How Coach Ryan Waite Produced an NCAA Indoor Mile Champion — The Scouting System, Race Simulation Workouts, and Mental Edge That Won It

The man behind one of the most exciting moments in collegiate track this season is here: BYU Assistant Coach Ryan Waite. His athlete, Carter Cutting, just claimed the 2026 NCAA Indoor Mile title.

Ryan isn't just a coach. He's a five-time All-American who ran these same kinds of races, felt that same pressure, and now pours every bit of that experience and wisdom into the athletes he develops. 

He is the current Assistant Coach for the BYU men’s distance program; he returned after a successful tenure as the head coach of the University of Delaware. He was instrumental in assisting the BYU Men’s Cross Country team to a National Championship in 2024. He also played a pivotal role in coaching steeplechase Olympian James Corrigan.

Before coaching, Coach Waite was a standout middle-distance runner for the Cougars as a five-time All-American and three-time Conference Champion. He was a part of the school's elite distance medley relay (9:29.0) at the time; he is fifth all-time at BYU in the indoor 800m (1:48.49); and sixth all-time in the outdoor 800m (1:46.83).

The résumé speaks for itself. Now let's hear from the man behind it.

Tap into the Ryan Waite Special. 

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