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Join episode 367 of Airey Bros Radio, where we go Belly to Belly with Coach Gennaro Bonaventura, head wrestling coach at Fairmont State University (streamed live May 27). Discover how he’s elevated the Falcons with back-to-back third-place finishes at the MEC Championships, NCAA DII national qualifiers each season, and strong Academic All-Americans.
We dive into:🛠️ Building a DII wrestling program from scratch
🎓 Balancing academics, athlete development & grit
🏆 Lessons from DIII All-Americans & NCAA champs
🎯 Recruiting mindset across West Virginia, PA’s WPIAL & beyond
🤼♂️ Team culture, multisport benefits & summer camps
Whether you're a wrestler, parent, or coach, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Streamed live from our studio — fueled by CS Instant Coffee & Black Sheep Endurance Coaching. Subscribe & share to support what's right in college athletics!
⏱️ Show Notes & Timestamps0:00 - Intro & live stream setup0:05Coach G's multi‑divisional start & DIII exposure
0:49 - Fairmont State reboot and early days
1:18 - Guest connection: Coach Boland link7:04Coaching origin & athletic family background
7:52 - Balancing football & wrestling in college
13:25 - Thoughts on multisport athletes and recruiting
17:16 - Transition to Fairmont State & rebuilding a program
20:03 - Recruiting in WV, PA, MD & OH — “the Whipio” region
26:00 - DII vs DIII differences & scholarship dynamics
32:02 - “Ahead of schedule”: 34 dual wins in 3 seasons
33:44 - Next steps: targeting St. Cloud, Lander & NE…
41:24 - Defining success: character over medals
43:05 - "Once you wrestle, everything in life is easier.”
45:16 - Role of team culture & fun in retention
46:46 - Fairmont’s pitch: competition, campus & open roles
48:18 - Leadership evolution: head coach lessons
51:52 - Coaching family & podcast partnership with his twin
55:03 - D3 Nation podcast highlights
57:54 - Coaches friendly rivalry: Fairmont vs Stevens Tech
1:01:56 - Daily life: dad duties, routines & energy drinks
1:03:31 - Guilty pleasure sushi in WV
1:06:45 - Final thoughts — expanding support beyond D1 -
In Episode 366 of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly to belly with Tom Houck, President and co-founder of CLAW Wrestling, the new professional wrestling league rewriting the rulebook. From revolutionary pylon scoring, team-based formats, and fantasy-style drafting, CLAW is built for the modern fan and hungry athlete. With the CLAW Invitational coming June 22–23 and the 2025 Draft Day set for July 21 in Atlantic City, Tom shares how CLAW is flipping the script on freestyle and building a true pro league for wrestling.We dive into:Why past pro leagues failed—and how CLAW plans to succeed
The innovative rule set with 12+ scoring options and fan-first design
Team branding, general managers, merch, and mascot madness
Streaming plans, OTT platforms, and why Tuesday Night Wrestling will change everything
Whether you're a coach, athlete, investor, or diehard wrestling fan—this episode is your playbook for the future of the sport.🎯 Learn more: wrestleclaw.com
📲 Follow CLAW: @claw_wrestling
🎧 Subscribe: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube @AireyBros
⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 – Show Intro / Why We Built Airey Bros Radio
2:02 – Welcome Tom Houck / What Is CLAW Wrestling?
4:00 – Tom’s Wrestling Origin Story + Penn State Days
6:40 – Getting Back Into Wrestling Through His Kids
7:30 – The Birth of Top of the Podium and Grassroots Market Research
10:50 – Why Past Pro Leagues Failed & What CLAW Learned
13:00 – Reimagining the Sport from Uniforms to Rules
16:30 – Innovating Mat Wrestling with Pylons + Quick Score Bonus
26:30 – Building Fan-Friendly Rules from the Ground Up
33:30 – Round Structure, Scoring Buckets, and Square Mats
37:00 – Team Format, League Design, and Season Preview
41:00 – The 6 Teams, General Managers, Logos & Mascots
48:00 – How the Draft Works + What Athletes Can Enter
54:00 – CLAW Total Access Streaming, YouTube, and Flow Negotiations
58:30 – Incentivizing Athletes & Why Every Match Matters
1:04:00 – The Founders Club & How Fans Can Support CLAW
1:06:30 – Thoughts on Other Pro Wrestling Leagues Emerging
1:12:00 – NJ Pride, Boardwalk Hall & What’s Next for CLAW
1:17:00 – Final Four Questions: Daily Practices, Elton John, Business Books & Ice Cream -
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In Episode 365 of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly to belly with Coach Jim Gruenwald — 2x Olympian, U.S. Greco-Roman National Champion, head coach at Wheaton College Wrestling, and author of Not All Roads Lead to Gold.Coach Grunwald brings the heat on:
Building a championship DIII program from scratch
Greco’s role in U.S. wrestling development
Using faith as a framework for mentorship and leadership
Why parenting in youth sports needs a total overhaul
How he balances coaching, fatherhood, and authoring 3 books
Whether you're a wrestler, coach, parent, or athlete of faith, this episode will hit your heart, your head, and your soul.
