Track and field coaches are the most selfless people in the world, sacrificing a lot of personal gains for the greater good of their athletes and our sport. Join former college coach and Gill's National Sales Manager Mike Cunningham each week as he interviews coaches from every level uplifting and honoring their journey in the coaching profession. If you want to connect with and learn more about the story behind the coach this podcast is for you.
Listeners of Gill Athletics: Track and Field Connections that love the show mention: track and field, gill, coaches, mike, sport, lessons, amazing podcast, stories, learn, hearing, guests, highly recommend, job, great, thanks, content, awesome, listen, love.
The Gill Athletics: Track and Field Connections podcast, hosted by Mike Cunningham, is an outstanding resource for track and field coaches and fans alike. It consistently delivers exceptional content with a focus on sharing the stories and experiences of coaches in the sport.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is Mike's ability to secure incredible guests who provide valuable insights into their coaching journeys. The stories shared on this show go beyond just the technicalities of coaching and delve into the heart and passion that drives these individuals. It's refreshing to hear about how coaches got their starts in the sport and the challenges they faced along the way. This podcast truly celebrates the dedication and hard work that goes into becoming a successful coach.
Another great aspect is Mike's evident love for track and field, which shines through in each episode. His efforts to be an asset to the sport are commendable, as he uses his relationships built over decades to bring coaches together for the betterment of the sport. The interviews conducted on this podcast are a testament to his commitment to track and field, as they provide a platform for coaches to share their knowledge and contribute to the growth of the profession.
Furthermore, Mike does an exceptional job with each guest, asking insightful questions that allow them to tell their full story. He creates a comfortable environment where interviewees feel comfortable being vulnerable and sharing valuable information. This podcast goes beyond just coaching advice on a clipboard; it provides lessons learned from experienced professionals who have dedicated their lives to track and field.
As for drawbacks, there are very few if any negative aspects to this podcast. Some listeners may find certain episodes more relatable or applicable than others depending on their specific interests within track and field. However, even if you're not familiar with a particular guest or their background, this podcast still offers valuable insights into coaching as well as inspiring stories that anyone can appreciate.
In conclusion, The Gill Athletics: Track and Field Connections podcast is a must-listen for track and field coaches and fans. Mike Cunningham's dedication to the sport and his ability to bring together exceptional guests make this podcast a valuable resource for anyone seeking to learn from experienced professionals in the field. Whether you're a seasoned athlete, an up-and-coming athlete, or simply a fan of the sport, this podcast offers an amazing insight into the world of track and field that is both informative and inspiring.
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 significance of recruiting the right athletes, and his vision for the future of track and field. He emphasizes the need for constant learning and adaptation in coaching and passionately explains why he believes track is the greatest sport, as it mirrors life's challenges and triumphs. In this conversation, Coach Turnbull shares his insights on coaching, personal growth, and the importance of teamwork. Hereflects on his own experiences with adversity, including a cancer diagnosis, and emphasizes the need for resilience in both athletics and life. Coach Turnbull discusses the significance of discipline, caring for all athletes regardless oftheir skill level, and the value of inspiring growth beyond performance metrics. He also highlights the importance of building relationships within a team and the need for coaches to continuously challenge themselves. The conversation concludes with Coach Turnbull's thoughts on retirement and his aspirations for the future.
