Explore every episode of the podcast The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

Which type of pole vault standards are right for your facility?

The answer depends on far more than a model name or price tag. In this episode, Mike Cunningham breaks down how coaches can match their standards to the athletes, competition level, facility goals, and future plans of their program.

Topics include:

• Developing programs versus high school, collegiate, and elite facilities

• Minimum and maximum adjustment ranges

• NFHS and NCAA peg considerations

• Standard base pad compatibility

• Daily usability, durability, and replacement parts

• Branding and long-term facility planning

  
  

The best standards are not universally “the best.” They are the standards that best serve your athletes and facility over the next decade.

Originally recorded as two separate short episodes, we combined them to get your November started with a Double Shot of Emeott! Dave is a highly successful high school coach with 9 state titles, 14 consecutive regional wins, and a 100% graduation rate. He is also the author of the highly-rated (4.9 out of 5 on Amazon) book Beyond the Finish Line: The Art of Transformational Coaching. The audio version, read by the author, is also now available! Note: This episode  was initially released in December, 2025.

If you have something to share with our youth T&F coach audience, contact David Mitchell for more information.

No coach checking on him. No teammates waiting at practice. No guarantee that the work would pay off.

Justin Anderson kept training anyway.

In this episode of the Gill Connections Podcast, Alabama State University assistant coach Justin Anderson shares the remarkable journey that took him from Jacksonville, Florida, to a worn-down track in Great Bend, Kansas—and ultimately to the NCAA Division I Championships.

After two years at Barton Community College, Justin returned home without his associate degree. He worked full-time, paid his own tuition and continued training alone while finishing school. His destination never changed: he wanted to become a Division I student-athlete.

That discipline eventually carried him to Texas Southern University, the NCAA Championships and a coaching career built around helping athletes find a clearer path than the one he had to navigate.

🎯 Why every athlete and coach needs a destination programmed into their “GPS”

🏃 The reality of leaving Florida for junior college life in Great Bend, Kansas

💪 How Justin balanced full-time work, school and training without a team or coach

🏆 His journey from an unrecruited walk-on to the NCAA Division I Championships

🤝 Why his own difficult road inspired him to become the coach he once needed

📣 What recruiting teaches coaches about relationships, rejection and adapting to their environment

🎓 How mentors, trusted peers, clinics and speaking opportunities continue shaping his coaching

🔥 Why Justin is now “excited about getting them excited” at Alabama State

This is a powerful conversation about discipline, accountability, personal growth and refusing to lose sight of the destination—even when the road takes an unexpected turn.

Press PLAY and meet Coach Justin Anderson.

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! 🎧👍

Buying pole vault standards involves much more than choosing two uprights to hold a crossbar.

In this episode, Mike Cunningham walks through a practical buying guide for coaches and facility planners. Topics include minimum and maximum height range, NFHS and NCAA peg requirements, standard base pad compatibility, ease of movement, durability, maintenance, replacement parts, customization, and planning for future program growth.

The right standards should support the athletes using your facility today while giving your program room to grow over the next decade.

Pole vault standards influence every jump, every practice, and every competition—but they rarely receive the same attention as the landing system.

In this episode, Mike Cunningham breaks down the factors coaches should consider before purchasing standards, including accuracy, ease of adjustment, visibility, durability, mobility, maintenance, replacement parts, and long-term value.

A set of standards should not simply hold a crossbar. The right set should make practices more efficient, competitions easier to operate, and facility management simpler for years to come.

What should coaches look for when buying pole vault standards?

In this pod, Mike Cunningham discusses the details that matter most: accurate and readable scales, smooth adjustments, reliable locking systems, durable frames and wheels, maintenance needs, replacement-part availability, and long-term facility planning.

The least expensive standards are not always the best long-term value. The best standards are the ones that work accurately and reliably every day—without becoming something coaches have to think about.

