Episode 447 of Airey Bros Radio features Coach Travis Floeck, Director of Cross Country and Track & Field at Colorado Mesa University.With over 20 years of coaching experience—including 14 years at the NCAA Division I level with Idaho and Oregon State—Coach Floeck brings elite-level insight into building championship programs, developing All-Americans, and recruiting high-character student-athletes.Since taking over at Colorado Mesa in 2024, Floeck has led immediate success:• RMAC Indoor Championships podium finish (Men 3rd)• NCAA Division II All-American (Teo Casados – 200m)• 45 new Top-10 marks in program historyIn this episode, we dive into:Building a winning culture in NCAA Division II track & fieldCoaching Olympians and NCAA All-AmericansRecruiting philosophy: talent vs. characterAthlete development, injury management & long-term growthRMAC competition and national-level standardsWhy Grand Junction, Colorado is a hidden gem for runners🎙️ Whether you're a high school athlete, college recruit, coach, or fan of cross country and track & field, this episode is packed with insights on what it takes to succeed at the next level.🔥Follow Airey Bros Radio YouTubeSpotify☕ Powered by Black Sheep Endurance Coaching💙 Support the show⏱️ TIMESTAMP SHOW NOTES 0:00 – ABR Origins & MissionFrom radio roots to a recruiting-focused podcastHelping athletes “get out of their bubble” and find the right fit2:17 – Show Intro + ABR PhilosophyValue-for-value modelPowered by Black Sheep Endurance3:00 – Coach Travis Floeck Introduction20+ years coaching experienceD1 background (Idaho, Oregon State)Early success at Colorado Mesa4:10 – Recruiting & Contact InfoHow athletes and families can connectSocial media + podcast plug (Just Athletics)5:30 – Coaching Roots & Early CareerSouthern Oregon backgroundLane CC opportunity at age 259:30 – Origin Story in RunningFrom multi-sport athlete to 800m state championDiscovering talent through lifestyle and environment12:30 – Transition into CoachingInfluence of running campsNike sports marketing experience15:00 – Coaching Philosophy & Athlete DevelopmentEliminating regret for athletesProcess-driven coaching approach18:20 – Lessons from D1 Coaching (Oregon State & Idaho)Athlete connection and trustBuilding programs from the ground up22:00 – Culture & Recruiting PhilosophyCore values first, talent secondImportance of character, academics, and team fit24:30 – Building Culture at Colorado MesaTransitioning into a new programGaining athlete buy-in through communication28:30 – Managing a Full Track & Field ProgramBalancing all event groupsLeading with a strong staff29:20 – Evaluating RecruitsTalking to high school coachesIdentifying red flags and intangibles33:00 – Evolution of High School CoachingImpact of technology, clinics, and podcasts34:30 – RMAC Competition LevelOne of the deepest conferences in NCAA DIICompeting against national-caliber programs37:20 – 5-Year Vision for Colorado MesaBuilding a complete