Coach Wes Miller & the South Plains Track Dynasty | JUCO to D1 Pipeline
On Episode 370 of Airey Bros Radio, we go belly to belly with Coach Wes Miller, the architect behind South Plains College’s 2025 NJCAA Indoor & Outdoor Track & Field National Championships. With over 250 All-Americans, 15 Power 5 transfers, and $4 million in scholarships earned in 2025 alone, South Plains is proving JUCO is no backup plan—it’s a launching pad for greatness.Coach Miller shares his journey across NCAA D1, NAIA, and JUCO coaching, and why South Plains is one of the best-kept secrets in the country for track & field development. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent exploring options beyond the traditional D1 route, this episode is your blueprint for success.
Why Listen:
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💡 Sharing stories from the coaches and programs we wish we had growing up.
⏱️ Show Notes:
Why Listen:
- JUCO-to-D1 recruiting strategy
- South Plains’ elite track facilities and athlete support system
- Misconceptions about JUCO programs
- Athlete development, progression, and placement insights
- Coaching philosophy and team culture at one of the top JUCOs in the country
🎙️ Powered by CS Instant Coffee & Black Sheep Endurance.
💡 Sharing stories from the coaches and programs we wish we had growing up.
⏱️ Show Notes:
- 0:52 – Coach Wes Miller introduction and SPC’s national titles in 2025
- 1:47 – Over 250 All-Americans, 95 athletes to four-year schools, $4M in scholarships
- 4:00 – Coach Miller’s path from finance major to elite JUCO head coach
- 8:49 – From distance runner to jumps/multis coach—learning on the job
- 13:06 – South Plains scores in 16 of 21 events at nationals
- 17:01 – Comparing JUCO, D1, and NAIA from a coach’s perspective
- 20:59 – JUCO athlete mindset: development, maturity, and purpose
- 25:30 – Where SPC athletes are transferring: Bama, Clemson, FSU, Kentucky, etc.
- 30:40 – South Plains facilities breakdown: 8-lane track, 24-hour weight room
- 37:37 – Offseason planning: recruiting, redshirting, weight room work
- 47:00 – Surprising fact: South Plains also has a top-tier rodeo program
- 53:00 – Busting JUCO myths: It's not just for athletes with academic issues
- 55:45 – Miller’s closing thoughts on athlete support and coaching passion
- 57:01 – Coach Miller’s go-to coffee order: Nespresso + heavy cream
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