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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A self-described introvert, Jamal joins us and shows us the personality that has led him to being a Division II head coach at such a young age. We start in Detroit as a high schooler who names himself captain his sophomore year and learn of his ability to coach that culminated in a 400m runner setting the Michigan state record as well as a future Olympian in Anavia Battle. Now as a college coach, he works to build up the program at Mansfield based on the experience he learned from the University of Southern Indiana.
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
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LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/gillathletics/
Happy late Athletics LLC day! Sorry for the delay but we are up! But as many of you know, the recap is mainly how wrong we were. *doh* The amount of points that weren't scored weren't even worth posting to social media! Settle in and relive the Championship weekend with Sir Lucious, Lamar, Clyde, The Governor...it's time to get fired up all over again. Congratulations to all of the winners, on all the levels!
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.com/gillathletics
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/gillathletics/
Former vaulter turned 'ad man' Glen Drexler joins us this week on the podcast. Glen was gracious enough to share his story of not being a track coach out of college, instead going in to the advertising profession, but as he looked back on when he was happiest track kept calling. After joining a grad program and being thrust into coaching the throws (how's that for a vaulter?!) he found his real passion; coaching track and field. Now after 10+ years as the head coach of University of Wisconsin-Superior he joins us to talk about work-life balance, the D3 coaching experience and more. 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.com/gillathletics
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/gillathletics/
It's that weekend again! Sir Lucious takes a seat as he bows out of podium predictions, team finishes, and a couple new curve balls for this year's 2022 NCAA D1 CHAMPIONSHIPS! Like we always do, we tally up the points scored and come out with an Indoor Championships winner of the predictions. The Governor falls into suit appropriately in his first go around. After all that organized chaos...we decided to forego HBP this week and lift up the names of two VERY special names in track and field who left us this week. Thoughts and love to all who were blessed to encounter Coach Lindeman and Coach Kamaka! Best wishes to all who are competing/coaching this weekend!
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.com/gillathletics
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/gillathletics/
Today we sit down and chop it up with the creators of the Running-Report.com website, the wise and wonderful Josh and Aaron Potts. The Potts family has a deep tradition of track and field, starting with their boxer turned track coach dad. While they went to school thinking they'd become track coaches, instead they pivoted to create a media content company where they produce cutting edge video and audio content based on track and field athletes and meets. If you haven't subscribed to their YouTube channel, simply head over and search Running Report right now.
You'll also find the brothers on this podcast app by searching 2 Black Runners. Their unique style and intelligent commentary is there for you to enjoy in audio form, which compliments their audio extremely well.
Very thankful they joined us on today's podcast where we talk about the Prefontaine Classic, how to change up Team USA 4x100 selection and more. ENJOY!
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Yep! You read that correctly, the Bowerman Ceremony's own...JOHN ANDERSON! There's no highlighting our conversation with him...IT IS ALL A HIGHLIGHT! Due to life the show looks a little different thereafter but nonetheless, the topics/entertainment/information still gets delivered with Sir Lucious, Lamar, Clyde, and The Governor. Sit back and enjoy the ride y'all!
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.com/gillathletics
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/gillathletics/
Russell joins us to talk about the saving of collegiate track and field programs around the country. As he's been featured on many news articles and podcasts, we take a different spin today and focus on what activities can coaches be working on proactively to help strengthen their programs with the hope of staving off future cuts. We hear from him regarding community as it relates to alumni and current team, as well as talk about roster management and Title IX information.
To hear more background from Russell specifically around the Clemson University program drop, check out Dr. Karen Weaver's podcast featuring Russell and Russell Bryant (lawyer). You can find that on your podcast of choice or on APPLE.
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.com/gillathletics
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/gillathletics/
Round 2 of conference championships across the nation, best of wishes to all those who are battling it out this weekend! We've got some topics to really get your mind stimulated this week...altercations that span across different age groups and societal roles. How do they impact you when you hear about them? Next, some highlights from those who have concluded their conference contests and some things we we look forward to as we get thru the weekend at hand. Lastly, Noah Lyles...with some technical aspects being addressed and altered, could he have figured it out and become a dominate force in the 100 AND the 200? Clyde steps up for RAPID FIRE and we round out the month with our last figures to highlight for Black History Month. Safe travels, great marks, and see you in a few!
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.com/gillathletics
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/gillathletics/
The Coaching Evolution of Kyle Rutledge from Pittsburg State University
In this captivating episode of the Connections Podcast, Kyle Rutledge, a distinguished figure in the world of track and field, shares his unexpected journey into coaching. Growing up as a coach's kid, Kyle initially envisioned a career in insurance, much like his mother. However, destiny had other plans. He recalls about his dad, "I still use his philosophy to this day in training. A lot of what I do is from what he taught me." This sentiment reflects Kyle's deep respect for his mentors and the foundational principles they instilled in him.
The episode delves into Kyle's experiences at various institutions, including Johnson County CC, Missouri S&T, and his current role at Pittsburg State University. He provides insights into the unique culture of D2 NCAA when host Mike Cunningham asks him, "As a guy who came through the D2 ranks as an athlete and the majority of your career has been in D2 coaching, what is it about D2 that's kind of different culturally?" Kyle's dedication to his athletes, combined with his passion for the sport, shines through as he discusses the challenges and rewards of hosting the NCAA D2 Championship meet and the aspirations of clinching it as a team.
Listeners are treated to a deep dive into Kyle's coaching philosophy, the mentors who shaped his career, and the invaluable lessons he's gleaned over the years. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone passionate about track and field, coaching, and the journey of personal and professional evolution.
Interested in more pole vaulting?
Check out the Team Pacer website featuring our elite level vaulters and club vaulting programs. You can find us on the web, as well as Instagram and Facebook.
Vault high!
Hey there! Happy Athletics LLC day! Tons of stuff to chat about today and when I say we are covering all over the map, WE ARE ALL OVER THE MAP! Track is back, a top 5 list, and lessons taught by track & field... Lamar lines up for RAPID FIRE and there are some great pieces of history highlighted this week for BHM. So, get comfy and see you in a few clicks!
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.com/gillathletics
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/gillathletics/
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