📚 Check out Coach’s books at: https://notallroadsleadtogold.com
📲 Follow Coach on IG: @jamesgruenwald_jcil
🤼♂️ Team IG: @wheatonwrestling
⏱️ Show Notes:
00:00 – From a student radio booth to 365 episodes
03:00 – Meet Coach Jim Gruenwald: Olympian, author, DIII coach
06:30 – Wrestling journey started with a fight at the bus stop
08:00 – Falling in love with Greco Roman—by accident
10:00 – Teaching math made him a better coach
17:00 – The Christian mentorship model at Wheaton Wrestling
20:00 – Writing “Not All Roads Lead to Gold” + parental wisdom
28:00 – Why the U.S. struggles in Greco—and how to fix it
33:00 – Olympic vs D1 recruiting, facility upgrades, and fundraising
42:00 – What makes Wheaton College unique: community + mission
50:00 – How grind matches, cold showers & “righteous suffering” build men
1:03:00 – Winning vs. becoming: why results don’t define athletes
1:09:00 – Final 4: matcha smoothies, sci-fi nerdiness & Coach G’s playlist -
On Episode 364 of Airey Bros Radio, we’re joined by Jersey Shore broadcasting legend Kevin Williams, the voice of WOBM and the Shore Conference for over 45 years. From calling Ocean County College hoops to launching the WOBM Christmas Classic and anchoring morning shows that became a soundtrack to generations of wrestlers, runners, and athletes, Kevin reflects on a lifetime in local sports media. We dive deep into the evolution of radio, the golden era of high school sports, the magic of Seaside summers, and what it means to serve a community with a microphone.Whether you grew up listening to him before wrestling meets or just love Jersey Shore nostalgia, this one’s a trip down memory lane—and a tribute to the storytellers behind the scenes.
🧢 Topics include:History of WOBM & Shore Sports Network
The rise of digital radio & the death of the local DJ
The magic of multisport high school athletes
Iconic Shore Conference legends: Todd Frazier, Christy Pierce, Rob Johnson
Radio vs Podcasting: Then & Now
Burgers, boardwalks, and Bamboo stories
📢 A must-listen for wrestlers, runners, radio junkies, and Jersey Shore locals.
🧾 Show Notes:
0:00 – Welcome & show intro
0:53 – Why we highlight coaches outside the Power Four
1:26 – Honoring Kevin Williams’ 46-year career in Jersey Shore sports media
2:45 – Kevin's broadcasting origins at Ocean County College
4:56 – WOBM, the Shore Conference, and calling games pre-digital era
7:02 – Pork Roll vs Taylor Ham (it's not even close)
10:07 – His broadcasting school days in Philly during the “Rocky” era
14:15 – Breaking into the Ocean County Mall news booth
19:00 – The golden era of radio and how local media shaped communities
25:00 – Blind Faith, the Maria Marshall trial, and WOBM’s role
30:00 – 1998 Tom’s River Little League World Series run
33:00 – Watching future pros like Todd Frazier, Mike Gesicki, and Keith Elias grow up
37:00 – Life as a big fish in a small pond
41:00 – Bob Levy stories, mentorship, and legacy
47:00 – Why multisport athletes still matter
51:00 – Remembering legends: Christy Pierce & Rob Johnson
54:00 – Martin Truex Jr. and Southern Ocean pride
1:00:00 – Covering the Lakewood BlueClaws & minor league baseball memories
1:05:00 – Advice to young media professionals
1:10:00 – Kevin’s summer rituals, guilty pleasures, and favorite Shore spots
1:18:00 – Burgers, boardwalk slices, and Seaside nightlife in the '70s
1:24:00 – Final thoughts & tribute to Jersey Shore radio culture
👊 Follow @aireybros -
In Episode 363 of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly to belly with a true legend in NAIA Track & Field — Coach Ed Fye, Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at Doane University in Crete, Nebraska.With over 40 years at Doane, Coach Fye has built a powerhouse:
🏆 600+ NAIA All-Americans
🏅 40+ National Champions
🥇 2021 NAIA Men's Outdoor National Champs
🥇 58 GPAC Championships and counting
We dig deep into Coach Fye’s journey from rodeo athlete to national title-winning coach, his philosophy on relationship-based coaching, balancing 200+ athletes on one roster, and what makes Doane Track & Field culture elite.
Perfect for:
🎓 High school recruits & parents
🎽 Track & XC coaches
🔥 Fans of NAIA, JUCO, D2/D3 athletics
💡 Anyone building culture in sport
⏱️ Show Notes:2:00 – Intro: Why we spotlight NAIA & underdog programs
2:24 – Coach Fye’s coaching background & legacy at Doane
5:27 – Culture of consistency: Only 3 coaches in 80+ years
8:03 – Coaching 200+ athletes: How he builds real relationships
11:05 – Roster depth & team roles at conference/nationals
16:52 – From rodeo to relays: Coach’s athletic origin story
22:52 – Winning national titles & program milestones
26:34 – Previewing Doane's top national meet contenders
34:10 – Recruiting strategy: 90% Nebraska-grown athletes
36:30 – Football + Track combo: Dual-sport success stories
40:48 – Academic support, small class size & unique majors
44:20 – Town of Crete: Community, local support & food!
