The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast, hosted by Mike Cunningham, explores the world of track and field coaching through inspiring stories and real conversations with leaders at every level. New coach interviews are released every Monday, while the Gill1918 Project episodes offer short, powerful lessons from top coaches Tuesday through Sunday. The podcast is powered by Gill Athletics, a company supporting coaches since 1918.
Episodes
BONUS: BoSCA-Brady Ray, Trevecca Nazarene Univ | The Trojys
An exceptional organization, the Business of Small College Athletics (BoSCA), holds an annual convention attended by some of the most passionate hard working adminstrators in the country. Coming together to share their experiences and knowledge, the BoSCA Convention features some of the top administrators around speaking on important topics that could provide value to our current slate of track/fi
#220: Gill1918 Presents Mike Cunningham "The 7 Most Common Pole Vault Pit Mistakes Coaches Make"
What are the most common pole vault pit mistakes coaches make?In this episode, Mike Cunningham shares the seven pit maintenance and safety mistakes he sees most often during facility visits across the country.You'll learn:✅ Why regular inspections matter✅ How small tears become expensive repairs✅ The importance of weather covers✅ Why vault box collars should never be overlooked✅ Common mistake
#219: Gill1918 Presents Mike Cunningham "Pole Vault Pit Inspection Checklist: 9 Things Every Coach Should Check"
How often should you inspect your pole vault pit?In this episode, Mike Cunningham walks coaches through a complete pole vault pit inspection checklist and explains why regular inspections are one of the easiest ways to improve athlete safety and extend the life of a landing system.You'll learn:✅ What to inspect before, during, and after the season✅ How to evaluate top pads, foam, vinyl, and ha
#218: Gill1918 Presents David Mitchell “Navigating Difficult Conversations” Powered by Coach O
David is a coach and T&F announcer who spent 23 of his 39 years in public education serving as a school counselor spanning grades K-12. Along the way, David learned communication techniques to make difficult conversations more fruitful and less painful. He shares these techniques here, including a powerful response to a common passive-aggressive statement.He is also the coordinator of this You
#376: Tyler Germain-Kalamazoo Central HS | Building a State Champion Through Culture, Speed, and Belonging
What happens when a coach sees something in you before you see it in yourself?For Kalamazoo Central Head Coach Tyler Germain, that story starts with two teachers who convinced a tall sophomore football and basketball player to give track and field a chance. A surprise entry into the 300-meter hurdles sparked a journey that would eventually lead to a Michigan state championship and one of the faste
BONUS: The Coachers Podcast episode #45 Dave Turnbull | Summit Track: Reflect, Reset, and Go
In this engaging conversation, Coach Dave Turnbull shareshis journey from a young athlete in Pendleton, Oregon, to becoming the head track coach at Summit High School. He discusses his dual life as a coach / teacher and a DJ, the importance of building a winning culture, and his coaching philosophy centered around character development. Coach Turnbull reflects on the challenges of coaching, the si
#217: Gill1918 Presents Mike Cunningham "When Should You Replace Your PV Pit? Warning Signs Every Coach Should Know"
When should a pole vault pit be replaced?Most coaches immediately think about age. But age alone doesn't tell the whole story.In this episode of the Gill Connections Podcast, Mike Cunningham breaks down the real factors that determine when a pole vault landing system should be repaired, replaced, or removed from service. From foam degradation and water intrusion to compliance concerns and liab
#216: Gill1918 Presents Mike Cunningham "How Long Does a Pole Vault Pit Last? The Truth About Pit Lifespan"
How long does a pole vault pit actually last?It's one of the most common questions coaches ask, but the answer isn't as simple as 10 years, 15 years, or 20 years.In this episode of the Gill Connections Podcast, Mike Cunningham breaks down the factors that truly determine the lifespan of a pole vault pit and explains why age alone is often the wrong metric.You'll learn:✅ Why indoor pits
#215: Gill1918 Presents Sydnee Walker “My Path to NCAA D1 & Beyond” Powered by Coach O
Sydnee started at a small high school in GA competing in the shot put and discus. She shares the steps on her path to becoming a 4-time Junior Olympic national hammer throw champion, 2-time HS All-American, and then a top-10 all-time performer in the hammer and weight throw for the University of Oregon. She also offers suggestions to current youth athletes, parents, and coaches on how to forge the
