The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

Do you remember when the coaching 'bug' bit you? Today we learn the journey of Village Tech School's Athletic Director/Head Track & XC Coach Ben Nicholas and how a fluke college assignment at a local high school turned into a career he'd never have guessed. We're grateful Ben had 'a miserable time' as a radio reporter/DJ as that led him to continue to pursue, to run after, a career in coaching...

Happy Athletics LLC day!  Lot's to unfold this week in conversations...NFL and the hiring tactics, college football, and recruiting from the seats of the panel.  So buckle up and listen in... Want to have an exploratory conversation about YOUR track equipment needs? Connect with us: Host Mike Cunningham on Twitter: @mikecunningham Email: sales@gillathletics.com Phone: 800-637-3090 Twitte...

Join us today as we welcome a great guest with a great journey. We explore Joel's story from his 20/4 college degree program, his many years as a high school coach, and now his time at UNC-Asheville. We get into some really good conversations centered around being a coach who doesn't have college athletic experience, can a high school coach learn to recruit as a college coach, and leadership style...

We always say that there are so many good pieces for everyone to take away from each of the episodes but this one FOR SURE has at least one piece for all to walk away with.  I'm not even going to lead into any of it besides that fact that Kara Winger spends time with the tiles! Want to have an exploratory conversation about YOUR track equipment needs? Connect with us: Host Mike Cunningham on...

On this episode we sit down with the new Director of Track and Field at The Ohio State University to discuss her journey. What starts out as an undergraduate athletic career as a Buckeye has come full circle in her new position. Along the way, Rosalind has worked as an Intern Coach at Auburn University, an assistant coach at her alma mater, and the head coach of Southern Illinois University-Carbon...

Hope everyone has enjoyed their week!  The tiles wanted to get back to the basics and give the audience their two cents regarding a few topics that keep popping up recently.  This is one for those who are looking for some growth, personally and professionally, might want to check out.  See you in a few! Want to have an exploratory conversation about YOUR track equipment needs? Conne...

Petros Kyprianou - The New Era at the University of Illinois In this episode of the Connections Podcast, host Mike Cunningham welcomes Petros Kyprianou, the newly appointed Director of Track and Field for the University of Illinois. Petros's journey, which began on the island of Cyprus, has taken him through various coaching stints, from the University of Nebraska-Omaha to Boise State and the...

We're in good company tonight!  The newly appointed Director of Track and field, Rosalind Joseph, joins the tiles for a little Q&A and good fun for this week!  Enjoy ! Want to have an exploratory conversation about YOUR track equipment needs? Connect with us: Host Mike Cunningham on Twitter: @mikecunningham Email: sales@gillathletics.com Phone: 800-637-3090 Twitter: @GillAthletics In...

Today we sit down with Dakota State alumni and head coach Anthony Drealan and learn his journey in this great profession. As an undergrad who wasn't sure he even wanted to run college track, Anthony has continually moved forward and now serves as the head coach of both track/field and cross country programs. We learn of the influence of his head coach Buzz Stevenson on his career and how his mento...

Legion of bounce is an understatement when you say the two names of our guests this week!  Coach Peterson and Marquis Dendy join the tiles for a little debrief of some of what is going on in their worlds.  A little light on the CURRENT, 'cause it's still spinning, coaches carousel.  SHEESH!   Sit back and enjoy!  (Sorry for the delay) Want to have an exploratory conve...

We sit down and have a ton of fun with the USTFCCCA Girl's HS Coach of the Year, Desmond Dunham! We learn of his background from Gary, Indiana to matriculating at the prestigous Howard University, as well as his coaching background. We find out how his teams won SEVERAL Penn Relays wagon wheels and the key to those successes. We wrap up talking about this magical year that culminated in the COY aw...

It's all in the title. There's so many tidbits to take away from Coach Hall and Abby in the brief convo that the tiles have this week.  Kudos for the duo on being who they are sticking to that! Want to have an exploratory conversation about YOUR track equipment needs? Connect with us: Host Mike Cunningham on Twitter: @mikecunningham Email: sales@gillathletics.com Phone: 800-637-3090 Twitter:...

