Stay ConnectedUnlock 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.
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**🎙️Keinan Briggs – Building Champions On and Off the Track 🏆**
In this episode, we sit down with **Keinan Briggs**, the owner, founder, and coach of **Leap Squad Track Club** and the creator of **Leap Squad Academy**. Keinan shares his **incredible journey** from a multi-sport athlete to a highly respected track and field coach, helping young athletes reach their full potential.
### 🔥 Key Topics Covered:
✅ **Keinan’s origin story** – From watching a struggling athlete at his first track meet to becoming a top-tier jumper 🏃♂️
✅ **The evolution of his coaching philosophy** – Blending personal training, biomechanics, and mentorship to develop athletes 💡
✅ **High school vs. club coaching dynamics** – How to bridge the gap between high school and club track programs 🤝
✅ **Preparing athletes for college success** – More than just talent, it’s about **self-advocacy** and communication 📞
✅ **"Athletes, call schools on your behalf!"** – Keinan’s must-hear advice on how recruits should take control of their future 🎯
### 🎤 Plus:
🚀 The biggest mistakes athletes make in the recruiting process
💪 Why coaching is more than just training – it’s mentorship and leadership
📚 How Keinan is educating **coaches, athletes, and parents** through Leap Squad Academy
This episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical advice for **athletes, parents, and coaches alike**. **Don't miss it!** 🎧🔥
🌟 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.
📲 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! 🎧👍
🏃♂️⚾ **Guest: Jeff Billing, Head Coach at Hall High School, CT** 🏆🎯
This week, we welcome **Jeff Billing**, head coach at **Hall High School in Connecticut**, for a fascinating conversation about his **unique journey** in sports, coaching, and teaching. Jeff’s background includes **coaching multiple sports**, running at **MIT**, and even **coaching baseball before transitioning fully into track and field**.
🔹 **Topics Covered:**
✅ Jeff’s upbringing in a legendary **New England running family** 🏃♂️👨👩👦
✅ His experience as a **multi-sport NCAA athlete (Baseball & Track)** ⚾🏃♂️
✅ Transitioning from **software engineering at Oracle** to a **career in education & coaching** 💻➡️📚
✅ How he went from **zero experience in coaching hurdles & pole vault** to **building champions** 🏅
✅ The **ever-changing recruiting landscape** & advice for high school athletes 🎓
💡 **Quote of the Day:** _"Everything matters and nothing matters."_ – Jeff Billing
Jeff’s story is one of **adaptability, passion, and lifelong learning**—a true testament to how embracing opportunities (even unexpected ones) can lead to success!
🎧 **Tune in now** for this inspiring episode! 🔥 #TrackAndField #Coaching #GillAthletics #HighSchoolSports #MultiSportAthlete
🌟 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.
📲 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! 🎧👍
🚨 BIG NEWS for Track & Field! 🚨
Northwestern University is making history by adding *track* to its athletic program! 🏃♀️💜 This week, we’re diving into this exciting development with **Jill Miller**, the Head Coach of Northwestern’s Cross Country and Track program.
🎙️ In this episode, Jill shares:
✅ The journey from cross country-only to a full track program
✅ The behind-the-scenes effort that made this historic decision possible
✅ How Northwestern is preparing for its first Big Ten indoor and outdoor track seasons in 2026
✅ Her coaching philosophy, leadership insights, and why "I like to have hard conversations." 💬💪
Jill’s passion for developing athletes—both on and off the track—is contagious, and her leadership approach is something every coach can learn from. If you love stories of growth, innovation, and breaking barriers in collegiate athletics, this one’s for 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.
📲 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! 🎧👍
#TrackAndField #Northwestern #BigTen #Running #CoachingLeadership
🚨 New Episode Alert! 🚨
In this exciting episode, we welcome Kevin Patterson, the newly appointed head coach at the University of Central Missouri 🐴! Kevin shares his inspiring journey from his early days in Hobart, Indiana, to leading one of Division II’s most storied track and field programs. 🌟
Highlights include:
Kevin’s philosophy of growth and perseverance, guided by his powerful motto: “From day 1, I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life.” 💡
The vital mentorship of Doug Edgar, head coach of Indiana Tech, and how Doug's guidance shaped Kevin’s career. (Psst! Doug Edgar was guest #143 on the podcast—check it out! 🎧)
Behind-the-scenes insights into the unique traditions of Central Missouri, including the history of their live mule mascots. 🐴🐴
Kevin's strategic approach to maintaining the program’s legacy while charting his own course.
