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.

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Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more
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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

Originally streamed live on February 23, 2026, this episode of Airey Bros Radio features one of the most respected distance coaches in college athletics — Oklahoma State Director of Track & Field / Cross Country, Coach Dave Smith.

Fresh off another national championship season, Coach Smith joins us to break down what it takes to keep Oklahoma State Cross Country and Track & Field among the elite year after year. From his journey out of the Pacific Northwest and a PhD in neurobiology to becoming one of the most accomplished coaches in NCAA history, this conversation dives deep into coaching philosophy, recruiting, culture, leadership, and the realities of running a top-tier Division I program.

We get into Oklahoma State’s latest NCAA Cross Country title, the balance between the science and art of coaching, recruiting in the era of the transfer portal, NIL, and international talent, and what the day-to-day role really looks like as a D1 director and head coach. Coach Smith also shares thoughts on training trends like double threshold, why restraint matters in athlete development, and the indoor momentum building in Stillwater heading into championship season.

If you're a runner, coach, recruit, parent, or fan of college cross country, NCAA track & field, Oklahoma State, Big 12 competition, and distance running culture, this is a must-listen episode.Topics covered include:

• Oklahoma State’s championship standard
  
  
• Dave Smith’s coaching origin story
  
  
• Recruiting international and domestic talent in 2026
  
  
• NIL, transfer portal, roster fit, and culture building
  
  
• Training philosophy and long-term athlete development
  
  
• Indoor track outlook and Oklahoma State women’s DMR momentum
  
  
• Leadership lessons from winning, failure, and staying elite
  
  

Follow Airey Bros Radio on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more interviews spotlighting college wrestling, cross country, and track & field programs across the country.

Show Notes / Timestamps
ABR 441 – Coach Dave Smith | Oklahoma State Track & Field / Cross Country
0:00 Intro banter 
2:17 Open and introduction for Oklahoma State Director of Track & Field / Cross Country Coach Dave Smith
3:09 Dave Smith’s 2025 national title, National Coach of the Year honors, and OSU’s indoor momentum
4:54 Where recruits and listeners can find Coach Smith and Oklahoma State online
5:21 Through lines: Chris Bean, Texas Tech roots, and the small world of coaching
6:17 The Iron Monk commemorative championship beer story and OSU athletics culture
8:24 Stillwater icebreaker: Eskimo Joe’s, Hideaway Pizza, and life around town
8:56 Coach Smith on eating mostly plant-based, cholesterol, and dietary changes
10:10 Dave Smith’s running origin story: woods, fear, accidental aerobic development, and discovering talent
12:06 Quitting football, finding cross country, and how team culture shaped his love for the sport
13:45 From neurobiology PhD to coaching: when he realized science was not his true passion
15:14 The seven-page letter that changed everything and how volunteering at Washington opened the coaching door
16:17 Texas Tech, Lee Daniel, and the year that made him realize coaching was his calling
18:39 Doing the right things for the wrong reasons — and how he helps athletes find their real passion
19:02 Dave Smith’s advice on majors, careers, passion, fulfillment, and long-term success
21:17 Early coaching lessons, Lee Daniel’s breakout, and learning the importance of restraint in training
23:47 The art vs. science of coaching and how Smith communicates training more effectively today
25:44 Reflecting on Oklahoma State’s 2025 NCAA Cross Country national title
26:15 Redemption after 2024 and why doing less can sometimes lead to more
27:40 How veteran coaches can still get humbled by lessons they thought they had already learned
28:59 The viral international athlete press conference clip and what Coach Smith wishes he said differently
31:21 Why coaches should avoid publicly criticizing other programs
33:32 Double-threshold training, current trends, and why OSU sticks to what it believes in
35:01 International recruiting, roster age, culture fit, and what really matters in building a team
38:56 What the CEO side of being Director of Track & Field / Cross Country actually looks like
40:14 Delegation, staff trust, and empowering event coaches inside a major D1 program
41:22 Balancing family life, fatherhood, and coaching at an elite level
42:27 Ryan Godfrey, John Oliver, Abby Frederick, and the staff that helps keep OSU rolling
44:33 How involved Coach Smith still is in the training side and why that remains his favorite part
45:43 The state of Oklahoma State when he arrived in 2002 and how the program was rebuilt
47:54 Mike Holder’s impact, administrative support, and building a championship infrastructure
49:02 Lessons learned from a golf coach: risk-taking, racing to win, and competitive mindset
50:37 Life as “the other Coach Smith” on Oklahoma State’s campus
52:47 Oklahoma State indoor track outlook, standout women, and the energy of the freshman class
55:14 Men’s rebuilding phase, injury setbacks, and optimism for the future
56:07 The DMR DQ, Boston follow-up, and the emotional rollercoaster of chasing a qualifier
59:16 Beating your friends, rivalries, and who Dave Smith most enjoys competing against
1:00:10 Oregon, Jerry Schumacher, and the programs coming hard in the national picture
1:01:48 Final Four begins: coffee habits, Spindrift favorites, and Stillwater coffee shops
1:03:47 Daily rituals, extreme step-count competitions, and the competitive streak behind the scenes
1:07:48 Podcasts, true crime, mindset, and what Dave Smith listens to off the track
1:09:22 Music taste, practice playlists, baking, and singer-songwriter favorites
1:10:46 Guilty pleasure: the legendary Palo Alto French toast story
1:14:49 Closing thoughts, appreciation, and final sendoff for Coach Dave Smith
1:15:23 Outro and preview of the next Airey Bros Radio live episode

