Mike Fruchey enters his ninth 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 28th. New school records have been set for the 8k (25:30/2007) 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 2007 Academic All-American Team by the United States Track & Field/Cross Country Coaches Association.

Prior to coaching at IPFW, Fruchey had spent three years as a volunteer coach at Taylor University and three years as a volunteer coach at Carroll High School.

Coach Fruchey holds a Master's degree in Physics from Ball State University and a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Taylor University. He also has attained a USATF Level II Coaching Certification in Endurance and is certified as a USATF Level 1 Instructor.

Coach Fruchey by the numbers (2000-Present):
* NCAA Great Lakes Regional team places of 28th(2007), 29th(2006), 28th(2005), 27th(2004), 32nd(2003), and 29th(2002).

* Summit League All-Conference Runners: 1 (2007) (Hunter Paris)

* USTFCCCA All-Academic Team 2006 and 2007.

* Eight of the Top Ten all-time 8k performances led by Hunter Paris's 2007 record of 25:30.00.

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