Track & Field Excellence: Insights from Coach Ed Fye of Doane University

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