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

Nov 19, 2024 · 1h 5m 37s

Description

🏃‍♂️ 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