Stop Me Project

Southwestern Oregon just made HISTORY — winning the first NWAC Women’s Cross Country Championship in school history… and they did it with five freshmen scorers. In Airey Bros Radio Ep. 426, we go live with the architect behind the Lakers’ rise: Coach Steve Delgado (SWOCC). We talk NWAC vs NJCAA, why JUCO is one of the best pathways in college running right now, and how a program goes from non-scoring to championship culture in a hurry. We also dive into the legend and lore of Coos Bay, Oregon — home of Steve Prefontaine — plus the behind-the-scenes coaching habits that actually build alignment: recruiting truth, standards, team connection, and Coach Delgado’s best advice of the night: “Lean into conflict.” (Culture doesn’t happen by accident.) ✅ Topics Covered:SWOCC’s jump from last place energy to NWAC ChampionsWhat a true “champion experience” means at the JUCO levelTaylor Dickey & Lydia Montes De Oca going 1–2 and gapping the fieldMen’s program podium finish — best since 1970Recruiting, affordability,