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.
Powered by Gill Athletics — Supporting Coaches Since 1918.
Whew! What is UNBREAKABLE in track and field!? Let Lucious, Lamar (he's back!) and Clyde tell y'all what is and isn't! Between the collegiate and professional records that exist, which of those are the guys saying aren't touchable? Then what is/are the major obstacle(s) for track and field athletes as they transition to a professional athlete status? Lastly, the guys predict the medal stand for the men's 400mH race in Tokyo...wait till you hear THAT conversation! Does Big League stump Lucious while he's the subject of #rapidfire this week??? See ya in a few to find out!
Rob's positive impact on the sport of track and field is immeasurable. He has participated as an athlete, a coach, and now as a sales rep for MF Athletics and the creator of the National Throws Coaches Association (NTCA). As a speaker at many clinics and as an ambassador for our sport, Rob talks to us about how he became a track coach and how he came to work at MF Athletics.
Rob and host Mike Cunningham had a great time connecting over sales stories, travel horrors, and even discuss the recent Clemson decision. ENJOY!
Just as it seems some of occupants of seats in leadership are doing, the gentlemen are going to project their thoughts as to why some decisions are being made currently that are effecting the sport of Athletics. Since our recording, changes have occurred but we discuss what could be the justification for the reducing of Men's T&F at Minnesota. Maybe they heard us?! Then the guys discuss how COACHES play a role in the demise of track and field, yep...we said it! Then the guys turn the Magic 8Ball over to see who will medal in the WOMEN'S 100m final in Tokyo 2021. Lastly, we discuss how it is possible for the endurance group to have fall competitions, winter/spring championship concurrently competing indoor/outdoor track and field...WITHOUT the threat of losing eligibility????? Well, sit back and kick up your feet...enjoy!
Ernest has an amazing background in coaching at a variety of schools including Sacred Heart University, Western Carolina University (his alma mater), Marian University, and currently at Tiffin University. With a jumps and hurdles background, he attacks each event group with an 'understanding' mentality, one of the many subjects we get in to with him in today's episode.
First up, we talk about his transition from athlete, to post-collegiate athlete, to grad assistant and then full time assistant coach. We also explore his time as a head coach of Virginia State University. The second half of today's episode is centered around 'coaching mentality'; how we think about growing as coaches, how we utilize mentors in our life, and how Ernest has changed in his coaching style and thought process.
This was a great conversation with a 20 year veteran of coaching track and field. We're know you're going to enjoy and grow from today's episode. ENJOY!
Fortune, visiting the past and predicting the future! That is what you can expect this week on episode 26: Magic Crystal Ball! First we travel back in time to visit a past Olympic games to watch in person and while we are in the past we bring up some noteable WOMEN sprinters who seem to be forgotten for their achievements. Then we travel to the future and predict the final results for the MEN'S 400m in Tokyo! You'll want to listen in on this one! Then we visit the topic of greatness the qualifications of what that means and how to choose a CHAMPION in collegiate football...YOU KNOW CLYDE had more than two cents on this one! Sit back and lock yourself in for a fun time for the next 2 hours...you won't regret it!
After a successful six years of coaching throwers at the University of Central Florida, Jennifer has been with Gill for over 10 years. She joins us today to talk about her ultra successful high school and collegiate career, what led her into coaching, and how she came to Gill Athletics. We focus on how her track background as both an athlete and a coach help on a daily basis with her career at Gill.
We hope you enjoy this conversation with one of our teammates here at Gill Athletics. Jennifer does an amazing job of serving the track and field community and we're excited to share her journey with you today.
Happy day everyone! In this week's episode of Athletics LLC, find out WHY LAMAR HATES THE WOMEN'S DECATHLON!? It's not what you might assume! What are the opinions of the guys regarding the addition of two Power 5 schools playing football and staying on the topic of football, what NFL teams do the guys have going to the SB this year??? Then the guys reveal what sport they would want to coach if they were to lead a "little league" team, hear which Olympic sport Lucious is going to coach Big League and former guest Tianna Bee in! Lastly, when should an athlete or coach know to hang 'em up? Get some great perspective from Lamar, as this is what he has done, and Clyde and Lucious give their perspective as they have watched the end of athletes careers happen as coaches. Don't forget to stick around for RAPID FIRE, Lucious is in the hot seat this week...it's a good one!
Today we bring you behind the scenes track person who has influenced and improved our great sport. We welcome Paul Merca to the show to discuss his influences to becoming a track and field announcer at University of Washington Dempsey Center, his journalistic background, and his work with televised track events.
Paul is 'Mr. Washington' growing up in Seattle and running cross country for the Huskies. You'll enjoy hearing his pursuit into track and field (including how he ran TWO marathons in high school). And of course we get caught up in the DK Metcalf versus the US Olympic Trials discussion. ENJOY!
What change in the women's sprints are the guys talking about that could change the game??? Off the track, what other sports do you think each of the guys fancy? Do you think you know? Talking about on and off the track, who gets to make the list of the greatest combo football/track and field guys ever? Our sport across the pond, is significantly more followed than State side. Do you agree with the guys and their reasons for this? Lastly, we speak on the elephant in the room, the dropping of programs and the ripples it is causing...this is a MUST LISTEN if you care about the sports of CROSS COUNTRY & TRACK AND FIELD!!! Have a seat, get your notepad/pen and put your listening ears on y'all.....
Maurice is the head coach of Niwot High School outside of Denver, Colo. Today we talk about the influences in his life that have helped him become one of the more successful high school coaches in the country. We learn of his mom's influence, famed coach Gary Dirks' influence, Coach Bill McCartney the HC of Univ of Colorado football, and many more people who poured into Maurice.
Coach is making a large impact on his community, school, and program by focusing on the people of his program rather than the X's and O's. Find out why he gives nearly every Friday off of practice for his team and staff, as well as what his R.E.A.L. Training club stands for.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
