EP 409 — Bob Hamer (Rider University XC/TF Director): Building a Full-Team Culture, Developing Underrated Recruits & Winning in the MAAC

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9d ago 1:06:08

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Rider University Director of Cross Country & Track & Field Bob Hamer joins Airey Bros Radio to discuss how the Broncs built a complete team — sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws & distance — and turned under-the-radar recruits into conference champions and even Olympic Trials qualifiers.
We cover Hamer’s origin story (Penn State roots & Coach Groves), Rider’s developmental culture, the mental side of performance, and his take on training trends like double-threshold. Plus — favorite NJ/PA training spots, academic majors, MAAC rivalries, and why he swears Central Jersey exists.
🕐 In This Episode
0:00 – Intro / Howdy & Aloha
The Bros head back to Jersey to chat with Rider University Director of XC & TF Bob Hamer. Pork roll vs. Taylor Ham settled early.
4:30 – Coach Origin Story: From Council Rock HS to Penn State under legendary Coach Groves — how Wall Street dreams shifted into a life of coaching and mentorship.
9:00 – Building Rider’s Culture (23 Years Strong)
Developing student-athletes, creating a “complete team,” and balancing performance with academics.
12:45 – Program Evolution & Facilities: Honoring Coach Brady, the new Brady Building and track complex, and how alumni support fuels Rider’s growth.
14:55 – Development vs. Recruiting Stars: Why Rider thrives as a developmental program and what Coach Hamer looks for in recruits.
17:25 – Tegan’s Breakthrough Story: From 11:20 two-mile to Olympic Trials and pro runner with Brooks Beasts — how buy-in and lifestyle choices sparked the jump.
23:35 – Lifestyle & Mindset Lessons: Sleep, nutrition, mental health, and “choices over sacrifices.” Creating long-term consistency and team buy-in.
26:10 – Training Philosophy & Confidence Workouts: Adapting volume vs intensity, freshmen adjusting to 8K/10K, and how to build mental resilience in college runners.
33:00 – The Double-Threshold Conversation: Why Rider hasn’t implemented it yet, what Coach Hamer is watching for, and training-age considerations.
35:30 – Data, Finance & Running a Program Like a CEO: How a business background helps in budgeting, planning, and analytics-based coaching.
39:00 – Coaching Challenges & Decision Fatigue: Managing staff, athletes, and the weight of daily decisions in a program that values development first.
40:30 – Fall Season Update & MAAC Championship Preview: Young teams, injuries, conference goals, and the course at Twin Ponds at the Farm (NY).
42:40 – Training Grounds of Central Jersey: Washington Crossing Park, Rosedale, Tyler State, Round Valley — soft surfaces, scenery, and Broncs territory.
47:00 – Central Jersey Confirmed ✅ The great debate settled — Coach Hamer says it exists!
47:40 – Academic Majors & Career Prep: Business (5-Year CPA), Exercise Science, Education, Psych, Sport Media — internships & job placement success.
49:00 – Team Culture & Social Life: Balance between books and Broncs — apple-picking, Philly vs New York sports rivalries, and team bonding.
52:30 – Complete Team Philosophy: Why Rider values every event group and how that culture creates championship runs.
55:00 – Respect for Coach Joe Compagni & Monmouth Legacy: The rivalry, mentorship, and friendship that raised the standard for NJ track programs.
57:00 – Final Four Rapid Fire
☕ Coke > Coffee ☕
🎵 Metallica & Taylor Swift DJ setlists 🎶
🚴‍♂️ Cycling & mental recharge rituals
🏈 Penn State football fandom + Colorado Buffs bonus
1:04:00 – Closing & Takeaways: Rider’s future, why complete programs win, and Coach Hamer’s hope for his athletes beyond the track.
Coach / Program Links: @RiderXCTF (Instagram • X/Twitter • Facebook)
GoBroncs.com → Cross Country / Track & Field → Recruit Questionnaire + staff emails

456 episodes

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