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 liability risks, this episode provides practical guidance for coaches, athletic directors, and facility managers responsible for athlete safety.You'll learn:✅ Why pit age is often the wrong metric✅ Common warning signs that indicate replacement may be needed✅ How foam, vinyl, and hardware condition affect safety✅ The role water intrusion plays in shortening pit life✅ When repairs may be appropriate and when replacement becomes necessary✅ How NFHS and NCAA compliance can impact replacement decisions✅ Why regular inspections are critical✅ How coaches can successfully advocate for replacement fundingOne of the biggest mistakes programs make is waiting until a pit becomes an emergency. The best replacement projects start years before the purchase through planning, budgeting, inspections, and communication.If you're responsible for a pole vault facility, this conversation can help you make better decisions, reduce risk, and provide a safer environment for athletes.The goal isn't compliance. The goal is safety.A pole vault pit should be replaced when it can no longer safely perform its intended function. That decision should be driven by condition, performance, and athlete safety, not simply the age of the landing system.Link:
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 often last longer than outdoor pits✅ How sun, rain, snow, and temperature changes impact pit life✅ The critical role weather covers and pit garages play✅ How usage volume affects foam, vinyl, and hardware✅ The difference between pit age and pit condition✅ What a pole vault pit warranty actually covers✅ Practical steps coaches can take to extend pit lifespan✅ Common warning signs that indicate repairs or replacement may be neededThroughout the discussion, Mike shares real-world examples from facility visits across the country, including pits that remained serviceable after 20+ years and others that required replacement much sooner due to environmental exposure, water intrusion, and maintenance issues.Whether you're evaluating your current pit, planning future budgets, or simply trying to protect one of the largest investments in your pole vault program, this episode provides practical guidance to help maximize safety and extend the life of your landing system.
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 their own path. Sydnee is the founder and CE[http:]O of The Collaborative LLC and also works as a Social Media & Marketing Professional. Note: This episode was originally published 2/3/26.If you've got something awesome like this that you'd like to share, please contact David Mitchell to learn how!
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 developmental standpoint.The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including:Georgia's recent success across track, baseball, and other sportsBuilding a world-class track & field facility with athlete, coach, and fan experience in mindWhy track offers unique developmental value for youth athletesThe balance between revenue and non-revenue sports at the DI levelThe evolving NCAA landscape, including NIL and the new 5-year eligibility ruleChallenges with roster age gaps and international recruitingThe idea of expanding NCAA scoring beyond the top 8What Athletic Directors look for when hiring head coachesWhy assistant coaches need to demonstrate leadership beyond their event groupThe concept of “good high maintenance” and advocating for your programAdvice for coaches considering a move into administrationJosh also discusses how he approaches recruiting—even meeting with track & field recruits personally—and why he views recruiting as the single biggest way he can impact success.This episode provides rare insight into how top-level decisions are made—and how coaches can better position themselves and their programs moving forward.Dive into nearly 400 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo 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!
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 requirements and dimensions✅ Key differences between NCAA and NFHS standards✅ Why larger landing systems are common at the collegiate level✅ Landing system performance and athlete safety✅ Common mistakes made during facility planning✅ How to evaluate an aging landing system✅ Compliance vs. best practicesWhether you're building a new facility, preparing to host collegiate competition, or simply trying to understand NCAA standards, this episode will help you make more informed decisions about athlete safety and facility design.
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 collar requirements✅ Hard-surface protection requirements✅ What NFHS means by "decelerating the athlete's landing"✅ Common compliance mistakes coaches make✅ How to evaluate an older or inherited landing system✅ The difference between minimum compliance and best practicesWhether you're planning a facility upgrade, purchasing a new pit, or inspecting an existing landing system, this episode provides practical guidance to help keep athletes safe and programs compliant.Link to LinkedIn Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-nfhs-requirements-pole-vault-pits-mike-cunningham--5pzuc/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_publishing_published%3BDMTRInMgSlGPXaEcQyO6kQ%3D%3D
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. You can get to know Gwen and her work by following her on IG (Gwen The Announcer).
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 of his leadership. From coaching stops that included Emory (Division III) and ultimately 16 years at Birmingham-Southern, he opens up about the realities of building a program, developing athletes, and learning the “head coach” role beyond X's and O's. He also walks through the rare challenge of navigating a school closure, how that season changed his perspective, and why he believes his next chapter at the CrossPlex is another way to “coach” the sport—by creating experiences, memories, and opportunities for athletes and coaches who walk through those doors. If you're a coach considering administration, a leader trying to build culture, or someone who loves track and believes there's more than one way to serve it—this one is for you.Dive into over 350 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo 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!
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 and entertaining in-depth T&F interviews on YouTube and Instagram. Got a topic you'd love to share with our Youth T&F audience? Contact David Mitchell to learn how.
