THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST Coaching at the Highest Level: Robert Gary on Leading Olympians, NCAA Stars, and Athletes First / Leadership Over Medals: Robert Gary on Building One of the NCAA’s Most Respected Distance Programs
Jan 13, 2026
Robert Gary, a two-time Olympic steeplechaser and director at Furman University, shares his journey from elite athlete to successful coach. He discusses the importance of enthusiasm and realistic expectations in recruiting. Gary highlights the long-term development of athletes, like Colin Eckerman, and emphasizes team success over individual accolades. He reflects on his coaching evolution, the challenges of elite athletes transitioning to coaching, and his vision for Furman's future. His insights on creating a supportive yet demanding environment reflect his commitment to athlete growth.
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Enthusiasm And Trajectory Trump Early Times
- Enthusiasm and upward trajectory matter more than instant times for recruits arriving to college programs.
- Expect development to take years; true NCAA success often needs patience and multi-year growth.
Bundle Recruits And Individualize Coaching
- Recruit and develop groups of athletes together so they push each other and create no place to hide.
- Offer individualized coaching with multiple full-time distance coaches to maximize development.
Use Scorekeeping And Failures To Coach Better
- Coaching longevity builds skill: measuring, challenging, and keeping score drives consistent program success.
- Gary leans on remembering failures as much as victories to coach realistically and avoid false narratives.