The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

Imagine being in charge of an entire college program at the age of 27. Imagine if that program was your alma mater and you're taken over for your college coach who's been there for 20+ years. That's what Cale stepped into at Western Carolina. We talk through the pressures, both expected an unexpected, of taking the reigns of his alma mater at such a young age in today's episode. We then have a lot...

Join us this week to hear some conversation regarding what is going on in the world of the NCAA and the world we live in.  The guys also dabbled a little in Olympics 2021 talk!  Listen in to hear who are the anticipated head to head matches are. The guys weigh in on who they think the G.O.A.T 100m queen is from the collegiate ranks as well as the pros.  Who do you think they left of...

Welcome back to the podcast Marissa Chew the organizer/administrator for the Facebook group Coaches Collab. We spend time with Marissa in episode 20 discussing the group and wanted to have her back to learn how it's grown.  We also take some time to learn more about Marissa the coach and how she became involved in track and field and the profession of coaching.

On May 14th, 2020 University of Akron Director of Athletics Larry Williams announced the elimination of the men's cross country team. Akron alum and Olympic medalist Clayton Murphy, along with other alumni, jumped into action to pursue a reversal of the decision. Today we talk with Clayton about the importance of cross country to the overall track and field program success, the cost to run a CC pr...

Diego's journey will inspire you to let nothing get in your way of success. Growing up in Columbia with a father of immense success in track and field as an athlete and coach, Diego continued his academic life in America. In today's episode we'll capture the growth of a high school student into the coach of the University of Miami's men's sprints/hurdles. ENJOY!

David Sweeney gives us a unique perspective into the history of track and field for the country of Ireland. He then talks about the advantages and disadvantages of the NCAA T&F system from the Irish perspective. And then gives us insights into his own personal style of coaching and what has led to the success he has had with many athletes.  Thank you to the National Throws Conference (NTC...

Ritchie is a unicorn. Meaning, he's one of a few coaches who's been at his institution for over 20 years! Today we learn how he found his path towards coaching track and field, the role music played in his personal life, and the advantages and disadvantages of coaching at a 'smaller school'. Alabama State is part of the HBCU collective of colleges/universities, so we took this time with Ritch...

This week the gang goes outside of their coaching boxes and talks about a discipline that doesn't get enough light, CROSS COUNTRY!  Hear what is revealed and left for you to ponder.  We end the night with a new imaginary monument for the track and field community...

In this riveting episode of the Connections Podcast, Charles Ryan of Cal-Berkeley takes center stage, sharing his unique journey in the world of track and field. From his early beginnings in the sport to the formation of his own track club in Knoxville, Tennessee, Charles's passion for athletics shines through. A standout moment in the episode is when Charles recalls a profound statement from...

Mr. '800 meter dash' didn't start out as a prodigy in the event he's so famously attached to. Learn Derrick's journey towards 800m greatness that culminates in an Olympic berth in today's episode. Stay tuned as the second half we learn about coaching the half mile event; topics range from the differences between sprinter 800m runners and distance 800m runners, the role strength training plays into...

This week on Athletics LLC we dive into the concept of value in different aspects of track and field.  What is the value of first rounds of championships? The over/under-value of coaches, how does that scale tip?  And stay locked in to see the most valuable conversation of the night, in our final topic... This is a rebroadcast of episode 6 of a new show on Youtube called Athletics LLC.  Featuring...

LaMonte grew up a coaches kid and turned that into a college degree and an awesome college coaching career. Today we talk about his resistance to coaching as a profession and what ultimately won him over. We go through some awesome times and athletes he's worked with. Near the end of today's podcast, we talk about what's going on outside our windows and in our own neighborhoods. We are so thankful...

A Lifetime of Wisdom in Track and Field In this enlightening episode of the Connections Podcast, host Mike Cunningham is honored to sit down with the legendary Brooks Johnson. With a coaching career that spans decades, Brooks has witnessed the evolution of track and field and has been instrumental in shaping champions at every level. Brooks delves deep into the nuances of coaching, emphasizing the...