Along with being a 3-time World Champion in the 4x4, Greg also is a 2-time USATF National Champion in the open 400. He earned gold medals both indoors and outdoors in each of those events. He shares his experience and insights on setting up, practicing for, and successfully competing in the indoor 4x4. Greg is also a coach and entrepreneur making technology and expertise accessible for coaches at every level with AthleteIQ (joinathleteiq.com).

Follow Greg on IG (@gregnixonjr) to learn more.

If you've got something great to share with our youth T&F coach audience, contact David Mitchell to find out how.

Every race begins with a line—but have you ever wondered who puts that line there?

For the first time on the Gill Connections Podcast, we step behind the scenes with a professional track striper. Corey John of Athletic Marking Companies—better known as @TheTrackStriper on Instagram—reveals the remarkable precision, patience, and craftsmanship required to transform a blank track into a competition-ready facility.

Corey entered the profession with absolutely no track and field background. Today, he travels across the country, stripes approximately 80 tracks a year, and has become one of the most recognizable personalities in an incredibly specialized industry.

In this episode, Corey pulls back the curtain on a job most coaches and athletes never realize exists.

🎨 Why track striping is equal parts science, craftsmanship, and art

📏 How Corey measures a blank facility and creates an accurate 400-meter track

🔴 Why nearly 70% of the job happens before any paint touches the surface

🏟️ What separates a new track layout from a standard restripe

🌧️ How rain, sprinklers, leaves, surface types, and even birds can disrupt a job

🛴 Why a Segway helped Corey become a more efficient one-person crew

🚐 What life is like when you spend weeks traveling from one track project to another

📱 How @TheTrackStriper made an overlooked profession fascinating on Instagram

🤖 Why Corey welcomes automation and believes technology can make his work even better

Corey’s work is an essential part of our sport. Without accurate lane lines, hurdle marks, exchange zones, start lines, and field-event markings, competition simply cannot happen.

Press play for a fascinating look at one of track and field’s most important—and least understood—professions.

Follow Corey on Instagram: @TheTrackStriper

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 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍

Pole vault standards may not be the largest purchase in a vault facility, but they influence every practice, every competition, and every bar adjustment.

In this episode, Mike Cunningham discusses how coaches can choose standards that support their athletes and facility for years to come.

Topics include:

• Rule compliance and adjustment ranges

• Accurate, readable height and depth markings

• Ease of movement and adjustment

• Durability, wheel systems, and maintenance

• Indoor versus outdoor considerations

• Replacement parts and long-term support

• Planning for future program growth

The best standards are not simply the least expensive option. They are the ones that help coaches operate efficiently and give athletes reliable, consistent equipment every day.

Buying a used pole vault pit can save a program money—but only if it is still safe, compliant, and serviceable.

In this episode, Mike Cunningham breaks down what coaches should inspect before purchasing a used landing system:

• Current NFHS or NCAA compliance

• Foam condition, including hard spots, soft spots, and compression

• Vinyl, hardware, and repair history

• Storage and weather-exposure history

• What is actually included in the sale

• Freight, repairs, weather protection, and other hidden costs

A used pit can be a smart value. It can also become an expensive problem quickly.

The key is not how old the pit is. The key is what condition it is in today.

Listen before you commit to a used-pit purchase.

Jeremy Fischer is an elite jumps coach and educator who has coached athletes to 19 Olympic and World Championship medals, plus 20 Para and Para World medals. This is part 2 of 4 in his series across the remainder of 2026 on coaching the horizontal jumps. Part 2 focuses on how to maximize long jump distance at takeoff. Jeremy is the founder of Maximum Velocity Athletics and will host the live online Horizontal Jumps Masterclass on January 2-3, 2027 along with an incredible team of clinicians. Registration is open now at https://www.maximumvelocityathletics.com/.

If you've got something awesome to share with our youth T&F coach audience, contact David Mitchell to find out how.

What would make a coach walk away from nearly unmatched success to start again with nothing?