50:00 – Doane’s elite indoor facility & weight room
54:49 – Coaching his son, coaching family-first
1:00:00 – Bazooka Joe rituals, rodeo rivalries, and whiskey wisdom
1:04:00 – Final Four: Coffee, country music & guilty pleasures
1:05:40 – Outro: What makes Doane Track & Field specialDoane University TF/XC -
In Episode 362 of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly-to-belly with Dylan Cottrell, head coach of Glenville State University Wrestling (@gsu_wrestling). A former Big 12 champion and three-time NCAA qualifier, Coach Cottrell has transformed Glenville into one of the top NCAA Division II wrestling programs in the country. We discuss Glenville’s meteoric rise to a #2 national ranking, his recruiting philosophy, the pros of wrestling in a small-town program, and how the transfer portal shaped their roster. This episode is a must-listen for wrestlers, coaches, parents, and anyone navigating the college recruiting process.
🔥 Topics Include:
How Glenville built a top 5 - D2 program from scratch
The reality of D1 vs D2 wrestling paths
Portal power: Why 8 of 10 starters transferred from D1
Life, grit, and growth in small-town West Virginia
Unique majors, outdoor life, and rifle ranges on campus
Recruiting tips for athletes and parents
🎧 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, YouTube & more
🎥 Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AireyBros
Show Notes:
0:00 – Intro & mission of Airey Bros
2:20 – Welcoming Coach Dylan Cottrell
3:32 – From Big 12 champ to D2 coaching
5:00 – Glenville State’s rise to national prominence
7:30 – Unique campus culture: gun ranges, farms, outdoors
10:00 – Recruiting through Instagram
12:00 – Training and coaching style at GSU
14:50 – From youth burnout to 4x WV state champ
17:20 – Picking wrestling over college football
20:00 – Coaching roots and the Brown University detour
25:00 – Transfer portal recruiting success
30:00 – Selling Glenville: authenticity vs. hype
36:30 – What kind of wrestler fits Glenville’s culture
41:00 – Small-town focus and fewer distractions
45:00 – 2025-26 roster preview and portal updates
51:00 – Building a culture with respect, not fear
56:00 – Behind-the-scenes staff and wrestling-first support
1:03:00 – Advice to recruits: go where you're truly wanted
1:08:00 – Coach’s favorite guilty pleasures and conspiracies
1:13:00 – Closing: West Virginia pride and D2 firepower
This is a must-watch for every wrestler, coach, and parent looking for real talk on what college wrestling is all about. -
In Episode 361 of Airey Bros Radio, we step back onto the mat with Middletown North Wrestling Head Coach Eric Morley, a special education teacher and Shore Conference leader who took the Lions from a losing record to a Top 6 team in New Jersey.Coach Morley breaks down how he’s building a blue-collar powerhouse from the ground up—emphasizing culture, consistency, and character.
We talk about:
Turning around an 8–12 team into a 24–2 juggernaut
Coaching state champ Tyler Klinsky from middle school to Atlantic City
Lessons learned from Jay Nace and Rob Nucci
Balancing teaching, fatherhood, and two varsity sports
Why “tough together” isn’t just a slogan—it’s the standard
If you're a coach, wrestler, parent, or fan of grassroots growth and old-school grit, this episode is for you.🎧 Now streaming on all platforms:
🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61TKhMCXCfmfZRYb22saFe
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Aireybros
📲 Follow us on IG: @aireybrosradio
Timestamps / Show Notes
0:00 – Intro: The vision behind Airey Bros
1:08 – Middletown North's breakout season: From 8–12 to 24–2
3:00 – Shore Conference roots and shoutouts
6:00 – Coach Morley’s origin story in wrestling and teaching
10:00 – Coaching both soccer and wrestling at the varsity level
13:00 – Building culture at a blue-collar public school
20:00 – Beating Howell for the first time in 20 years
24:00 – Developing champions like Tyler Klinsky
31:00 – Sacrificing wins to build long-term grit
37:00 – How Middletown North wins without a wrestling room
45:00 – Coaching life lessons & tough conversations
50:00 – Raising the bar with special ed students
56:00 – On trades, vocations, and success beyond sports
1:05:00 – What’s ahead for the 2025–26 season
1:10:00 – Final Four: Daily rituals, coffee, music, guilty pleasures
1:15:00 – Closing reflections + gratitude -
In Episode 360 of Airey Bros Radio, we’re going belly-to-belly with one of the top minds in NCAA Division III wrestling: Coach Joe Galante of The College of New Jersey. A South Jersey native and TCNJ alum, Coach Galante has built a powerhouse rooted in culture, consistency, and care.We dig deep into his origin story, the evolution of TCNJ Wrestling, and what makes the Lions stand out in the D3 landscape. From developing All-Americans and high-character humans to incorporating yoga, mindset, and nutrition coaching—Coach Galante shares what it takes to build a championship program on and off the mat.We also talk about transfers, alumni legacy, academic standards, wrestling camps, CrossFit integration, and why a strong culture wins championships.Whether you're a coach, recruit, parent, or diehard fan of New Jersey wrestling, this one is loaded with actionable insights, heartfelt moments, and even a few laughs. Don’t miss it!