John Frierson of the UGA Athletic Association sat down with four members of the Bulldog track and field staff to learn a bit about their background, how they are dealing with a 'Coronavirus' season, and a few interesting little known facts.  We thought it would be fun to bundle them all together and present them as one podcast for your enjoyment.  You'll learn a little about each member of the sta...

Some audio issues won't get in our way! Great talking with Matt Esche of UAB in today's episode. We had some audio problems on his end, but we muscled through it.  We learn of his background running Foot Locker nationals and running for the legendary Larry Wieczorek at the University of Iowa.  Then we take a deeper dive into developing a cross country program, Matt's opinion on the ideal...

DeAndra'e is one of the youngest head coaches in DIII today. We talk about his childhood running for the MLK Blazers in San Diego and yet being an extremely big Ohio State Buckeye's fan.  Find out how that works out as well as his unique background working for the very successful Cal State-Fullerton baseball team as a speed and conditioning coach. We really enjoyed our time getting to know De...

Originally published on the 'Coach Morton and Friends Real Talk'  podcast, Brandon Morton interviews Mike Cunningham, Gill's National Sales Manager back on May 7th, 2020. It was an honor to be on Brandon's podcast  and share my story of 10 years coaching HS & College track and field as well as my life-changing move to Gill Athletics in 2006. Make sure you are subscribed to 'Coach Morton and Friend...

Erica has been called a Big XII pole vault champ, school record holder, Olympian, coach and pole vault club owner. In today's episode you'll learn how she first discovered pole vaulting, what led her to Texas A&M, what led her to QUIT the team and come back three weeks later. After we discover how she earned her spot on the Olympic team then started one of the most successful pole vault clubs...

This week we are talking about how those in our sport are trying to "stay in front of the game". In some cases we aren't, see when this is happening.  In some cases, we've got those situations on lock down.  Finally, we close the show with a BIG curve ball...listen in to see what the gang has to say! This is a rebroadcast of the hit Youtube show Athletics LLC.  Featuring a panel of...

Cultivating a Winning Culture with Jud Logan of Ashland University In a riveting episode of the Connections Podcast, host Mike Cunningham engages in a deep conversation with the esteemed Jud Logan, a four-time Olympian and the driving force behind Ashland University's track and field program. Jud, with his wealth of experience, delves into the intricacies of building and maintaining a successf...

This week see what the panel has to say about how the United States is/could be improving our athletes.  Who gets identified as a "rising star"? Are we helping or hurting them as they develop into these more recognizable athletes who compete at the highest levels?  We finish out the conversation with a golden nugget for all coaches to receive and tuck away in their pockets!  Listen...

Lance has done it all in the throws ring! Montana State school record holder in the discus, silver medal in the '96 Olympics, American Record Holder in the hammer, world record holder in the weight throw, coach, massage therapist, venue director and SO MUCH MORE!  Today we learn how a 200'+ discus thrower became the best hammer thrower in America, the influence of two amazing coaches on his person...

On this episode, the panel decides to give the audience some "golden nuggets" to tuck away for any coach who is looking to progress in the profession.  We visit some frequently asked questions as well as highlight some notable names who that have paved the way for women coaches to come! Finally we dive into the ever evolving question of "balance", can we achieve it? Listen in to hear what the...

Join us for conversation on how the date change of the 2021 Olympics will effect the team makeup.  Will the 4x400m relay records be challenged?  How "professional" is professional athletics? The lack of unionization of the athletes, is it prohibiting the professionalization of the sport? Lastly, COVID-19...how is it going to re-shape the NCAA as we know it? This is a rebroadcast of episo...

A Unique Perspective on Coach Harry Marra In a captivating episode of the Connections Podcast, host Mike Cunningham is joined by the world-renowned decathlete, Ashton Eaton. Known for his exceptional achievements on the track, Ashton offers a unique perspective on being coached by the legendary Harry Marra. Reflecting on his early interactions with Marra, Ashton recalls, "I don't know how...