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The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
Gill Athletics
695 episodes
19 hours ago
Unlock the world of track & field coaching with The Gill Connections Podcast! Host Mike Cunningham brings you inspiring stories, real conversations, and coaching insights from leaders at every level. Discover a new coach's interview every Monday. Plus, don’t miss the Ted Talks of track/field podcasts with our NEW Gill1918 Project episodes Tuesday-Sunday — short, powerful lessons from top coaches to help you grow on and off the track. Powered by Gill Athletics — Supporting Coaches Since 1918.
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All content for The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast is the property of Gill Athletics and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Unlock the world of track & field coaching with The Gill Connections Podcast! Host Mike Cunningham brings you inspiring stories, real conversations, and coaching insights from leaders at every level. Discover a new coach's interview every Monday. Plus, don’t miss the Ted Talks of track/field podcasts with our NEW Gill1918 Project episodes Tuesday-Sunday — short, powerful lessons from top coaches to help you grow on and off the track. Powered by Gill Athletics — Supporting Coaches Since 1918.
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Running
Sports
Episodes (20/695)
The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
#49: Gill1918 Presents David Mitchell “Honoring the Baton” Powered by Coach O

David is a Coach O Ambassador, longtime HS coach, and T&F announcer. He serves as the Director of Client Relations for CoachO.com and is the coordinator of this Youth and Beginner Series Powered by Coach O. If you’d like to contribute an episode, he’d LOVE to hear from you! Please email David at clientrelations@coacho.com to learn more about how you can get involved and/or to give feedback about this exciting new series within the Gill1918 Project.

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3 days ago
11 minutes 4 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
#319: Antonio Wells-Winston Salem State University

🎙️ From Wrestling Mats to Track Dominance: The Journey of Coach Antonio Wells


This week on the Gill Connections podcast, we're heading to North Carolina to meet a man who brings grit, grace, and grounded leadership to the world of track and field: Antonio Wells, head coach at Winston-Salem State University. From his early days wrestling in rural Georgia to leading a rising DII program, Antonio's journey is filled with determination, humility, and passion for the student-athlete experience.


In this powerful episode, you'll hear:


🤼 How wrestling shaped his toughness and mental approach

🧬 Why a biology degree and dreams of pediatrics led him to coaching

💼 Lessons learned from Bass Pro Shops to NCAA Division I sidelines

🎓 The impact of HBCUs on his personal and professional growth

🤝 The power of mentors like Tyree Price and Coach O'Kelly

💪 What it takes to lead a program through adversity and rebuild with vision

🧠 Why being a student of the sport matters more than ever

🗣️ How he's building a culture of belief and stability at WSSU


📢 🎧 Commercial Break – The Gill1918 Project

Don't miss our educational podcast series: The Gill1918 Project. It’s the TED Talks of track & field coaching — short, insightful episodes by coaches, for coaches. Perfect for your ride home or pre-meet inspiration!


💬 "Being a head coach isn’t just about the workouts — it’s about creating stability and showing athletes they matter." – Antonio Wells


Whether you're an aspiring coach, a fan of track and field, or simply someone who loves a great comeback story, this episode is for you.


👟 Tune in now to be inspired by Coach Wells’ resilience, honesty, and vision for the future of WSSU Track & Field.


🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ 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 YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.


🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs every Tuesday through Sunday. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.


📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍



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4 days ago
1 hour 57 minutes 31 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
#48: Gill1918 presents Clayton O'Callaghan "House Settlement"

Welcome to Gill1918, the track & field coaching podcast powered by Gill Athletics. Since 1918, Gill has been dedicated to empowering coaches with innovative equipment—now, we're bringing elite coaching education straight to your ears.

Our goal is to create the Ted Talks of track/field podcasts bringing the annual track clinic to your ears DAILY! Topics will include but are not limited to covering key strategies, techniques, and training principles to help you improve athlete performance, structure better workouts, enhance team culture, and more!

Whether you're a high school, collegiate, or club coach, Gill1918 is your go-to resource for quick, high-impact coaching education from the best minds in the sport.

