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
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⏱️ 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

Airey Bros Radio Episode 448 features Coach Bob DeVries, Head Cross Country & Track & Field Coach at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU), diving into over 30 years of sustained success in NCAA Division II cross country.

Coach DeVries has built one of the most unique and consistent distance programs in the country — producing NCAA All-Americans, national contenders, and multiple top-10 finishes, all while operating without a traditional men’s track & field program.

In this episode, we break down:

• How NMHU built a championship-level cross country program
• Recruiting strategies for NCAA Division II distance running
• Training and competing at high altitude in Las Vegas, New Mexico
• Developing athletes into All-Americans and national-level performers
• The importance of culture, buy-in, and long-term development
• What type of athletes succeed in the RMAC and NCAA D2

Whether you're a high school runner, college recruit, coach, or parent, this episode provides valuable insight into college cross country recruiting, training philosophy, and program building at the NCAA Division II level.🔥

🎙️ About Airey Bros RadioAirey Bros Radio is your go-to podcast for college wrestling, cross country, and track & field across NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and NJCAA.


We spotlight programs and opportunities to help athletes find the right fit at the next level.
📲 Follow NMHU Track & Field: @nmhutrack
🎥 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Aireybros
🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
☕ Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/aireybros

⏱️ PODCAST SHOW NOTES 
0:00 – Show Intro | Airey Bros Radio x NMHU Cross Country

• ABR intro, mission, and spotlighting NCAA D2 opportunities
• Welcoming Coach Bob DeVries

1:30 – Coach Bob DeVries Journey to NMHU

• Coaching background and 30+ year career
• Building a long-term program in NCAA Division II

5:45 – Building a Cross Country Powerhouse at NMHU

• Program growth and national success
• Multiple NCAA top-10 finishes

10:20 – Coaching Philosophy & Longevity

• Evolution as a coach over decades
• Adapting to different generations of athletes

15:10 – Recruiting Strategy in NCAA Division II

• Identifying the right athletes for NMHU
• Why fit, culture, and mindset matter more than times

20:45 – Training Without a Full Men’s Track Program

• Unique structure of NMHU
• How cross country becomes the central focus

25:30 – Developing All-Americans & National-Level Athletes

• Training progression and athlete development
• Turning potential into performance

30:50 – Training at Altitude (Las Vegas, New Mexico)

• Benefits of altitude for endurance athletes
• Adapting training for performance gains

36:15 – RMAC Competition & NCAA D2 Landscape

• Competing in one of the toughest D2 conferences
• What it takes to succeed nationally

42:40 – Culture, Buy-In & Team Identity

• Building a championship culture
• Leadership, accountability, and team standards

48:20 – What Type of Athlete Thrives at NMHU

• Personality, mindset, and work ethic
• Who should consider NMHU for cross country

54:10 – Advice for Recruits & Student-Athletes

• Navigating the recruiting process
• Choosing the right college fit

1:00:30 – Final Four (ABR Signature Segment)

• Coffee habits ☕
• Daily routines
• Books, podcasts, music
• Guilty pleasures

Episode 447 of Airey Bros Radio features Coach Travis Floeck, Director of Cross Country and Track & Field at Colorado Mesa University.

With over 20 years of coaching experience—including 14 years at the NCAA Division I level with Idaho and Oregon State—Coach Floeck brings elite-level insight into building championship programs, developing All-Americans, and recruiting high-character student-athletes.

Since taking over at Colorado Mesa in 2024, Floeck has led immediate success:
• RMAC Indoor Championships podium finish (Men 3rd)
• NCAA Division II All-American (Teo Casados – 200m)
• 45 new Top-10 marks in program historyIn this episode, we dive into:

• Building a winning culture in NCAA Division II track & field
• Coaching Olympians and NCAA All-Americans
• Recruiting philosophy: talent vs. character
• Athlete development, injury management & long-term growth
• RMAC competition and national-level standards
• Why Grand Junction, Colorado is a hidden gem for runners

🎙️ Whether you're a high school athlete, college recruit, coach, or fan of cross country and track & field, this episode is packed with insights on what it takes to succeed at the next level.🔥
Follow Airey Bros Radio YouTube
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💙 Support the show

⏱️ TIMESTAMP SHOW NOTES

0:00 – ABR Origins & Mission

• From radio roots to a recruiting-focused podcast
• Helping athletes “get out of their bubble” and find the right fit

