Beyond the Finish Line: Coach Mike Collins on Building Champions at LC State

Airey Bros.'s Radio

🏃‍♂️ Step onto the cross-country course with Coach Mike Collins, a pioneer in NAIA athletics and the heart behind Lewis-Clark State College’s running program. With over 26 years of coaching experience, Coach Collins has built a powerhouse program, producing 11 NAIA National Champions, 142 All-Americans, and countless unforgettable stories.🌟

In this episode:

• How LC State creates a culture of excellence and teamwork
• The unique challenges and rewards of NAIA athletics
• Insights into training strategies like double-threshold workouts
• Why community service is a cornerstone of his program
• Coach Collins' journey from athlete to leader, and even his time as mayor

🏔️ Whether you're a runner, coach, or sports enthusiast, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on balancing sports, academics, and life. Don’t miss it!🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!
Episode Highlights

• [0:00] Intro: Coach Mike Collins' legendary career
• [2:00] The mild winters and running-friendly environment in Idaho
• [7:18] Why community service is integral to LC State’s team culture
• [15:00] Coaching during COVID: Lessons in patience and resilience
• [25:36] The science of double-threshold training and "stacking"
• [33:20] How LC State develops world-class athletes at a small college
• [40:03] Academics at LC State: Nursing, business, and technical programs
• [50:55] The 2024 cross-country season preview: Key athletes and rivalries
• [1:06:18] Final reflections and advice for future student-athletes

Quotes to Remember

• "There’s more to life than running, but the team and community make it worth it."
• "The watch doesn’t lie—great athletes can come from anywhere."

Connect with LC State Athletics

• Instagram: @lcwarriors
• Learn more: LC State Athletics