Talking in Ovals

Dave and Alex welcome Austin Willis on the show and he shares his athletics journey and expert jumps coaching advice.We cover:- Long Jump vs Triple Jump training differences- What makes a great jumper- Tips for jumpers who are struggling- How sprinter-jumpers should balance their training split- Handling pushback from sprints coachesPerfect for high school athletes, jumpers, and track coaches looking to improve.If you want better jumps, smarter training, and real coaching insights, watch now!#Track and field #LongJump #TripleJump #JumpsTraining #SprintTraining #TrackCoach #HighSchoolTrackLike, subscribe, and comment your biggest takeaway!

In this episode, we sit down with Karl Torchia, Head Track & Field Coach at Christian Brothers Academy and one of the most respected coaches in the sport. With decades of experience building championship programs, Karl shares his journey from the spark that ignited his passion for athletics to the unforgettable memories that shaped his legendary career.We dive into:- The secrets behind CBA's remarkable longevity and sustained success- How the program has adapted to the rapidly evolving landscape of track & field- The impact of new NCAA rules on helping athletes reach their dream colleges- How NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) is affecting high school and college programs- Whether modern technology and gear are helping or hurting the sportA must-watch conversation for coaches, athletes, parents, and track & field fans who want real insight into the current state of the sport from someone who's lived it at the highest level.

In this episode, we sit down with standout senior athlete Ace Etienne and his coaches Michaela Read and Evan Kainer from Manasquan High School. Ace opens up about his journey from the spark that ignited his love for sprinting and jumping, to his favorite memories on the track.He also shares a raw and honest look at overcoming a significant injury — the physical rehab, the tougher mental battle, and why a strong support system is everything when returning to competition.Finally, Ace discusses his college decision, offers practical advice for athletes navigating the recruiting process, reveals his planned major, and talks about his athletic and life goals beyond high school.Whether you're a young athlete, parent, or coach, this episode is packed with motivation, real talk, and valuable insights.

Joining us is Jim Lambert, Senior Writer for NJ MileSplit, for a deep dive into the biggest stories in New Jersey high school track & field!In this episode:- Penn Relays Day 1 recap: how it went and which NJ athletes are shining brightest- Indoor season wrap-up: biggest reactions, surprises, and standout performances- Outdoor season preview: athletes to watch and early favorites for the Meet of ChampionsIf you're a track fan in NJ or beyond, this is a must-watch for all the latest insights straight from one of the best in the business.Drop your questions and predictions in the comments!

In this episode, we sit down with Nicol Traynor Starkes, Associate Head Coach of Cross Country and Track & Field at Rutgers University.Nicol shares her personal athletics journey, from the spark that ignited her passion for running and jumping to her favorite memories across a decorated career as both an athlete and now a top college coach.We dive deep into the rapid rise of the Rutgers distance program: what's fueling their growing success, how they stay competitive in the tough Big Ten conference, and how recent rule changes have reshaped recruiting and athlete retention.Plus, Nicol gives her honest take on the current state of the sport, new training philosophies, emerging technology, and her thoughts on Grand Slam Track's attempt to shake up the professional side of track & field.Whether you're a runner, coach, or fan of college athletics, this episode is packed with insight, passion, and real talk about where the sport is headed.Nicol's X: @ntraynor12Nicol's Instagram: @coachtraynor_rutgersTune in now!

In this episode, we sit down with Chuck Schneekloth, Founder and Director of the Garden State Track Club, to explore what it takes to build a thriving track & field career.Chuck shares:• The spark that ignited his lifelong passion for running and jumping• His favorite memories from decades in the sport• Why he created the Garden State Track Club and how clubs dramatically benefit both athletes and school teams• What every prospective club athlete should know before joiningPlus, we tackle the big debate:• Are relays really necessary in track & field?• The pros and cons of relays for athletes and teamsWhether you're a coach, parent, or athlete looking to take your track career to the next level, this conversation delivers valuable insights you won't want to miss.

This week on Talking in Ovals, we sit down with Andy Martin — a true New Jersey track and field legend, former Holmdel Park record holder, and one of the most influential figures in endurance sports today.Andy takes us back to the very beginning of his journey, sharing the spark that ignited his passion for running and the unforgettable memories that shaped his career from his early days as a standout athlete through his rise as an all-time NJ great.We dive deep into his current work as an executive in endurance sports, exploring his key roles with USATF and the iconic BOLDERBoulder race. Andy reveals how USATF is evolving to grow the sport of athletics, the history behind his long-standing involvement with one of America's most legendary 10K events, and what the future holds for track and field at every level.We also tackle the current state of the sport — what's working, what needs to change, and the critical challenge of recruiting and retaining more officials to keep meets running smoothly across the country.Whether you're a runner, coach, parent, or simply a fan of the sport, this conversation delivers inspiration, insider perspective, and actionable ideas for the future of athletics.Tune in for a powerful discussion with a man who has lived the sport as both an elite competitor and a key leader helping shape its next chapter.

Dave and Alex welcome Corey Annan and Bakari Tice back on the show and we recap the NJ Indoor Track season and preview the Outdoor season!