Presbyterian College cross country has a new leader — and he’s building something fast.In ABR Episode 440, Airey Bros Radio sits down with Robert “Bus” Baker, the new Head Cross Country Coach at Presbyterian College (Big South Conference), to talk coaching at a cross-country-only Division I program, creating buy-in after a mid-November coaching change, and building a system that turns consistency into PRs.

Bus shares his origin story as a late-developing runner (high school basketball + XC, then a D1 walk-on opportunity), the lessons he learned navigating the transfer portal, and how his psychology background shapes the culture, motivation, and daily structure of his team. We also get into what recruiting looks like right now with NIL pressure, roster changes, and why hungry high school athletes are more important than ever.

Plus: training surfaces, “grass-first” development, the case for D1 small-school culture, and Bus’ vision to get Presbyterian back into Big South contention.

Guest: Robert “Bus” Baker — Head Cross Country Coach, Presbyterian College
Show: Airey Bros Radio (ABR)
Fuel: Black Sheep Endurance Coaching
Value-for-Value

Podcast Show Notes
00:00 ABR intro + “Howdy & Aloha” open
00:43 Who is Bus Baker? (Radford All–Big South, Ferrum success, psychology background)
02:30 Recruiting contact + where to follow Presbyterian XC (IG + staff directory)
04:10 The origin of “Bus” (family nickname story)
05:25 Bus’ running journey: basketball dreams → XC opportunity → D1 walk-on
07:20 Training consistency leap: low mileage to real collegiate development
08:10 Transfer portal lessons: chasing Power-5, what went wrong, and what he learned
09:30 Falling back in love with running at FGCU + why coaching became the calling
10:45 Early coaching growth: autonomy, building from almost zero roster depth
12:10 Advice to athletes struggling: pressure, support networks, and identity beyond sport
14:35 Taking over Presbyterian mid-November: “meeting athletes where they are”
16:20 How a cross-country-only D1 program works (indoor/outdoor meets + NCAA rules)
18:05 “All eggs in the fall basket”: what changes in training + what athletes fit best
19:50 Recruiting advantage: team-first XC mindset + track for individual goals
21:05 Will Presbyterian add track? What has to happen first
22:35 The 5-year plan: realistic yearly jumps + building toward Big South podium contention
25:10 Recruiting philosophy in 2026: high school first, portal secondary, NIL ripple effects
27:10 Roster limits + why Presbyterian’s approach creates a unique opportunity
29:20 Where he’s recruiting: South Carolina growth, Midwest pipeline, and “sunshine factor”
32:05 “CEO of the program”: best part vs hardest part of being a young head coach
35:00 Buy-in + psychology: moving from drill sergeant → trust, consistency, and 1% gains
38:00 What recruits should know: small-school D1 culture, community, and relationships
42:30 Academics at PC: STEM, research opportunities, pre-professional pathways, placement stats
46:00 Training grounds: soft surfaces, campus loops, Sumter National Forest routes
50:40 Why being a young coach can be a strength (network, nerding out, constant learning)
55:25 “Final Four” fun questions: coffee, daily rituals, music, guilty pleasure
57:55 Closing + where to follow Presbyterian XC

In ABR Episode 439, Airey Bros Radio sits down with Devin Fahey, Head Cross Country Coach at Cerro Coso College (3C2A), after one of the most impressive first-year JUCO coaching seasons in California community college cross country.

In Year 1, Fahey led Cerro Coso to program-first milestones, including their first team score, a conference podium finish, a SoCal Regional appearance, and the program’s first-ever 3C2A State Championship qualifier. Devin breaks down how he built a culture of psychological safety + accountability, why “show a sign of life” was the perfect early-season standard, and what it really takes to recruit and develop athletes at the community college / junior college level.

We also dig into Devin’s coaching influences — including his time as a Division I athlete at the University of Houston under Steve Magness and as a coach at Gonzaga under legendary Pat Tyson — plus why Cerro Coso’s high desert trails, facilities, and affordability can be a sneaky advantage for JUCO runners looking to level up.