With the support of the US Marines, the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) names a high school boy's and girl's national coach of the year. Today we present to you the 2022 National Boy's High School Coach of the year, the wise the wonderful Tim Byrne.  Join us as we discuss his track and field history that includes having his college program cut hi...

Happy Athletics LLC day!  I can't even put into words the pebbles that are turned over in this week's episode.  Pay attention, 'cause you might miss some!  Listen, to Marvin Bracy's background.  There's always more than you think you already know.  Personally, I think this might be the best episode since season 1... Want to have an exploratory conversation about YOUR track...

As the Chief Executive Officer of the United States Track & Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), Sam and his team are instrumental in moving the sport and the coaching profession in an upwards trajectory. On today's episode, we learn Sam's background in the sport (he was a steel pole vaulter!), his coaching background (LSU!), as well as important adjacent professions with track...

Happy Athletics LLC day!  As if we didn't already understand how World Athletics was operating there are new standards and qualifications that are in place that again leave one to ponder the strategy of their season.  Not to be one up'd, the NCAA did the same thing recently for the transfer portal.  So needless to say, the conversations had in this episode will make you think and co...

Going into year 25 at the helm of the University of Alabama-Huntsville, building the program from scratch, and knowing Huntsville is also were you grew up, how does one fight back complacency? Today, head coach David Cain joins us to talk about his development at UAH, how he continues to improve the program on a daily basis, and how instrumental assistant coaches are to the health of a program. WA...

Thank you all for your patience while we got the show up. By we, I mean me (Big League).  Though it is late, I hope you all enjoy! Want to have an exploratory conversation about YOUR track equipment needs? Connect with us: Host Mike Cunningham on Twitter: @mikecunningham Email: sales@gillathletics.com Phone: 800-637-3090 Twitter: @GillAthletics Instagram: @GillAthletics1918 Facebook: facebook...

Bringing a unique path to the college coaching ranks, Matt sits down with us to discuss how he has become the Director of T&F/CC at Averett University. Averette is adding men's and women's indoor/outdoor track and field to their athletic department for the first time ever along with building a brand new outdoor facility. We discuss moving from the high school to college ranks, what it's like t...

Happy Athletics LLC day!  This week we answer a couple of questions straight from the comment section of YouTube.  The tiles also give a little insight to their DL predictions which are currently taking place...what do you think???  Have a great time checking in with Sir Lucious, Lamar, Clyde, and The Governor! Want to have an exploratory conversation about YOUR track equipment need...

On today's episode, we explore a winding journey akin to a pirate's treasure map. What starts as a special time and place with friends in track and field leads to a career spent serving others and coaching track and field. Chad sits down with us to talk about his time at Bevill State CC that leads him to the TROY Univ, Jacksonville State, and many others. Today he serves as the head coach of MMI w...

And we're back to the collegiate XC/TF season!  Lamar let's us know about a rule change that, unfortunately, doesn't make sense again.  The tiles highlight some jobs which are STILL open and some of the names who have been mentioned to gain new titles.  Lastly, as the professional season comes to an end, Sir Lucious, Lamar, and The Governor bring up who has the pass to the head of t...

Trivia Question: How many North Central (IL) University track/field alums are in the coaching ranks? Answer: Too many to count! In this insightful episode of the Connections Podcast, Sean Carlson, an esteemed alum of North Central (IL) University, delves into his coaching journey that has taken him from Notre Dame to his recent appointment as the Director of XC/Distance for the Volunteers of the U...

Well, there are a few things that need to be uncovered and the tiles do not disappoint on the topics/responses this week.  We address some thoughts from the audience and give input on the new world standards.    What say you??? Want to have an exploratory conversation about YOUR track equipment needs? Connect with us: Host Mike Cunningham on Twitter: @mikecunningham Email: sale...

A truly impactful story from 'growing up in the hood-hood' and being kicked out of college to starting his own summer track club (Vipers Track Club) and now being the Director of Track and Field for Kankakee High School, Coach Lowe's openness and authenticity is breathtaking. You'll want to listen to this episode if you have ever felt life's hurdles become too big for your dreams, if you want to s...