Originally streamed live on February 23, 2026, this episode of Airey Bros Radio features one of the most respected distance coaches in college athletics — Oklahoma State Director of Track & Field / Cross Country, Coach Dave Smith.Fresh off another national championship season, Coach Smith joins us to break down what it takes to keep Oklahoma State Cross Country and Track & Field among the elite year after year. From his journey out of the Pacific Northwest and a PhD in neurobiology to becoming one of the most accomplished coaches in NCAA history, this conversation dives deep into coaching philosophy, recruiting, culture, leadership, and the realities of running a top-tier Division I program.We get into Oklahoma State’s latest NCAA Cross Country title, the balance between the science and art of coaching, recruiting in the era of the transfer portal, NIL, and international talent, and what the day-to-day role really looks like as a D1 director and head coach. Coach Smith also shares thoughts on training trends like double threshold, why restraint matters in athlete development, and the indoor momentum building in Stillwater heading into championship season.If you're a runner, coach, recruit, parent, or fan of college cross country, NCAA track & field, Oklahoma State, Big 12 competition, and distance running culture, this is a must-listen episode.Topics covered include:Oklahoma State’s championship standardDave Smith’s coaching origin storyRecruiting international and domestic talent in 2026NIL, transfer portal, roster fit, and culture buildingTraining philosophy and long-term athlete developmentIndoor track outlook and Oklahoma State women’s DMR momentumLeadership lessons from winning, failure, and staying eliteFollow Airey Bros Radio on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more interviews spotlighting college wrestling, cross country, and track & field programs across the country.Show Notes / TimestampsABR 441 – Coach Dave Smith | Oklahoma State Track & Field / Cross Country0:00 Intro banter 2:17 Open and introduction for Oklahoma State Director of Track & Field / Cross Country Coach Dave Smith3:09 Dave Smith’s 2025 national title, National Coach of the Year honors, and OSU’s indoor momentum4:54 Where recruits and listeners can find Coach Smith and Oklahoma State online5:21 Through lines: Chris Bean, Texas Tech roots, and the small world of coaching6:17 The Iron Monk commemorative championship beer story and OSU athletics culture8:24 Stillwater icebreaker: Eskimo Joe’s, Hideaway Pizza, and life around town8:56 Coach Smith on eating mostly plant-based, cholesterol, and dietary changes10:10 Dave Smith’s running origin story: woods, fear, accidental aerobic development, and discovering talent12:06 Quitting football, finding cross country, and how team culture shaped his love for the sport13:45 From neurobiology PhD to coaching: when he realized science was not his true passion15:14 The seven-page letter that changed everything and how volunteering at Washington opened the coaching door16:17 Texas Tech, Lee Daniel, and the year that made him realize coaching was his calling18:39 Doing the right things for the wrong reasons — and how he helps athletes find their real passion19:02 Dave Smith’s advice on majors, careers, passion, fulfillment, and long-term success21:17 Early coaching lessons, Lee Daniel’s breakout, and learning the importance of restraint in training23:47 The art vs. science of coaching and how Smith communicates training more effectively today25:44 Reflecting on Oklahoma State’s 2025 NCAA Cross Country national title26:15 Redemption after 2024 and why doing less can somet