If you’re a high school runner, JUCO prospect, distance coach, or someone who loves the behind-the-scenes reality of building a program from scratch, this one is packed with value.

Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching 🐑🏃‍♂️
Value-for-value: Support the show 
Cerro Coso XC/TF: @cerrocosoxctf (IG)
Follow ABR: @aireybrosradio

Podcast Show Notes
03:11 ABR show open + welcome (Howdy & Aloha)
04:08 Devin Fahey intro + Cerro Coso’s Year 1 milestones
05:31 Where recruits can find the program (IG / recruiting links)
06:03 Devin’s origin story: Houston running, family influence, early coaches
07:26 The coach who saved his life + why mentorship matters
07:46 High school training culture + “wild” workouts and building a winning team
09:21 University of Houston: team identity, competing at D1 level
10:19 Coaching through COVID + keeping athletes motivated
10:58 Breaking into coaching: emailing 100+ programs + taking the volunteer leap
11:16 Gonzaga opportunity + Pat Tyson’s honesty about the grind
12:43 “31-hour drive for a volunteer job” — earning your way into coaching
15:13 Why Cerro Coso: AD interview, community support, trails, facilities
16:10 High desert training environment + “runner’s paradise”
18:48 Year 1 goals: “show a sign of life” + what actually happened
20:53 Ryan Morrison + mixing experienced runners with brand-new athletes
22:58 Devin’s thesis: it wasn’t the workouts — it was trust + psychological safety
23:58 Adjusting expectations as an elite athlete coaching beginners
26:53 Taking JUCO athletes to D1-level meets + reframing results
29:30 Season design: getting “punched in the mouth” early, peaking when it counts
31:00 Steve Magness culture: autonomy, ownership, and team accountability
34:39 Building culture at Cerro Coso: community + improvement + support
37:44 Emotional turning point: conference weekend + the “5th man” story
40:49 Private team moment by the hotel pool — realizing it’s real
42:12 JUCO stigma: how Devin talks recruits through myths and misconceptions
45:33 “Nobody asks where you started” + the long-game mindset (master’s vision)
47:07 Recruiting reality: local pool vs out-of-state (Alaska/Nevada/etc.)
50:33 Why affordability can be a recruiting advantage in California
51:29 Track program launch: distance-first approach + meets they’ll attend
53:20 Event range philosophy (400–10K) + early season plans
54:15 Athlete spotlight: Walker Fleming + winter mileage jump and big upside
56:55 Academics: majors, engineering/computer science + the “general major” option
59:47 What Devin wants recruits to know most: “this is a family — show up”
1:04:17 High Desert ultramarathon in Ridgecrest + trail system talk
1:05:52 Favorite Pat Tyson story: servant leadership + cleaning the locker room
1:09:15 Fun quick-hitters: chocolate milk recipe, hot water “coffee” ritual
1:11:25 Daily rituals + mirror mindset practice before big meets
1:13:19 What he’s listening/reading: jazz, Kid Cudi, Siddhartha
1:15:11 Favorite coaching book: Pat Tyson’s How to Coach Cross Country Successfully
1:18:14 Guilty pleasure: ramen obsession + Houston food scene
1:21:42 Closing thank-yous + future 3C2A roundtable tease
1:23:00 ABR outro + next live show plug

Dr. Bill Schindler joins Airey Bros Radio (ABR 438) for a deep-dive conversation that connects Jersey Shore wrestling culture to ancestral nutrition, anthropology, and real-world health.Bill is Jersey Shore bred — a Red Bank Regional wrestler who went on to compete at Ohio State and The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) — before becoming a leading voice in ancestral food systems. He’s the author of Eat Like a Human, founder of The Modern Stone Age Kitchen, and a researcher/educator helping families, athletes, and coaches rethink what “healthy eating” actually means.We talk wrestling weight cuts, the mental side of food, why modern diets wreck digestion, and Bill’s core idea: humans aren’t omnivores by biology — we’re omnivores by technology (fire, fermentation, traditional preparation, and bioavailability). Bill also shares practical takeaways for wrestlers, endurance athletes, parents, and coaches, including why he’d consider keto for wrestling and how to start small with changes that compound.In this episode:

• Jersey Shore wrestling roots (Red Bank Regional, Ohio State, TCNJ)
  
  
• Weight cuts, food fear, binge cycles, and athlete nutrition mistakes
  
  
• “Eat Like a Human” fundamentals: fermentation, bioavailability, real food
  
  
• Simple family changes that actually last (start with the foods you eat most)
  
  
• Keto, carnivore, and why context + culture matter in nutrition
  
  
• Insects, organ meats, and pushing comfort zones the smart way
  
  
• Wine additives, traditional fermentation, and “food as a system”
  