⏱️ Show Notes & Topics Covered:
0:00 – Intro: Why TCNJ, New Jersey roots & building pipelines
1:40 – Coach Galante’s wrestling/coaching origin story
6:50 – The role of TCNJ camps in recruiting & community
12:00 – From Ocean City PE closet to college head coach
17:15 – Transfers, D1 bounce-backs & building a complete lineup
21:30 – Team culture: bonding, service, & communication
24:40 – Scholar All-Americans & academic structure at TCNJ
28:50 – Yoga, mindset, nutrition & longevity in college wrestling
36:00 – Spotting diamonds in the rough during recruiting
43:00 – How to balance performance goals vs. outcomes
50:10 – Delegating as head coach & coaching staff structure
55:20 – Offseason prep & who’s coming back in 2025
1:00:50 – Emotional highs at Nationals & Saturday mindset
1:07:10 – Growing up with a coach dad & wrestling family
1:14:30 – CrossFit, cold dips, bone broth & staying dialed
1:19:40 – Guilty pleasures, family life, and building legacy
Follow the Lions
@tcnj_wrestling
Now available on Spotify, Apple & YouTube 🎧 -
Episode 359 of Airey Bros Radio features ultrarunner and CrossFit Endurance coach Todd Pollock of Greater Than Endurance. Todd takes us inside the grind of completing his longest race to date—the Sedona Canyons 125 miler.We dive deep into the world of long-distance trail running, discussing:How Todd structures his training with strength, rucking, and running
Why “time on feet” matters more than mileage
Fueling strategies for 100+ mile races
The emotional and mental toll of going solo
Lessons learned from Sedona and how they carry into coaching
Whether you’re an aspiring ultrarunner, a CrossFitter eyeing endurance, or someone searching for mental toughness strategies—this episode brings the goods.
📲 Follow Todd on Instagram: @greaterthanendurance
🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and all podcast platforms.
⏱️ Timestamps & Show Notes:0:00 – Intro: Wrestling, CrossFit, and D1 distance background
1:45 – Meet Todd Pollock of Greater Than Endurance
4:05 – What drew him to the Sedona Canyons 125
6:50 – From CrossFit to ultra: building grit mile by mile
10:00 – Gaining weight, losing purpose, and finding running again
15:15 – How he balances strength & endurance
20:30 – Weekly ruck strategy and mental resilience training
27:55 – Why he hired a coach (and what it taught him)
33:30 – East Coast vs. West Coast trail debate
39:00 – Crew vs. pacers: ultra strategy on the fly
44:25 – Fueling favorites: pancakes, Nutella Uncrustables, & Precision Hydration
51:00 – Morning rituals, mindset, and meditation
57:15 – What Todd’s reading and listening to right now
1:03:40 – Reflections from Sedona: solo miles, quiet strength, and the code of the West
1:07:30 – Final thoughts: community, consistency, and doing hard things -
In this powerhouse episode of Airey Bros Radio, we sit down with Coach Ben Clymer—2024 Bucks County Coach of the Year and the visionary behind Faith Christian Academy’s rise to the No. 1-ranked high school wrestling team in the nation. From launching the program on a hillside without mats to producing state champions and D1 commits, Coach Clymer shares his journey through faith, family, and building a dynasty.We dive deep into:Pennsylvania vs. Jersey wrestling culture
The public vs. private school debate in PA
Launching a team from nothing to national power
Coaching as ministry and mentorship
The importance of family and brotherhood in wrestling
Faith Christian’s culture, community, and continued dominance
🎧 Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms.
🙏 Subscribe, rate, and share to help us grow grassroots wrestling content.
