In Episode 363 of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly to belly with a true legend in NAIA Track & Field — Coach Ed Fye, Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at Doane University in Crete, Nebraska.With over 40 years at Doane, Coach Fye has built a powerhouse:
🏆 600+ NAIA All-Americans
🏅 40+ National Champions
🥇 2021 NAIA Men's Outdoor National Champs
🥇 58 GPAC Championships and counting
We dig deep into Coach Fye’s journey from rodeo athlete to national title-winning coach, his philosophy on relationship-based coaching, balancing 200+ athletes on one roster, and what makes Doane Track & Field culture elite.
Perfect for:
🎓 High school recruits & parents
🎽 Track & XC coaches
🔥 Fans of NAIA, JUCO, D2/D3 athletics
💡 Anyone building culture in sport
⏱️ Show Notes:
- 2:00 – Intro: Why we spotlight NAIA & underdog programs
- 2:24 – Coach Fye’s coaching background & legacy at Doane
- 5:27 – Culture of consistency: Only 3 coaches in 80+ years
- 8:03 – Coaching 200+ athletes: How he builds real relationships
- 11:05 – Roster depth & team roles at conference/nationals
- 16:52 – From rodeo to relays: Coach’s athletic origin story
- 22:52 – Winning national titles & program milestones
- 26:34 – Previewing Doane's top national meet contenders
- 34:10 – Recruiting strategy: 90% Nebraska-grown athletes
- 36:30 – Football + Track combo: Dual-sport success stories
- 40:48 – Academic support, small class size & unique majors
- 44:20 – Town of Crete: Community, local support & food!
- 50:00 – Doane’s elite indoor facility & weight room
- 54:49 – Coaching his son, coaching family-first
- 1:00:00 – Bazooka Joe rituals, rodeo rivalries, and whiskey wisdom
- 1:04:00 – Final Four: Coffee, country music & guilty pleasures
- 1:05:40 – Outro: What makes Doane Track & Field special
Doane University TF/XC