WARRENVILLE, Ill. – Mid-States Corporate Federal Credit Union Director of Business Development John Garey played a role in helping the University of Wisconsin's men's cross country team win the national championship. The University of Wisconsin Badgers earned their first NCAA team title since 1988. Garey, who has had an interest in coaching all his life, has served as a volunteer assistant coach for the team for nine years. "The credit union industry is perfect for me because I love business with a conscience," said Garey. "The credit union philosophy has helped my coaching experience because I get to do what I love and help out other people at the same time." It took time for Garey to make it to the college ranks. After coaching on the high school level, he pursued the University of Wisconsin coach for more than a year. He started out by raking leaves at the University of Wisconsin arboretum. Eventually his persistence paid off and he was named as a volunteer assistant coach. He works closely with head coach Jerry Schumacher, whom he competed against in high school. "Now, I just have a permanent smile on my face," Garey said proudly. "I've been calling Jerry at least once a day singing `We Are The Champions.' We've both dreamt of it for so long, and I knew we would win a national title with Jerry."