ABR 469: Coach Mark Misch on Building UCCS into an NCAA Division II Distance Running Powerhouse | Cross Country & Track

Coach Mark Misch joins Airey Bros Radio to discuss building one of the nation's premier NCAA Division II distance running programs at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS).Entering his 20th season leading the Mountain Lions Men's Cross Country program, Coach Misch has established UCCS as a perennial national contender, guiding the program to 11 NCAA Division II National Championship appearances while coaching NCAA Champions, All-Americans, Olympians, Olympic Trials qualifiers, national record holders, and some of the most accomplished distance runners in Division II history.In Episode 469, Coach Misch shares his coaching journey from growing up in southeast Kansas to building a nationally respected program in Colorado Springs. We discuss the philosophy behind developing championship distance runners, creating a culture centered around character and accountability, recruiting student-athletes from across the country, and helping runners thrive both academically and athletically.We also dive into what makes Colorado Springs one of the world's premier endurance training destinations, the advantages and challenges of altitude training, competing in the always competitive Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), and preparing athletes to compete on the national stage year after year.We also discuss:• Building championship culture• NCAA Division II Cross Country recruiting• Altitude training & athlete development• Character-based coaching philosophy• Developing NCAA Champions & Olympians• Competing in the RMAC• Creating academic excellence within a championship program• Recruiting student-athletes from across the country• Leadership, accountability & team culture• Coaching through adversity and athlete development• Advice for aspiring collegiate runners and coachesDuring his tenure at UCCS, Coach Misch has helped establish one of the premier distance running cultures in NCAA Division II while mentoring generations of student-athletes who have gone on to become coaches, educators, professionals, and leaders.Program Highlights:🏆 11 NCAA Division II Men's Cross Country National Championship Appearances🏆 NCAA Division II National Champions & All-Americans🏆 Olympians & Olympic Trials Qualifiers🏆 RMAC Championships & National Qualifiers🏆 2025 Baker University Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee🏆 20 Seasons Leading UCCS Men's Cross CountryWhether you're a coach, athlete, recruit, parent, or fan of collegiate Cross Country & Track & Field, this episode offers tremendous insight into building successful teams, developing great people, and sustaining excellence over two decades.🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all podcast platforms.☕ Support the show (Value for Value)👉 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AireyBros🏃‍♂️ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching👉 https://www.blacksheependurance.com🎥 Subscribe on YouTube👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Aireybros📸 Follow on Instagram👉 https://www.instagram.com/aireybrosradioShow Notes / Time Stamps0:00 — Intro, ultrarunning discussion & welcome0:21 — Airey Bros Radio opening1:10 — Introducing Coach Mark Misch & UCCS accomplishments3:27 — UCCS recruiting resources & Mountain Lions athletics5:24 — Recruiting athletes to Colorado Springs7:22 — Finding the right fit: academics, culture & team environment10:06 — Why Colorado has become a distance running destination12:22 — Coaching athletes through altitude adaptation15:14 — Competing for recruits in the RMAC16:00 — Building a program around character, integrity & culture17:38 — Academic excellence at UCCS19:00 — Scholarship opportunities & roster management21:08 — Evaluating recruits & athlete potential24:18 — Coach Misch's origin story28:28 — The road atlas training log that shaped his coaching career31:48 — Lessons learned through adversity33:04 — Helping athletes process success and disappointment36:43 — Building lasting relationships with student-athletes39:09 — Developing future coaches through the program41:22 — The UCCS coaching tree43:01 — Green flags and red flags during recruiting48:15 — Communication, leadership & building consistent team culture51:10 — 20 years at UCCS and what makes the program special54:44 — Advice for student-athletes considering the junior college routeFinal Four QuestionsClosing Thoughts