The framework of the most renown track and field and cross country programs always trace back to the coaching mainstays tasked with guiding endless rosters to the single mindset of teamwork.

Ed Eyestone has understood this organizational mantra, helping transform BYU into a powerhouse that is a beacon for incoming freshman while upperclassmen leave decorated with conference titles and the essence of national championship experience.

But its the basics of building from the rawest elements of running that keeps Eyestone not only relevant, but a respected part of the balance of power in the sport's collegiate ranks.

Ed spoke in a wide-ranging chat about his days as a competitor, carefully taking on the role of crafting emerging talents and the drive behind what has kept him locked in on the sidelines year after year as his legacy stretches into all corners of running.

Knowing what the next move is might not be guaranteed. But being in a place that feels right to assess and later build has defined Christian Patzka's collegiate journey and shed light on what it means to thrive in Division III.

Patzka hails from Mazomanie, Wisconsin and knew running would be a multi-chapter part of his growing story. By the time he committed to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2021 a plan was in place to go all-out, make running matter and ask questions later.

At Whitewater, impact became institution as his haul of accomplishments were an indicator that he was intent on leaving the program in the kind of shape that he could be proud of with six national championships, 16 NCAA All-Americans, being named to 25 NCAA All-Region honors along with 22 All-WIAC honors — plus numerous school records.

Christian joins the show to talk about his process, decision to plant roots at Whitewater, the components he brought into every race and why he decided not to transfer and test the unknowns at a Division I school.

Making a name for herself on her own merit has been the formula of Emma Grace Hurley's consistency as an emerging distance talent who has shined in her breakout moments with a second place finish at the 2024 USA Cross Country Championships and making the U.S. national team for the world cross country champs later that year.

And she's practiced the kind of patience and consistency that has put her in the conversation for the 2028 Olympics for one of three coveted women's marathon slots,

But the path hasn't come easy. She found herself tied to a bit of drama and controversy in March when a pace vehicle mistakenly led her off course USA Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta and off of the podium. After the matter was mostly resolved, Hurley continued a strong season on the road and heads into the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen in September ready to prove why the stage she continues to face courageously is the one she belongs on.