Whether you're a coach, an athlete, or a fan of leadership and resilience, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a little track and field humor. 🏃♂️🏃♀️
🎧 Tune in now to hear Kevin’s story of passion, development, and dedication!
#GillConnections #TrackAndField #CoachingJourney #UCMules #leadershiprole
🌟 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.
📲 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! 🎧👍
Sat down with Portage (WI) High School coach Kari Krakow to discuss the 2025 Women4Women conference held at WISTCA clinic. We talk about what Women4Women is, why it's important, what to expect at that night's conference, and how others around the country can get involved.
🌟 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.
📲 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! 🎧👍
🎙 **National Record-Breaker Coach Elton Ervin**🎙
Get ready for an electrifying episode as we welcome **Elton Ervin**, head coach of Atascocita High School in Texas, to the Gill Athletics Connections Podcast! 🏆 Elton shares his incredible journey, from starting track late in high school to leading his boys' 4x100m relay team to an astonishing **38.92**—a **national high school record** set in 2024! 🚀✨ Oh, and did we mention? He’s so proud of the feat, he got the time **tattooed**! 🔥
But this episode isn't just about speed; it's about substance. Elton, twin brother to Shelton Ervin (guest #124 and head coach of Summer Creek High School), discusses:
- The **importance of staying grounded** even amidst national attention. 🌟
- His philosophy: “**I believe knowledge is power**” and how lifelong learning shapes his coaching. 📚
- The strategies he used to keep his record-breaking team focused on winning the state championship. 🥇
You’ll also hear about Elton’s personal challenges, including a life-changing battle with cancer and how it reshaped his perspective, fueling his passion for teaching and coaching. 💪💡
This episode is packed with inspiration, practical insights, and a dash of sibling rivalry! Whether you're a coach, athlete, or track and field enthusiast, Elton’s story is proof that greatness is earned one stride at a time. 🏃♂️✨
🎧 Press play and join us for this remarkable conversation with one of the most impactful coaches in high school track and field!
👉 Don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode to inspire others! 🎉
🌟 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.
📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍
Welcome to our February BONUS series! Every day this month, we're sitting down with fellow track and field podcasters to spotlight their amazing shows. In each episode, we dive into their story—how and why they started, their format, their most popular episodes, and where you can tune in. Whether you're looking to expand your podcast playlist or discover fresh perspectives in the world of track and field, this series is here to add value to your listening experience. Don't miss this exciting journey through the podcasting community! 🎙️🎉
🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into nearly 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) and Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.
📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍
Welcome to our February BONUS series! Every day this month, we're sitting down with fellow track and field podcasters to spotlight their amazing shows. In each episode, we dive into their story—how and why they started, their format, their most popular episodes, and where you can tune in. Whether you're looking to expand your podcast playlist or discover fresh perspectives in the world of track and field, this series is here to add value to your listening experience. Don't miss this exciting journey through the podcasting community! 🎙️🎉
🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into nearly 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) and Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.
📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍
Welcome to our February BONUS series! Every day this month, we're sitting down with fellow track and field podcasters to spotlight their amazing shows. In each episode, we dive into their story—how and why they started, their format, their most popular episodes, and where you can tune in. Whether you're looking to expand your podcast playlist or discover fresh perspectives in the world of track and field, this series is here to add value to your listening experience. Don't miss this exciting journey through the podcasting community! 🎙️🎉
🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into nearly 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) and Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.
📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍
🎙️ **Leading with Heart: Sheila Burrell on Coaching, Confidence, and Connection** 🎙️
🔥 In this episode of the Gill Athletics Connections Podcast, we sit down with the inspiring Sheila Burrell, head coach of San Diego State University. From her days as a shy, athletic kid in Albuquerque to becoming a two-time Olympian and top-tier coach, Sheila shares her incredible journey through the world of track and field.
🏅 Sheila opens up about the importance of representation, overcoming imposter syndrome, and why working with people—not just coaching—has been key to her success. Her powerful quote resonates throughout the episode:
**"I'm not necessarily a great coach, but I am good at working with people."**
💪 Tune in to hear:
- How Sheila found track through a friend and rose to Olympic heights 🌎
- The lessons learned from legendary coaches like Bob Kersee and Cliff Rovelto 📚
- Why she believes making an Olympic team was tougher than becoming a head coach 🏆
- Her approach to developing athletes and how she navigates the challenges of coaching today 👟
Sheila’s candid reflections and stories are filled with wisdom, grit, and humor. Don’t miss this deep dive into the life of a coach who’s making a difference one athlete at a time.
🎧 Hit play and get ready to be inspired!
🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into nearly 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) and Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.
📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍
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