Mike Fruchey enters his eighth season as Head Men's Cross Country Coach at IPFW.

During his tenure, the Men's team has participated in the NCAA Great Lakes Region each year and this past fall placed 29th. New school records have been set for the 8k (25:43/2006) and for the 10k (33:02/2004) races. In addition to attaining athletic achievements, Coach Fruchey emphasizes academic excellence. This is exemplified by recognition as a 2006 Academic All-American Team by the United States Track & Field/Cross Country Coaches Association.

Coach Fruchey attended Taylor University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics in 1991. While at Taylor, Fruchey qualified for two NAIA national cross-country meets and two NAIA national track meets. As a senior, Fruchey was voted MVP for both the cross-country and track teams. Also, in 1991, Fruchey earned National Christian College All-American Honors with an 11th place finish, completing the 8k distance in 25:33.

After finishing his undergraduate degree, Coach Fruchey earned a graduate teaching assistantship from Ball State University and completed a Master of Arts degree in Physics in 1993. While attending Ball State, Fruchey served as an as a Volunteer Assistant Cross Country Coach at Taylor University.

Coach Fruchey by the numbers (2000-Present):

NCAA Great Lakes Regional team places of 29th(2006), 28th(2005), 27th(2004), 32nd(2003), and 29th(2002).

USTFCCCA All-Academic Team 2006.

Eight of the Top Ten all-time 8k performances led by Hunter Paris's 2006 record of 25:43.00.

Seven of the Top Ten all-time 10k performances led by Ian Wilson's 2004 record of 33:02.60.

NCAA Division 1 All-Independent runners - Hunter Paris (2006)