Richard Airey begins his second season as a member of the Hawks’ coaching staff. He will assist in the development of the cross country teams, as well as the distance runners for the track program.
In 2006-07 Airey aided in the development of Monmouth's key distance runners including NEC Steeplechase champ Martin Suarez III. Suarez also set the MU record in the event, with Craig Segal eclipsing the school mark in the 10k under Airey's guidance. David Gaines was an All-NEC selection in the 800m in both the indoor (winning the event) and outdoor season, while setting the school record in the event at the IC4A Outdoor Championships. The former Hawk also oversaw a talented but young women's distance squad.
Airey, a MU graduate, comes back to West Long Branch after serving as head cross country and assistant track coach at Southern Regional High School from 1998 to 2003. He earned high honors in 2001, when he was named Star Ledger and Atlantic City Press Ocean County Coach of the Year after he guided the Rams to a conference and county championship. Airey’s 2001 squad also finished sixth at the New Jersey Meet of Champions. He also was the founder of the Hammer Track Club and served as head coach from 1999-2004.
Under Airey’s watchful eye, the Rams had a total of 11 county champions in the 800m, 1,600m and cross country program. He also coached two conference champions in the 800m, seven South Jersey champions in the 800m, 1,600m, 3,200m and in the cross country program. Airey also coached three New Jersey State Champions in the 800m. At the New Jersey Meet of Champions, Airey guided four Rams to top-five finishes in the 800m. Airey’s Rams were county indoor track & field champions in 2002.
Airey brings a wealth of championship experience to the Hawks, as he was a standout member of the Blue & White’s track and cross country programs. He is the current record holder in the outdoor 10,000m with a time of 31:13.97 which he ran in 1997. His top performance came at the 1998 Northeast Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships where he captured an individual championship in the 3,000m steeplechase with a time of 9:23.85. He also qualified for IC4As in the 10,000m.
His impact has been felt right away. After being part of a team that finished a close second at the NEC’s in 1997 with the best team score in school history, he helped bring the men’s team back to that runner-up spot this fall.
Airey currently resides in Ocean Township, N.J.