📋 Show Notes + Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro, Jersey boys go live
1:55 – Why we do this: wrestling + cross country foundation
2:14 – Coach Clymer’s coaching accolades & background
7:02 – Origin story: growing up in PA wrestling
10:48 – The academic hiccup that lit the fire
13:02 – Family of 9, sibling dynamics in sport
17:03 – Early desire to coach and be a role model
20:00 – Leaving teaching to grow Faith Christian
24:32 – Starting Faith Christian’s wrestling program from scratch
29:48 – The first "bad news bears" season
32:38 – When the floodgates opened: The Kale Widman domino
36:01 – From public school roots to leading a private powerhouse
40:00 – Debate: one-class vs two-class state structure
43:06 – What makes Hershey State Championships so special
46:44 – Celebrating state champs: Arugas + Mr. Softee
50:06 – Inside Faith Christian Academy’s school and wrestling structure
54:50 – Competing with Bishop McCort & building culture
59:03 – Social media, NIL & being present
1:07:27 – Daily rituals: Proverbs & 8-before-8
1:08:09 – Final 4 Qs: Coffee, music, guilty pleasures
1:12:10 – Ice cream, M&Ms, and beach days in Ocean City
1:20:00 – Outro + Faith Christian banner for the ABR wall
📲 Socials (Add These in Description + IG Post):
📸 @faithchristianwrestling
📸 @benjimr
🎙 @aireybrosradio
📺 YouTube: Airey Bros Radio -
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Airey Bros Radio, we sit down with Pete Reilly—head coach of Riley Wrestling Club and Region 6 alum—to talk wrestling, fatherhood, life lessons, and building something bigger than the mat. From launching a club during COVID to redefining what it means to coach with heart, Pete shares how adversity shaped his journey as a coach, dad, and mentor.💥
We cover:
00:00 – Intro: Why we started Airey Bros & the need for real conversations04:05 – Pete Reilly’s wrestling background, Region 6 roots & D3 journey09:48 – Coaching youth wrestlers & staying connected to Howell’s wrestling scene14:00 – Balancing toughness with compassion: Building club culture20:01 – Managing parent expectations & preventing early burnout28:33 – Why struggle matters: Lessons from failure & baby turtle wisdom35:42 – Pete’s shift from athlete to coach: confidence vs. cockiness41:00 – Parenting through sports: Building kids up, not breaking them down45:56 – Creating Reilly Wrestling Club: Origin story, growth, vision52:14 – Real estate hustle, mindset tools & daily routines that fuel Pete’s success57:30 – Why community and gratitude power performance1:02:50 – Closing thoughts: internal belief, role models & wrestling as life trainingWhether you're a parent, athlete, coach, or lifelong mat-rat, this one hits home.
📲 Follow Pete Reilly:
Instagram: @reillywrestlingclub
Club: @howellwrestlingclub -
In Episode 348 of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly-to-belly with Vinnie Santaniello, founder of Shore Thing Wrestling Club, NCAA Division III finalist, and Ocean County Sheriff. Vinnie takes us deep inside:
The rise of Brick Memorial wrestling
His judo background and how it shaped his mat style
Building Shore Thing into a powerhouse club with over 40 NJ state champs and 250+ state medalists
Coaching philosophy, athlete development, and letting kids fail and innovate
Generational success stories: from club beginnings to coaching his own sons to state titles
The evolution of New Jersey Shore Conference wrestling, scrambling, funk rolls, and more
This episode is a must-listen for wrestlers, parents, coaches, and fans of NJ wrestling history. Subscribe, rate, and share to support grassroots wrestling media!Follow Shore Thing Wrestling on Instagram and Facebook: @shorethingwrestlingclub
Follow Airey Bros Radio on Instagram and YouTube: @aireybrosradio
Timestamps & Show Notes
0:00 — Intro: Airey Bros cover the Shore Conference wrestling scene
1:00 — Meet Vinnie Santaniello: Brick Memorial, TC&J, NCAA DIII finalist
2:00 — Shore Thing Wrestling Club origins & early champions
5:00 — Fun stories from the early days + UFC fighters in the room
8:00 — Moving through facilities: Fitness 2000 to Pine Grove to Lakewood
12:00 — Vinnie’s judo roots & the transition to wrestling dominance
16:00 — Brick Memorial’s golden era & system coaching approach
20:00 — Shore Conference culture: toughness, style, legacy
25:00 — How Shore Thing balances teaching systems + personal styles
28:00 — Funk roll stories, technique evolution, and club innovation
35:00 — Helping kids navigate failure, growth, and high-level practice
40:00 — Being a wrestling parent, balancing sports, and long-term development
45:00 — The grind of New Jersey wrestling & handling injuries
50:00 — Final 4 Questions: coffee habits, rituals, country music favorites, guilty pleasures
55:00 — Outro: upcoming guests and thanks to Vinnie Santaniello -
In this episode of Airey Bros Radio, we sit down with Luca Madeo, 4x NAIA All-American, 2025 NAIA Indoor 5K National Champion, and one of the fastest rising stars in college distance running. Hailing from Böden-Württemberg, Germany, Luca shares his incredible journey from soccer player to elite runner, why he chose the University of the Cumberlands, and how he’s chasing European U23 standards — all within just four years of competitive running.🔥 Topics we cover:
How COVID-19 unexpectedly launched Luca’s running career
What it’s like transitioning from Germany to Kentucky
Inside the NAIA national scene + facing NCAA recruiting attention
The science behind the Norwegian double-threshold method
Training mindset, diet, discipline, and dreams of going pro
Whether you’re an athlete, coach, recruiter, or just love an underdog story, you’ll be inspired by Luca’s relentless drive, gratitude, and success.⚡ Subscribe, rate & share — every download helps us spotlight athletes and programs flying under the radar!👉 Follow University of the Cumberlands Track & XC on Instagram: @ucpatriotstfxc
👉 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream!
👉 Subscribe to Airey Bros Radio on YouTube for live streams & full episodes!