#375: Josh Brooks-UGA | Why Track & Field Matters, Coaching Leadership, and the Future of College Athletics
Mike Cunningham is joined by Josh Brooks, Athletic Director at the University of Georgia, for a deep, inside look at leadership in college athletics—and the growing role of track & field.Josh shares his journey from javelin athlete to SEC Athletic Director, along with his perspective on why track has become such an important part of athletic department success—from both a competitive and devel
#214: Gill1918 Presents Mike Cunningham "What Are the NCAA Requirements for Pole Vault Pits? A Coach's Guide to Compliance and Safety"
How do NCAA pole vault pit requirements differ from NFHS standards?In this episode of the Gill Connections Podcast, Mike Cunningham breaks down the current NCAA requirements for pole vault landing systems and explains what coaches, facility managers, and athletic directors need to know when planning new facilities or evaluating existing equipment.Topics covered include:✅ NCAA pole vault pit requir
#213: Gill1918 Presents Mike Cunningham "What Are the NFHS Requirements for Pole Vault Pits? Everything Coaches Need to Know"
Are you confident your pole vault pit meets current NFHS requirements?In this episode of the Gill Connections Podcast, Mike Cunningham breaks down the NFHS rules governing pole vault landing systems and explains what coaches, athletic directors, and facility managers need to know to ensure athlete safety and compliance.Topics covered include:✅ Current NFHS pole vault pit dimensions✅ Vault box coll
#212: Gill1918 Presents Gwen Gray “Strava, High School Running, and Trusting the Process” Powered by Coach O
Gwen is an up and coming T&F announcer along with being a high school XC/TF coach in Bend, OR and at the Steens Mountain Running Camp. Gwen is a University of Oregon graduate who studied filmmaking and advertising. She offers original, thought-provoking perspective on the impact of technology and comparison on the development of high school distance runners and on what coaches can do about it.
#374: Kenneth Cox-Birmingham Crossplex | Leadership, Faith, and Serving the Sport
This week on the Gill Connections Podcast, Mike Cunningham sits down with Kenneth Cox, Director of the Birmingham CrossPlex, for a wide-ranging conversation about serving track & field from every angle: athlete, coach, administrator, and now facility leader.Kenneth Cox shares how track began for him at age eight, how mentors shaped him, and why consistency and relationships became cornerstones
#211: Gill1918 Presents the Beyond The Blocks Podcast Team “Recruiting Tips for Athletes” Powered by Coach O
Coach Will, Coach Lonnie, and A. Lew from the awesome Beyond The Blocks Track & Field Podcast took some time to share their experience as coaches and parents of athletes in three key areas of the college recruiting process. Their advice is real, practical, and able to be implemented right away. Athletes, coaches and parents will all benefit from these quick tips! You can enjoy their insightful
#373: Rita Gary-Furman University | Leadership, Standards & Building Excellence the Right Way
Some conversations go long.This one goes deep.In this episode, Rita Gary, head coach at Furman University, delivers a masterclass on leadership, accountability, and what it actually takes to build something meaningful in today’s NCAA landscape.From her early influences as a young athlete to becoming a Division I head coach at just 24 years old, Rita shares how her leadership philosophy was shaped—
#210: Gill1918 Presents Lyle Smith "Running the Wetmore Way"
Lyle Smith gives us an insider's look at his new book "Blood, Sweat & Spikes: Running the Wetmore Way" on today's Gill1918 Project episode. Check out his book at the Amazon link above; here's the description for this exciting new book for our exciting sport!At the height of the first American Running Boom, a small town in New Jersey emerged as a magical place in the sport
#209: Gill1918 Presents Chris Parno "Fixing Common Errors in the Short Hurdles" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate
#208: Gill1918 Presents Chad Gunnelson "Building the Skill of Rhythm" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate
#207: Gill1918 Presents Angelina Ramos "Building Middle Distance Athletes" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate t
#206: Gill1918 Presents Josiah Norville "Energy Systems & Why They Matter in the 400/400IH" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate t
#205: Gill1918 Presents Summer Washington "Reflections on a Sport I Love" Powered by Coach O
