Airey Bros.'s Radio

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 Rich & Jimi Airey, we do the legwork so you don’t have to. Our mission: spotlight programs, coaches & stories overlooked by the mainstream. From high school dynasties to national championship programs, we bring you recruiting insights, culture deep-dives, underdog journeys & the knowledge we wish we had growing up. 🎧 Weekly live shows & highlights | 🔗 IG @aireybrosradio | Spotify & Apple Podcasts – Airey Bros Radio

  1. ABR 459 | Coach KC Rock (Embry-Riddle Wrestling) | Building NAIA National Champions at America’s Premier Aerospace University

    6d ago

    ABR 459 | Coach KC Rock (Embry-Riddle Wrestling) | Building NAIA National Champions at America’s Premier Aerospace University

    Episode 459 of Airey Bros Radio features KC Rock, Head Wrestling Coach at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, following one of the biggest seasons in program history. Coach Rock joins ABR LIVE after leading Embry-Riddle Wrestling to a 4th place finish at the 2026 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National Championships with TWO individual national champions — Yoshiya Funakoshi (141) and Kenneth Copley (285). In this episode, Coach Rock breaks down: Embry-Riddle’s rise into a national NAIA powerhouseBuilding elite wrestling culture with high academic standardsRecruiting student-athletes to one of the top aerospace universities in AmericaThe realities of NAIA scholarship models and roster buildingCoaching philosophy, leadership, and athlete developmentHis journey from Boise State wrestler to nationally respected college coachLife in Prescott, Arizona and why Embry-Riddle is such a unique opportunity for recruitsThe conversation also dives into: NAIA Wrestling, Embry-Riddle academics, engineering and aviation degrees, college recruiting, NCAA vs NAIA wrestling, JUCO pathways, scholarship structures, Prescott Arizona culture, and how to balance elite athletics with demanding academic majors.Whether you're a wrestler, parent, recruit, coach, or fan of college wrestling, this episode offers an inside look at building championship culture at one of the most unique universities in the country.🎧 Airey Bros Radio spotlights college wrestling, cross country, and track & field programs across the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA levels. ☕ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching | 🏃‍♂️ Black Sheep Endurance Coaching 🎥 YouTube: Airey Bros YouTube 🎧 Spotify: Airey Bros Radio Spotify 📸 Instagram: Airey Bros Radio Instagram ☕ Support the show: Buy Me a Coffee Show Notes & Timestamps 00:00 – Why Airey Bros Radio spotlights overlooked college programs & opportunities01:25 – Intro: Coach KC Rock joins ABR LIVE02:00 – Embry-Riddle’s 4th place finish at the 2026 NAIA National Championships02:25 – Two national champions & NWCA academic success03:30 – Memorial Day message & honoring military families04:20 – Coach Rock’s connection to Wyoming wrestling culture05:20 – Wrestling origin story & growing up with a wrestling coach father07:30 – From engineering major to college wrestling coach08:45 – Boise State wrestling & early coaching experiences09:30 – Nearly becoming a PGA teaching professional10:20 – Golf lessons that helped his wrestling mindset12:30 – College wrestling coaches and golf culture14:00 – Stories about UFC legend Jens Pulver at Boise State16:10 – Junior college wrestling journey & the value of JUCO athletics18:30 – Coaching stops at Wyoming, Boise State & Utah Valley19:20 – Transitioning from NCAA Division I to NAIA Wrestling21:50 – What makes Embry-Riddle different from other universities22:40 – Aerospace engineering, flight school & elite academic programs23:40 – FBI/CIA pathways through Global Security & Intelligence Studies25:40 – Recruiting pilots, engineers & high academic wrestlers27:00 – Honest recruiting conversations with student-athletes28:10 – Balancing engineering majors with college wrestling29:40 – Arizona recruiting pipelines & scholarship realities31:00 – Building a Top 4 NAIA national tournament team32:00 – Inside Embry-Riddle’s 2026 NAIA tournament run33:20 – Yoshiya Funakoshi’s turnaround from conference struggles to national champion35:40 – Cascade Conference wrestling toughness explained36:20 – Returning lineup & expectations for next season37:30 – Why Coach Rock loves the NAIA 12-man national format38:10 – Breaking down NAIA scholarship models & recruiting budgets40:00 – What makes 4th place nationally so impressive at Embry-Riddle41:50 – Arizona wrestling opportunities & Arizona Christian rivalry43:00 – Embry-Riddle campus size, culture & graduate programs44:20 – Why Embry-Riddle is an investment in long-term career success46:20 – Flight school costs & career return on investment47:10 – Recruiting East Coast wrestlers to Arizona48:40 – Why Prescott is ideal for pilots & outdoor athletes49:10 – Other college wrestling programs with aviation pathways50:40 – Prescott Arizona hiking, restaurants & outdoor culture52:00 – Whiskey Row, local food spots & Arizona lifestyle