⏱ Show Notes / Time Stamps
00:00 — Intro: Spotlight on NAIA, DII, and overlooked programs
02:00 — Luca’s journey: From German soccer to elite runner
08:00 — Adjusting to life in Kentucky & American college athletics
15:00 — Winning the 2025 NAIA Indoor 5K National Championship
22:00 — Breaking German U23 standards & European selection goals
30:00 — Inside training: Norwegian double threshold + lactate testing
38:00 — Balancing academics, athletics, and international life
45:00 — Comparing U.S. vs European sports systems & opportunities
52:00 — NCAA transfer portal pressures + D1 recruitment attention
58:00 — Mindset, faith, gratitude, and long-term running goals
1:03:00 — Final words: Luca’s advice to international athletes -
🚨 On this episode of Airey Bros Radio, we're joined by Coach Cole Spree, head coach of Indian Hills Community College Wrestling — the 2025 NJCAA National Champions!
🏆Coach Spree shares his journey from JUCO All-American to building Indian Hills into a national powerhouse. We dive into:
🔥 The behind-the-scenes of building a championship program
🔥 Recruiting philosophy at the JUCO level
🔥 Growing men’s & women’s wrestling simultaneously
🔥 Building elite athletic + academic cultures
🔥 Advice for future student-athletes and recruits
🔥 Managing dual meets vs opens, and why duels build stronger teams
🔥 The future of JUCO eligibility, recruiting pipelines, and program building tipsIf you're a wrestler, coach, or parent dreaming of college wrestling opportunities, this episode is must-listen
!Follow Indian Hills CC Wrestling ➡️ Instagram: @indianhills_cc_wrestling
Follow Airey Bros Radio ➡️ Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
👉 Please RATE, REVIEW, and SHARE to help us grow and spotlight the hidden gems in wrestling!
Show Notes with Timestamps
Intro: Why We Spotlight Junior College Wrestling
1:00 – Meet Coach Cole Spree: Building Indian Hills Wrestling
2:00 – Becoming 2025 NJCAA National Champions
3:30 – How Coach Spree got into wrestling & coaching
5:00 – Ellsworth CC days & crossover with Coach Corey Ruff
7:00 – Taking over Indian Hills — No facility, no problem
9:00 – Building brand-new wrestling facilities + culture
12:00 – The secret to JUCO success: Dual meets vs open tournaments
16:00 – Building men's and women's wrestling programs
20:00 – Creating buy-in, even when you're not a starter
24:00 – Recruiting the right kids: Toughness over titles
28:00 – Academics, study halls, and becoming better student-athletes
32:00 – Wrestling recruiting pipelines: From JUCO to 4-year schools
36:00 – National title season breakdown: Staying healthy & peaking
41:00 – Developing international talent: Egyptian world team members
45:00 – How Indian Hills builds a family environment
48:00 – The future of JUCO eligibility and D1 roster caps
53:00 – Why Indian Hills has the best JUCO wrestling setup in the country
57:00 – Go Hills TV: Next-level media coverage
1:01:00 – Final Four Questions: Coffee, positivity, country music & guilty pleasures
👉 Follow Indian Hills Wrestling: @indianhills_cc_wrestling
👉 Subscribe to Airey Bros Radio for more wrestling content weekly! -
In Episode 353 of Airey Bros Radio, we’re joined by Mick Betancourt — writer, executive producer of Amazon’s Reacher, stand-up comic, and proud former wrestler. From a tough upbringing on Chicago’s West Side to breaking through as a Hollywood storyteller, Mick’s journey is a masterclass in grit, grace, and getting back up.This episode is packed with raw storytelling, powerful mindset shifts, and behind-the-scenes gems for wrestlers, writers, and working-class dreamers alike.🎯
Topics covered:
Wrestling regrets & redemption
The “Day 67” mindset and creative resilience
Writing for Reacher, SVU, Chicago Fire, and The Purge
Mick’s Substack & the power of working-class stories
Comedy bombs, Second City, and stand-up war stories
Why skateboarding builds elite athletes and creatives
Daily routines, sobriety, and staying aligned
🧠 Show Notes with Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: Why Mick’s story matters to wrestlers & creatives
2:00 – Meet Mick Betancourt: Writer, comic, wrestler
4:00 – From Chicago streets to TV studios
6:00 – Quitting wrestling & coming back stronger
13:00 – Facing Joe Williams + feral 152 lbs redemption
19:00 – Skateboarders, surfers & misunderstood athletes
23:00 – What “Day 67” really looks like
28:00 – Improv, Second City, and writing rituals
35:00 – From stand-up to Hollywood TV rooms
41:00 – Launching a Substack & telling real stories
50:00 – Creative blocks, writer relationships & working-class fire
57:00 – Advice to kids on the verge of quitting wrestling
1:02:00 – Morning rituals, sobriety & spiritual practices
1:04:00 – Mick’s book recs: Carver, Joyce, Stoner
1:06:00 – Cozy Shack rice pudding & death row meals
1:09:00 – Final thoughts + what keeps Mick going
Mick Betancourt Substack -
In Episode 352 of Airey Bros Radio, we sit down with Coach Katie Wise, Director of Track & Cross Country at Marian University, and the first woman in collegiate history to lead a men’s team to an NAIA Indoor National Championship. From her days as an NCAA D1 All-American sprinter to building a powerhouse at Marian, Coach Wise opens up about recruiting, faith-based leadership, coaching philosophy, and building a national title team.If you're a student-athlete, parent, coach, or recruiter, this episode is your blueprint for success at the NAIA level. 🎯
🔍 Topics Covered:[0:00] Why we spotlight NAIA, D2, D3, JUCO & under-the-radar programs
[6:45] Coach Wise’s origin story: From Indiana State to Marian
[12:20] Winning her first NAIA national title in her debut year as head coach