After winning 25 state championships at Centennial High School, Roy Session could have comfortably finished his career as one of Nevada’s most accomplished coaches. Instead, the retired fire chief accepted an entirely new challenge: building Nevada State University’s track and field program from the ground up.

In this episode, Roy shares his remarkable journey from growing up in West Las Vegas and discovering that track could take him to college, to serving 30 years in the fire department, building a youth club, creating a high school dynasty, and giving Nevada athletes a new opportunity to compete at the collegiate level.

🔥 How the fire service shaped Roy’s leadership philosophy

🏆 What it took to win 25 high school state championships

🤝 Why empowering assistant coaches produces stronger programs

🦂 The challenge of building Nevada State track and field from scratch

💪 Why Roy’s teams live by one standard: “We will not be outworked”

❤️ How coaching allows him to give young people opportunities he never imagined for himself

Roy Session doesn’t run from difficult challenges—he finds purpose in them. Press play and meet a coach whose humility, competitiveness, and commitment to serving others have changed countless lives.

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 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍

How does a pole vault pit help manage the forces created when an athlete lands from height?

In this episode of the Gill1918 Project Podcast, Mike Cunningham explains the design considerations and safety-focused evaluations behind modern pole vault landing systems.

The conversation covers:

• Why foam is the heart of the landing system

• The balance between comfortable landings and preventing bottoming out

• Landing-surface consistency across multiple pit sections

• Seam, gap, top pad, and attachment-system design

• Why vinyl construction and weather protection affect long-term performance

• The difference between meeting minimum requirements and maintaining a safe facility

• Why regular inspection, repair, installation, and storage matter after the pit arrives

A landing system’s original design matters—but its condition over time matters just as much.

The full article, “How Are Pole Vault Pits Tested for Safety?” is available through Gill Athletics and Mike Cunningham’s LinkedIn article series.

Most pole vault pit storage damage does not happen during practice or competition.

It happens when the season ends.

In this episode of the Gill1918 Project Podcast, Mike Cunningham walks through the common off-season storage mistakes that can shorten the life of a landing system—and the practical habits that can help avoid them.

You’ll learn why coaches should pay attention to:

• Moisture trapped before storage

• Small tears, broken straps, and missing hardware

• Outdoor exposure and weather protection

• Wooden pallets and uneven pressure points

• Rodents and nesting animals

• Improper stacking

• Weather covers that have worn out

• The danger of storing a pit and forgetting about it for months

A few hours spent cleaning, drying, inspecting, repairing, and protecting a pit can help prevent much more expensive problems later.

The full article, “Common Pole Vault Pit Storage Mistakes,” is available through Gill Athletics and Mike Cunningham’s LinkedIn article series.

Coach Tizzo Johnson led a discussion with his own kids, Khamani, a collegiate thrower for NC Central where he is the MEAC silver medalist in the Hammer, and Zoey, a youth thrower who was the 13-year-old Discus Champion at Club Nationals. In this episode, the young throwers talk about their experiences, motivations, and advice for other throwers, offering many useful insights for coaches. Tizzo is the founder of UglyThrowsOnly.com an innovative new apparel company for throwers and their supporters. He shares how his coaching cues led to that catchy company name. Listen, learn, and enjoy!

If you have a topic to share with our youth T&F coach audience, contact David Mitchell to learn more.

Chris Sullivan never planned to become a track coach.

Growing up in Cocoa Beach, Florida, he was a football player first, a basketball player second, and a high jumper who mostly showed up for meets. He didn't even realize track and field was a college sport until he arrived at Florida International University.

Fast forward a few years and Chris went from football walk-on to Division I decathlete, NCAA East Regional qualifier, NCAA Championships qualifier in the high jump, and eventually FIU assistant coach.