  

📌 Follow / tags: @drbillschindler @themodernstoneage
📚 Book: Eat Like a Human
🎧 Airey Bros Radio — available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts

ABR 438 Timestamped Show Notes 
0:00 – Show open (Airey Bros Radio intro + value-for-value)
0:56 – Jersey Shore wrestling intro: Red Bank Regional → Ohio State → TCNJ
2:29 – Plug + where to buy the book: Eat Like a Human + signed copies + Modern Stone Age Kitchen
3:33 – Modern Stone Age Food Lab + Ancestral Table online community (weekly cooking classes)
5:08 – Red Bank Regional / Shore wrestling through-lines (George family, Long Branch ties, NJ wrestling connections)
8:49 – The Jersey debate: Pork roll vs Taylor ham + “Central Jersey” talk
11:34 – Bill’s origin story: overweight kid → running → finds wrestling late → falls in love with the sport
13:32 – Jersey Shore Wrestling Club era + training year-round + NYAC nights
15:18 – Ohio State wrestling recruiting + intensity + pressure
17:34 – Keratoconus / eyesight failing + college struggles (real talk on support systems)
20:00 – The dark side of D1 culture: injury + being treated like an asset
26:09 – Coming home defeated + the turning point
27:01 – Coach Dave Eisenhower / TCNJ: getting a second chance + “life-changing” opportunity
29:04 – Advice to recruits: what questions to ask coaches + teammates + academic support reality
34:33 – Anthropology / archaeology journey begins (11 majors → finds the lane)
37:17 – Rutgers rejection vs Temple acceptance (identity shift + finally “armed and ready”)
39:50 – Wrestling mindset → PhD grind (discipline, reps, survival mentality)
42:26 – Orthorexia / being “that guy” around food (social cost + culture of eating)
44:05 – Key clip moment: successful wrestler despite diet + carbs/weight cut culture + metabolic fallout after competition
46:14 – The shower lightbulb: prehistoric tech is mostly about food (fire, fermentation, processing)
49:48 – Wrestlers & nutrition: practical entry points + questioning everything
50:56 – Keto for wrestlers: why he’d do it, clarity of rules, avoiding the old “carb load” myth
55:37 – Humans as omnivores by technology (plants require processing; nutrient access matters)
1:00:41 – The “extreme year” experiment: hunted/caught/local only → too stressful → lesson learned
1:03:22 – Practical family strategy: start with what you eat most (sourdough bread example)
1:05:21 – Insects chapter: why it’s there (push comfort zones, sustainability, ancestral reality)
1:11:20 – Seafood allergy warning (insects = “land seafood” concept)
1:13:13 – Best way to adopt “weird foods”: preparation + context + culture
1:17:32 – Organ meats: why they matter + best beginner path (start with heart)
1:19:08 – Final Four: coffee, rituals (113 pushups/situps), what he’s reading, guilty pleasure
1:25:25 – Wine additives bombshell: conventional vs organic vs traditional wild-fermented wine
1:29:35 – Closeout: shoutouts, links, upcoming ABR episodes

Episode 437 of Airey Bros Radio is now LIVE on all podcast platforms — originally streamed on ABR YouTube on Feb 3, 2026.

We’re joined by Jim Giunta, Founder / President & Chairman of the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) — the governing body that’s helped create college wrestling opportunity for thousands of athletes across the U.S., Canada, and beyond.

In this conversation, Jim breaks down what the NCWA is (and isn’t), why we should call them teams/programs — not “club teams,” and how wrestlers can start a program at their school the right way (hint: it starts with students, not coaches walking into the AD’s office).

We also get into NCWA Nationals (massive brackets + big-show atmosphere), transition teams (schools moving divisions who compete through the NCWA), the rise of women’s collegiate wrestling (folkstyle + freestyle), and Jim’s newest project — the National Collegiate Grappling Association (NCGA/NCGAA) with rules designed to reward real takedowns and action.

Powered by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching / ☕ Value-for-value: BuyMeACoffee.com/AireyBros