    1h 9m
  2. ABR 458: Coach Dustin Dimit on Rowan’s NCAA DIII Indoor National Championship | Building a National Power in Track & Field

    May 20

    ABR 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 recruitingBuilding championship cultureCoaching philosophy & leadershipTeam-first mentalityAll-Americans & national championsManaging athletes during finals weekIndoor vs outdoor track season preparationRowan Track & Field’s rise to national prominenceRecruiting New Jersey & national talentThe mental side of championship competitionRowan 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

    1h 10m
  3. ABR 457: Jeremy Provence | Building Jacksonville State Track & Field, Gritty Recruiting & Conference USA Growth

    May 13

    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

    1h 3m
  4. Building a D3 Distance Program from Scratch | Coach Cash Kunkel (Ozarks XCTF) | Airey Bros Radio 456

    May 8

    Building 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 ChampionIndoor 3K ChampionFirst-Team All-Conference athleteIn this episode, we dive into: Transitioning from athlete to head coachTaking over a program weeks before the seasonBuilding culture and trust with athletesRecruiting philosophy at the Division III levelDeveloping distance runners from the ground upIndoor & outdoor track success (17+ school records broken)Double threshold training & modern distance trendsWhat makes Ozarks a unique opportunity for recruitsIf 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 4Helping athletes find the right fit1:42 – ABR Intro + Call to Action Like, Subscribe, CommentBlack Sheep Endurance + Buy Me a Coffee plug2:00 – Coach Cash Kunkel Introduction First-year head coach at OzarksSun Belt champion background4:06 – Where to Find Ozarks XCTF (Recruit Info) Email, Instagram, recruiting contact4:47 – Throughline Connections (ABR Network) Coach Nathan Rankin, Vinnie Barber, Sun Belt ties6:06 – Wrestling vs Running Culture (Fun Rivalries) Team competitions, crossover energy7:42 – Origin Story: Texas Roots & Grandpa Influence Blue Bell Fun Run beginningsFamily legacy in running10:10 – From IT & MBA → Coaching Path Transition into sports administrationMentorship impact12:29 – Landing the Ozarks Job Late summer hireImmediate leadership role16:48 – Taking Over a Program Late Building trust quicklyCreating team culture18:46 – Coaching Philosophy Shift From performance → developing people20:44 – First Season Results (Huge Jump) Women: 3rd at conferenceMen: 4th at conference23:34 – Track Season Success 17+ school records brokenPRs across entire roster24:58 – 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 rosterCompete for conference titlesBuild long-term culture50:27 – Recruiting Pressure & Breakthrough Moments 51:34 – Conference Competition Breakdown

    1h 3m
  5. Building a D2 Dynasty | Coach Gary Towne (Chico State XC) | 170+ All-Americans, 22 Titles | Airey Bros Radio 455

