Talking in Ovals

Join us as we sit down with Stella Blanchard, Wilberforce XC and Track standout, NJ MOC Runner-Up in the 800, national finalist, and All-American. Stella takes us through her athletic journey, from the moment she caught the running spark to the unforgettable memories that have shaped her path so far. We discuss her breakout year on the rise, the key changes in training, mindset, nutrition, and sle...

On this episode, we’re joined by Jim Lambert of NJ MileSplit and Corey Annan and Bakari Tice of NJ.com for a deep dive into the current state of high school and college track and field. We start with the new NCAA age rule. What are their first impressions? Will it actually fix anything? And what other changes would they like to see? Then we break down the NJ Meet of Champions: the biggest surprise...

In this episode, we sit down with Summer Wilson, Irvine HS national standout, national record holder, California State Champion, and Duke commit. Summer shares her athletic journey, from the spark that turned her into a runner to the standout memories that have defined her career so far. We talk about the intense California gauntlet: the benefits of competing in one of the toughest states in the c...

We sit down with Dave Alfano, co-founder and co-owner of Trials of Miles, to talk about what it has been like scaling the company, running more events, and how big he sees it growing in the future. We also dive into the controversial Enhanced Games. What does Dave think of them? Will they ever become huge, and should athletes who compete in them still be allowed back in the Olympics? Plus, we disc...

In this powerful episode of Talking in Ovals, we sit down with James Logan, IRONMAN triathlete, endurance beast, and Stage 4 cancer survivor who refuses to slow down. James opens up about the spark that turned him into a runner, his greatest memories on the track and roads, and how a devastating cancer diagnosis rocked his world and his family’s. But instead of giving up, he doubled down; adjustin...

In this episode, we sit down with Alexandra Klein, Shore Regional’s standout junior distance runner, and her coach Jack Tarpey to talk about what it really takes to build a successful program at a smaller school. We dive into Alexandra’s journey, from the moment she caught the running bug to the highs and memories that have shaped her so far. We also explore how small-school athletes often compete...

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 coaches Perfect for high school athletes, jumpers, and track coach...

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...

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, a...

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 Me...

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 dist...

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 athl...

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 sta...

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!