Join Brayden Domont, a 2x Illinois Track and Field and Cross-Country State Champion, and Camden Hedges, an Illinois All State runner, as they bring in a special guest every week to discuss the latest running topics and news!
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Welcome back to The Beyond The Finish Line Show — the place where the course meets the conversation. I’m your host, Brayden Domont, and today… we’re doing something special.
The stakes? Huge.
The tension? Real.
The race? Just days away.
This Saturday, two of the top cross country runners in the state — Bentlee Lawrenz and Lucas Pfoutz — will line up at the starting line with one goal: a state championship.
But before the gun goes off, they’re both here — together — for an exclusive, unfiltered conversation. No coaches. No teammates. Just two rivals, face-to-face… with everything on the line.
We’re talking training. Race strategy. Mental toughness. And yes — how they see each other heading into what could be the most important 2 Mile of their middle school careers.
Whether you're a runner, a coach, or just here for the drama — buckle up.
This is Lawrenz vs. Pfoutz: The Showdown at State.
Let’s get into it.
Road To The State Chip: The IESA Girls State Breakdown
Monday, October 13, 2025 • Duration 23:24
Today, join us as we break down the IESA Middle School Girls season so far — highlighting standout performances, surprises from the sectional meets this past weekend, and what to watch for at next week’s State Championship. We’ll also take our picks for who we think will win the individual races and team titles. It’s been a big year for Illinois Girls Distance Running, with some athletes even eyeing the sub‑11‑minute barrier… Stay tuned for all the action at this weekend’s state championship!
Road to the State Chip: The IESA State Meet Predictions
Sunday, October 12, 2025 • Duration 16:07
Today, join along as we break down the IESA Middle School season so far and what we can learn from the sectional meets this weekend and what to expect for the State Championship next week. A big year for Illinois Distance Running with even some running claiming they can break the 10-minute barrier... Stay Tuned for this weekends state championship.
Tony Holler: "Feed the Cats and Stop Training Tired"
Season 2 · Episode 13
Saturday, October 4, 2025 • Duration 40:41
Hey everyone, welcome back to Beyond The Finish Line. I'm your host, Brayden Domont, and today’s episode is one you’re definitely going to want to lean in for—especially if you’re an athlete, a coach, or just someone who’s obsessed with unlocking human performance.
Joining me today is someone who’s been flipping the script on traditional training philosophies—Coach Tony Holler. He’s the creator of the “Feed the Cats” sprint-based training system, a speaker, a thought leader, and a coach who’s not afraid to challenge the status quo when it comes to how we develop speed, performance, and recovery.
We dig into everything from why less can actually be more when it comes to training, to how mindset, measurement, and recovery are changing the game—not just in track and field, but across all sports.
So whether you're on the track, in the weight room, or simply trying to push past your limits in any arena—this conversation is for you.
Let’s get into it.
Andrew Brown: From Furman to FloTrack — The Media Journey
Saturday, September 27, 2025 • Duration 37:36
Welcome back to Beyond the Finish Line, powered by the Illinois Running News Podcast Network. I’m your host, Brayden Domont, and today we’ve got a fascinating conversation for all you track & field die‑hards, media nerds, and anyone curious about what it takes to cover the sport from the inside.
My guest today is Andrew Brown — the guy behind social media for MileSplit, FloTrack, MileSplit Carolinas, and some of the nation’s top track & field meets. He’s been in the trenches, running media operations, building digital platforms, and telling stories about the people who put it all on the line.
We dig deep into how he got his start doing media coverage while at Furman, and what it was like being thrust into the moment when he got to be on the track just as Grant Fisher shattered the indoor 5,000m world record. We talk about the pressure, the logistics, the split‑second decisions, and so much more behind the scenes of covering a world‑record performance.
So whether you’re an athlete, coach, meet promoter, or just someone curious about how digital media and live meets intertwine — this one’s for you.
Let’s get into it.
Ruel Newberry Took the Nation by Storm as a Freshman — Here’s How
Season 2 · Episode 11
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 • Duration 26:01
Today on the show, I’m joined by one of the most electrifying young distance runners in the country — Ruel Newberry. As just a freshman at Denton Guyer High School in Texas, Ruel dropped jaw-dropping times with an 8:57 in the 3200 and a 14:24 5K in cross country — performances that would be elite at any level, let alone for a first-year high school athlete. In this episode, we dive into Ruel’s mindset, his training approach, how he handles pressure, and what’s driving him as he continues to break barriers. Whether you're deep in the running world or just love stories of young talent doing big things, this one’s for you.