Summer is a former NC HS all-state hurdler whose collegiate career at NC Central and UNC Charlotte recently ended earlier than expected due to medical retirement. She shares her insights on her transfer portal experience and reflections on the highs, the lows, and the inherent beauty of experiencing both in a sport she dearly loves. This is a great episode for athletes, coaches, and parents to hea
#372: Chris Woods | From Athlete to Coach: Full Circle at Mississippi State
There are episodes… and then there are full-circle moments.This week on the Gill Connections Podcast, Mike sits down with Mississippi State Head Coach Chris Woods — a former athlete he once coached — for a conversation that spans mentorship, adversity, growth, and what it really means to build a program and a life.Chris opens up about his journey from a late-start high school athlete to SEC head c
#204: Gill1918 Presents Corey McElhaney "What Does it Take to be Recruited" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate t
#203: Gill1918 Presents Ashley Bastron "From Silence to Support" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate
#202: Gill1918 Presents Chad Gunnelson "Team Building" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate
#201: Gill1918 Presents Kelsey Riggins "Pole Vault 101: Basics of Training Vaulters" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate
#200: Gill1918 Presents Tommy Badon "Train Fast to Race Fast" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate t
#199: Gill1918 Presents Katie Follett "The Injury Opportunity"
Powered by Coach O Katie is a licensed counselor and mental skills coach for Elevated Performance following a 13-year career as a pro runner, which included winning a US Road Mile Championship and being a 3000m World Championships finalist. In this episode, Katie helps athletes and coaches flip the script on how injury is perceived and how the athlete can move forward in positive ways. She'd l
#371: James Randall-Warsaw Community (IN) HS | Coaching, Fatherhood & Raising a Division I High Jumper
There are coaching journeys—and then there are life journeys that shape how you coach.In this episode, we sit down with James Randall of Warsaw Community High School in Indiana, a coach whose path didn’t follow the traditional route. From trade school to the sidelines, James built his coaching career through curiosity, mentorship, and a deep commitment to doing things the right way.But this conver
#198: Gill1918 Presents Kelsey Riggins "Empathic Coaching: Using Your Strengths to be the Best Version of Yourself" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate
#197: Gill1918 Presents Chris Parno "Training Theory: Speed/Power - What, Why, How" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate t
#196: Gill1918 Presents Angelina Ramos "The Communication Side of Coaching" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate
#195: Gill1918 Presents Tommy Badon "Mechanics of Speed" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate
#194: Gill1918 Presents Eric Kramer "Tips for Effective 4x1 and 4x4 Relays" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate
#193: Gill1918 Presents Olympic Gold & Bronze Medalist DeeDee Trotter “Get Your Goals Right” Powered by Coach O
DeeDee is not only a 3-time Olympian, she's also an Executive Pastry Chef at Taste of Gold Bakery, a global keynote motivational speaker, and the author of the inspirational book I Can. I Must. I Will!. DeeDee is truly an expert on goal-setting and goal-getting! Great for coaches and athletes, this episode was originally released in July, 2025.If you feel inspired to share on a topic near to your
#370: Joanna Hayes-UCLA | From First Hurdles to Leading the Bruins
Joanna Hayes is one of the most accomplished names in track & field—but this conversation goes somewhere different.Instead of reliving Olympic gold memories, we rewind to where it all began… and fast-forward to how she became the head coach at UCLA Bruins.From discovering track at just nine years old, to not even touching hurdles until her junior year of high school, to navigating the identity
#192: Gill1918 Presents Corey McElhaney "Building a Strong Culture in a Program" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate t
#191: Gill1918 Presents Chris Parno "Training Theory for Speed/Power-Progressions of Training" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate
#190: Gill1918 Presents Aimee Day & Cindy Hausner "Part 3 Training Wheelchair Athletes"
This past February, the great people of the Wisconsin Track Coaches Association held their annual Track/Field clinic with amazing speakers. WISTCA has graciously allowed us to share these speaker's topics on the Gill1918 Project. ENJOY!
