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 coaches
During 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 Country
Whether 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.
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Show Notes / Time Stamps
0:00 — Intro, ultrarunning discussion & welcome
0:21 — Airey Bros Radio opening
1:10 — Introducing Coach Mark Misch & UCCS accomplishments
3:27 — UCCS recruiting resources & Mountain Lions athletics
5:24 — Recruiting athletes to Colorado Springs
7:22 — Finding the right fit: academics, culture & team environment
10:06 — Why Colorado has become a distance running destination
12:22 — Coaching athletes through altitude adaptation
15:14 — Competing for recruits in the RMAC
16:00 — Building a program around character, integrity & culture
17:38 — Academic excellence at UCCS
19:00 — Scholarship opportunities & roster management
21:08 — Evaluating recruits & athlete potential
24:18 — Coach Misch's origin story
28:28 — The road atlas training log that shaped his coaching career
31:48 — Lessons learned through adversity
33:04 — Helping athletes process success and disappointment
36:43 — Building lasting relationships with student-athletes
39:09 — Developing future coaches through the program
41:22 — The UCCS coaching tree
43:01 — Green flags and red flags during recruiting
48:15 — Communication, leadership & building consistent team culture
51:10 — 20 years at UCCS and what makes the program special
54:44 — Advice for student-athletes considering the junior college route
Final Four QuestionsClosing Thoughts