📩 Want to contribute an episode? Submit your 10-30 minute coaching talk to mcunningham@gillathletics.com or read ⁠⁠THIS LINKEDIN ARTICLE⁠⁠ for information on how to get started. All coaches are invited to participate!

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe and follow Gill Athletics for more expert coaching insights!

#TrackAndField #CoachingEducation #Gill1918 #ByCoachesForCoaches #TrackCoach #TedTalksOfTrackFieldPodcast


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1 week ago
16 minutes 21 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
BONUS: The Science on Track podcast; Week-to-Week Changes in Running Volume

We like to introduce our listeners to other track/field podcasts that might interest them and bring you value. Today we feature the Science on Track podcast from Evan Nelson. Show notes are below.

Go find Science on Track podcast on your favorite podcast app and give them a follow/subscribe and leave them a review. ENJOY!

🎙️ Podcast: Science on Track – Week-to-Week Changes in Running Volume

Host: Evan O. Nelson - Associate Professor, Physical Therapist and Director of the Velocity Project

Guests:

  • Dr. Mikel Joachim – Research Program Manager, University of Wisconsin

  • Coach Jane Wheeler – Head Girls Cross Country Coach, Pleasant Valley High School, Bettendorf, Iowa

https://velocityproject.fammed.wisc.edu



🧪 Study Overview

The episode centers on a research study titled:“Week-to-week changes in training were not prospectively associated with injuries among Wisconsin High School cross-country runners” (published in Injury Prevention, 2024). 

https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/early/2024/07/31/ip-2024-045233

🔍 Study Purpose

To investigate whether week-to-week changes in training volume (distance, duration, intensity) are associated with injury risk in high school cross-country runners.



📊 Key Findings

  • No significant association was found between week-to-week changes in training volume and injury risk.

  • Most runners in the study averaged 20–30 miles per week, with few exceeding 50 miles.

  • Preseason training had a strong protective effect:

    • Every additional 5K (~3 miles) run per week in the preseason reduced injury risk by 17%.

  • Coaches’ day-to-day training modifications likely play a major role in injury prevention, even if not captured in weekly data.



🧠 Insights from the Guests

🧑‍🔬 Dr. Mikel Joachim:

  • Null results suggest that current coaching practices in Wisconsin high school programs are effective in managing injury risk.

  • The study relied on daily text surveys during COVID, with athletes self-reporting training and injuries.

  • Emphasized the importance of holistic athlete monitoring, including stress, sleep, and other sports participation.

🏃‍♀️ Coach Jane Wheeler:

  • Reinforced the importance of individualized coaching and preseason preparation.

  • Noted that injury risk is multifactorial, often influenced by training history, biomechanics, and external stressors.

  • Advocated for flexibility in coaching and communication with athletes to adapt training in real time.



🧩 Practical Takeaways for Coaches

  • Preseason training matters: Encourage consistent summer/winter running to reduce injury risk.

  • Small weekly increases (up to 30%) in training volume appear safe.

  • The 10% rule is not strongly supported by evidence—coaches can be more flexible.

  • Monitor athletes holistically: Consider stress, sleep, and other commitments.

  • Build strong coach-athlete relationships to better detect and respond to early signs of injury.

#velocityproject #highschoolcrosscountry #highschooltrack #highschooltrackandfield #trackcoaches #crosscountrycoaches #injuryprevention #runninginjury

Hungria Hip Hop - Meu Carona (Wilde Beats Remix) By Dj Wilde Beats is licensed under a Creative Commons License.


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1 week ago
51 minutes 19 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
#47: Gill1918 presents Olympian Tanya Hughes “What Every T&F Coach Needs to Know About NIL” Powered by Coach O

Tanya is Founder & CEO of Sportspreneurs-A Division of Activate International and a Coach O Ambassador. She is our presenter for this, the first episode in the Youth and Beginner Series Powered by Coach O.

If you’d like to contribute an episode, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact David Mitchell at clientrelations@coacho.com to learn more about how you can get involved and/or to give feedback about this exciting new series within the Gill1918 Project.