Chris Quick: Coaching Culture, Consistency, and Competitive Fire
Season 2 · Episode 10
Friday, September 12, 2025 • Duration 01:04:00
In this episode, we sit down with Coach Chris Quick, the legendary cross country and track & field coach from Palatine High School, to dive into the mindset, philosophy, and stories behind one of Illinois’ most respected coaching careers.
From leading his teams to multiple state podium finishes—including a Class 3A state championship in 2011—to developing over 50 collegiate athletes, Coach Quick shares what it takes to build not just fast runners, but strong, resilient individuals. We talk about:
His coaching journey and the evolution of Palatine's running culture
The power of consistency, community, and high standards
Lessons learned from both victory and defeat
The creation of the Distance Night in Palatine and the Palatine Pack TFCC Club
What young coaches and athletes need to hear today
Whether you're a coach, athlete, or just someone who loves a good story about leadership and impact—you’ll find inspiration in Coach Quick’s words.
Ep.9: The Desmond Marino Interview
Season 2 · Episode 9
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 • Duration 30:30
Welcome back to another episode of Beyond the Finish Line, where we go deeper than the stopwatch and explore the stories that truly define our athletes. I’m your host, Brayden Domont, and today’s guest is someone whose heart and hustle have already left a mark far beyond the track.
Joining us is Desmond Marino — a rising star in the world of track and field and the reigning Middle School Nike Outdoor Nationals Mile Champion. But Desmond’s story is about so much more than just medals and mile times. He runs with a purpose — dedicating every stride to his late grandfather, and drawing strength from his family and friends along the way.
Desmond has faced real adversity, and yet, through grit, resilience, and an unwavering sense of purpose, he’s turned pain into power and dreams into reality. Today, we’ll hear how he’s grown through the struggle, what fuels his fire, and what’s next on the horizon for this young champion.
Stick with us — this is one story you don’t want to miss.
Inside BmansRankings: How Brennan McNamara Ranks Illinois’ Fastest Runners
Season 2 · Episode 8
Thursday, August 21, 2025 • Duration 38:50
What’s up everyone, and welcome back to The Beyond The Finish Line Show — the show where we dive into the world of high school track and cross country, one stride at a time.
*I’m your host Brayden Domont, and today’s episode is one I’ve been really looking forward to — especially if you're a runner, coach, or just a fan of the Illinois high school running scene.
Joining me today is someone who’s made a serious impact in the community with his rankings, insights, and passion for the sport — Brennan McNamara, the mind behind BmansRankings on Instagram.
If you follow high school XC and track in Illinois, chances are you’ve seen his posts — the team and individual rankings, breakout athlete shoutouts, power moves throughout the season. Brennan’s built something that’s become a go-to source for athletes, fans, and even coaches across the state.
Today, we’re going to pull back the curtain on how he puts it all together — the process, the challenges, the surprises — plus we’ll get his take on the upcoming season, teams to watch, and some bold predictions.
So whether you're grinding out tempo runs or just cooling down, you're gonna want to stick around for this one.
Let’s get into it.
Dominic Matthias: Inside the Mind of One of the Nation’s Brightest Young Talents
Season 2 · Episode 7
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 • Duration 28:46
Today’s guest is someone you’re going to want to keep your eyes on — Dominic Matthias. He’s a rising star out of Moore High School in Oklahoma, and even though he’s still early in his high school career, his times already speak for themselves. We’re talking 3:56 in the 1500m, a 1:53 in the 800, and some seriously strong performances across multiple distances — both on the track and in cross country.
But beyond the stopwatch, Dominic brings a work ethic, focus, and level-headedness that’s rare to see at his age. He’s not just running fast — he’s building something.
So today, we’re going to talk about the grind, the growth, and the goals that are shaping his journey. We’ll get into race strategy, pre-race routines, and even some off-the-track stuff to get a fuller picture of the person behind the performances.
Whether you’re a fellow runner, a coach, or just someone who loves seeing young athletes chase greatness — this is a conversation for you.
So let’s get into it.