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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MF Athletics and the National Throws Coaches Association (NTCA) present a Virtual Throws Conference featuring Gary Aldrich. Gary is the head coach (and throws coach) at Carnegie Mellon University as well as serving on the coaching staff for the 2021 USA Olympic Team. Gary talks about motivation, the history of our sport, how he coaches successfully at CMU, and so much more. This is an audio broadcast of this Virtual Conference. You can find the original video version of this on YouTube.
Today we bring you an awesome episode of the world's number one (and only) javelin podcast 'Through The Point'. Hosted by Scott Fuchs, he brings you javelin throwers from around the country. In episode 8, Scott sat down with Gill Athletics' very own Tim Glover! Tim is our Construction Specialist at Gill focusing on track and field cages, sand pit forms, take-off boards, circles/toeboards, as well as serving as our javelin specialist (DUH!). Scott and Tim have a great time talking javelin, you'll learn how Tim picked up the javelin growing up in a state that doesn't have it for a high school event (Illinois) as well as how he got to Gill, and how he balances working full time and being one of the top three javelin throwers in the US. Hope you enjoy this episode. Be sure to check out 'Through The Point' for more javelin podcast fun!
Todd was the keynote speaker at the 2018 USTFCCCA Convention in Orlando. For nearly thirty years, Todd has built his expertise in leadership and team dynamics by serving in a variety of senior level roles in business and athletics. From entrepreneurial start-up, to public company to college athletics, Todd’s real-life practical experiences in these worlds have given him a perspective that allows him to connect with his audiences in powerfully impactful ways. As a best-selling author, speaker and teacher on leadership and cultural development, Todd has spent the last decade working with some of the most successful coaches, teams, business leaders and educators in America. His principles have been embraced by countless leaders, including coaches and athletes from championship programs in the NCAA, NBA, MLB and NFL. Today he talks to us about leadership and its role in coaching track and field. Here's the article we talked about in this episode about Focusing on the Choices you get to make on a daily basis: https://toddgongwer.com/2020/04/24/two-things-that-havent-changed/
The Evolution of Mike 'Mouse' Holloway - From Buchholz HS to the University of Florida and Beyond
In this captivating episode of the Connections Podcast, host Mike Cunningham sits down with the renowned Mike 'Mouse' Holloway. From his early days coaching high school track at Buchholz HS to his meteoric rise as the University of Florida's first-ever combined program head coach, Holloway's journey is nothing short of inspiring. The two delve deep into Holloway's transition from high school to college track, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs along the way.
Holloway offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look into the pressure-filled world of leading a top-tier collegiate track program. He also provides insights into the 2017 women's 200m NCAA final and discusses the significance of faith in his life, his family, and his program. As a special treat, fans get to discover the origin story behind Holloway's nickname, 'Mouse'.
But beyond the anecdotes and achievements, Holloway's true pride lies in the success stories of his athletes beyond the track. He reflects, "The proudest I am is of the fact that the doctors, the lawyers, the international business people, the success stories in life... the athletic side of it has absolutely been a phenomenal ride."
This episode is a must-listen for track and field enthusiasts, offering a unique perspective from one of the sport's most influential figures, especially as Holloway gears up for his role as the 2021 USA Olympic Head Coach.
A real pioneer in athletics coaching and coaching education, Peter Thompson joins us today to discuss his roots from Europe to Eugene. We had a great time discussing the club system in Europe and how/why he came to North America for educational advancements. Peter is an amazing coach having worked with a variety of events in track and field. He also was a pioneer in creating the Coaches Ed system we use today for USATF, working along side such vaunted greats as Joe Vigil, Vern Gambetta, Gary Winkler, and more. If you enjoy coaching education in the US, you owe a lot of that to someone such as Peter. Near the end we get in to some fairly high level discussions on training, certainly interesting topics for the mastery of coaching athletes. While we had a few audio disturbances, I think you'll be able to overlook those and gain real value in listening to Peter talk on such topics as biokenetics and practice based evidence training.
Originally airing 4/16/20 live on USTFCCCA's Facebook page, Bobby Van Allen of Johns Hopkins, Matthew Barreau of Lewis & Clark, Jordan Carpenter of Pomona-Pitzer, Dan Moore of SUNY Geneseo and Jeff Stiles of Washington (Mo.) discuss various topics, including their backgrounds and what makes coaching on the NCAA Division III level special, among others. This is an audio rebroadcast of their video event (which can be found on Youtube). They can be reached at the following Instagram accounts: Bobby Van Allen, Johns Hopkins University @hopkinstfxc @hopkinssports Matthew Barreau, Lewis & Clark College@LCPiosXCTF @LCPioneers @lewisandclarkcollege @barreautrained Jordan Carpenter, Pomona-Pitzer College @sagehenrunning @sagehenathletics Dan Moore, SUNY Geneseo @geneseoxctf Jeff Stiles, Washington University @washu_xctf @washubears
With the 2020 track season cancelled due to COVID19, Nick, Derek,and the entire UW-LAX program created a virtual dual track meet with their rivals at UW-Stevens Point. They join us today to talk about why they did this, how they created it, and how it's going. They also give great feedback for other coaches on ways to do their own virtual track meets. Kudos to these two leaders who didn't let a major setback stop them from engaging with their athletes and creating experiences that will last a lifetime. We hope bringing you these ideas will stoke your creativity to make memories with your athletes. If you want to watch along and see who the winner is check out these links: UW-LAX Website: https://uwlathletics.com/news/2020/4/13/womens-track-and-field-womens-track-field-team-competing-in-virtual-meet.aspx Facebook: @UWLWomenstrackandfield Twitter: UWL_Womenstrack and @UWLCC Instagram: @UWLCC
In the conclusion of this wonderful three part series with Harry Marra, we talk about the magical time of coaching Olympic medalist Ashton Eaton and Brianne Theisen-Eaton. We pick up where part 1 (episode #25) ends as Harry is brought to Oregon to interview for the combined events assistant coaching position. We get a real insider's view of how the world record in the decathlon was broke at the Olympic Trials, preparation setbacks for the Olympic Games, and how and why it all ended.
Harry Marra's Four Pillars - Crafting the Art of Coaching
In the second installment of a three-part series on the Connections Podcast, host Mike Cunningham is privileged to delve deeper into the coaching philosophy of the legendary Harry Marra. Harry, with decades of experience under his belt, shares his Four Principles Necessary to Fully Develop the Art of Coaching, encapsulated in the acronym PKTC: Passion, Knowledge, Trust, and Communication.
Reflecting on the essence of effective coaching, Harry emphasizes, "In a situation in a competition, you can't be sitting there trying to reteach the particular event. It better be short, square, and to the point." He also draws inspiration from historical figures, quoting John F. Kennedy: "When the..." to highlight the importance of clear communication.
This episode is a treasure trove for track and field coaches, offering invaluable insights into the art and science of coaching. Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting out, Harry's wisdom, combined with real-world examples, will undoubtedly enhance your approach to coaching and leadership.
Enjoyed Harry's stories? Read more in the book Stories From the Passenger Seat: Lessons Learned From a Lifetime of Coaching: https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Passenger-Seat-Lifetime-Coaching/dp/1606795791
The Storied Journey of Harry Marra - From Humble Beginnings to Legendary Coach
In this insightful episode of the Connections Podcast, host Mike Cunningham is privileged to converse with the legendary track and field coach, Harry Marra. As they delve into Harry's illustrious coaching career, listeners are treated to a deep dive into his experiences, challenges, and the mentors who shaped his trajectory. Reflecting on his early days and the people who believed in him, Harry recalls, "At the end of that week of being together, [he] said, 'Harry, I'll talk to you anytime because you get it. You have a lot to learn, but you get it.'"
The episode further explores Harry's coaching philosophy, honed by interactions with iconic figures like Brooks, Telez, and Sam Adams. As they discuss the intricacies of coaching, Harry shares a heartwarming anecdote about his athletes, mentioning, "They called me and said, 'I think there's a mistake, Harry. I just got a check for $3,000. This can't be right.'"
For track and field enthusiasts and aspiring coaches, this episode offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the sport's most influential figures. Harry Marra's wisdom, combined with his genuine passion for the sport and its athletes, makes this episode a must-listen.
Enjoyed Harry's stories? Read more in the book Stories From the Passenger Seat: Lessons Learned From a Lifetime of Coaching: https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Passenger-Seat-Lifetime-Coaching/dp/1606795791
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