Show more...
1 week ago
18 minutes 49 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
#318: Lewis Edmonson-Hearne (TX) High School

🎙️ From Hurdles to Healing: The Resilient Journey of Lewis Edmonson


In this inspiring episode of the Gill Connections Podcast, we sit down with Lewis Edmonson, head track coach at Hearne High School (TX). From growing up racing his dad in the street to winning conference titles at Prairie View A&M, Lewis shares his deeply personal and powerful journey—one filled with competitive fire, coaching passion, and life-altering experiences.


🔥 In this episode, we explore:


🧠 How a coach’s role extends far beyond the track

🏃‍♂️ Summer track beginnings and a competitive bond with his father

💔 The horrific van crash that left him with a broken neck—and how football unknowingly saved him

🥇 Going undefeated in hurdles and redefining what it means to be a champion

🧱 The importance of fundamentals in coaching, regardless of talent level

🤝 The challenges and rewards of coaching multi-sport athletes in small-town Texas

💬 Why Lewis believes relationships matter more than championships

👟 Getting kids to try track through connection, not punishment


💬 “You can correct the role, but you have to praise the individual.”

— Lewis Edmonson


If you’re a coach, athlete, or just someone who believes in the power of people-first leadership, this episode will move you.


🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ 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 YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.


🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs every Tuesday through Sunday. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.


📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍

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1 week ago
1 hour 58 minutes 1 second

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
#46: Gill1918 presents Adam Smith "A Book that Helped Me be a Better Coach"

Adam joins us to talk about the Psychology of Coaching by Thomas Tutko and Jack Richards. Hear how this book has helped him grow as a coach and a person.


Welcome to Gill1918, the track & field coaching podcast powered by Gill Athletics. Since 1918, Gill has been dedicated to empowering coaches with innovative equipment—now, we're bringing elite coaching education straight to your ears.

Our goal is to create the Ted Talks of track/field podcasts bringing the annual track clinic to your ears DAILY! Topics will include but are not limited to covering key strategies, techniques, and training principles to help you improve athlete performance, structure better workouts, enhance team culture, and more!

Whether you're a high school, collegiate, or club coach, Gill1918 is your go-to resource for quick, high-impact coaching education from the best minds in the sport.

📩 Want to contribute an episode? Submit your 10-30 minute coaching talk to mcunningham@gillathletics.com or read ⁠⁠THIS LINKEDIN ARTICLE⁠⁠ for information on how to get started. All coaches are invited to participate!

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe and follow Gill Athletics for more expert coaching insights!

#TrackAndField #CoachingEducation #Gill1918 #ByCoachesForCoaches #TrackCoach #TedTalksOfTrackFieldPodcast


Show more...
2 weeks ago
17 minutes 56 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
BONUS: URAVGCOACH podcast interviews Mike Cunningham

We love to spread the love here at the Gill Connections podcast, therefore today we present to you the URAVGCOACH podcast featuring Anthony Woods. Coach Woods is on a mission to become the best high school sprint coach in Illinois. In an effort to accomplish this lofty goal he's started an interview podcast featuring other coaches that he (and you!) can learn from. His first episode featured his rival Tony Holler and his second episode presented here featured our National Business Development Manager Mike Cunningham. Mike is the host of the Gill Connections podcast and features prominently on Twitter at x.com/MikeCunningham.


Go follow/subscribe to the URAVGCOACH podcast and leave them a review!

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2 weeks ago
1 hour 23 minutes 29 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
#45: Gill1918 presents Mike Holman "Fly 30s and 4x1 Exchanges"

Welcome to Gill1918, the track & field coaching podcast powered by Gill Athletics. Since 1918, Gill has been dedicated to empowering coaches with innovative equipment—now, we're bringing elite coaching education straight to your ears.

Our goal is to create the Ted Talks of track/field podcasts bringing the annual track clinic to your ears DAILY! Topics will include but are not limited to covering key strategies, techniques, and training principles to help you improve athlete performance, structure better workouts, enhance team culture, and more!

Whether you're a high school, collegiate, or club coach, Gill1918 is your go-to resource for quick, high-impact coaching education from the best minds in the sport.

📩 Want to contribute an episode? Submit your 10-30 minute coaching talk to mcunningham@gillathletics.com or read ⁠⁠THIS LINKEDIN ARTICLE⁠⁠ for information on how to get started. All coaches are invited to participate!