In this episode, Mike and Chris discuss:

✅ Growing up in Cocoa Beach and surfing before school

✅ Why football was his first love

✅ The unlikely path that led him into track & field
✅ Transitioning from football to the decathlon
✅ Qualifying for the NCAA Championships in the high jump
✅ Coaching at his alma mater
✅ Recruiting in today's college athletics landscape
✅ NIL, roster changes, and the new five-year eligibility model
✅ The mentors who shaped his coaching philosophy
✅ Why helping athletes succeed means more than his own accomplishments

Chris shares an honest look at his journey from athlete to coach and why developing young people remains at the center of everything he does at Florida International University.

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! 🎧👍

What happens to your pole vault pit when the season ends?

In this Gill1918 Project episode, Mike Cunningham shares the practical steps coaches can take to protect a landing system during the off-season—and avoid expensive surprises when athletes return.

You’ll learn how to:

• Inspect and repair the pit before storage

• Clean and dry it properly

• Reduce moisture, UV, and rodent risk

• Store and stack sections without creating unnecessary stress

• Protect the pit when indoor storage is not available

A few intentional hours at the end of the season can help preserve foam, vinyl, safety, and long-term value for years to come.

Should your program invest in a weather cover, a pit garage, or both?

In this Gill1918 Project episode, Mike Cunningham breaks down the practical difference between the two—and why, for most outdoor facilities, a weather cover should be the first priority.

You’ll learn:

• What a weather cover protects against

• What a pit garage adds beyond a cover

• When a pit garage makes financial sense

• Why neither option replaces regular inspection and maintenance

• How to choose the right level of protection for your facility

The goal is not simply choosing which option is “better.” It is protecting a major equipment investment in a way that fits your climate, facility, and long-term plans.

If you're coaching long or triple jumpers who struggle with inconsistent approaches, missed boards, or fouling their biggest jumps, Coach Keinan Briggs' 1-Day Approach System breaks down the approach principles he uses to help jumpers develop a more consistent, repeatable runway. In this episode, Keinan shares a portion of his system to help coaches avoid a common coaching error. To get the full 1 Day Approach System, go o https://www.leapmentality.com/stop-fouling and enter the code: COACHO for a $10 savings. Regular Price: $55 | Coach O Price: $45

If you've got a topic to share with our youth T&F coach audience, contact David Mitchell to learn more.

Fort Bend Marshall girls head coach Shahira Ehiemua joins the Gill Connections Podcast to share her remarkable journey from running for Track Houston as a fourth grader to leading her alma mater to four UIL State Championships (so far!).

Mike first met Shahira while hosting the Texas High School Coaches Association Clinic, where her presentation on culture became one of the most talked-about sessions of the week. In this conversation, Shahira shares the lessons she learned as a Marshall athlete, her experiences competing at both UTSA and SMU, and how those experiences shaped her leadership philosophy today.

The conversation dives deep into building culture, developing championship mindsets, creating accountability within a team, balancing individual athlete goals with team success, and why she believes strong foundations matter more than trophies.

Whether you're a coach, athlete, or sports leader, you'll walk away with practical insights on leadership, intentionality, and creating environments where people can thrive.

🎙️ Topics Include:✅ Growing up with Track Houston✅ Competing at Fort Bend Marshall, UTSA, and SMU✅ Returning home as head coach✅ Winning four state championships✅ Building culture that lasts✅ Developing athletes for success beyond high school✅ Why "we still won" doesn't always mean a state title✅ Leadership lessons from coaching and teaching

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! 🎧👍

Do you really need a weather cover for your pole vault pit?

If the pit lives outdoors, the better question may be: what are you willing to let happen to that investment without one?

In this episode, Mike Cunningham explains why weather covers should be viewed as part of a pole vault pit’s maintenance plan—not simply as an optional accessory.

🌧️ How rain and standing water can create larger problems over time
☀️ Why UV exposure, dirt, debris, snow, and ice all matter
🛡️ Why the cover protects the foam and components underneath
✅ The simple end-of-practice habit that makes the biggest difference
🏠 When a pit garage may also be worth considering

A weather cover cannot make a pit invincible. But consistently using one can help protect a much larger investment for years to come.

