Podcast appearances and mentions of Dan Pfaff

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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.College brought unexpected challenges, new environments, and moments that forced Sean to step back and reevaluate who he was and where he was headed.And sometimes, that's exactly what's needed.A single moment helping a friend unlocked something bigger: a realization that coaching wasn't just something he could do—it was something he needed to do.This episode is about growth, identity, and the power of rediscovering direction through sport.

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 things out—from breaking school records in his first week, to learning events through instinct, to eventually becoming the kind of coach who impacts lives far beyond marks and medals.This one is a reminder of what makes this sport so powerful:➡️ It meets you where you are➡️ It gives you a reason to grow➡️ And if you let it… it can change everything

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 Lawson shares how the 1968 Olympics lit the spark, why multi-sport matters more than ever, how he and Coach “Bucky” helped build Northern Iowa into a national force, what it takes to keep the edge when you move from a “mid-major grind” to a brand-name program, and how he approached the tricky (and rewarding) line between being Dad and being Coach while TJ was being recruited.And yes… we talk about the barefoot Hayward Field kids races too.

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 Academy—what it is, what it isn't, and how culture, academics, and athlete-first thinking drive everything they do.⚙️ Episode highlights:

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 — joined the Gill Connections podcast as Guest #85.At that time, Kailey was a freshman athlete on his team.Now… she's on the coaching staff.That evolution is what this podcast is all about.

There's something powerful about a coach who knew early.Steven Sanchez didn't just stumble into coaching—he was already studying it, researching it, and chasing it while still in high school in the Bronx. From a massive New York City high school campus to a small college in the South, his journey is anything but typical—and that's exactly what makes it valuable.This episode is about perspective. About hearing hard truths. About choosing a path before the path fully reveals itself.Steven shares how a pivotal conversation with a mentor reshaped his trajectory, why he was studying coaching bios as a teenager, and how his willingness to bet on himself took him far from home in pursuit of growth.

In this episode of the Gill Connections Podcast, Mike Cunningham sits down with Rob Jarvis, Men's Assistant Coach at the University of Arkansas, for a deeply honest conversation about the real coaching journey.Rob's path was anything but conventional—walking away from college football after injuries, rebuilding his athletic and professional identity, surviving a life‑altering car accident, and spending years as a volunteer behind the scenes before arriving at one of the most successful programs in NCAA track & field history.Together, Mike and Rob discuss:

Tamario Lattin didn't grow up dreaming of being a track athlete… let alone a coach.In fact, he almost quit the sport before it even started.But one decision in high school changed everything—taking him from a late-start high jumper… to a back-to-back Louisiana state champion… to now shaping athletes at Grambling State.This one is real. It's about growth, maturity, and figuring it out the hard way.

Some coaching journeys start with a plan.Mason Rebarchek's started with a middle school PE teacher… and a simple instruction:“Run faster than you can.”From that moment, a hurdler—and eventually a coach—was formed.In this episode, Mason shares how early influences, unexpected decisions (including nearly joining the military), and a deep love for training shaped his path to becoming the Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at Winona State.What stands out most?He wasn't a “student of the sport” early on.He just showed up, trusted his coaches, and fell in love with the process.That foundation still drives how he leads today.

Evan Gerish didn't take the traditional path to becoming a college coach… and that's exactly what makes this conversation so powerful.From a kid racing his uncle in the driveway… to a self-made hurdler… to having his career cut short by a heart condition… Evan's journey is full of unexpected turns.And somewhere along the way, he became what he proudly calls a “hurdle nerd.”But this episode isn't just about hurdles—it's about identity, resilience, and the impact of coaching beyond the track.

Nate Browne didn't grow up dreaming of becoming a Division I head coach. He grew up racing cousins in a church parking lot in Iowa. He chased a scholarship. He switched from the 400m to the 800m and found his event. He built All-American credentials.And then he walked into the business world.

Rick Moore didn't set out to become a legendary pole vault coach. He was a football guy. A wrestler. A chicken farmer. A middle school coach trying to figure it out.Then one junior high track meet changed everything.From that moment forward, Rik built one of Georgia's most dominant programs:

Some coaching stories are about wins.Some are about rebuilding.This one is about truth, belief, and resilience when the system fails you.Sol Stephens' journey spans classrooms, weight rooms, locker rooms, and boardrooms — from a second-grade teacher who changed his life, to building successful college programs, to having that program cut while doing everything right.This is not a bitter conversation.It's a grown one.In this episode, Sol shares:

Some coaches leave the sport because they're burned out.Some leave because they've lost their passion.Devin Green stepped away for a different reason — his son.In this deeply honest conversation, Devin walks us through a coaching journey that started with a high-school 4x400 emergency, grew through years of building programs in Arizona, and ultimately led to one of the hardest decisions a coach can make: choosing family over the stopwatch.This isn't a retirement story.It's a priority story.In this episode, Devin shares:

What happens when a program built over five decades gets handed—quite literally—from father to son?In this special father–son edition of the Gill Connections Podcast, longtime UW–Stevens Point legend Rick Whitt and current head coach Brett Whitt sit down together to share one of the most unique coaching journeys you'll ever hear.From handwritten recruiting letters sent to his own son, to navigating health scares, career pivots, Division I vs. Division III realities, and ultimately a seamless leadership transition—this episode is about far more than track & field.It's about family, trust, patience, and doing things the right way.