2:17 – Show Intro + ABR Philosophy

• Value-for-value model
• Powered by Black Sheep Endurance

3:00 – Coach Travis Floeck Introduction

• 20+ years coaching experience
• D1 background (Idaho, Oregon State)
• Early success at Colorado Mesa

4:10 – Recruiting & Contact Info

• How athletes and families can connect
• Social media + podcast plug (Just Athletics)

5:30 – Coaching Roots & Early Career

• Southern Oregon background
• Lane CC opportunity at age 25

9:30 – Origin Story in Running

• From multi-sport athlete to 800m state champion
• Discovering talent through lifestyle and environment

12:30 – Transition into Coaching

• Influence of running camps
• Nike sports marketing experience

15:00 – Coaching Philosophy & Athlete Development

• Eliminating regret for athletes
• Process-driven coaching approach

18:20 – Lessons from D1 Coaching (Oregon State & Idaho)

• Athlete connection and trust
• Building programs from the ground up

22:00 – Culture & Recruiting Philosophy

• Core values first, talent second
• Importance of character, academics, and team fit

24:30 – Building Culture at Colorado Mesa

• Transitioning into a new program
• Gaining athlete buy-in through communication

28:30 – Managing a Full Track & Field Program

• Balancing all event groups
• Leading with a strong staff

29:20 – Evaluating Recruits

• Talking to high school coaches
• Identifying red flags and intangibles

33:00 – Evolution of High School Coaching

• Impact of technology, clinics, and podcasts

34:30 – RMAC Competition Level

• One of the deepest conferences in NCAA DII
• Competing against national-caliber programs

37:20 – 5-Year Vision for Colorado Mesa

• Building a complete program
• Raising distance performance

39:00 – Athlete Breakthrough Stories

• Huge performance jumps through health + belief

43:40 – Indoor Season Recap

• All-American performances
• Freshmen breaking school records

46:30 – Outdoor Season Preview

• Fast turnaround from indoor
• National-level ambitions

48:00 – Scheduling Philosophy

• Balancing local meets vs elite competition
• Exposure to national-level racing

50:50 – Training at Altitude (Grand Junction)

• Benefits of 4,500 ft elevation
• Adjustments in training approach

51:50 – Recruiting Strategy (Domestic + International)

• Casting a wide net
• Finding overlooked talent globally

53:30 – Grand Junction Perception vs Reality

• Breaking stigma
• Outdoor training paradise

57:15 – Final Four 🔥

• Coffee habits ☕
• Daily routines & sleep optimization
• Podcasts, music, and books
• Guilty pleasure: ice cream 🍦

1:09:30 – Closing Thoughts

• Shoutout Colorado Mesa
• Preview of next episode

Episode 446 of Airey Bros Radio features Josh Nolan, Head Wrestling Coach at Northern State University, breaking down his first season leading the Wolves wrestling program in NCAA Division II.

In year one, Nolan led Northern State to an 8–5 record, Top-25 NWCA ranking, and NCAA D2 All-American finish from Rudy Lopez (149 lbs)—a strong foundation for one of the rising programs in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).

A former NCAA Division II All-American at San Francisco State, Nolan has coached Fargo All-Americans, USA Wrestling standouts, and national-level athletes, bringing a deep developmental perspective to college wrestling.This episode is a must-listen for:

• High school wrestlers navigating the recruiting process
• Parents looking for the right college fit
• Coaches building culture and long-term development
• Fans of NCAA Division II wrestling

🎯 Topics Covered:

• Taking over Northern State Wrestling in year one
• Building a championship culture in Aberdeen, South Dakota
• Coaching NCAA All-Americans
• Recruiting philosophy: “Do you love wrestling?”
• Club coaching vs college coaching
• NCAA D2 wrestling landscape & NSIC competition
• Developing athletes on and off the mat

💡 As always, Airey Bros Radio shines a light on programs and opportunities across NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA levels—giving athletes the insight we wish we had during the recruiting process.
🔗 FOLLOW & SUPPORT ABR
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☕ Support the show
🏃‍♂️ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching

⏱️ SHOW NOTES + TIMESTAMPS
0:00 – Why Airey Bros Radio Exists - Recruiting insight, breaking the “D1 or bust” mindset, and spotlighting overlooked opportunities in college athletics.
1:37 – ABR Show Open (Howdy & Aloha) Value-for-value model + mission to highlight hidden gems in college sports.
2:28 – Introducing Coach Josh Nolan / First-year head coach, 8–5 season, Top-25 ranking, NCAA D2 All-American (Rudy Lopez).
3:10 – Where to Find Northern State Wrestling / Instagram, resources, camps, and recruiting touchpoints.
4:01 – Small World Connections (ABR Throughline) From South Carolina to South Dakota—how ABR finds guests.
7:20 – Nolan’s Wrestling Origin Story Growing up in Quincy, CA → influence of coaches → going all-in.
10:24 – Recruiting Journey → San Francisco State Late development, exposure, and finding the right college fit.
11:26 – Transition into Coaching From PE major to high school coach → GA at Northern State.
13:10 – Coaching Journey Across the Country South Dakota → Texas → club wrestling → Georgia → back to Northern.
17:05 – First Season Recap (Nationals Run) 3 national qualifiers, 1 All-American, strong team growth.
21:42 – Biggest Surprise as a First-Year Head Coach Team buy-in, culture continuity, and leadership growth.
25:29 – Club Coaching vs College Coaching Why 10 years in club wrestling prepared him for college success.
27:56 – The CEO Role of a College Coach Balancing admin work, coaching, and program leadership.
30:23 – Recruiting Philosophy “Do you love wrestling?” → culture fit over everything.
34:00 – Northern State Wrestling Culture Developing great athletes, students, and people.
35:45 – Academics at Northern State Business, pre-med, exercise science, education programs.
37:04 – Life in Aberdeen, South Dakota Tight-knit community, strong fan support, hidden gem environment.
41:08 – Offseason Training Plan Freestyle/Greco, US Open, U23 Nationals, camps.
43:26 – Importance of Goal Setting “Keep a date on the calendar” mentality.
44:49 – Looking Ahead to Next Season: Growth mindset, returning athletes, incoming recruits.
46:07 – Spring Break + Reset, Recovery, family time, planning ahead.
47:23 – Wrestling Family Life, Coaching youth through college athletes—full circle development.
49:03 – Recruiting Red Flags & Mindset, Loving the process vs loving winning.
50:38 – One-Class vs Multi-Class State Debate / California vs other states—impact on development.
53:13 – Final Four Questions (ABR Signature) ☕ Coffee habits, 📓 Daily routine (reading, journaling, gratitude), 🎧 Books/podcasts (John Wooden, wrestling pods), ⛳ Guilty pleasure: bucket golf
58:36 – Closing Remarks, Season recap, appreciation, and what’s next for Northern State Wrestling.

Texas State Track & Field just made history — and we’re going BELLY TO BELLY with the man behind it.

On Episode 445 of Airey Bros Radio, we’re joined by John Frazier, Director of Track & Field & Cross Country at Texas State University, fresh off a historic Sun Belt Indoor Championship sweep — winning both the men’s and women’s titles for the first time in program history.Coach Frazier brings 30+ years of elite coaching experience, with stops at UCLA, Tennessee, Arizona, and Florida, coaching Olympians, NCAA Champions, and All-Americans — and now building a national contender in San Marcos, Texas.💥 In this episode, we dive into:

• Building a championship culture at Texas State
• The Bobcats’ rise to national relevance
• Recruiting philosophy + international recruiting strategy
• What it takes to compete at the NCAA level
• Coaching elite throwers and multi-event athletes
• Staff culture, leadership, and program development
• The future of college track & field (dual meets, team scoring, NIL era)

🎯 Whether you're a recruit, coach, parent, or track & field fan, this is a must-listen conversation on how elite programs are built from the ground up.

🎧 Listen Now on All Platforms:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube🏃‍♂️
Follow Airey Bros Radio: YouTube / Spotify
Instagram: @aireybrosradio
☕ Support the Show (Value for Value)
🔥 Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance

⏱️ Show Notes 
0:00 — ABR Origins & Mission

• JUCO All-American backgrounds (XC & Wrestling)
• Why ABR exists: spotlight overlooked programs + recruiting transparency

1:20 — Helping Athletes Find the Right Fit

• Goal: connect athletes (especially NJ) with college opportunities
• “There’s a place for everyone” mindset