Press play before you leave the pit uncovered after practice.

How do you build a championship distance program starting from scratch?In this live session of The Track Tribe, we’re joined by Coach Shawn Siemers (2024–2025 High School Girls Sport Coach of the Year) to break down the exact process of developing elite endurance athletes from the ground up.Whether you’re taking over a fresh program, trying to get kids off the couch and onto the track, or looking to refine your athlete evaluation, this stream covers the practical blueprint for long-term distance success.📌 What We’ll Cover:Starting from Scratch: How to recruit, develop, and motivate runners with zero background.Evaluating Endurance Talent: What key physical and mental markers to look for in potential distance runners.Program Culture & Retention: How to transition individual success into a thriving, sustainable team culture.

Most pole vault safety problems do not begin with one dramatic failure.

They begin with a small tear that gets ignored. A vault box collar that is never inspected. A concern that is noticed but never documented—or corrected.

In this episode, Mike Cunningham breaks down seven inspection mistakes that can create unnecessary risk for coaches, schools, and athletes.

🏃 Why a casual “it looks okay” is not a real inspection
🔍 What coaches may miss when they only look at the vinyl
📝 Why inspection logs matter
🛠️ What should happen after a safety concern is discovered
📅 A simple before-season, in-season, and post-season inspection rhythm

The goal of an inspection is not to find problems. It is to prevent injuries and make sure athletes have a safer place to train and compete.

Press play before your next pole vault inspection.

Jeremy Fischer is an elite jumps coach and educator who has coached athletes to 19 Olympic and World Championship medals, plus 20 Para and Para World medals. This is part 1 of 4 in his series across the remainder of 2026 on coaching the horizontal jumps. Part 1 focuses on an overview of developing an effective LJ approach. Jeremy is the founder of Maximum Velocity Athletics and will host the live online Horizontal Jumps Masterclass on January 2-3, 2027 along with an incredible team of clinicians. Registration is open now at https://www.maximumvelocityathletics.com/.

If you've got something to share with our youth T&F coach audience, contact David Mitchell to learn more.

🎙️ On this episode of the Gill Connections Podcast, Mike Cunningham sits down with Brett Halvaks, Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at Cal Lutheran University.

🏃 Brett's story isn't the typical track and field success story. He didn't grow up in youth running programs. He started cross country as a freshman in high school after getting cut from basketball. He even took a year away from the sport after arriving at college before eventually returning, finding his passion, and building a coaching career.

👑 Along the way, Brett became a student leader, represented Division III athletes at the national level, worked multiple jobs while coaching part-time, and ultimately returned to his alma mater to lead the Kingsmen and Regals.

In this conversation you'll hear:

✅ How getting cut from basketball changed his life
✅ Why he walked away from running and came back
✅ The value of being undecided in college
✅ Lessons learned from coaching at his alma mater
✅ The transition from assistant coach to head coach
✅ Building relationships with student-athletes
✅ What leadership in college athletics really looks like

🎧 Whether you're a coach, athlete, administrator, or simply someone trying to find your path, Brett's story is a reminder that success rarely follows a straight line.

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! 🎧👍

An exceptional organization, the Business of Small College Athletics (BoSCA), holds an annual convention attended by some of the most passionate hard working adminstrators in the country.

Coming together to share their experiences and knowledge, the BoSCA Convention features some of the top administrators around speaking on important topics that could provide value to our current slate of track/field coaches whether you have an interest in becoming an administrator one day or not.

We hope these next few weeks of topics from ADs from Albany State, U of Indianapolis and more will encourage you, educate you, and challenge you for future growth.

ENJOY!

Most schools purchase a new pole vault pit only once every 10 to 20 years. Unfortunately, that lack of buying experience can lead to preventable—and expensive—mistakes.

