Ep 75: Midwest Elite Recap – What Happened, What We Learned, and What's Next | Relaxed and Fast Podcast
In this episode of the Relaxed and Fast podcast, Baldwin Wallace University Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach Joe Eby and Coach Josh Fiorentino recap the 2026 Midwest Elite Meet held at George Finnie Stadium. This high school track and field invitational was built to bring together top distance running and sprinting talent from across the Midwest for a college-level meet experience, and the coaches reflect on whether it delivered on that vision.
Joe and Josh discuss the original goals behind creating the Midwest Elite Meet, the feedback they received from athletes, coaches, and parents, and the standout performances, personal records, and close finishes that defined the day. They also take listeners behind the scenes of hosting a major track meet — covering meet management, working with officials and volunteers, weather adjustments, and the unexpected challenges they solved in real time.
The episode closes with honest lessons learned, planned improvements for next year, and a bigger conversation about why high school track and field athletes deserve elite competition opportunities like this one.
Whether you are a high school runner, a college track and field recruit, a parent navigating the recruiting process, or a coach interested in hosting and meet operations, this recap offers an inside look at building a championship-level high school track meet.
Topics covered in this episode:
- The vision and goals behind the Midwest Elite Meet
- Standout races, PRs, and breakthrough performances
- Behind-the-scenes meet management and operations
- Lessons learned and improvements for next year
- Why elite competition opportunities matter for high school athletes
Hosted by Coach Joe Eby and Coach Josh Fiorentino of Baldwin Wallace University Track and Field and Cross Country.
Follow the program on Instagram: @bw_tf_xc Follow Coach Eby: @Run800met
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