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In this episode, we sit down with Chuck Schneekloth, Founder and Director of the Garden State Track Club, to explore what it takes to build a thriving track & field career.

Chuck shares:
• The spark that ignited his lifelong passion for running and jumping
• His favorite memories from decades in the sport
• Why he created the Garden State Track Club and how clubs dramatically benefit both athletes and school teams
• What every prospective club athlete should know before joining

Plus, we tackle the big debate:
• Are relays really necessary in track & field?
• The pros and cons of relays for athletes and teams

Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete looking to take your track career to the next level, this conversation delivers valuable insights you won’t want to miss.

🔥 Subscribe for more track & field stories and expert advice!

Guest: Chuck Schneekloth – Founder & Director, Garden State Track Club

#TrackAndField #TrackClub #Running #Relays #Athletics

This week on Talking in Ovals, we sit down with Andy Martin — a true New Jersey track and field legend, former Holmdel Park record holder, and one of the most influential figures in endurance sports today.

Andy takes us back to the very beginning of his journey, sharing the spark that ignited his passion for running and the unforgettable memories that shaped his career from his early days as a standout athlete through his rise as an all-time NJ great.

We dive deep into his current work as an executive in endurance sports, exploring his key roles with USATF and the iconic BOLDERBoulder race. Andy reveals how USATF is evolving to grow the sport of athletics, the history behind his long-standing involvement with one of America’s most legendary 10K events, and what the future holds for track and field at every level.

We also tackle the current state of the sport — what’s working, what needs to change, and the critical challenge of recruiting and retaining more officials to keep meets running smoothly across the country.

Whether you’re a runner, coach, parent, or simply a fan of the sport, this conversation delivers inspiration, insider perspective, and actionable ideas for the future of athletics.

Tune in for a powerful discussion with a man who has lived the sport as both an elite competitor and a key leader helping shape its next chapter.

Dave and Alex welcome Corey Annan and Bakari Tice back on the show and we recap the NJ Indoor Track season and preview the Outdoor season!

Dave and Alex welcome Joe Compagni back to the show and we talk about the World Indoor Championships, the current state of collegiate track and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Brian Gould and Kurt Wayton to the show as we talk about their running journeys, building a team culture and the value of leadership!

Dave and Alex welcome Dr. Bill Evans onto the show and we talk about his running journey, the science of training and the performance boom!

Dave and Alex welcome Ashley Higginson on the show and we talk about her running journey, transitioning from pro running and how she feels about track today!

Dave and Alex welcome Brian Prendergast back to the show and we talk about success at Manalapan, building a culture and current events in the sport!

Dave and Alex welcome Quincy Watts to the show and we talk about his running journey, building a program and his current view on the health of the sport!

Dave and Alex welcome Dominique Smith to the show and we talk about his running journey, the Lactic Acid Podcast and the state of the sport!

Dave and Alex welcome Lyle Smith back to the show and we talk about the role of coaches, reminiscing and looking forward to the Millrose Games, NCAA Rules and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Jeff Benjamin back to the show and we talk about the passing of the legendary Fred Dwyer, the 2026 World XC Championships and the upcoming Millrose Games!

Dave and Alex welcome Sean McCafferty back to the show as we talk about this past XC season, team culture, national expectations and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Dave Slavinski to the show and we talk about his athletics journey, have a high level running family and his training methods!

Dave and Alex welcome Paige Sheppard to the show and we talk about her running journey, individual vs team success, XC vs Track and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Steve Williams back onto the show as we continue the conversation about his time as a runner, Grand Slam Track filing for bankruptcy and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Cali Buxbaum to the show and we talk about her running journey, training without a track and the value of cross training!

Dave and Alex welcome Zig Ziegler back on the show and we get some updates of Z Athlete Village and WITFL, myths about track and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Rob DeFilippis on the show and we talk about his running journey, owning Runner's High shoe store and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Chris Tafelski back to the show and we talk about Westfield's XC season, expectations for indoor, the growing influence of the NIL and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Corey Annan and Bakari Tice onto the show and we talk about their athletics journeys, NJ XC and Track and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Jim Lambert back to the show and we go over his past predictions, preview NJ MOCs and look ahead to indoor track!

Dave and Alex welcome Steve Williams to the show and we talk about his running journey, competing in the 1970's and the current state of track!

Dave and Alex welcome Dianne DeOliveira on the show and we talk about her running journey, starting Bella N Motion and women in athletics!

Dave and Alex welcome Jeff Benjamin back on the show as we talk about the 2025 SIRA Legend's Gala along with many other topics in athletics!

Alex welcomes Lauren Primerano on the show and we talk about her athletics journey, running the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex, the Athlos Meet and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Carrie Ellwood to the show and we talk about her running journey, and the differences between competing on the track vs road vs course!

Dave and Alex welcome Carson Gambaro onto the show and we talk about his running journey, track and field commentary and results from Tokyo World Athletics Championships!

Dave and Alex welcome Phil Grove back to the show and we talk about everything going on at the World Athletic Championships in Tokyo, Japan!

Dave and Alex welcome Amanda Marino to the show and we talk about her running journey, running as a mother and women in track!

Dave and Alex welcome Courtney Decker to the show and we talk about her running journey, balancing life and running and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Synclair Savage to the show and we talk about her jumping journey, mental health in track and getting more eyes on the jumping events!

Dave and Alex welcome Ivy Slavinski to the show and they talk about her running journey, different training methods, social media and more!

Alex welcomes Justin Harris to the show and we talk about his running journey, how he's been shaped as a coach and his experience training Olympic Bobsled and Skeleton athletes!

Dave and Alex welcome Travis Mahoney to the show and we talk about his running journey, shifts in the sport and coaching!

Dave and Alex are joined by John Davern to talk about the biggest events of this weekend's USATF Outdoor Nationals meet!

Dave and Alex welcome Ryan Searl to the show and we talk about his running journey, college track recruiting and sprinter training!

Dave and Alex welcome Matti Erickson to the show and we talk about his running journey, competing for Oregon and trying to make Team Canada!

Dave and Alex welcome Tilly O'Connor on the show and we talk about her running journey, transitioning to college athletics and which she prefers between XC and Track!

Dave and Alex welcome Daniel Yetman to the show and we talk about his track and field journey, starting "The Oval Update" and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Sinclaire Johnson to the show as we talk about her running journey, coming back from injuries, switching coaches and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Philip Redrick on the show and we talk and his running journey, coaching at the JuCo level and how he continues to develop his program and himself personally!

Dave and Alex welcome Clemmie Lilley and Reese Malone to the show and we talk about their running journey, managing success and maintaining a strong mindset!

Dave and Alex welcome Zariel Macchia and we talk about her running journey, her battle with NYSPHSAA and her future goals!

Alex welcomes Mr. 100k A Day to the show and we talk about his running journey, his issues with Grand Slam Track and how he would fix the sport!

Alex welcomes Edose Ibadin on the show and we talk about his running journey, the mental aspect of the sport and how to handle delayed gratification.

Alex welcomes Diego Estrada to the show and we talk about his running journey, coaching and more!

Dave and Alex talk about the upcoming Grand Slam Track Philly meet, Diamond League coverage and the upcoming Morocco meet and more!

Dave and Alex welcome Jayson Resch to the show and we talk about his running journey, the level of NCAA competition and the impact of some new rules!

Dave and Alex welcome John Davern back to the show and we talk about his new role at FloTrack, some behind-the-scenes happenings in track media and his impressions of Grand Slam so far!