#189: Gill1918 Presents Aimee Day & Cindy Hausner "Part 2 Training Wheelchair Athletes"
This past February, the great people of the Wisconsin Track Coaches Association held their annual Track/Field clinic with amazing speakers. WISTCA has graciously allowed us to share these speaker's topics on the Gill1918 Project. ENJOY!
#188: Gill1918 Presents Aimee Day & Cindy Hausner "Part 1 Training Wheelchair Athletes"
This past February, the great people of the Wisconsin Track Coaches Association held their annual Track/Field clinic with amazing speakers. WISTCA has graciously allowed us to share these speaker's topics on the Gill1918 Project. ENJOY!
#187: Gill1918 Presents Micheal Wellington “Four Components of Good Hurdling” Powered by Coach O
Micheal "Coach Welly" Wellington has coached hurdlers of all ages and skill levels from youth beginners to elite athletes. Over the past 25 years, he has refined his coaching system into what he calls Foundational Hurdling which includes the Four Components of Good Hurdling he shares with us here. He's also co-owner of Two8 Bands. Learn about his ongoing work and his July 18-19, 2026
#369: Kevin Donner-Bucknell University | From $1,000 Stipend to 25 Years of Building a Championship Culture
Kevin Donner’s journey into coaching wasn’t planned—it was discovered.From getting cut from baseball and stumbling into track, to turning down “real jobs” for a $1,000 stipend, to eventually leading Bucknell University for over two decades… this episode is a masterclass in passion, persistence, and program building.Kevin walks through the pivotal moments that shaped his career—moments where he bet
#186: Gill1918 Presents Chad Gunnelson "Programming & Periodization for Sprints, Jumps, Hurdles" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate
#185: Gill1918 Presents Angelina Ramos "Adapting Athletes with Rising Trends" presented by Glazier Clinics
I'm throwing a birthday party for myself and YOU'RE INVITED! My friends at Glazier Clinics are hosting a FREE Virtual Track and Field Clinic with some of the best coaches around (BYU, TCU, Under Armour, and more!) on July 24 and 25 and I want you to be there.Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04mV2Pd0Share it with a friend!To help you see the quality of these presentations, and to celebrate t
BONUS: Running in the ’70s Podcast – Episode 418 | Duane “Peanut” Harms: Coach, Centipede Creator, Running Ambassador, and Master Storyteller
In this episode, Matthew Kleinosky sits down with legendary coach and running personality Duane “Peanut” Harms, whose remarkable journey spans more than five decades in the sport. From discovering running almost by accident as a high school baseball player to coaching national teams, helping launch HOKA, and shaping generations of athletes, Peanut shares stories that are equal parts inspiring, hil
#184: Gill1918 Presents Lance Brauman "Part 2 Simple Cues for the Mechanics of Sprinting"
This past February, the great people of the Wisconsin Track Coaches Association held their annual Track/Field clinic with amazing speakers. WISTCA has graciously allowed us to share these speaker's topics on the Gill1918 Project. ENJOY!
#183: Gill1918 Presents Lance Brauman "Part 1 Simple Cues for the Mechanics of Sprinting"
This past February, the great people of the Wisconsin Track Coaches Association held their annual Track/Field clinic with amazing speakers. WISTCA has graciously allowed us to share these speaker's topics on the Gill1918 Project. ENJOY!
