Building a D3 Distance Program from Scratch | Coach Cash Kunkel (Ozarks XCTF) | Airey Bros Radio 456

On Episode 456 of Airey Bros Radio, we’re stepping back onto the oval and going Belly to Belly with Coach Cash Kunkel, Head Men’s & Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at University of the Ozarks.In his first season leading the program, Coach Kunkel has already made an immediate impact — rebuilding culture, developing athletes, and setting the foundation for long-term success at the NCAA Division III level.A former standout at Arkansas State University and University of the Incarnate Word, Kunkel brings a championship pedigree as a:Sun Belt Conference Steeplechase ChampionIndoor 3K ChampionFirst-Team All-Conference athleteIn this episode, we dive into:Transitioning from athlete to head coachTaking over a program weeks before the seasonBuilding culture and trust with athletesRecruiting philosophy at the Division III levelDeveloping distance runners from the ground upIndoor & outdoor track success (17+ school records broken)Double threshold training & modern distance trendsWhat makes Ozarks a unique opportunity for recruitsIf you’re a high school runner, college recruit, or coach — this episode is a real look at what it takes to build a program and create opportunity at the next level.🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Aireybros🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/61TKhMCXCfmfZRYb22saFe☕ Fueled by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching👉 https://www.blacksheependurance.com/💪 Support the Show (Value for Value):👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/aireybros⏱️ Timestamp Show Notes 0:00 – ABR Mission & Recruiting MindsetHighlighting overlooked programs beyond Power 4Helping athletes find the right fit1:42 – ABR Intro + Call to ActionLike, Subscribe, CommentBlack Sheep Endurance + Buy Me a Coffee plug2:00 – Coach Cash Kunkel IntroductionFirst-year head coach at OzarksSun Belt champion background4:06 – Where to Find Ozarks XCTF (Recruit Info)Email, Instagram, recruiting contact4:47 – Throughline Connections (ABR Network)Coach Nathan Rankin, Vinnie Barber, Sun Belt ties6:06 – Wrestling vs Running Culture (Fun Rivalries)Team competitions, crossover energy7:42 – Origin Story: Texas Roots & Grandpa InfluenceBlue Bell Fun Run beginningsFamily legacy in running10:10 – From IT & MBA → Coaching PathTransition into sports administrationMentorship impact12:29 – Landing the Ozarks JobLate summer hireImmediate leadership role16:48 – Taking Over a Program LateBuilding trust quicklyCreating team culture18:46 – Coaching Philosophy ShiftFrom performance → developing people20:44 – First Season Results (Huge Jump)Women: 3rd at conferenceMen: 4th at conference23:34 – Track Season Success17+ school records brokenPRs across entire roster24:58 – Team Buy-In & Culture Shift25:57 – Returning Roster + First Recruiting Class27:24 – Distance-Focused Program StructureUnique D3 model (distance-only emphasis)28:52 – Recruiting Pitch & Athlete Development30:41 – First Indoor Track Experiences for Athletes31:21 – Steeplechase Recruiting Strategy3:18 – Training Environment (Trails, Grass, Shared Track)34:50 – Ideal Athlete Profile at Ozarks36:33 – Cross Country vs Mid-Distance Development39:53 – Double Threshold Training Discussion41:20 – Transfer Portal vs High School Recruiting42:48 – Coaching as CEO (Sports Admin Impact)45:11 – Academic Standards (3.75+ Team GPA Goal)46:29 – Training in Southern Heat (Practice Strategy)48:58 – 2–5 Year Vision for the ProgramGrow rosterCompete for conference titlesBuild long-term culture50:27 – Recruiting Pressure & Breakthrough Moments51:34 – Conference Competition Breakdown