ABR 462 | Chris Freije on Rebuilding New Mexico Highlands Wrestling, Developing NCAA All-Americans

Airey Bros Radio Episode 462 welcomes New Mexico Highlands University Head Wrestling Coach Chris Freije.A former NCAA Division II National Finalist and RMAC Champion, Coach Freije joins us to discuss his wrestling journey from Arizona to Western Colorado, his coaching stops across NCAA Division II, NAIA, and NJCAA wrestling, and his vision for building New Mexico Highlands into a national contender. Coach Freije shares lessons learned from coaching at programs across the country, the importance of culture and family within a wrestling program, recruiting overlooked talent, developing NCAA All-Americans, and what makes Las Vegas, New Mexico a unique destination for student-athletes.We also discuss Ivan Smith's All-American season, the future of Cowboys Wrestling, the transfer portal, recruiting philosophy, academic excellence, and how New Mexico Highlands is positioning itself for success in the highly competitive Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC).Whether you're a wrestler, coach, recruit, parent, or college wrestling fan, this episode offers valuable insight into NCAA Division II wrestling, athlete development, and building a championship culture.🔥 IN THIS EPISODE• Chris Freije's wrestling journey from Arizona to NCAA Division II National Finalist• Learning under legendary coach Miles Van Hee• Coaching at Colorado Mesa, Lander, Kentucky Wesleyan, Cloud County, Lindsey Wilson, Fairmont State and more• Taking over New Mexico Highlands Wrestling• Building a family culture inside the Cowboys program• Recruiting the Southwest, Midwest and East Coast• Developing NCAA All-Americans and National Qualifiers• Ivan Smith's All-American season• Transfer portal strategy and roster building• Academic success and student-athlete development• Why New Mexico Highlands is a hidden gem for recruits• The future of Cowboys Wrestling in the RMAC⏱️ TIMESTAMPS01:05 Show Introduction02:09 Introducing Coach Chris Freije03:43 NMHU Wrestling Camps & Recruiting Information05:18 Chris Freije's Wrestling Origin Story06:29 Learning Under Miles Van Hee at Western Colorado09:36 Knowing He Wanted To Be A Coach12:18 Growing Up With A Wrestling Coach Father14:52 Coaching Across The Country & Returning West18:29 Recruiting To Las Vegas, New Mexico22:39 East Coast Recruiting & Building A National Roster24:38 Ivan Smith's All-American Season26:33 Building A Coaching Staff & Program Infrastructure27:55 Creating Buy-In & Developing Wrestlers30:57 Looking Ahead To The 2026-27 Season32:36 Following Legendary Coach Doug Moses34:31 Managing A Roster Of 22 Newcomers37:40 Transfer Portal Strategy & Recruiting Philosophy39:30 What Makes A Great NMHU Wrestler42:12 Academic Support & Student Success44:12 Why New Mexico Highlands Wrestling Is On The Rise45:15 Wrestling In A True Wrestling Town46:44 Future Home Duals & Unique Wrestling Venues47:22 Final Four Questions🎙️ Follow Airey Bros RadioYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@AireybrosInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/aireybrosradio/Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/61TKhMCXCfmfZRYb22saFeApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/airey-bros-s-radio/id584404045☕ Support The Show:https://buymeacoffee.com/aireybros🏃 Fueled By Black Sheep Endurance Coachinghttps://www.blacksheependurance.com/