Men #6 / Women #7 NJCAA
  
  
• 5:08 Origin story: small-town Utah → discovering running → ownership & accountability
  
  
• 8:12 JUCO roots at UVSC/UVU: mileage jump, All-American, steeple/1500 records; D1 transition & probation
  
  
• 11:01 Choosing coaching: family of coaches; HS first to build & learn
  
  
• 12:26 Riverton HS culture build; Nike Cross regionals rise
  
  
• 15:25 Why Snow College: home state, elevation & trails, giving back; late hire & Year-1 scramble
  
  
• 20:50 Year-2 jump: full recruiting cycle; Top-10 expectations in Utah’s distance scene
  
  
• 22:31 Stigma shift: JUCO in Utah post-Isaac Wood; roster-cap effects
  
  
• 24:44 “Diamonds in the rough” development stories
  
  
• 25:54 Roster size realities; culture-first recruiting
  
  
• 28:05 A week in the chair: early mornings, Tue/Thu recruit calls, summer team runs
  
  
• 30:01 One year vs two years at Snow? Athlete-first pathways to four-year programs
  
  
• 31:06 Form check: confidence high; “make D1s nervous when Snow shows up”
  
  
• 32:07 Long run workout (pace toggles) + pack fitness
  
  
• 33:14 Training philosophy: Lydiard base, aerobic strength; when double threshold fits
  
  
• 37:05 Individualization; safe volumes before doubles
  
  
• 37:58 Campus fit: two campuses, on-campus housing, track ~200m, pool ~600m, bike path & mountain singletrack
  
  
• 39:58 Why a small campus helps serious runners (sleep, routine, fewer distractions)
  
  
• 41:25 Roster mix: Utah core + out-of-state; Americans-only pride vs international budget realities
  
  
• 44:30 Value case: ~$2k tuition/semester + ~$2.5k housing
  
  
• 46:09 Athletes to watch (W: Rhys Moss, Brighton Gold; M: Made, Tim, Carter Day, David Barlo, Brett Bailey, Von Wallace)
  
  
• 48:35 Slick transfers; NJCAA Half Marathon plans
  
  
• 49:36 Weather & Fort Dodge readiness; altitude advantage
  
  
• 50:35 Elevation menu: dorms ~5,300 ft; quick access to 8k–12k ft
  
  
• 52:00 Fall schedule: SUU (10/4), Utah State (10/10), hosting SWAC at Palisade State Park
  
  
• 53:48 LDS mission benefits: discipline, perspective, adversity skills
  
  
• 56:45 Final Four: no soda since 2000, routines, 60 mpw streak, books/pods, spikeball

• 1:03:37 Wrap: Badgers links; ABR back Wed with Ranger College

Airey Bros Radio hits Episode 400 with Coach Jesse Parker, Head Men’s & Women’s Cross Country Coach at Blinn College (NJCAA). Blinn brought XC back for the first time since 1995—and in year one Parker led both teams into the USTFCCCA NJCAA D1 rankings, qualified for NJCAA Nationals, and enters 2025 ranked #10 men / #11 women. We dig into rebuilding a program from scratch, Texas recruiting, the JUCO pathway (cost, credits, transfers), training philosophy (Daniels/Lydiard/Co.), Brenham’s “poor man’s altitude,” hosting Region 14 on a hilly course, facilities updates, and how to build a winning culture that actually fits the community.Who should listen: HS athletes & parents, JUCO/NCAA coaches, distance-running nerds, and anyone weighing JUCO vs. D1/D2/D3.

Follow Blinn XC: IG @blinn_xc
Follow Airey Bros Radio: IG @aireybrosradio | YouTube @AireyBros | Spotify & Apple: Airey Bros Radio
Fueled by: Black Sheep Endurance Coaching (ultra, nutrition, & performance)


Show Notes & Timestamps

• 00:00 Cold open & ABR Episode 400 intro; why we spotlight JUCO, D2/D3, and non-Power-4.
  
  
• 01:20 CTAs + sponsor shout: Black Sheep Endurance; share with athletes exploring JUCO.
  
  
• 02:03 Guest intro: Coach Jesse Parker, Blinn College—year-one rankings, NJCAA Nationals, 2025 preseason ranks.
  
  
• 03:11 Blinn socials & contact (IG @blinn_xc; email).
  
  
• 04:04 Parker’s origin story: football/powerlifting → track nerd → Sam Houston State → coaching break.
  
  
• 06:39 Building from zero: late-spring hire, no roster, recruiting sprint, getting athletes college-ready.
  
  
• 09:59 Why Blinn? Vision with AD; resources; becoming a Division-I prep program via JUCO.
  
  
• 11:01 Blinn history lesson: national titles, Pat Henry → LSU, Steve Silvey era; bringing a legacy back.
  
  
• 14:00 Program vision (1–5–10 years): meets, community pipeline, distance-led rebuild, culture.
  
  
• 16:52 Early success: how JUCO cycles accelerate competitive timelines.
  
  
• 17:53 2025 form check: UT opener, Texas A&M PR drops, next tests vs. JUCO & strong D2 fields.
  
  
• 19:32 Where’s Blinn? Brenham, TX (Blue Bell country) + terrain, hills, and “poor man’s altitude.”
  
  
• 21:03 Training rhythm: mornings, lifts, study hall; one-run-a-day philosophy.
  
  
• 21:50 Threshold talk: Daniels/Lydiard/Co. roots; cruise intervals & modern double-threshold context.
  
  
• 23:34 Recruiting year one: flipping decisions late, scholarship leverage, culture glue (Eric Lagat).
  
  
• 25:21 Culture building: standards, maturity curve from FR → SO, educating athletes to self-coach.
  
  
• 33:55 Region 14 Championship host (Oct 18): hilly Brenham HS course; true XC racing.
  
  
• 37:38 Facilities: no track yet (400m asphalt loop + park intervals), HS partnerships, complex plans brewing.
  
  
• 41:26 A day in the life: practice → admin, meet ops, budgets, recruiting—solo staff (assistant coming).
  
  
• 42:38 Recruiting channels: HS coach network > services; text/phone/Zoom; set culture during recruiting.
  
  
• 50:00 The JUCO advantage: real costs, same transfer credits, scholarships, better academic fit (nursing/engineering), smoother life balance.
  
  
• 55:02 Scholarship math that changes lives; keeping Pell; proud parent moments.
  
  
• 56:49 Transfer mindset: JUCO as the original portal—“come here to go there” (and thrive).
  
  
• 57:32 Admin shoutout: Chancellor support matters—great coaches need great leadership above them.
  
  
• 57:49 Coach’s bookshelf: Daniels’ Running Formula, Running to the Top (Lydiard); autograph stories.
  
  
• 1:00:58 Housing & campus life: biggest on-campus JUCO housing; suite & apartment options; athletic dorms.
  
  
• 1:02:23 Final Four: coffee (nope), routines, Jackson the terrier, music (Kevin Gates, Kid Cudi), NFL obsession.
  
  
• 1:07:02 Bills/Cowboys fandom; fitting culture to community.
  
  
• 1:08:37 Close: Fort Dodge goals (XC & Half Marathon), links, next guests (Snow CC & Ranger College).