Time-Stamped Show Notes (Episode 437)
0:00 ABR mission: spotlighting opportunities beyond the “Power 4”
0:40 Show open + intro: Jim Giunta joins (NCWA Founder/President)
1:58 Jim’s background + NCWA growth overview (teams, athletes, alumni)
3:05 Why the NCWA matters: real opportunity for wrestlers who aren’t D1 roster locks
3:55 Jim’s origin story: Pennsylvania to Texas A&M — “we ain’t got no wrestling here”
5:58 Starting wrestling in Texas: early club roots + building infrastructure
6:39 Why Jim founded the NCWA (late 90s) and how it started with 13 teams
8:34 Teams/programs vs “club wrestling” — why language matters
9:09 The Apprentice School example + athletic-department funded programs
10:02 NCWA as a wrestling-only governing body (not distracted by other sports)
11:20 NCWA “D1 vs D2” structure + what “emerging programs” means
12:24 “Orphan alumni” and rebuilding programs at schools that dropped wrestling
14:04 Want wrestling at your school? How to start a program from scratch
15:21 Biggest mistake: coaches pitching the AD first (why that door slams fast)
16:06 The blueprint: student-led club → recognition → funding → coach → growth
18:23 Why NCWA requires non-student coaches (program stability + continuity)
19:24 Developing the next generation of coaches through NCWA pathways
20:04 Transition teams: how NCWA helps schools moving divisions compete + recruit
21:29 Myth-busting: transition teams don’t automatically dominate
22:10 Examples + how transition teams elevate the overall wrestling ecosystem
24:07 Women’s wrestling: NCWA’s early push + why “a league of their own” matters
27:12 Women’s folkstyle + freestyle: why both matter and how NCWA supports both
28:25 Launching collegiate grappling (NCGA/NCGAA): goals + vision
29:34 New rules: no guard-pulling freebies, push-out emphasis, more action
31:00 Grappling culture vs wrestling culture + building a more competitive format
32:32 NCGA season timing (spring) + future crossover with wrestling athletes
33:35 Wrestlers in MMA: Tony Ferguson + more examples of wrestling translating
34:33 Marine biology to education to business: how Jim learned to build organizations
36:27 NCWA Nationals: 65-man brackets, big-show production, men + women together
37:46 Nationals scale: mats, qualifiers, and what it feels like in the arena
39:26 Invitation: ABR broadcasting live from NCWA Nationals
40:47 2026 Nationals location: Shreveport/Bossier City, Louisiana (details + perks)
42:02 Conferences across the country + how qualification works
43:36 State representation goals + travel/money realities for newer programs
44:46 D1/NAIA programs running second rosters in NCWA + the “walk-on” evolution
47:03 The Ohio State example + why the rule changed
49:46 “What else should the audience know?” — how to contact Jim + parent insight
52:04 Magic-wand vision: alumni support, scholarships, keeping programs alive
54:08 Fun finish: coffee habits, routines, reading, travel, guilty pleasures
1:02:28 Closing: gratitude + where to follow (ncwa.net + NCWA socials)

Liberty Wrestling is entering a new chapter — and Airey Bros Radio is going belly-to-belly with the new Head Wrestling Coach of Liberty University, Chris Williamson.Coach Williamson returns to Lynchburg after six seasons under legendary coach Jesse Castro, during a run that included NCWA team titles, All-Americans, national champs, and elite academic standards. Before coming back, he built Cornerstone University’s inaugural wrestling program into a Top-25 NAIA contender, producing 12 NAIA qualifiers and 3 All-Americans.In this episode, we go deep on what recruits, parents, and coaches need to understand right now:

• Why “D1 or bust” is often the wrong mindset (especially with today’s NCAA landscape)
  
  
• How Liberty helped redefine “club wrestling” and why the NCWA is legit
  
  
• What fully-funded actually means in the NCWA world (fundraising, support, scholarships)
  
  
• Recruiting education: parents’ misconceptions, badges, stigma, and real opportunity
  
  
• Faith-based culture, standards, leadership, and building men beyond wins/losses
  
  
• Coach’s journey: Messiah (NCAA D3) → Liberty → Cornerstone (NAIA) → back to Liberty
  
  
• Postseason outlook + who to watch as Liberty gears up for March
  
  

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get podcasts.
☕️ Value-for-value: If you get value from this conversation, support the show: BuyMeACoffee.com/AireyBros
🔥 Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching (ultra + nutrition coaching)
📲 Liberty Wrestling IG: @LibertyMWrestling
📲 Airey Bros Radio IG: @AireyBrosRadio