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—and how it continues to evolve.Despite a shorter conversation than usual, this episode is packed with insight for coaches who care about:Leading with clarity and convictionDeveloping athletes beyond performanceBuilding culture that actually sustains successNavigating the modern NCAA environment
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. Tiny Bernardsville, in the Somerset Hills of New Jersey produced dozens of local, state, age-group, and national champions and claimed a place in the pantheon of American distance running. A junior program fed a high school team of boys and girls that claimed legend status. Before he was one of the best collegiate distance running coaches on the planet, Mark Wetmore was the young, ambitious, experimental coach of this program. BLOOD, SWEAT & SPIKES is one story of one of those runners in that town and the people who made it unique in the history of the sport.
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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 hear! Connect with Summer on IG (@shesosummer -- personal) and (@ssummer.studioss -- creative arts business). If you've got a topic to share with our youth T&F audience, contact David Mitchell to learn more.
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 coach, including the pivotal moments that shaped him — getting kicked out of school, discovering track, and the coaches who stayed consistent when he needed it most.The conversation goes deeper than X's and O's. Chris shares the reality of getting fired (twice), navigating uncertainty, and how those moments ultimately positioned him for the opportunity he has today leading one of the premier programs in the country.At its core, this episode is about impact — the kind coaches have on athletes… and the kind athletes can have on coaches years later.
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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 love to learn about your experiences overcoming injury on IG (@follettkb) or via EMAIL.If you have a topic to share with our audience, contact David Mitchell to find out how.
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 conversation goes deeper than Xs and Os.James opens up about the influence of strong mentors, the lessons that shaped his leadership style, and how his perspective on coaching changed when he became a father. His son is now one of the top high jumpers in the country—recently signing to compete at University of Georgia—and that journey adds a powerful layer to what it means to coach with purpose.This is a conversation about balance, legacy, and understanding that coaching isn't just about developing athletes—it's about developing people.
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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 heart, contact David Mitchell to learn more.
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 shift from elite athlete to coach—this episode is about growth, perspective, and purpose.Along the way, Joanna shares the real transition moments most people never hear about.
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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!
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!
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!
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 Hurdle Hero camp HERE, find him on IG & YouTube (CoachWelly), or reach out via EMAIL with questions.If you have a topic you'd love to share, contact David Mitchell to learn more.
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 on coaching when logic said otherwise—and how those decisions ultimately led him to one of the most respected programs in the country.Along the way, you'll hear how culture is built from the ground up, what it really takes to sustain success, and why sometimes the best path is the one that makes the least sense on paper.
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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 the upcoming July clinic, here is the first part of one of the presentations from December. If you want to watch the full presentation go to Glazier Drive: https://production.glazierdrive.com/library
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, hilarious, and unforgettable.Memorable Quotes“The path to success was not thinking about the immensity of the task. It was just to embark.”“The greatest honor is when kids continue to run after they leave your program.”“You coach the kids you get.”“There might be part-time pay, but there is no part-time coaching.”“I know I've impacted a lot of people positively, and hopefully they pass that along.”Key TakeawaysMentorship can completely alter the trajectory of a young person's life.Great coaching is about developing people, not simply producing results.Lifelong participation matters more than short-term success.Multi-sport experiences create stronger athletes and more well-rounded people.Running communities thrive when competition and fun coexist.Success often begins by simply taking the first step and getting started.Listen & SubscribeIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with fellow runners and fans of running history.Running in the '70s with Matthew Kleinosky explores the stories, people, and culture that helped shape the running boom and continue to inspire runners today.
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!
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!
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 of the Go Far Foundation to help kids and families. In just a few months, they've already distributed over 18,000 items via their food pantry. You can follow Jesse on X and IG (@CoachDistance). If you have a topic to share, contact David Mitchell to learn more.
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 title “coach” is no longer part of your daily life.This episode hits differently.Because for many coaches listening, there's an underlying question we don't always talk about:
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!
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!
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 actress, and a content creator. To follow her on IG click HERE or check out her WEBSITE.If you have a topic to share, email David Mitchell for all the details.
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 Athletics team.We dive into the moments that shaped him—from a faceplant in a hurdle race that ended his hurdling career
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!
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