#182: Gill1918 Presents Coach Jesse Coy “Fast Enough for 400m Fit Enough for 5k” Powered by Coach O
Jesse is the founder of CoachingDistance.com and was the high school coach of Simeon Birnbaum, the NCAA 1500m Record Holder and 2026 1500m Champion for the Oregon Ducks. Jesse is passionate about continually learning the craft of coaching distance and then sharing what he's learned with others. He coaches today at Rapid City Stevens HS in SD. Jesse and his wife Dr. Whitnee Coy are the founders
#368: Nick Schneigert-Coaching, Identity & Life Beyond the Sand Pit
Nick Schneigert’s journey isn’t a straight line—and that’s exactly why this conversation matters.From growing up in a Polish immigrant family in Chicago…to discovering track and field after getting cut from baseball…to serving in the U.S. Navy and being deployed after 9/11…to chasing a career in media…to finally finding purpose in coaching…Nick’s story is about identity.And what happens when the t
#181: Gill1918 Presents Mechelle Freeman "Part 2 Building Championship Relays"
This past February, the great people of the Wisconsin Track Coaches Association held their annual Track/Field clinic with amazing speakers. WISTCA has graciously allowed us to share these speaker's topics on the Gill1918 Project. ENJOY!
#180: Gill1918 Presents Mechelle Freeman "Part 1 Building Championship Relays"
This past February, the great people of the Wisconsin Track Coaches Association held their annual Track/Field clinic with amazing speakers. WISTCA has graciously allowed us to share these speaker's topics on the Gill1918 Project. ENJOY!
#179: Gill1918 Presents Desiree Robinson “The Chooser or The Chosen?” Powered by Coach O
Desiree was a two-sport star (T&F and Basketball) for Emmanuel University in Boston. She takes a fun and entertaining look back at how she ended up competing in the T&F events that she did over her career. Did she choose them or was she the one chosen? Desiree is currently completing her master's degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism at Syracuse University. She is a model, an actr
#367: Payton Taylor-Gill Athletics | From Illinois State Thrower to Serving Coaches Nationwide
This episode of the Gill Connections Podcast is a little different—and a lot of fun.Instead of sitting down with a coach, we’re turning the mic inward and highlighting one of our own. Payton Taylor joins the show to share his journey from a multi-sport athlete in Illinois to a Division I thrower at Illinois State University… and now to serving coaches across the country as part of the Gill Athleti
#178: Gill1918 Presents Mechelle Freeman "Part 2 Unlocking the Secrets of Speed"
This past February, the great people of the Wisconsin Track Coaches Association held their annual Track/Field clinic with amazing speakers. WISTCA has graciously allowed us to share these speaker's topics on the Gill1918 Project. ENJOY!
#177: Gill1918 Presents Mechelle Freeman "Part 1 Unlocking the Secrets of Speed"
This past February, the great people of the Wisconsin Track Coaches Association held their annual Track/Field clinic with amazing speakers. WISTCA has graciously allowed us to share these speaker's topics on the Gill1918 Project. ENJOY!
#176: Gill1918 Presents Athletic Movement Coach Steve Stokes “Movement Literacy” Powered by Coach O
Steve is an EU American Football Hall of Famer, the Inventor and CEO of Two8 Bands, and the author of If We Knew Better, We'd Move Better. He shares one chapter of the audio version of his book to introduce the concept of movement literacy and to help us understand why it matters to coaches, athletes, and everyone else, too.If you have a topic that would benefit others, contact David Mitchell
#366: Sean Foulkes-Warsaw Community (IN) High School | Finding Purpose Through Coaching
There are episodes where you learn… and then there are episodes where you feel something.This is one of those.Sean Foulkes didn’t start track and field because of a dream—he started because his friends wouldn’t let him skip practice. But what began as simple peer pressure turned into a deep pursuit of mastery, fueled by curiosity, VHS film breakdowns, and hours of self-coaching.Then life shifted.C
#175: Gill1918 Presents Mechelle Freeman "Part 2 Women in Leadership"
This past February, the great people of the Wisconsin Track Coaches Association held their annual Track/Field clinic with amazing speakers. To kick off the weekend they hosted a women4women program featuring inspirational speakers.WISTCA has graciously allowed us to share these speaker's topics on the Gill1918 Project. ENJOY!