Timestamp/Show Notes:
0:00 – Recruiting reality check: getting out of your bubble, “D1 or bust” shifting, social media changing discovery
1:54 – Intro: Liberty Wrestling, Coach Williamson takes the torch after Jesse Castro
4:06 – Where recruits can find Liberty: IG @LibertyMWrestling + building toward 10K followers
5:00 – Family ties: marrying Coach Castro’s daughter + the accidental ring-size “bust” story
7:14 – Origin story: starting wrestling late → craving more → grad assistant opportunity at Liberty
9:53 – The stigma: “NCWA isn’t NCAA” + why Liberty changed his mind
10:10 – NCWA explained: the future of non–Division I wrestling? autonomy, growth, legitimacy
11:10 – Programs raising the standard: Liberty as flagship + other serious NCWA programs
13:00 – Biggest national tournament in the country: bracket depth + why it’s hard to win
14:07 – Fully funded programs: fundraising, dues, university support, and what Liberty provides
17:44 – Scholarships at Liberty (club sport): scholarship fundraising approval + what’s opening up
18:33 – Recruiting education: parents/athletes learning what NCWA really is at a 4-year school
19:26 – “Blue badge” question: what does NCAA give you that Liberty can’t? (and the answer…)
22:03 – Myth-busting: “kids just show up” vs real recruiting + real expectations (practice, travel, compliance)
23:20 – Tournament talk: early rounds vs quarters/semis/finals + D2/D1-level examples
26:00 – Why leave Cornerstone to return to Liberty: family, sustainability, support structure, “let coaches coach”
30:06 – Coaching philosophy: being there for athletes (wrestling + life) without backend burnout
31:26 – Lessons learned: listening to Coach Castro + using mentorship the second time around
33:21 – Faith-based recruiting: how it narrows the pool but increases culture quality
37:41 – Developing the whole person: wrestling as the tool to shape character
38:06 – Liberty’s faith mix: lifelong believers + “new/curious” students + standards + welcome
41:38 – Liberty standards (then vs now): the “can’t dance” lore + professional dress expectations
44:53 – Biggest hurdles taking over: Liberty systems/red tape + leadership mistake (relationship before change)
50:12 – Postseason status: young roster, identity, injuries, finishing strong by March
52:17 – Qualification path: conference AQs + at-large, “best guys at nationals”
52:59 – Who to watch: key names + the “courage to fail” mindset for high-level performance
57:19 – Taking over for father-in-law: pressure of legacy + representing school and faith
59:47 – Final Four: coffee (Americano, espresso machine), daily rituals, Full Focus Planner
1:03:14 – Family life: five kids + the “natural wrestler” son
1:04:05 – What he’s consuming: wrestling pods + Bigfoot/Blurry Creatures + interdimensional Bigfoot take
1:07:07 – Guilty pleasure: scary movies + ice cream (Moose Tracks) + favorite: Zodiac
1:08:38 – Closing: Liberty fans deeper than ever + NCWA Championships (March 26–28, Louisiana)

Texas wrestling is on the verge of a major shift — and Coach Grant Leeth is right in the middle of it.In Episode 435 of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly-to-belly with Coach Grant Leeth, head wrestling coach at Tarleton State and a key part of the Texas Collegiate Wrestling Foundation, to talk about building a program with national ambition — and what it could mean for the first NCAA Division I wrestling future in Texas history.

We get into Grant’s Missouri roots, how injuries shaped him as a coach, the culture of “Tiger Style” (and why he’s adjusted training to protect athletes who are too motivated), and what it’s really like fundraising from scratch — including the wild idea of a bull-riding fundraiser.

We also spotlight what doesn’t get enough love: the NCWA. Grant explains why the NCWA is one of the biggest opportunity-makers in wrestling, how it can function as a pipeline for roster caps, and why it may be the sport’s best “insurance policy” in uncertain NCAA times.

Plus: Grant’s health-conscious dress shoe brand built for recovery (“running shoe disguised as a dress shoe”), recruiting angles, tuition hacks for out-of-state athletes, and why Texas is still massively under-tapped.

Key topics: Tarleton State Wrestling, Texas D1 wrestling, NCWA, Tiger Style, Rob Cole, Stanford Wrestling, Missouri Wrestling, recruiting, fundraising, roster caps, NCAA uncertainty, in-state tuition waivers, Texas wrestling growth, Shreveport NCWA nationals.