[20:45] Recruiting philosophy & finding the right athletes for the culture
[26:00] Balancing leadership, staff delegation, and coaching her sprinters
[29:30] Building a roster of 140+ & casting a wide recruiting net
[33:40] Facilities at Marian, training at Indianapolis Fairgrounds
[36:00] Standout athletes to watch in the 2025 outdoor season
[40:00] Faith and Marian’s Catholic identity in athletics
[42:00] Coaching men vs. women: motivation, mentorship, and trust
[45:00] Advice for young women coaches blazing their own path
[48:00] How injury redirected her life toward elite coaching
[52:00] Guilty pleasures, Thai food, hot chocolate, and MrBallen podcasts📲 Follow Coach & the Team → @coachk_wise | @mariantrackxc
📲 Follow us on Instagram @aireybrosradio
☕️ Support the show at BuyMeACoffee.com/AireyBros -
On This episode of Airey Bros Radio, we go deep into the world of New Jersey high school sports with one of the Shore Conference’s most respected voices — Bob Badders of Shore Sports Insider.From the rise of Region 6 wrestling to the evolution of sports media, Bob brings decades of insight as a writer, photographer, and broadcaster.🎯
Topics Covered:Bob’s journey from Brick Memorial to the Asbury Park Press
The transformation of NJ high school sports coverage
Shore Conference wrestling legends, from Scott Winston to Anthony Knox
Public vs. private school debate in NJ wrestling
The rise of multisport athletes
Social media's impact on wrestling culture
Athlete development, recruiting realities, and more
If you're from the Shore, a wrestling head, or a student of sport — this is a can't-miss episode.📺 Watch on YouTube: Airey Bros Radio
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all podcast platforms
☕ Fueled by CS Instant Coffee & Black Sheep Endurance Coaching
⏱️ Show Notes & Timestamps:
0:00 – Region 6 roots & short conference connections
2:00 – Bob’s origin story in sports media
4:00 – Brick Memorial wrestling legends & early influences
7:00 – Starting out at the Asbury Park Press (2004)
10:00 – The rise of digital media & covering NJ wrestling
13:00 – From photographer to videographer: the evolution of sports coverage
18:00 – Streaming, social media & how fans engage now
22:00 – Shore Conference athletic growth & talent development
27:00 – Public vs. private school debate in NJ wrestling
33:00 – The return of multisport athletes & football culture
42:00 – Covering NJ's top pro athletes: Mike Gesicki, Quenton Nelson & more
48:00 – Knox vs. Suriano: Who’s NJ’s GOAT?
54:00 – Wrestling culture, trauma & transitioning after loss
58:00 – Advice for aspiring sports journalists
1:04:00 – Favorite stories & unforgettable NJ sports moments
1:09:00 – Bob's coffee rituals, guilty pleasures, and metal music picks
1:14:00 – Final Four Q&A
Connect with Bob on X
Instagram
Shore Sports Insider
Robert Badders Photography -
On this episode of Airey Bros Radio, we sit down with Coach Dylan Anderson, the Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at the University of Evansville. From building programs from scratch to coaching across NCAA D2 and D1, Coach Anderson shares his journey, training philosophy, culture-first leadership, and vision for the Purple Aces. We talk recruiting, steeplechase, strength training, mentorship through faith, and what it takes to build a competitive mid-major program from the ground up.Whether you're an aspiring student-athlete, coach, or parent navigating the recruiting process, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
📍 Topics Covered:
NCAA recruiting realitiesTraining high-mileage & undertrained runnersD2 vs. D1 coaching transitionFacility innovation & community partnershipsSteeplechase coaching & sprint/distance blending
📚 Show Notes with Timestamps
:00 – Intro: Why we host these conversations
2:00 – Coach Dylan Anderson joins the show
4:00 – From South Carolina to Indiana: New environment, new mission
6:00 – Early coaching influences and high school experience
9:00 – Journey from walk-on to scholarship athlete
11:00 – Building Erskine’s program from scratch
15:00 – Coaching philosophy: Leading with purpose, not ego
20:00 – Lessons in emotional balance from College of Charleston
23:00 – Progress at Evansville: Records, buy-in, & future growth
26:00 – Current facilities and new cross country course plans
30:00 – Recruiting fit: Small school, high standards, big dreams
34:00 – Steeplechase talk + developing event group depth
37:00 – Community, faith, and FCA in collegiate athletics
41:00 – Fundraising, alumni relations & the CEO side of coaching
49:00 – MVC goals: Celebrating wins before the top of the mountain
54:00 – Leadership through culture, not control
1:00:00 – Daily mindset, rituals, and the chess-coaching connection
1:05:00 – Recruiting shoutout: Still spots available, esp. women’s distance & sprints
1:08:00 – Coffee, ramen, and guilty pleasures
1:12:00 – Final thoughts from Coach Anderson
Purple Aces Track & Field / Cross Country
@ueathleticsxctf -
On this episode of Airey Bros Radio, we sit down with Coach Zach Daniel, Head Cross Country Coach and Assistant Track Coach at West Texas A&M. From his journey as a student-athlete to leading one of the nation’s top NCAA Division II programs, Coach Daniel opens up about athlete development, strength training for distance runners, international recruiting, and how West Texas is quietly becoming a powerhouse in the Lone Star Conference.We dive into the challenges of coaching through weather extremes, the importance of athlete relationships, and how a small-town Texas school is producing All-Americans year after year. If you're a student-athlete, coach, or parent exploring college running opportunities, this is an episode you don't want to miss.