2:23 — Show Intro + Guest Announcement

• John Frazier joins ABR
• Texas State historic Sun Belt Indoor sweep

3:16 — Coach Frazier Background

• 30+ years coaching
• UCLA, Tennessee, Arizona, Florida
• Olympians + NCAA Champions coached

4:00 — Why Texas State Works

• Administrative support + coaching freedom
• Building culture without “red tape”

5:30 — Setting Recruiting Standards

• Rejecting average talent expectations
• Adopting elite standards (Georgia model)

6:50 — Recruiting Philosophy

• Find your level: JUCO, NAIA, NCAA
• Focus on NCAA scorers, not just conference depth

8:00 — Branding Texas State

• Identity shift (black uniforms, culture change)
• Creating a recognizable program image

10:00 — What Recruits Should Look For

• Academics first
• Location, environment, coaching staff
• Fit over hype

13:20 — Coach Frazier Origin Story

• From middle school shot put to UCLA
• “Track nerd” mentality + studying programs

17:00 — Coaching Journey

• UC Irvine → Humboldt → Tennessee → UCLA → Texas State
• Family decisions shaping career path

23:00 — Becoming a Director

• Why Texas State was the right fit
• Leadership + program control evolution

25:00 — Building a Staff Culture

• Hiring former athletes
• Alignment in coaching philosophy
• Competitive but collaborative staff

30:00 — Director Role in Cross Country

• Supporting distance program
• Developing walk-ons into scholarship athletes

34:00 — Dual Meets vs Modern Track

• Importance of head-to-head competition
• Future of team-based championships

37:00 — Sun Belt Championship Breakthrough

• Building depth across events
• Athletes stepping up in key moments

40:00 — Recruiting Strategy

• Texas talent + international athletes
• Competing with Texas A&M / Texas pipelines

43:30 — Throwers Training Philosophy

• 4–5 days/week structure
• Individualized sessions + event-specific focus

48:00 — Coaching Philosophy

• Knowing every athlete
• Building trust + presence at meets

50:00 — Multi-Event Strategy

• Maximizing scoring potential
• Event crossover when beneficial

52:30 — Coffee + Daily Habits

• Strong black coffee ☕
• Faith, organization, and preparation mindset

Welcome back to Airey Bros Radio — your #1 resource for college wrestling, cross country, and track & field programs across the country.

On Episode 444, we went belly to belly with Coach Mark Fairley, Head Men’s & Women’s Cross Country Coach and Head Distance Coach at Taylor University.

Fresh off the 2026 NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships, Coach Fairley breaks down Taylor’s national success, including:
🏆 Jaynie Halterman — NAIA 5K National Champion
⚡ Championship Record — 15:52
🔥 Outstanding Performer of the Meet
⭐ Multiple NAIA All-Americans
📈 Taylor Men finish Top 15 NationallyBefore Taylor, Fairley spent 8 years at Liberty University (NCAA D1) helping build a powerhouse program with 27 conference championships across XC, indoor, and outdoor track.

A former NCAA Division III National Champion (Steeplechase), Fairley now brings elite experience, culture, and development to one of the fastest-rising programs in the NAIA.🎯 Topics Covered:

• Coach Fairley’s journey from athlete to national-level coach
• Building a championship culture at Liberty University
• Transitioning into leadership at Taylor University
• Inside the NAIA Indoor National Championships
• Developing All-Americans and national champions
• Recruiting philosophy in 2026 (fit, culture, development)
• The future of Taylor Cross Country & Track

💡 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 — this is the show for you.
🔔 Subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone chasing their next opportunity.
☕ Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/aireybros
🏃‍♂️ Black Sheep Endurance Coaching: https://www.blacksheependurance.com/