Dave and Alex welcome Joe Compagni back to the show and we talk about the World Indoor Championships, the current state of collegiate track and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Brian Gould and Kurt Wayton to the show as we talk about their running journeys, building a team culture and the value of leadership!

Dave and Alex welcome Dr. Bill Evans onto the show and we talk about his running journey, the science of training and the performance boom!

Dave and Alex welcome Ashley Higginson on the show and we talk about her running journey, transitioning from pro running and how she feels about track today!

Dave and Alex welcome Brian Prendergast back to the show and we talk about success at Manalapan, building a culture and current events in the sport!

Dave and Alex welcome Quincy Watts to the show and we talk about his running journey, building a program and his current view on the health of the sport!

Dave and Alex welcome Dominique Smith to the show and we talk about his running journey, the Lactic Acid Podcast and the state of the sport!

Dave and Alex welcome Lyle Smith back to the show and we talk about the role of coaches, reminiscing and looking forward to the Millrose Games, NCAA Rules and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Jeff Benjamin back to the show and we talk about the passing of the legendary Fred Dwyer, the 2026 World XC Championships and the upcoming Millrose Games!

Dave and Alex welcome Sean McCafferty back to the show as we talk about this past XC season, team culture, national expectations and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Dave Slavinski to the show and we talk about his athletics journey, have a high level running family and his training methods!

Dave and Alex welcome Paige Sheppard to the show and we talk about her running journey, individual vs team success, XC vs Track and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Steve Williams back onto the show as we continue the conversation about his time as a runner, Grand Slam Track filing for bankruptcy and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Cali Buxbaum to the show and we talk about her running journey, training without a track and the value of cross training!

Dave and Alex welcome Zig Ziegler back on the show and we get some updates of Z Athlete Village and WITFL, myths about track and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Rob DeFilippis on the show and we talk about his running journey, owning Runner's High shoe store and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Chris Tafelski back to the show and we talk about Westfield's XC season, expectations for indoor, the growing influence of the NIL and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Corey Annan and Bakari Tice onto the show and we talk about their athletics journeys, NJ XC and Track and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Jim Lambert back to the show and we go over his past predictions, preview NJ MOCs and look ahead to indoor track!

Dave and Alex welcome Steve Williams to the show and we talk about his running journey, competing in the 1970's and the current state of track!

Dave and Alex welcome Dianne DeOliveira on the show and we talk about her running journey, starting Bella N Motion and women in athletics!

Dave and Alex welcome Jeff Benjamin back on the show as we talk about the 2025 SIRA Legend's Gala along with many other topics in athletics!

Alex welcomes Lauren Primerano on the show and we talk about her athletics journey, running the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex, the Athlos Meet and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Carrie Ellwood to the show and we talk about her running journey, and the differences between competing on the track vs road vs course!

Dave and Alex welcome Carson Gambaro onto the show and we talk about his running journey, track and field commentary and results from Tokyo World Athletics Championships!

Dave and Alex welcome Phil Grove back to the show and we talk about everything going on at the World Athletic Championships in Tokyo, Japan!

Dave and Alex welcome Amanda Marino to the show and we talk about her running journey, running as a mother and women in track!

Dave and Alex welcome Courtney Decker to the show and we talk about her running journey, balancing life and running and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Synclair Savage to the show and we talk about her jumping journey, mental health in track and getting more eyes on the jumping events!

Dave and Alex welcome Ivy Slavinski to the show and they talk about her running journey, different training methods, social media and more!

Alex welcomes Justin Harris to the show and we talk about his running journey, how he's been shaped as a coach and his experience training Olympic Bobsled and Skeleton athletes!

Dave and Alex welcome Travis Mahoney to the show and we talk about his running journey, shifts in the sport and coaching!

Dave and Alex are joined by John Davern to talk about the biggest events of this weekend's USATF Outdoor Nationals meet!

Dave and Alex welcome Ryan Searl to the show and we talk about his running journey, college track recruiting and sprinter training!

Dave and Alex welcome Matti Erickson to the show and we talk about his running journey, competing for Oregon and trying to make Team Canada!

Dave and Alex welcome Tilly O'Connor on the show and we talk about her running journey, transitioning to college athletics and which she prefers between XC and Track!

Dave and Alex welcome Daniel Yetman to the show and we talk about his track and field journey, starting "The Oval Update" and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Sinclaire Johnson to the show as we talk about her running journey, coming back from injuries, switching coaches and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Philip Redrick on the show and we talk and his running journey, coaching at the JuCo level and how he continues to develop his program and himself personally!

Dave and Alex welcome Clemmie Lilley and Reese Malone to the show and we talk about their running journey, managing success and maintaining a strong mindset!

Dave and Alex welcome Zariel Macchia and we talk about her running journey, her battle with NYSPHSAA and her future goals!

Alex welcomes Mr. 100k A Day to the show and we talk about his running journey, his issues with Grand Slam Track and how he would fix the sport!

Alex welcomes Edose Ibadin on the show and we talk about his running journey, the mental aspect of the sport and how to handle delayed gratification.