In this episode, Mike Cunningham breaks down the five biggest mistakes schools make when selecting a pole vault landing system:

• Choosing the cheapest pit instead of the best long-term value
• Buying only for the program’s current needs
• Assuming every pole vault pit is constructed the same way
• Ignoring the total cost of ownership
• Failing to ask manufacturers enough questions

Mike also shares one bonus mistake: not speaking with coaches who have owned the same landing system for several years.

The goal isn’t to purchase the cheapest or most expensive pit. It’s to choose the landing system that best supports your athletes, facility, budget, and long-term program goals.

Can an aging pole vault pit be repaired—or is it time to replace it?

Many common problems, including small vinyl tears, worn hardware, damaged weather covers, and certain top-pad issues, can often be repaired. But widespread foam deterioration, significant water intrusion, compliance concerns, or several major problems occurring together may indicate that replacement is the better investment.

In this episode, Mike Cunningham discusses:

• Which pole vault pit problems are commonly repairable
• The warning signs that may point toward replacement
• Why safety and compliance must come first
• How to compare repair costs with the remaining useful life
• The cost trap created by repeatedly repairing an aging pit
• Five questions to ask before approving a major repair

The most important question isn’t simply, “Can we repair it?”

It’s: “If we repair it, what problem are we actually solving?”

If the repair restores a safe, compliant landing system with meaningful life remaining, it may be money well spent. If it merely postpones an inevitable replacement, it may be time to start planning.

Cassandra draws on her 19 years as an NCAA D1 XC/TF Coach and her personal experience as a D1 athlete to share lessons learned about cross country race strategy and the benefits of early preparation. Today Cassandra is a recruiting mentor for JP Coaching Collective who helps athletes and families navigate the recruiting process. Connect with Cassandra on IG (@cassandra.goodson).

If you've got a topic to share with our youth audience, contact David Mitchell to learn more. He'd love to hear from you!

Most coaches don't start their careers thinking they'll become college track & field coaches.

In Episode 381 of the Gill Athletics Connections Podcast, Mike Cunningham sits down with University of Missouri Assistant Coach Jordon Andreassen to discuss her journey from a five-sport athlete at a small Iowa high school to coaching combined events and pole vault at one of the nation's premier SEC programs.

Jordon shares how an injury at Iowa State unexpectedly introduced her to coaching, the lessons she learned during five years at Graceland University, her growth at UAB, and the path that ultimately led her to Missouri. Along the way, she reflects on mentorship, recruiting, leadership, athlete development, and what it takes to thrive in collegiate coaching.

This conversation is full of authenticity, practical coaching wisdom, and a reminder that some of the best careers begin with opportunities we never planned for.

🎙️ Topics Include:✅ Growing up as a five-sport athlete in Iowa
✅ Being recruited to Iowa State by Pete Herber
✅ How injury sparked an interest in coaching
✅ Learning the profession at Graceland University
✅ Becoming a head coach at a young age
✅ Coaching at UAB and Missouri
✅ Recruiting in the modern college landscape
✅ Combined events coaching and athlete development
✅ The mentors who shaped her career
✅ Building relationships that impact athletes for life

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! 🎧👍

An exceptional organization, the Business of Small College Athletics (BoSCA), holds an annual convention attended by some of the most passionate hard working adminstrators in the country.

Coming together to share their experiences and knowledge, the BoSCA Convention features some of the top administrators around speaking on important topics that could provide value to our current slate of track/field coaches whether you have an interest in becoming an administrator one day or not.

We hope these next few weeks of topics from ADs from Albany State, U of Indianapolis and more will encourage you, educate you, and challenge you for future growth.

ENJOY!

The price on the quote tells you what a pole vault pit costs today. It does not tell you what the school may spend throughout its life.

In this Gill1918 Project episode, Mike Cunningham explains how coaches and athletic directors can evaluate the total cost of owning a pole vault pit.

💵 Initial purchase and accessory costs

☀️ Weather protection and storage

🔧 Maintenance, repairs, and replacement parts

🛡️ Warranty coverage and customer support

📅 Expected lifespan and cost per year of service

The lowest-priced pit may provide the best value—or it may become more expensive through repairs, maintenance, and earlier replacement.