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — ABR Show Intro (Howdy & Aloha ) Airey Bros Radio opening, mission of spotlighting college XC, track & field, and wrestling programs.
1:45 — Guest Introduction: Mark Fairley (Taylor University) Overview of Taylor XC/Track + recent NAIA Indoor National Championship success.
4:30 — Athlete Background & Running Career NCAA Division III National Champion (Steeplechase) → competitive roots and transition into coaching.
8:50 — Getting Into Coaching / Early coaching experiences, influences, and lessons learned starting out.
13:20 — Liberty University (NCAA D1) Experience 8-year run at Liberty → 27 conference championships across XC, indoor, and outdoor track.
18:40 — Building a Championship Culture / What separates good programs from great ones — standards, accountability, and consistency.
24:10 — Coaching Philosophy & Athlete Development / Long-term development, maximizing potential, and building complete student-athletes.
29:30 — Transition to Taylor University / Taking over the program, vision for the future, and building momentum.
35:00 — NAIA Indoor National Championships Recap (2026) Jaynie Halterman’s 5K national title
Championship record (15:52) Outstanding Performer of the Meet Multiple All-Americans + team success
43:20 — Program Growth & National Impact
Taylor men finishing Top 15 nationally + what that means for recruiting and exposure.
48:30 — Recruiting Philosophy (2026 Landscape)
Finding the right fit, culture-driven recruiting, and developing athletes vs chasing hype.
54:10 — What It Takes to Win at the National Level
Daily habits, mindset, and consistency required to compete for titles.
1:00:45 — Building the Future at Taylor XC/Track
Program goals, long-term vision, and sustaining success.
1:06:30 — Advice for Recruits & Student-Athletes
What coaches are really looking for + how to stand out in recruiting.
1:10:15 — Closing Thoughts + ABR Outro
Final message from Coach Fairley + Airey Bros Radio wrap-up.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Championship programs are built on culture, not just talent
• Development > hype in recruiting
• Consistency and daily habits drive national-level success
• Taylor University is a rising NAIA powerhouse in XC/Track
• Liberty’s success model = transferable blueprint for winning programs

Airey Bros Radio Episode 443 features Matt Roe, Head Coach of Butler University Track & Field and Cross Country, for a deep dive into one of the most respected NCAA Division I distance running programs in the country.

Originally streamed live on March 5, 2026, this episode explores how Coach Roe has built Butler into a consistent force in Big East cross country and track & field, developing athletes into conference champions, NCAA finalists, All-Americans, and national-caliber competitors.

Since taking over the program in 2007, Roe has helped shape Butler into a premier destination for serious student-athletes looking for the right balance of elite academics, team culture, long-term development, and championship-level performance.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Coach Matt Roe’s path from standout runner at the University of Portland to NCAA Division I head coach
  
  
• How Butler has won 4 of the last 6 Big East Men’s Cross Country titles
  
  
• What Roe looks for in recruits, including multi-sport athletes, untapped potential, and “diamonds in the rough”
  
  
• Why development, biomechanics, toughness, and culture matter more than flashy PRs
  
  
• How Butler balances high academic standards with elite athletic success
  
  
• Jesse Hamlin’s rise and Butler’s current momentum in indoor track and outdoor track
  
  
• The long-game philosophy behind building nationally competitive men’s and women’s distance programs
  
  
• Systems over motivation, coaching psychology, and preparing athletes to “go break things” on race day

This is a must-listen episode for distance runners, cross country athletes, track & field coaches, recruits, parents, and fans of NCAA running who want an inside look at what it takes to build a winning program at the Division I level.

🎧 Now streaming on all podcast platforms:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more
☕ Support Airey Bros Radio

On Episode 442 of Airey Bros Radio, we went belly-to-belly with Washington State University Wrestling Head Coach Phil Burnett, the leader behind one of the fastest-rising programs in the NCWA.

Coach Burnett shares his unconventional path into wrestling and coaching, how he helped build WSU Wrestling into a Varsity Club national contender, and why the program’s foundation is built on the ABCs: Attitude, Belief, and Commitment. From living hours away from campus and coaching out of a camper, to raising major travel and operating funds, Burnett gives an honest look at what it takes to build a sustainable college wrestling program from the ground up.

This episode also dives into the reality of NCWA wrestling, the value it offers recruits and families, the importance of academics at Washington State, and how WSU is producing not just wrestlers, but future leaders, teachers, coaches, and professionals.

Whether you’re a wrestling recruit, parent, coach, or fan of college wrestling, this conversation offers a powerful look into the opportunities available outside the traditional NCAA path.Topics covered in this episode:

• Washington State Wrestling and the rise of WSU as an NCWA powerhouse
  
  
• Coach Phil Burnett’s wrestling and coaching origin story
  
  
• Building a Varsity Club program at a major university
  
  
• The ABCs of WSU Wrestling: Attitude, Belief, Commitment
  
  
• Recruiting for NCWA wrestling and educating families on the opportunity
  
  
• Academic success, leadership development, and life after wrestling
  
  
• The reality of fundraising, travel budgets, and program building
  
  
• Women’s wrestling in the NCWA and folkstyle opportunities
  
  
• The future of Cougar Wrestling and the Northwest Conference
  
  

If you enjoy episodes spotlighting college wrestling, NCWA wrestling, recruiting, student-athlete development, and under-the-radar programs doing big things, this is one you don’t want to miss.Subscribe to Airey Bros Radio on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more interviews with coaches and programs across wrestling, cross country, and track & field.

