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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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! 🎧👍
🎙️ From Athlete to Leader – Matt Farmer's Track & Field Journey 🚀
🏆 This week, we're diving deep into the world of track and field with Matt Farmer – a man whose roots in the sport run generations deep. From growing up as the son of a legendary coach to donning the Team USA jersey himself, Matt's journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and legacy.
🔥 In this episode, you'll hear:
Matt’s family legacy in track, starting with his grandfather’s state championship 🏅
His personal experiences competing at the national and international levels 🌍
The evolution of VS Athletics and their impact on the sport
The unique VS California Winter Championships – bringing indoor-style competition to sunny California ☀️🏃
👟 Whether you're a coach, athlete, or just love the sport, Matt's insights into the business, coaching, and family side of track and field will leave you inspired.
💡 Plus, hear about his children’s impressive track careers – including NCAA championships, international competitions, and coaching at the collegiate level!
Listen now and take a lap with us through one of track and field’s most authentic and dedicated leaders.
👉 Available on all major podcast platforms!
🌟 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! 🎧👍
#TrackAndField #Podcast #VSathletics #TeamUSA #LegacyInSports
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! 🎧👍
🎙️ **Authentic Coaching with Tony Holler** 🎙️
This week, we welcome the legendary **Tony Holler**, head coach at Plainfield North (IL) High School and the creator of the *Feed the Cats* training program. 🐈⬛ Tony shares his unapologetic views on coaching, performance, and what it truly means to care for athletes. 💪
🔥 Topics Covered:
- The power of authenticity and embracing disagreements. 🤝
- Why *blocking* negativity on social media is a healthy choice. 🚫
- The revolutionary "Feed the Cats" philosophy and its impact across sports. 🏃♂️⚽🏈
- Balancing strong opinions with building bridges in the coaching community. 🌉
💡 *Key Quote:* "When you admit something, it's in your past. When you don't, it's in your future."
Whether you're a track coach, athlete, or just someone seeking inspiration, Tony’s raw honesty and passion for improving athletes’ lives will leave you motivated. 🎧✨
Don't miss this episode packed with wisdom, humor, and actionable insights. 🌟 #FeedTheCats #CoachingLife #TrackAndField 🏆
🌟 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! 🎧👍
Here's a new podcast started by Grambling State University head track coach Lamonte Vaughn. Sharing with you to see if you might be interested in adding it to your listening library. You can find his show over at YouTube by searching Koach2Coach. ENJOY!
🎙️ Shawn Siemers: Coaching, AI, & Handling Criticism
In this episode of the Gill Athletics Connections Podcast, we dive deep into the journey of Shawn Siemers, Head Cross Country Coach at Mayde Creek High School in Katy, TX 🌟🏃♂️. Shawn shares his inspiring path from hockey and the corporate world 🏒💼 to becoming a transformative leader in track and field.
Here’s what you’ll hear:
✅ How Shawn transitioned into coaching later in life and found his true passion ❤️
✅ His philosophy on handling parental feedback: "I’ll listen to your concerns, but you won’t sway my decisions" 🗣️🔒
✅ The surprising way he uses AI 🤖📊 to improve athlete performance and discover untapped potential
✅ Insights on building a winning team culture and fostering athlete development 🏅🤝
Shawn’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and making an impact in the lives of young athletes. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or fan of the sport, this episode will leave you motivated and full of actionable insights 💡🔥.
🎧 Tune in now to hear how Shawn is leaving a lasting legacy on and off the track!
🌟 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 back, team! It's time for another exciting episode of the **Gill Athletics Connections Podcast!** Can you believe we're in **Season 6** of this journey? That’s six years of incredible conversations with the finest minds in track and field, and today, we’re thrilled to have a standout guest from Texas: the wise and wonderful **Coach Dillon May**, Head Track Coach at **LeTourneau University!** 🌟🦅
**🏆 Meet Coach May:**
Straight from the heart of Texas, Coach May has been on a whirlwind journey through cross-country courses and track lanes, soaking up knowledge and giving back to the sport. His story is filled with mentorship, dedication, and a commitment to creating a lasting impact on his athletes—way beyond just their times and marks. Dillon’s journey from Washington to Texas is one that will have you inspired and ready to take on the day! 💪🌎
**🎒 From Football Fields to Cross-Country Trails:**
Coach May’s story began in high school when he played a little football, tried some rugby, and even got pulled out of games at halftime for that extra practice in the “fifth quarter” 😉 But it was on the cross-country trails where he found his true calling. Through football drills and epic 400-meter hill sprints, Dillon realized he was in this for the long haul. Talk about grit and resilience! 🏈➡️🏃♂️
**🌄 Embracing the Coaching Life:**
Coach May’s journey as a first-generation college student at the **University of Montana** introduced him to legendary mentors and set the stage for a lifelong passion for coaching. Vicky Pounds, his college coach, showed him the tough-love approach to track and field, which has influenced his own coaching style. It’s not all splits and intervals—Coach May is all about **holistic growth** and helping athletes balance their lives, academics, and sport. 🧘♂️📚
**🦅 From Virginia to Texas: Building the Program at LeTourneau:**
LeTourneau University may not have football, but Coach May and President Dr. Mason have big dreams—track and field can be the "football" of LeTourneau! With plans for an **indoor track facility** that rivals the best in the nation, LeTourneau is becoming a top destination for track and field. Coach May is bringing his unique blend of experience, faith, and genuine care for his athletes to make that vision a reality. 🏟️✨
**🤝 Staying Rooted & Building Legacy:**
Coach May has a powerful philosophy: he’s in it for the long term, looking to make a positive impact on the lives of his athletes for years to come. At LeTourneau, he’s leading a team of dedicated coaches and athletes who are committed to making track and field a central part of campus life and community. The legacy he’s building here is one that will resonate through every lane, every jump, and every throw! 🌱💫
**🚀 Join Us on this Journey:**
Dive into this episode for laughs, reflections, and inspiration. Coach Dillon May is one of the many who remind us why we love this sport so much—it’s about more than winning; it’s about the journey, the friendships, and the lessons we carry forward. Here’s to Coach May, to LeTourneau University, and to making track and field the heart of Texas! 🏅💛💙
Thanks for joining us on another episode of the **Gill Athletics Connections Podcast**!
🌟 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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