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe and follow Gill Athletics for more expert coaching insights!

#TrackAndField #CoachingEducation #Gill1918 #ByCoachesForCoaches #TrackCoach #TedTalksOfTrackFieldPodcast


Show more...
2 weeks ago
10 minutes 20 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
#317: Dr. Jim Patchell-Arkansas State University

🎙️ Dr. Jim Patchell: From Hurdler to Head Coach & PhD – The Arkansas State Story


📚🎓 From dissecting regression equations to mastering the hurdles, Dr. Jim Patchell’s journey is anything but conventional. As the head coach of Arkansas State University—and an alum himself—Dr. Patchell brings a powerful blend of academic insight, coaching wisdom, and personal authenticity to this episode.


👟 Tune in as we explore:


🧠 His PhD in kinesiology and how it shaped his coaching lens


📘 Buying the legendary Track & Field Omnibook at age 15 (!)


🏃 His early days as a competitive hurdler and sprinter


🏠 What it’s like to return and lead your alma mater


💡 Valuable insights on hiring, mentoring assistants, and building a winning culture


🎯 Why he never applied for a job (and yet landed incredible ones)


🎤 🚨 Mid-Episode Shoutout – TED Talks for Track & Field? YES PLEASE.

Ever wish there was a "TED Talk" version of coaching education? Look no further.

🧠 The Gill1918 Project is our new podcast series (dropping Tuesday through Sunday) delivering bite-sized, high-impact coaching wisdom from the best in the business. By coaches, for coaches!

This is the coaching education you wish you had—inspirational, tactical, and on your time. 🎧

Start listening now!


🎯 Quote of the Day:


“If I set a goal, I'm almost all in on it.” – Dr. Jim Patchell


Whether you’re a coach, student, or aspiring PhD, Dr. Patchell’s journey reminds us that education and passion can fuel remarkable leadership—on and off the track.


🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ 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 YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.


🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs every Tuesday through Sunday. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.


📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍




Show more...
2 weeks ago
1 hour 47 minutes 21 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
#44: Gill1918 presents Evan Nelson "the Cause of Running Related Inuries"

Welcome to Gill1918, the track & field coaching podcast powered by Gill Athletics. Since 1918, Gill has been dedicated to empowering coaches with innovative equipment—now, we're bringing elite coaching education straight to your ears.

Our goal is to create the Ted Talks of track/field podcasts bringing the annual track clinic to your ears DAILY! Topics will include but are not limited to covering key strategies, techniques, and training principles to help you improve athlete performance, structure better workouts, enhance team culture, and more!

Whether you're a high school, collegiate, or club coach, Gill1918 is your go-to resource for quick, high-impact coaching education from the best minds in the sport.

📩 Want to contribute an episode? Submit your 10-30 minute coaching talk to mcunningham@gillathletics.com or read ⁠⁠THIS LINKEDIN ARTICLE⁠⁠ for information on how to get started. All coaches are invited to participate!

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe and follow Gill Athletics for more expert coaching insights!

#TrackAndField #CoachingEducation #Gill1918 #ByCoachesForCoaches #TrackCoach #TedTalksOfTrackFieldPodcast


Show more...
3 weeks ago
16 minutes 31 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
#316: Pablo Espitia-University of Maine

🎙️ From Colombia to Coaching in Maine (via a Bike Ride Across Continents!)


On this week's Gill Connections podcast, we sit down with Pablo Espitia, assistant track & field coach at the University of Maine, whose story is anything but typical.


In this episode, we dive into:


🌎 Pablo’s multicultural upbringing and how sports differ in Colombia vs. the U.S.


👟 How he went from shy high school freshman to standout collegiate jumper at FIU


💬 The power of a coach learning your name — even when you're one of 200


🧠 Coaching style vs. training content: Why how you coach matters as much as what you coach


🛠️ His passion for developing career readiness programs for athletes


❄️ Adjusting from sunny Miami to snowy Maine (spoiler: he likes the snow)


💥 And yes, we talk about his year-long solo bicycle ride from Portugal to China.

Want the full adventure? Check out Pablo's guest episode on Bikepack Adventures:

👉 Pablo Espitia – Cycling the Silk Road


“What you put out there is what you get back.”