Share this episode with a coach, dealer, athletic director, or facility planner comparing pole vault landing systems.

Should your school purchase the smallest legal pole vault pit—or invest in a larger landing system?

In this Gill1918 Project episode, Mike Cunningham explains why meeting NFHS or NCAA minimum requirements is only one part of the decision.

🏫 When a minimum-compliant pit may be the right choice

📈 When program growth makes a larger pit worth considering

🏟️ How facility space and competition plans affect the decision

💰 Why coaches must consider the entire project budget

🔭 How to purchase for both today’s athletes and the program’s future

There is no single answer for every school. The right pit depends on your athletes, facility, budget, and long-term goals.

Share this episode with a coach, athletic director, or facility planner preparing for a pole vault pit purchase.

Sports Psychiatrist Dr. Alli Young helps parents coaches, and sports organizations navigate the mental side of sport. In this episode, Dr. Alli highlights three potential issues when coaching or parenting children with ADHD and provides clear action steps you can take to overcome those issues together. Follow Dr. Alli on IG (@sidelinepsych) for other helpful solutions.

If you've got a topic to share or if you have a request, contact David Mitchell. He'll be glad to hear from you!

Coach Maryn Lowry joins Mike Cunningham on the Gill Connections Podcast to share her coaching journey from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Northwestern University.

Maryn discusses her path from running with the Bond Hill Flyers to competing at Iowa State and the University of Montana, where an injury ultimately opened the door to coaching. Along the way, she shares the lessons learned from mentors like Andrea Grove-McDonough, Gary Wilson, and Northwestern Head Coach Jill Miller.

The conversation explores why great coaches embrace discomfort, how continual learning shapes coaching philosophies, and why relationships remain the foundation of successful programs. Maryn also discusses transitioning from athlete to coach, developing as a young leader, coaching distance runners across all events, and what she's learned at every stop from Montana to Alabama to Chicago.

You'll also hear stories about mountain running, 100-mile ultramarathons, Northwestern's famous coaching dog Lou, and why stepping outside your comfort zone may be the key to long-term growth.

💜 Topics Include:

✅ Growing up in Cincinnati and discovering track & field
✅ Running at Iowa State and the University of Montana
✅ Transitioning from athlete to coach
✅ Coaching during COVID
✅ Mentorship and coaching education
✅ Building trust with student-athletes
✅ Developing a coaching philosophy
✅ Northwestern's distance program culture
✅ Why growth requires discomfort
✅ Lou the dog and canine-assisted training

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! 🎧👍

An exceptional organization, the Business of Small College Athletics (BoSCA), holds an annual convention attended by some of the most passionate hard working adminstrators in the country.

Coming together to share their experiences and knowledge, the BoSCA Convention features some of the top administrators around speaking on important topics that could provide value to our current slate of track/field coaches whether you have an interest in becoming an administrator one day or not.

We hope these next few weeks of topics from ADs from Albany State, U of Indianapolis and more will encourage you, educate you, and challenge you for future growth.

ENJOY!

At first glance, most pole vault pits look remarkably similar.

Underneath the top pad, however, are dozens of engineering decisions that can affect safety, performance, maintenance, durability, and long-term value.

In this Gill1918 Project episode, Mike Cunningham explains what really makes one pole vault pit different from another, including:

🧱 How foam layers balance landing comfort and support

🌧️ Why vinyl construction and weather protection matter

↕️ How reversible, edge-to-edge top pads distribute wear

🔗 How hardware and fastening systems keep pit sections connected

📐 Why the geometry around the vault box is so challenging

🛡️ How standard base-pad designs protect athletes around the standards

Mike also shares the most revealing question a coach can ask a manufacturer:

“Why was your pit designed this way?”

The answer can reveal far more about a landing system than its color, price, or catalog specifications.

