Running In The 70s
In this special reunion episode, members of the historic 1977 Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Men's cross country team gather to celebrate their upcoming induction into the IUP Sports Hall of Fame.
Matthew joins with 5 teammates of the 8 who ran at NAIA and NCAA D2 nationals: Andrew Pheiff, Jacob Hepp, Ken Trilli, Dan Cunkleman, and Richard Wolf ... to reflect on the historic season that brought home the state title and put IUP on the national map.
The panel revisits the grit and camaraderie that defined their collegiate careers, from 138-mile summer training weeks and the fierce battle for a top-seven varsity spot to the unique culture of the cross country house.
They share vivid memories of navigating brutal championship conditions—including the frigid Chicago Nationals, running road-course alternates in the rain, and turning to blue pantyhose to stay warm on race day.
The group also explores their relationships with Coach Ed Fry and Head coach / recruiter Coach Sutton, analyzing how Fry’s coaching philosophy developed overlooked high school runners into All-Americans and national championship contenders.
Looking back across the decades, they trace the enduring impact of those years on their lives, from careers in Olympic athletics, officiating, and the 1984 Marathon Trials to the lifelong bond forged through distance running.
With the induction weekend approaching, this conversation captures the humor, history, and unmatched depth of the squad that set the championship standard for IUP cross country.