#174: Gill1918 Presents Mechelle Freeman "Part 1 Women in Leadership"
This past February, the great people of the Wisconsin Track Coaches Association held their annual Track/Field clinic with amazing speakers. To kick off the weekend they hosted a women4women program featuring inspirational speakers.WISTCA has graciously allowed us to share these speaker's topics on the Gill1918 Project. ENJOY!
#173: Gill1918 Presents Paralympian Tyson Gunter “A Para Track and Field Overview” Powered by Coach O
Tyson is a 7-time Team USA member including the 2016 Paralympic Games. He's a 2-time Para World Championships Silver Medalist, and a Para Pan American Gold Medalist. Tyson and his wife, Kenzie, met at Idaho State and now serve as high school T&F coaches in Idaho. He is also the E-Commerce Manager for Black Label Supplements--Science-Backed Sports Nutrition. In this episode, Tyson shares in
#365: Alan Wardsworth-Central Valley (WA) HS | From Chaos to Coaching: A Journey Built on Curiosity & Resilience
Alan Wardsworth’s story doesn’t start on a pristine track facility—it starts in chaos.A childhood that spanned continents. A high school that literally burned to the ground. A kid who wasn’t focused in the classroom… until sport gave him a reason to be.And then, almost by accident, he finds track and field.What follows is a journey shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to figure thing
#172: Gill1918 Presents Chad Gunnelson "Part 2 Lessons Learned from Coaching Great Women!"
This past February, the great people of the Wisconsin Track Coaches Association held their annual Track/Field clinic with amazing speakers. To kick off the weekend they hosted a women4women program featuring inspirational speakers.WISTCA has graciously allowed us to share these speaker's topics on the Gill1918 Project. ENJOY!
#171: Gill1918 Presents Chad Gunnelson "Part 1 Lessons Learned from Coaching Great Women!"
This past February, the great people of the Wisconsin Track Coaches Association held their annual Track/Field clinic with amazing speakers. To kick off the weekend they hosted a women4women program featuring inspirational speakers.WISTCA has graciously allowed us to share these speaker's topics on the Gill1918 Project. ENJOY!
#170: Gill1918 Presents Coach/Author David Emeott “Layered Leadership” Powered by Coach O
Coach Emeott's East Kentwood HS (MI) team will be competing for their 9th D1 state title this weekend to go with a national championship as well. To maximize the leadership potential of all team members, East Kentwood does not have team captains, but instead utilizes layered leadership. In his book, Beyond the Finish Line Emeott covers how a focus on transforming lives instead of outcomes has
#364: Bill Lawson-IMG Academy | Coaching, Parenting, and Building Champions
Last week on the show, we heard the journey of TJ Lawson at IMG Academy — so this week we had to get the other Lawson.In this episode, Bill Lawson, Head Track & Field Coach at IMG Academy, joins us for a wide-ranging conversation that starts in rural Illinois and stretches all the way to TrackTown USA, the NCAA, and now the inaugural Under Armour High School Championships.Along the way, Coach
#169: Gill1918 Presents Guy Thomas-Rekortan (Rekortan Penn Relays Speaker Series)
Grateful to Rekortan for hosting a Coaches Speaker Session at the 2026 Penn Relays. Recorded on Friday during the Coaches Hospitality, Rekortan invited coaches and Rekortan teammates to share their running and coaching experiences to give value to the audience. Gill Athletics is grateful for Rekortan's trust to record these sessions to bring them to you in our Gill1918 Project podcast format.
