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The Chico State XC Dynasty
In Episode 18 of Ross and Petar’s Pod on the Run, the hosts sit down with legendary Chico State head coach Gary Towne, the man behind one of the most dominant dynasties in collegiate distance running. After a quick warm‑up on the latest running news and local chatter, they dive into Gary’s staggering résumé—23 straight conference titles (men), 20 of the last 23 West Region titles (men), 19 of the last 23 CCAA titles (women), 11 women’s regional titles, 31 combined regional titles, 42 combined CCAA titles, and 43 Top‑10 NCAA team finishes between the two genders since 1999. Both teams have qualified for NCAA’s together every year since 2000.
Gary begins by sharing his own story: growing up in Corning, discovering running at Shasta College almost by accident, and eventually becoming a very strong marathoner. He talks about the endurance adventures that shaped his toughness and empathy—most notably his “Everest on Cohasset” ride—and how staying fit continues to influence his coaching today.
The conversation explores the foundations of the Chico State XC machine: the early years, the culture he built, and the principles that have kept the program consistently elite. Gary opens up about managing a roster of 50 athletes, navigating confidence dips and injuries, and the human side of coaching that often goes unseen. He also breaks down his training philosophy, the importance of Chico’s trails and terrain, and the moment he realized he was building something special.
The episode moves into recruiting, where Gary discusses what he looks for beyond times, how the landscape has changed, and how he pitches Chico State to athletes who may not know the program’s history. He shares memorable stories from meets, unforgettable races, and the athletes who left a lasting impact, while reflecting on why Chico remains home despite opportunities elsewhere.
Things wrap up with fun segments like Coach Confessions, Myth or Fact, and Petar’s rapid‑fire round, giving listeners a mix of insight, humor, and behind‑the‑scenes stories. It’s a rare, engaging look into the mind of a coach who didn’t just build a successful program—he built a dynasty.
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By Ross Field and Petar MilardovichIn Episode 18 of Ross and Petar’s Pod on the Run, the hosts sit down with legendary Chico State head coach Gary Towne, the man behind one of the most dominant dynasties in collegiate distance running. After a quick warm‑up on the latest running news and local chatter, they dive into Gary’s staggering résumé—23 straight conference titles (men), 20 of the last 23 West Region titles (men), 19 of the last 23 CCAA titles (women), 11 women’s regional titles, 31 combined regional titles, 42 combined CCAA titles, and 43 Top‑10 NCAA team finishes between the two genders since 1999. Both teams have qualified for NCAA’s together every year since 2000.
Gary begins by sharing his own story: growing up in Corning, discovering running at Shasta College almost by accident, and eventually becoming a very strong marathoner. He talks about the endurance adventures that shaped his toughness and empathy—most notably his “Everest on Cohasset” ride—and how staying fit continues to influence his coaching today.
The conversation explores the foundations of the Chico State XC machine: the early years, the culture he built, and the principles that have kept the program consistently elite. Gary opens up about managing a roster of 50 athletes, navigating confidence dips and injuries, and the human side of coaching that often goes unseen. He also breaks down his training philosophy, the importance of Chico’s trails and terrain, and the moment he realized he was building something special.
The episode moves into recruiting, where Gary discusses what he looks for beyond times, how the landscape has changed, and how he pitches Chico State to athletes who may not know the program’s history. He shares memorable stories from meets, unforgettable races, and the athletes who left a lasting impact, while reflecting on why Chico remains home despite opportunities elsewhere.
Things wrap up with fun segments like Coach Confessions, Myth or Fact, and Petar’s rapid‑fire round, giving listeners a mix of insight, humor, and behind‑the‑scenes stories. It’s a rare, engaging look into the mind of a coach who didn’t just build a successful program—he built a dynasty.