What does it take to build a national-level JUCO program from scratch? Coach Nick Marcinkowski of Muskegon Community College joins us to share how he's turned MCC into one of the NJCAA's most exciting up-and-coming programs in cross country and track & field. From zero qualifiers to 51 national-level athletes in just a few seasons, Coach Marcinkowski pulls back the curtain on building culture, managing tight budgets, navigating the recruiting waters, and helping student-athletes find the right fit.We dig into everything from academics to facilities, the realities of junior college life, and why MCC might just be the best-kept secret in Michigan. If you're a student-athlete, coach, or parent wondering about the JUCO route—this is the episode you can’t miss.✅

Featuring: Academic standards, transfer success stories, recruiting strategies, and MCC's powerhouse rise📍 Location: Muskegon, Michigan
📢 Sponsored by: Black Sheep Endurance, C.S. Coffee 100% Premium Instant Coffee



📑 Podcast Show Notes with Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro: Why this episode matters to any athlete considering college
1:44 – Meet Coach Nick Marcinkowski: MCC’s head coach and architect of a rising JUCO program
3:48 – MCC Socials + Recruiting Contact Info
5:10 – Coach’s origin story: From JUCO runner to head coach
10:00 – Program growth: 12 athletes to 48 in 3 years
14:00 – MCC's academic standard: Why 3.0 GPA is the real baseline
18:00 – Creative funding: Hosting the largest collegiate XC meet in Michigan
21:00 – Free gear & spikes? Partnering with Gazelle Sports
27:00 – MCC campus + indoor track facility
32:00 – What kind of athletes MCC is recruiting
36:00 – Teaching communication and personal growth through coaching
40:50 – Highlighting MCC’s elite academic programs (Nursing, Electrical, HVAC)
44:45 – MCC’s top athletes to watch at Indoor Nationals
50:30 – Life as a JUCO coach + full-time job + dad life
56:00 – Coach’s honest JUCO TED Talk on stigma, support, and opportunity
1:00:00 – Fun Stuff: Coach’s guilty pleasures, music taste, food faves, and coffee routine
1:10:00 – Final thoughts and how to follow MCC & Coach Marcinkowski