Part 2 of our fireside chat with Randy Huntington goes deeper than technique and medals. This is a conversation about legacy, empathy, curiosity, and what it really means to coach—especially when the next phase of life begins.Randy reflects on his time in China, the isolation and growth that came with it, and how those experiences reshaped how he thinks about athletes, coaches, and the profession itself. We talk about the danger of losing the big rocks while chasing details, why simplicity is often the highest form of mastery, and why great coaches learn to say less, not more.This episode is also about transition—moving from coaching athletes to coaching coaches, from chasing outcomes to shaping people. Randy shares powerful stories about independence in athletes, emotional control in competition, and why fundamentals are still missing at the highest levels of the sport.Along the way, we dive into:* The loneliness and cultural stimulation of coaching abroad

From hustling neighborhood races at age eight to standing on the Olympic Trials runway — and now leading one of the most historic programs in the country — Francesca Green's journey is one built on belief, resilience, and heart.In this powerful Season 7 conversation, Francesca shares how track and field shaped her life long before coaching ever crossed her mind. We talk about growing up in the state of Washington, competing for Washington State University, navigating injuries, chasing Olympic dreams, and learning leadership from mentors like Lissa Olson, Rick Sloan, and Fred Harvey.But this episode goes far beyond the track.Francesca opens up about:*Becoming a coach earlier than most — and setting hard boundaries at age 22*Walking away from competition… then fighting her way back after an Achilles rupture*Qualifying for the Olympic Trials on her very last jump*Spending over 20 years at University of Arizona, learning every side of the profession*Adopting four children while building a Division I coaching career*What it really takes to build culture, trust, and belief as a first-time head coach*Now entering a new chapter as the head coach at University of Texas at El Paso, Francesca shares what excites her most about the Miners, why culture comes before championships, and how she plans to lead with honesty, clarity, and purpose.This one is about coaching — but it's also about life, leadership, and doing hard things with courage.

Few coaches in America can tell a story like Lucky Huber — and even fewer can say they've spent 40 years at one university, coached an Olympic medalist, transitioned a program from DII to DI, and built a culture anchored in humility, service, and relationships.In this heartfelt Season 7 conversation, Lucky opens up about his unlikely beginnings, the mentorship that shaped him, the rise of Derek Miles, and the inner workings of leadership that most coaches never get to hear.

What happens when a kid who raced his principal in 5th grade grows into the head coach of the Blazing Trojans? In this episode, Mike sits down with Joseph Tooks, the energetic and intentional girls' head coach at Bloom Township High School — a coach who blends mass-communication savvy, lived experience, and deep compassion into one powerful leadership style.From discovering track with the Illinois Flames, to triple jumping his way through college at St. Joseph's, to finding his true calling in helping young women believe in themselves, Coach Tooks shares a journey filled with growth, humility, and purpose.

From Long Island in the early 1980s—where girls weren't even allowed to run cross country—to becoming the second head women's coach in University of Rhode Island history, Laurie Feit-Melnick has spent a lifetime breaking barriers, building community, and shaping generations of women.In this powerful conversation, Laurie takes us through a journey few could imagine:

Each year at the USTFCCCA Convention, we sit down with coaches for micro 5-10/ish minute interviews. This year we asked them "What are you a nerd about off the track?" in an attempt to learn about these amazing human beings outside of their roles as excellent track/field coaches. Their answers are as diverse as they human they are. We learned we were sitting with Lego enthusiast, history buffs, trail/mountain fans, and so much more.ENJOY!

From competing as a multi-event athlete at the University of Rhode Island to leading the program as head coach, Trent Baltzell has lived every phase of the collegiate track and field experience.In this episode, Trent shares how authenticity, relationships, and persistence have shaped his coaching journey—from first-time head coach at Assumption to returning home to URI. His story is filled with lessons about leadership, culture, and the power of staying true to who you are.

Join us as we kick off Season 7 of the Gill Connections podcast as we welcome newly named Univ of Texas throws coach Mo Saatara to the show. From surviving a revolution to shaping world champions — Mo Saatara's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless pursuit of excellence. In this episode, Mo shares how his journey from Iran to Northern Arizona, Michigan, Cal Berkeley, and now Texas has shaped him as both coach and person. He reflects on losing his job through no fault of his own, guiding world champion hammer thrower Camryn Rogers, and now leading the throws program for one of the nation's premier track & field teams.

From football dreams to track passion, Bradley Moon's journey is one of faith, humility, and servant leadership. As founder of Sprint Free Training and co-creator of the upcoming Remotion app, Bradley's story shines a light on what happens when coaching goes beyond ego — focusing instead on relationships, respect, and doing it “for the kids.”In this inspiring season finale, Mike and Bradley unpack: