The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

Unlock 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.

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast is a sports podcast hosted by Gill Athletics, with 943 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Gill Athletics hosts The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast, a sports show with 943 episodes published.

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  The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

  #219: Gill1918 Presents Mike Cunningham "Pole Vault Pit Inspection Checklist: 9 Things Every Coach Should Check"

  Aug 19, 202611 minS7

  How often should you inspect your pole vault pit? In this episode, Mike Cunningham walks coaches through a complete pole vault pit inspection checklist and explains why regular inspections are one of the easiest ways to improve athlete safety and extend the life of a landing system. You'll learn: ✅ What to inspect before, during, and after the season ✅ How to evaluate top pads, foam, vinyl, and hardware ✅ Common warning signs coaches shouldn't ignore ✅ How water intrusion damages pits ✅ Why weather covers should be inspected too ✅ The importance of rotating landing sections ✅ How to identify repair and replacement needs early Whether you're responsible for a brand-new facility or a 20-year-old landing system, this episode provides practical inspection tips every coach can use. Read the full article: Pole Vault Pit Inspection Checklist for Coaches Dive into nearly 400 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 Twitch.tv , YouTube , Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more! ️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode , which airs Tuesdays through Sundays. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network. Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Instagram ( @MikeCunninghamTF ), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! #PoleVault #TrackAndField #GillAthletics #TrackCoach #PoleVaultCoach #AthleticFacilities #FacilityManagement #SportsFacilities #TrackAndFieldSafety

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  The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

  #218: Gill1918 Presents David Mitchell “Navigating Difficult Conversations” Powered by Coach O

  Aug 18, 202611 minS7

  David is a coach and T&F announcer who spent 23 of his 39 years in public education serving as a school counselor spanning grades K-12. Along the way, David learned communication techniques to make difficult conversations more fruitful and less painful. He shares these techniques here, including a powerful response to a common passive-aggressive statement. He is also the coordinator of this Youth and Beginner Series Powered by Coach O . If you’d like to contribute an episode, he’d LOVE to hear from you! Email David to learn more. Note: This episode was originally released 8/5/25.

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  Episode #376

  #376: Tyler Germain-Kalamazoo Central HS | Building a State Champion Through Culture, Speed, and Belonging

  Aug 17, 20262h 8mS7

  What happens when a coach sees something in you before you see it in yourself? For Kalamazoo Central Head Coach Tyler Germain, that story starts with two teachers who convinced a tall sophomore football and basketball player to give track and field a chance. A surprise entry into the 300-meter hurdles sparked a journey that would eventually lead to a Michigan state championship and one of the fastest-growing programs in the state. In this episode, Tyler shares how coaches changed his life during a difficult time as a teenager, why he became an English teacher and coach, and how an opportunity to volunteer with his former high school team at age 18 launched a coaching career that now spans more than two decades. Along the way, we dive into coaching education, mentorship, recruiting athletes from the hallways, the influence of Feed the Cats, and the culture shifts that helped grow Kalamazoo Central from roughly 65 athletes to nearly 200 athletes. We also talk about music, garage bands, state titles, coaching through COVID, and why making track the best part of an athlete's day might be the most important coaching philosophy of all. ️ From Bay City to Champaign to Kalamazoo How a first-time 300 hurdle race changed everything Life on the road playing in bands across the country Teaching English and coaching track for 22 years Building a state championship program ⚡ Growing participation through speed and culture The mentors who shaped the coach Tyler became Whether you're coaching high school, college, or simply love the sport, Tyler's story is filled with practical wisdom and powerful reminders about the impact coaches have on young people. Dive into nearly 400 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 Twitch.tv , YouTube , Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more! ️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode , which airs Tuesdays through Sundays. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network. Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Instagram ( @MikeCunningham TF), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you!

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  The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

  BONUS: The Coachers Podcast episode #45 Dave Turnbull | Summit Track: Reflect, Reset, and Go

  Aug 14, 20261h 6mS7

  In this engaging conversation, Coach Dave Turnbull shareshis journey from a young athlete in Pendleton, Oregon, to becoming the head track coach at Summit High School. He discusses his dual life as a coach / teacher and a DJ, the importance of building a winning culture, and his coaching philosophy centered around character development. Coach Turnbull reflects on the challenges of coaching, the significance of recruiting the right athletes, and his vision for the future of track and field. He emphasizes the need for constant learning and adaptation in coaching and passionately explains why he believes track is the greatest sport, as it mirrors life's challenges and triumphs. In this conversation, Coach Turnbull shares his insights on coaching, personal growth, and the importance of teamwork. Hereflects on his own experiences with adversity, including a cancer diagnosis, and emphasizes the need for resilience in both athletics and life. Coach Turnbull discusses the significance of discipline, caring for all athletes regardless oftheir skill level, and the value of inspiring growth beyond performance metrics. He also highlights the importance of building relationships within a team and the need for coaches to continuously challenge themselves. The conversation concludes with Coach Turnbull's thoughts on retirement and his aspirations for the future.

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  The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

  #217: Gill1918 Presents Mike Cunningham "When Should You Replace Your PV Pit? Warning Signs Every Coach Should Know"

  Aug 13, 202612 minS7

  When should a pole vault pit be replaced? Most coaches immediately think about age. But age alone doesn't tell the whole story. In this episode of the Gill Connections Podcast, Mike Cunningham breaks down the real factors that determine when a pole vault landing system should be repaired, replaced, or removed from service. From foam degradation and water intrusion to compliance concerns and liability risks, this episode provides practical guidance for coaches, athletic directors, and facility managers responsible for athlete safety. You'll learn: ✅ Why pit age is often the wrong metric ✅ Common warning signs that indicate replacement may be needed ✅ How foam, vinyl, and hardware condition affect safety ✅ The role water intrusion plays in shortening pit life ✅ When repairs may be appropriate and when replacement becomes necessary ✅ How NFHS and NCAA compliance can impact replacement decisions ✅ Why regular inspections are critical ✅ How coaches can successfully advocate for replacement funding One of the biggest mistakes programs make is waiting until a pit becomes an emergency. The best replacement projects start years before the purchase through planning, budgeting, inspections, and communication. If you're responsible for a pole vault facility, this conversation can help you make better decisions, reduce risk, and provide a safer environment for athletes. The goal isn't compliance. The goal is safety. A pole vault pit should be replaced when it can no longer safely perform its intended function. That decision should be driven by condition, performance, and athlete safety, not simply the age of the landing system. Link: Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Instagram ( @MikeCunninghamTF ), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you!

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