Show Notes With Timestamps
0:00 ABR mission: spotlighting JUCO/NAIA/D2/D3/NCWA programs + getting Jersey kids everywhere
2:26 Full ABR intro + guest intro: Coach Grant Leeth (Tarleton State) + Texas Collegiate Wrestling Foundation
5:20 Recruiting plugs + where to learn more (tsu wrestling site, updates, newsletter)
6:11 Grant plugs his product: health-conscious dress shoes (recovery-focused), copper threading + Hoka-style outsole
8:33 ABR pitch: “I’ll run a marathon in your dress shoes” cross-promo (Leadville + 26.2 talk)
10:23 Grant’s origin story: tiny-town Missouri kid hears “wrestling” and thinks WWE
11:50 First practice moment: coach tells dad “he’s a natural” — and Grant can’t quit after that
13:13 Coaching starts in college: injuries, surgeries, and coaching teammates while sidelined
14:47 Career impact: major injuries, peak ranking, nationals finish, and the hard stop
16:07 The bitter taste + leaving wrestling… briefly (Florida job)
17:08 Lessons from injuries: film study, mental reps, never guaranteed anything, gratitude for mat time
18:50 Training philosophy shift: balancing “one more” with recovery for intrinsically motivated athletes
21:20 Breaking down Tiger Style: identity, daily choices, culture pillars, “one more” mentality
23:03 ABR adopting “one more” into coaching/PE culture
24:03 Path to Stanford: missing wrestling, Tampa Jesuit help, Stanford storyline + Rob Cole connection
25:54 The legendary Rob Cole reply: “not qualified” + equipment room joke → then the real invite
27:39 Driving 44 hours to the Bay Area + first real coaching break
30:47 Staff change → being let go + the Texas D1 opportunity emerges
33:47 Fundraising rumor confirmed: bull riding fundraiser idea (Tarleton rodeo culture)
36:20 Comedy fundraiser: Grant does 10 minutes opening for Greg Warren (sold-out event)
41:18 Reality check: fundraising without alumni, room, or built-in base — “what am I fundraising for?”
42:39 D1 timeline tease: conference acceptance + “major announcement soon” (careful not to overpromise)
43:54 Season update: roster changes, ranked progress, D1 opponents, tournament placers, NCWA ranking
46:22 Recruiting pitch: being first in Texas, trailblazer mindset, “do what Little Rock did — faster”
49:34 Mike Moyer/NWCA goal: a D1 program in every state + Texas impact
53:09 Why the NCWA matters: opportunities, roster caps pipeline, growth, and wrestling’s safety net
59:11 NCWA gripe: Club Cup duels restriction conflicts with “opportunity” mission
1:00:52 Tarleton recruiting: in-state tuition waiver for out-of-state (GPA/SAT/class rank)
1:03:00 Location + campus growth + Texas A&M system resources
1:03:43 Tarleton majors: education, nursing, engineering, ag + job placement stats
1:06:00 Roster makeup: mostly Texas kids + untapped recruiting market
1:11:05 Texas wrestling participation growth + number of programs vs public schools
1:13:13 Tarleton as new D1 athletic department + campus culture (clean campus, “don’t walk on the grass”)
1:15:03 “60% female population” note for the single wrestlers 😅
1:16:48 Daily ritual: journaling (gratitude + improvements + daily goals)
1:18:14 What Grant listens to + Texas music rabbit hole
1:20:30 Guilty pleasure: Pokémon collecting + recruiting connection
1:22:14 Favorite wrestling shoe talk: Brute uglies, Air Reversals, new ASICS “freaks” vibe
1:23:28 Wrap-up + future return when news drops + shoutouts

In Episode 434 of Airey Bros Radio, we sit down with Coach Jimmy Overhiser, Head Wrestling Coach at Mercyhurst University, to break down what it really takes to build a Division I wrestling program from the ground up.Coach Overhiser shares his journey from Reinhardt University to Drexel University and United States Military Academy, before taking the reins at Mercyhurst during its transition to NCAA Division I.

We dive deep into:
✅ Recruiting during a D1 transition
✅ Creating culture, accountability, and long-term stability
✅ What “FIT” really means for student-athletes
✅ Faith, academics, and leadership development
✅ NCWA postseason strategy during the transition years
✅ Mercyhurst’s elite majors like Intelligence Studies and 4+1 Business
✅ Building facilities, staff, and infrastructure from scratch
✅ Why Pennsylvania remains one of the deepest wrestling states in America

This episode is packed with real recruiting insight, program-building strategy, and honest perspective for athletes, parents, and coaches navigating today’s college wrestling landscape.If you care about college wrestling recruiting, Division I program development, or finding the right academic-athletic fit — this one’s for you.🎧 Now streaming on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

⏱️ Timestamp Show Notes
0:00 – ABR mission + spotlighting under-covered programs
2:07 – Official intro + Coach Overhiser background
3:19 – Taking over Mercyhurst during its D1 transition
7:54 – Cornell connections + coaching network
9:46 – NCWA postseason importance during transition years
11:57 – Supporting seniors through program changes
13:50 – Wrestling origin story (yes… WWE played a role 😄)
16:29 – Discovering coaching as a career path
18:35 – Life in NAIA wrestling + recruiting Northeast athletes
21:39 – Applying for the Mercyhurst job + building a program plan
25:08 – CEO mindset: fundraising, retention, recruiting strategy
26:40 – Core coaching philosophy + individualized athlete development
30:01 – Recruiting “FIT” and eliminating culture problems early
33:43 – Lifestyle recruiting: fishing, teammates, small-campus life
36:09 – Explaining D1 transition + postseason eligibility
39:49 – Why Mercyhurst moved to Division I
44:22 – Mercyhurst academic strengths (Intelligence, Business 4+1, Sciences)
46:50 – Running a program as essentially a one-man staff
50:59 – Handling overwhelm + remembering why coaching matters
54:18 – Pennsylvania wrestling depth + regional recruiting advantage
56:31 – Faith-based culture at Mercyhurst
58:00 – Campus vibe + upcoming wrestling facility plans
59:24 – Wyoming Seminary prep days + Blair Academy battles
1:02:25 – Daily habits, training, and leadership routines
1:07:30 – Guilty pleasure reveal (Clear American + Monsters 😅)
1:10:03 – Final thoughts + Mercyhurst Wrestling future