#168: Gill1918 presents Track Tribe LIVE: (Part 3) "Getting Paid to Run" with Tyrone Ross hosted by Kyle Jones
🌟Explore Our Library: Dive into over 350 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such asBoo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois),Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on Twitch.tv, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more!🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunning
#167: Gill1918 presents Track Tribe LIVE: (Part 2) "Getting Paid to Run" with Tyrone Ross hosted by Kyle Jones
🌟Explore Our Library: Dive into over 350 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such asBoo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois),Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on Twitch.tv, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more!🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunning
#166: Gill1918 presents Track Tribe LIVE: (Part 1) "Getting Paid to Run" with Tyrone Ross hosted by Kyle Jones
🌟Explore Our Library: Dive into over 350 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such asBoo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois),Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on Twitch.tv, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more!🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunning
#165: Gill1918 Presents David Mitchell “Honoring the Baton” Powered by Coach O
Nationally known T&F announcer David Mitchell recalls some painful moments from his 20+ years as a high school coach that led to the creation of a systematic way to “Honor the Baton” and develop a team culture that prevents most relay issues before they ever get the chance to cause headaches for coaches! This episode replay from July, 2025 has a special addition to it discussing ways we might
#363: TJ Lawson-IMG Academy | Building Culture, Multis, and a National Meet
This week on The Gill Connections Podcast, Mike Cunningham is joined by TJ Lawson, Assistant Director of Track & Field at IMG Academy.TJ shares his journey from growing up around Hayward Field, competing as a near–8,000 point decathlete, and ultimately finding his calling in coaching and program leadership after injuries reshaped his athletic path.The episode pulls back the curtain on IMG Acad
#164: Gill1918 Presents Kevin Quadrozzi-ON (Rekortan Penn Relays Speaker Series)
Grateful to Rekortan for hosting a Coaches Speaker Session at the 2026 Penn Relays. Recorded on Friday during the Coaches Hospitality, Rekortan invited coaches and Rekortan teammates to share their running and coaching experiences to give value to the audience. Gill Athletics is grateful for Rekortan's trust to record these sessions to bring them to you in our Gill1918 Project podcast format.
#163: Gill1918 Presents Bill Lawson-IMG Academy (Rekortan Penn Relays Speaker Series)
Grateful to Rekortan for hosting a Coaches Speaker Session at the 2026 Penn Relays. Recorded on Friday during the Coaches Hospitality, Rekortan invited coaches and Rekortan teammates to share their running and coaching experiences to give value to the audience. Gill Athletics is grateful for Rekortan's trust to record these sessions to bring them to you in our Gill1918 Project podcast format.
#162: Gill1918 presents Track Tribe LIVE: (Part 3) "Building Hurdlers" with Kenny Anderson hosted by Kyle Jones
🌟Explore Our Library: Dive into over 350 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such asBoo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois),Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on Twitch.tv, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more!🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunning
#161: Gill1918 presents Track Tribe LIVE: (Part 2) "Building Hurdlers" with Kenny Anderson hosted by Kyle Jones
🌟Explore Our Library: Dive into over 350 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such asBoo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois),Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on Twitch.tv, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more!🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunning
#160: Gill1918 presents Track Tribe LIVE: (Part 1) "Building Hurdlers" with Kenny Anderson hosted by Kyle Jones
🌟Explore Our Library: Dive into over 350 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such asBoo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois),Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on Twitch.tv, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more!🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunning
#159: Gill1918 Presents Three-Time Softball Olympian Lauren Regula “My Experience as a First-Time Track Mom” Powered by Coach O
Lauren grew up participating in many sports along with her MLB veteran brother, Jason Bay, and went on to represent Canada in softball in 3 Olympic Games, but knew very little about track. Her perspectives changed dramatically when she became a Track & Field mom for the first-time and she's now a strong advocate encouraging families to get involved in the sport with a very affirming messag
#362: Kailey Johnson-Central Methodist Univ | From Athlete to Coach
Kailey Johnson didn’t grow up dreaming of being a coach.She grew up in it.From playing in the sand pits as a kid while her dad coached… to competing as a hurdler at Central Methodist… to now standing on the other side of the track as a coach — her journey is a full-circle story that hits different.What makes this episode even more special?Back in January of 2021, her head coach — Kenny Anderson —
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