— Pablo Espitia


Tap in for a wild, inspiring ride — on two wheels and two legs.


🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ 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 YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.


🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs every Tuesday through Sunday. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.


📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍


Show more...
3 weeks ago
1 hour 54 minutes 50 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
BONUS: Live Coach's Interviews from Day 4 Nike Outdoor Nationals with Beynon Sports Surfacing!

Trying something new, as we bring you REAL TIME on the field (and track) interviews from the Nike Outdoor National HS Championships. Gill Athletics and Beynon Sports Surfacing is proud to sponsor Saturday's Coaches Social at NON. Coaches were able to have a free lunch on us and grab a few door prizes (neck fans, gateboards, wristbands, sunglasses, and more!)

🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ 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 YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.

🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs every Tuesday through Sunday. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.

📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍

Show more...
3 weeks ago
28 minutes 41 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
BONUS: Live Coach's Interviews from Day 3 Nike Outdoor Nationals with Beynon Sports Surfacing!

Trying something new, as we bring you REAL TIME on the field (and track) interviews from the Nike Outdoor National HS Championships. Gill Athletics and Beynon Sports Surfacing is proud to sponsor Saturday's Coaches Social at NON. Coaches were able to have a free lunch on us and grab a few door prizes (neck fans, gateboards, wristbands, sunglasses, and more!)


Check back tomorrow for Day 4!


🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ 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 YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.


🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs every Tuesday through Sunday. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.


📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍

Show more...
3 weeks ago
32 minutes 23 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
BONUS: Live Coach's Interviews from Day 2 Nike Outdoor Nationals!

Trying something new, as we bring you REAL TIME on the field (and track) interviews from the Nike Outdoor National HS Championships. Gill Athletics is proud to sponsor Friday's Coaches Social at NON. Coaches were able to have a free lunch on us and grab a few door prizes (neck fans, gateboards, wristbands, sunglasses, and more!)

Check back tomorrow for Day 3!


🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ 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 YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.


🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs every Tuesday through Sunday. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.


📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍

Show more...
3 weeks ago
12 minutes 10 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
BONUS: Live Coach's Interviews from Day 1 Nike Outdoor Nationals with MF Athletic!

Trying something new, as we bring you REAL TIME on the field (and track) interviews from the Nike Outdoor National HS Championships. Gill Athletics and MF Athletic is proud to sponsor Thursday's Coach's Social at NON. Coach's were able to have a free lunch on us and grab a few door prizes (neck fans, gateboards, wristbands, sunglasses, and more!)


Check back tomorrow for Day 2!


🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ 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 YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.


🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs every Tuesday through Sunday. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.


📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍



Show more...
4 weeks ago
21 minutes 6 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
#315: Paris Vaughan-Lenoir Rhyne University

🎙️ From Reluctant Runner to Rising Leader: Paris Vaughan’s Coaching Journey


In this episode, we sit down with Paris Vaughan, the interim head coach at Lenoir-Rhyne University, whose story is anything but ordinary. From dodging distance events as a middle schooler to building one of DII’s most competitive programs, Paris takes us through the personal twists, hurdles (literally), and growth that brought him to this moment.


🔥 What you'll hear:


🏃‍♂️ How a self-proclaimed “extroverted introvert” found his place in track


🧬 Growing up in a track family—but without any pressure to follow


💡 The moment he realized he was a “track guy” not just a “football guy”


💥 Navigating program cuts, career pivots, and unexpected coaching doors


📚 Why “Coach Vaughan” wasn’t the goal—but became the calling


🛠️ How he recruits, builds trust, and views coaching in the age of transfers


🎯 His approach to elevating the LR program after Kevin Patterson’s (Gill Podcast alum!) departure


💬 “I never thought about coaching. Ever. But something clicked at that first meet—I saw my athlete break a school record, and I thought, maybe I do know what I’m doing.”

—Paris Vaughan


Whether you’re a young coach, a multi-event athlete, or someone who fell into leadership unexpectedly, Paris’s journey is proof that sometimes your purpose finds you.


🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ 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 YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.


🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs every Tuesday through Sunday. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.


📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍


Show more...
1 month ago
2 hours 6 minutes 46 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
#314: Jim Vahrenkamp-University of North Dakota

🎙️ "Our Job Is to Teach" — Jim Vahrenkamp, University of North Dakota


From a childhood of tagging along to practices to leading a D1 program, Jim Vahrenkamp’s coaching journey is one of relentless curiosity, purposeful growth, and staying true to the educator's heart. In this episode, Jim shares how being raised by a coach shaped his mindset, what academic failure taught him about accountability, and why leadership—at every level—matters.


💡 In This Episode


🧠 “As coaches, our job is to teach.” Jim dives into how coaching and education are inseparable


🛠️ Construction, coaching, and grad school—how hard work off the track shaped his philosophy


📚 The girlfriend who held him accountable (and saved his math grade)


🌱 The billion-dollar transformation at UND and what it says about institutional leadership


🔍 From reading 1,500 pages a week to digging deep into international throws theory—why he never stops learning


🔄 Identity after athletics: helping athletes reframe success beyond championships


💬 “Leadership isn’t just about seeing next year. It’s about envisioning 20, 40, 60 years ahead.” — Jim Vahrenkamp


🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ 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 YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.


🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs every Tuesday through Sunday. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.


📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍


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1 month ago
2 hours 6 minutes

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
#43: Gill1918 presents Alan Wardsworth "Recording Your School's T&F History"

Welcome to Gill1918, the track & field coaching podcast powered by Gill Athletics. Since 1918, Gill has been dedicated to empowering coaches with innovative equipment—now, we're bringing elite coaching education straight to your ears.

Our goal is to create the Ted Talks of track/field podcasts bringing the annual track clinic to your ears DAILY! Topics will include but are not limited to covering key strategies, techniques, and training principles to help you improve athlete performance, structure better workouts, enhance team culture, and more!

Whether you're a high school, collegiate, or club coach, Gill1918 is your go-to resource for quick, high-impact coaching education from the best minds in the sport.

📩 Want to contribute an episode? Submit your 10-30 minute coaching talk to mcunningham@gillathletics.com or read ⁠⁠THIS LINKEDIN ARTICLE⁠⁠ for information on how to get started. All coaches are invited to participate!

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe and follow Gill Athletics for more expert coaching insights!

#TrackAndField #CoachingEducation #Gill1918 #ByCoachesForCoaches #TrackCoach #TedTalksOfTrackFieldPodcast


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1 month ago
19 minutes 53 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
#42: Gill1918 presents Clayton O'Callaghan "Limiting Factors of Training"

Welcome to Gill1918, the track & field coaching podcast powered by Gill Athletics. Since 1918, Gill has been dedicated to empowering coaches with innovative equipment—now, we're bringing elite coaching education straight to your ears.

Our goal is to create the Ted Talks of track/field podcasts bringing the annual track clinic to your ears DAILY! Topics will include but are not limited to covering key strategies, techniques, and training principles to help you improve athlete performance, structure better workouts, enhance team culture, and more!

Whether you're a high school, collegiate, or club coach, Gill1918 is your go-to resource for quick, high-impact coaching education from the best minds in the sport.

📩 Want to contribute an episode? Submit your 10-30 minute coaching talk to mcunningham@gillathletics.com or read ⁠⁠THIS LINKEDIN ARTICLE⁠⁠ for information on how to get started. All coaches are invited to participate!

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe and follow Gill Athletics for more expert coaching insights!

#TrackAndField #CoachingEducation #Gill1918 #ByCoachesForCoaches #TrackCoach #TedTalksOfTrackFieldPodcast


Show more...
1 month ago
17 minutes 4 seconds

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast
Unlock the world of track & field coaching with The Gill Connections Podcast! Host Mike Cunningham brings you inspiring stories, real conversations, and coaching insights from leaders at every level. Discover a new coach's interview every Monday. Plus, don’t miss the Ted Talks of track/field podcasts with our NEW Gill1918 Project episodes Tuesday-Sunday — short, powerful lessons from top coaches to help you grow on and off the track. Powered by Gill Athletics — Supporting Coaches Since 1918.