About Coach Cory

I grew up in eastern Kansas and ran my first-mile race three days before I turned three. This was the beginning of my love for running. I spent most of my childhood running through the woods and sword-fighting corn stocks. Eventually, I began training more seriously in High School. Unfortunately, I did not know how to train smart and only had one healthy season of track and cross country.

I went on to compete at an NCAA Division II school called Fort Hays State University. While I was there I saw a mix of success and injury. I rehabbed through a couple of stress fractures, a strained Achilles, a strained calf, a strained hamstring, and disordered eating. Near the end of my college career, I was able to capture several school records and NCAA All-American honors. I graduated with a degree in Exercise Science and did a year of graduate studies in Organizational Leadership.

The success I experienced at the end of college led me to compete for the Kansas City Smoke Elite. While racing for them, I ran a 64:26 half marathon and qualified for the US Olympic Trials Marathon, and finished 16th at the US 15k Championships.

Shortly after the US 15k Championships, I hit a wall. I was done. I was tired. I was injured. I was burnt out. I was trying to balance being a full-time graduate student, part-time graduate assistant, newly married, running 100 miles a week, and racing on the weekends. I hung up the shoes for 3 years and never thought I would compete at an elite level again.

I started drinking for the first time in my life and it consumed me. It took me years to get sober. Eventually, by listening and accepting help from others I began revitalizing my life. It took hard work with my counselor, wife, friends, and coach to get back on track. 

As I discovered myself for the first time, I picked up trail and ultra running. I rediscovered my love for running and am now an elite trail and ultra runner sponsored by The Feed.  

My wife Alex and I have been married since June 2014. She is a middle school teacher and middle school head track and cross country coach for the district. She always keeps me from taking myself too seriously. Her energy is equal parts funny and contagious. 

Our three dogs Hana, Lulu, and Tiki show me how to enjoy every adventure. They remind the importance of food to be a healthy athlete. 

***Yes, they were bribed with a treat to take this photo.

 - 2016 Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier

- Top 10 at the 2021 52k Broken Arrow Skyrace

- Course record holder at the Heartbreaker 55k

- Course record holder of the 7 Sisters 25k

- Course record holder of the Grandfurther 25k

- Winner of 2021 Quest for the Crest and 5th fastest all-time

- 64:26 Half Marathon Personal Record 

- 16th at the U.S. 15k Championships

- 3 time NCAA Track and Cross Country All-American

- 13th at NCAA Division 2 Cross Country Nationals

- 9th at NCAA Division 2 Indoor Nationals in 3,000 meters

- 12th at NCAA Division 2 Indoor Nationals in 5,000 meters 

- Runner-up in Cross Country Central Regionals

- 6-time MIAA Conference champion