In Episode 433 of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly-to-belly with Nate Shearer, Head Wrestling Coach at Washington & Lee University, for a deep dive into what it really takes to build a championship-level Division III wrestling program while maintaining elite academic standards.Coach Shearer breaks down his 13-year journey leading the Generals, how W&L climbed from small rosters and forfeits to becoming a conference champion and national contender, and why the ODAC’s growth has made D3 wrestling in Virginia more competitive (and more fun) than ever.We also get into high-academic recruiting realities (early decision, fit-first recruiting, national pipeline), what W&L students actually study (business, engineering, health professions, CS), the culture shift that keeps athletes thriving, and the behind-the-scenes “CEO” side of running a program—travel, film, training, community, and consistency.Plus: Springsteen, the Stone Pony, coffee setups, saunas, vinyl, and the most dangerous guilty pleasure in America: ice cream.Follow Washington & Lee Wrestling:

• Website: generalsports.com
  
  
• Social: @generalswrestle (Instagram/X)
  
  

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Timestamp / Show Notes 
0:00 ABR mission: shining light on JUCO/NAIA/D2/D3 opportunities + recruiting conversations we wish we had
1:29 Intro: Nate Shearer, Head Coach at Washington & Lee Wrestling (Year 13)
3:16 2025–26 snapshot: season context + ODAC dual stretch ahead
3:52 Where recruits/parents should go: generalsports.com + @generalswrestle
4:18 Through-line: ODAC talk + shoutout to Coach Nate Yetzer (Roanoke)
5:05 Virginia D3 wrestling growth: from “only program” to a full conference
6:43 Has ODAC expansion changed recruiting? Why it’s helped, not hurt
8:32 Origin story: “I didn’t want to wrestle” — thrown into a tournament with zero prep
10:08 Mark Coleman connection + early chaos of learning wrestling the hard way
12:58 When coaching became the path: Ohio Northern → mentorship → wrestling finally becomes “fun”
16:09 First coaching years: volunteering, teaching, GA role, building a youth club from scratch
19:09 Coaching philosophy: building athletes up, not tearing them down
23:54 Year 1 vs Year 13 at W&L: tiny roster, forfeits, growing in “small chunks”
24:58 Turning point: first national qualifier (2016) + expectations shift
25:27 Admissions reality: low acceptance rate + recruiting the right academic fit
26:37 Culture + community: families/alumni, packed home invite, “it’s not hard to be here”
29:19 High-academic recruiting pace: Early Decision deadline + why the “funnel” moves fast
31:25 Best wrestling state debate: NJ guys pounding the drum… but the data loves Connecticut
33:24 What majors recruits choose: business, health professions, engineering, CS + sciences
35:29 Facilities + Lexington vibe + being next door to VMI (two closest wrestling campuses)
37:17 2025–26 season report: best rankings in program history, injuries, staying steady
39:29 Date to circle: Friday, Feb 6 @ Roanoke (potentially stacked ranked lineup)
40:22 Brisket at matches? Not yet—“need a clone” (but recruiting camp meals are real)
41:15 Historic flex: 1936 wrestling championships hosted at W&L + gym built in the early 1900s
44:06 “Head coach as CEO”: what he actually manages (training, travel, film, recruiting)
45:04 Resources matter: why W&L is positioned differently (support systems, fewer corners cut)
48:33 Department success + top programs across campus + the “full package” student-athlete experience
52:03 Coffee talk: Americano life, pour over hacks, road-map coffee shout
54:32 Daily ritual: basement sauna + outdoor shower (recovery > cold tubs)
56:45 What he’s listening to: Steven Wilson Jr. + vinyl collecting
58:01 Flea market circuit upbringing: baseball cards, memorabilia, Ohio hustle
1:00:36 Cleveland baseball + Major League quotes + stadium nostalgia
1:01:14 Prize vinyl: Springsteen — Nebraska
1:03:13 Airey Bros Stone Pony classics: Warped Tour, Deftones, Pennywise, Sublime, Blink, 311
1:05:16 Springsteen deep cut: “Atlantic City” + NJ States mindset story
1:07:46 Guilty pleasure: ice cream (Reese’s/peanut butter + Butterfinger ice cream bars)
1:09:33 Wrap-up + where to follow W&L + what’s next on ABR