📓 Show Notes with Timestamps:0:00 – Intro: Why we spotlight programs like West Texas A&M
2:10 – Meet Coach Zach Daniel and his accolades
4:00 – Upcoming cross country camps & WT social handles
5:45 – West Texas A&M’s pro wrestling legacy?
6:45 – Wild travel story to regionals: stranded for 8 hours
10:30 – Coaching mindset during adversity
13:00 – Athletes from Ghana & Kenya see snow for the first time
15:04 – Weather at Nationals & performing under pressure
16:00 – Coach Daniel’s origin story in running
18:40 – From PT grad student to full-time coach
20:05 – Integrating strength training for endurance athletes
24:00 – Why Coach Daniel doesn’t use double threshold training
26:05 – Strength training transformations
27:22 – The evolution of his coaching philosophy
30:00 – International recruiting strategies
34:00 – Helping athletes with homesickness
35:00 – What to study & what to do in Canyon, TX
36:45 – Impact of NIL and transfer portal on D2
38:40 – Division II depth: 13:58 now last man into Nationals
40:30 – Dealing with D1 poaching
42:00 – Wearing multiple hats as head coach
43:45 – Who to watch this outdoor season
46:00 – Transitioning from Indoor to Outdoor
47:00 – Raleigh Relays, coaching logistics
49:00 – West Texas trails & 100K races
51:00 – Coffee rituals and roasters
52:00 – Coach’s off-the-track passions: cars, drums, marksmanship
55:00 – What Coach Daniel listens to (Rogan, Magnus, ACDC, J. Cole)
57:00 – Wrap-up: Why West Texas A&M is a hidden gem -
This week on Airey Bros Radio, we sit down with one of the most accomplished coaches in NCAA Division II history—Coach Jerry Baltes of Grand Valley State University. With 16 national titles, 78 individual champions, and over 1,600 All-Americans, Coach Baltes has built a powerhouse program while keeping his focus on developing great humans first. We dive deep into his coaching philosophy, the secrets behind Grand Valley’s success, the importance of culture and character in recruiting, and what it means to build something that lasts.Whether you're a coach, athlete, or parent, this conversation offers timeless lessons on leadership, work ethic, and building programs rooted in purpose.
📓 Show Notes & Timestamps
0:00 - 3:00 – Welcome & intro: Why these conversations matter for student-athletes
3:00 - 6:30 – Coach Baltes’ background, Butler roots, and early coaching vision
6:30 - 10:00 – Growing up on a farm: Learning discipline through hard work
10:00 - 13:00 – Playing every sport to avoid farm chores & the journey to coaching
13:00 - 17:00 – From GA at Butler to head coach at Grand Valley at age 24
17:00 - 23:00 – Building a program: First-year breakthroughs and red hard hats
23:00 - 27:00 – The evolution of coaching: From Xs & Os to CEO
27:00 - 31:00 – National runner-up: The value in more than just winning
31:00 - 34:30 – Recruiting philosophy: Culture > talent, Midwest pride
34:30 - 39:00 – Developing homegrown talent & rewarding the grind
39:00 - 42:00 – Academic excellence at GVSU: PT, OT, PA, Engineering, Biz
42:00 - 47:00 – Coaching tree, recruiting pipelines & trusted relationships
47:00 - 52:00 – Western Michigan vibes: Campus life, training facilities, sunsets
52:00 - 56:00 – High jump dynasty: Culture of competition & team-first mindset
56:00 - 1:02:00 – Looking ahead to outdoor season + national championship goals
1:02:00 - 1:07:00 – Why Grand Valley is special + coaching longevity
1:07:00 - 1:08:00 – Fun rapid fire: Coffee, routines, guilty pleasures, & gratitude
Grand Valley State TF/XC
@gvsuxctf
@GVSU XCTF - Visa fler