    May 6

    Building 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-Americans22 straight CCAA Men’s Titles25+ NCAA Championship AppearancesMultiple National ChampionsElite marathoners & ultrarunners (Western States, UTMB podium athletes)In this episode, we dive deep into:Building a long-term championship culture in NCAA Division IITraining philosophy for elite distance runnersDeveloping overlooked athletes into national-level performersThe rise of Chico State alumni in marathons & ultramarathonsDouble-threshold training & modern distance trendsRecruiting philosophy with limited scholarshipsLife after college running and sustaining passion for the sportWhether 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 PerspectiveCreating exposure for overlooked programs and athletes1:08 – ABR Intro + Call to ActionLike, Subscribe, CommentBlack Sheep Endurance + Buy Me a Coffee plug1:58 – Coach Gary Towne IntroductionChico State dominance170+ All-Americans, 22 titles2:53 – Where to Find Chico State XC (Recruit Info)Instagram presence and program culture3:32 – Throughline: Ultramarathon SuccessWestern States, UTMB, Mammoth 200Chico State pipeline to ultra success7:50 – Why Chico Produces Ultra AthletesTraining style, trail exposure, long tempos10:30 – Life After College Running PhilosophySustaining passion beyond collegiate athletics11:45 – Origin Story: Wrestling to RunningSmall school backgroundLate start in competitive running14:12 – Shasta College Turning PointOpportunity that launched his path15:50 – Becoming a CoachEarly mentorship & passion for teaching18:12 – Current Outdoor Season UpdateWomen’s team leading NCAA D2 (5K/10K metrics)22:20 – Coaching EvolutionTraining women the same as men → breakthrough24:45 – COVID Setback & RebuildRebuilding program culture and roster26:36 – Scholarship LimitationsOnly 2 scholarships per team → development model28:07 – Recruiting PhilosophyHeavy California focus“Diamonds in the rough” mindset31:54 – JUCO Pipeline & DevelopmentCommunity college athletes impact33:35 – Cross Country vs Track Coaching Differences35:08 – Mentoring Assistant CoachesPreparing future head coaches37:50 – Favorite Event to Coach (Steeplechase)39:26 – Double Threshold Training DiscussionModern training trends + Chico adaptation44:50 – Sub-2:20 Marathon Alumni Discussion46:42 – The Secret to Sustained SuccessCulture, environment, buy-in, tradition50:03 – 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

    1h 3m
  6. ABR Ep. 454 | Building a College Wrestling Program from Scratch w/ Coach Vinny Barber (Lynchburg Wrestling, NCAA D3 Recruiting)

    May 1

    ABR 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 scratchRecruiting philosophy in NCAA Division III wrestlingBuilding culture, facilities, and a roster from DAY ONEThe realities of the transfer portal in college wrestlingHow to find the right college fit as a wrestlerIf 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 RecruitingBuilding a Wrestling Program from ScratchTransfer Portal Strategy in College WrestlingD1 vs D3 Wrestling MindsetLynchburg Wrestling Facilities & InvestmentCollege Wrestling Culture & Development 🔥 COACH BARBER HIGHLIGHTS: Built University of the Ozarks Wrestling ProgramConference Championships & National RankingsDeveloped First All-Americans at OzarksNow 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)

    55 min
  7. ABR Ep. 453 | NAU Distance Recruiting, D1 Coaching & Building Champions w/ Coach Jake Reed (Northern Arizona XC/Track)

    Apr 28

    ABR 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 coachingWhat it takes to recruit elite distance runnersInside the NAU training environment & altitude advantageBuilding championship culture at every levelWhat student-athletes should look for in a college programIf 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 RecruitingNAU Distance Program & Flagstaff TrainingDivision III vs Division I CoachingBuilding Championship CultureAthlete Development & PerformanceCollege Running Recruitment Process🔥 COACH REED RESUME:8x ODAC Coach of the Year9x Region Coach of the Year4 NCAA DIII National Champions33 All-AmericansFirst 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

    1h 12m
  8. ABR 452: Building a Conference Championship Wrestling Program | Coach Nathan Rankin (University of the Ozarks)

    Apr 24

    ABR 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 coachBuilding a championship culture in year oneThe reality of college wrestling recruitingWhy Ozarks is a hidden gem for wrestlersManaging team culture, accountability, and leadershipMulti-sport development: cross country + wrestling crossoverThe difference between high school success vs college levelDeveloping 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)

    58 min
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4.9
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

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 Rich & Jimi Airey, we do the legwork so you don’t have to. Our mission: spotlight programs, coaches & stories overlooked by the mainstream. From high school dynasties to national championship programs, we bring you recruiting insights, culture deep-dives, underdog journeys & the knowledge we wish we had growing up. 🎧 Weekly live shows & highlights | 🔗 IG @aireybrosradio | Spotify & Apple Podcasts – Airey Bros Radio

Information

  • Creator
    Airey Bros. Radio
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2026
  • Episodes
    378
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Airey Bros. Radio
  • Show Website
    Airey Bros.'s Radio

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