Show Notes / Timestamps
0:00 Intro setup and Washington State wrestling preview
0:26 ABR live show intro
1:15 Introducing Coach Phil Burnett and Washington State’s 2025 success
2:19 Coach Burnett plugs WSU Wrestling, academics, and program support
3:41 Where to follow Washington State Wrestling
4:25 How Phil Burnett came onto ABR’s radar through the NCWA network
6:05 The stigma around “club” wrestling and what Varsity Club really means at WSU
7:24 Raising $150K–$200K annually and building the program through camps, alumni, and community
8:37 Student leadership structure within WSU Wrestling
10:08 Coach Burnett’s ninth season and how the program has evolved since 2016
11:21 Why major universities need wrestling opportunities
12:34 Academic excellence at Washington State Wrestling
13:23 Phil Burnett’s wrestling origin story
13:46 Starting wrestling to become a better football player
14:33 Baseball dreams, semi-pro ball, and getting into coaching at 22 years old
16:10 Returning to wrestling through youth development and mentoring
17:29 The value of being a multi-sport athlete
18:29 Living five hours from campus and coaching out of a motor home
19:58 The sacrifices and realities of building a program from the ground up
21:19 Why stories like this matter in college sports
22:35 Family involvement and coaching support system
23:38 High school wrestling culture in Washington State
24:30 Recruiting momentum and the young talent entering WSU Wrestling
25:08 The Northwest Conference and the growth of NCWA wrestling in the region
26:54 Season update: injuries, postseason outlook, and athletes to watch
28:04 Returning national champion Erin Kramer and WSU’s All-American tradition
29:28 Why NCWA wrestling keeps getting more competitive
29:49 Tough scheduling, national competition, and building a postseason-ready team
30:44 Educating recruits and families about the value of NCWA wrestling
31:24 Academics first: engineering, nursing, business, and more at WSU
32:25 Helping athletes leave as better people, not just better wrestlers
33:11 Coach Burnett’s recruiting process and why families are reaching out
34:16 Selling families on staying close to home while still getting elite competition
35:48 Legacy recruits and why the NCWA experience is the real deal
36:19 The travel demands of qualifying and competing at nationals
37:01 Hosting the conference championships at Beasley Coliseum
37:30 Building a conference and seeing other programs rise
38:10 Internships, resumes, and career preparation beyond wrestling
39:32 “All in and friends forever” — the relationship side of coaching
39:53 Watching athletes succeed in careers after wrestling
40:20 Fundraising, alumni support, and keeping the program moving
42:16 Does the pressure of raising money weigh on a coach?
43:08 Shoutout to Susan Burnett and the support staff behind the scenes
43:39 Andrea Yamamoto’s impact on the women’s side
44:22 Growth of women’s wrestling in the NCWA and top-eight All-American status
44:46 Why women’s folkstyle wrestling in the NCWA matters
46:06 The WSU golf outing fundraiser and community support
47:44 ABR talks sponsoring a hole at the golf tournament
48:52 Could WSU Wrestling ever become NCAA Division I?
49:21 Why Varsity Club works and why WSU supports the model
50:30 Giving high-level wrestlers a place to keep competing without sacrificing academics
51:46 “They still love the sport, but they can’t afford to be married to it anymore”
52:56 Producing future wrestling coaches, teachers, and leaders
55:20 Final Four begins
55:27 Coffee habits and favorite local stop
56:11 Daily rituals, practice habits, and the ABCs of WSU Wrestling
57:19 Phil Burnett’s music taste: Led Zeppelin, Styx, AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac
57:51 Fishing, family, and his favorite offseason escape
58:58 Coach Burnett’s rack of ribs and life outside wrestling
59:52 Exploring Washington by RV
1:00:30 Sasquatch question to close things out
1:01:02 Final thank-yous and where to watch the interview
1:02:11 Closing remarks and postseason well wishes for WSU Wrestling