How much does a pole vault pit warranty really protect—and what could still leave your program responsible for an expensive repair or replacement?

In this Gill1918 Project episode, Mike Cunningham explains why coaches should never compare landing-system warranties based on the number of years alone.

Mike breaks down:

🛡️ What pole vault pit warranties typically cover

🚫 The damage warranties commonly exclude

📉 How prorated warranties lose value over time

♾️ What “lifetime warranty” may actually mean

🚚 Why freight responsibility matters during a claim

📄 What documentation schools should retain

❓ The questions every coach should ask before purchasing a pit

Mike also reviews Gill Athletics’ currently published limited warranty for pole vault and high jump landing systems and explains why the most important warranty question is not, “How many years is it?”

The better question is: “What happens if something goes wrong?”

Jamie is a two-time US Olympian in the high jump and a former D1 coach. He's also an award winning actor, writer, and filmmaker. This is the 2026 updated version of Jamie's very popular "Hot Tips for HJ" episode. Coaches and athletes are invited to register for Jamie's upcoming Virtual High Jump Camp to be held 9/27/26. 

If you have a topic to share with our youth audience, contact David Mitchell. We'd love to have you join the fun!

Central Washington University Head Coach Jon Hill joins the Gill Athletics Connections Podcast to share a coaching journey shaped by perseverance, mentorship, and the people who refused to give up on him.

Jon takes us from his days as a multi-sport athlete in Portland, Oregon, through NAIA and Division I competition, and eventually into coaching stops at Portland State, Eastern Washington, Army West Point, Rice University, and now Central Washington.

Along the way, he reflects on the mentors who helped shape his career, including Kebba Tolbert (Gill podcast alum!), Chad Perry, Troy Engle, Mike Smith, and Jim Bevan. The conversation explores coaching education, athlete development, recruiting, leadership, culture, and why the best coaches see their athletes as much more than competitors.

This episode is packed with stories, lessons, and thoughtful discussion for coaches at every level.

Topics include:

• Growing up in Portland's strong multi-sport culture
• Learning the value of coaching education
• Training under Kebba Tolbert and Chad Perry at Portland State
• Coaching at Army West Point and Rice University
• Recruiting philosophy in today's landscape
• Building culture through values instead of rules
• Why great coaches never give up on kids
• Finding balance between coaching, family, and life

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! 🎧👍

An exceptional organization, the Business of Small College Athletics (BoSCA), holds an annual convention attended by some of the most passionate hard working adminstrators in the country.

Coming together to share their experiences and knowledge, the BoSCA Convention features some of the top administrators around speaking on important topics that could provide value to our current slate of track/field coaches whether you have an interest in becoming an administrator one day or not.

We hope these next few weeks of topics from ADs from Albany State, U of Indianapolis and more will encourage you, educate you, and challenge you for future growth.

ENJOY!

From time to time (fifth time ever!) we have several of our long form podcasts that tell a complete story over several episodes.

For those so inclined, we'll put them all together for one big episode. This Labor Day weekend we present to you both part 1 and part 2 of our historic interview with legendary track/field coach Randy Huntington.

5 hours of some of the move value driven interview we've ever done. You have a long Labor Day weekend to consume.

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

How do you listen to a 5 hour podcast? One hour by hour.

ENJOY!

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! 🎧👍

A pole vault pit is a major investment, but its lifespan isn’t determined by age alone. Regular inspections, prompt repairs, weather protection, proper storage, and consistent maintenance can all help a landing system remain serviceable longer.

In this Gill1918 Project episode, Mike Cunningham explains the practical steps coaches can take to protect their pole vault pits. Topics include weather-cover use, pit garages, rotating landing sections, using both sides of reversible top pads, preventing rodent damage, avoiding improper storage, limiting unnecessary traffic, and identifying water intrusion.

The schools that get the longest life from their pits usually aren’t lucky—they’re intentional. Small actions performed consistently can protect the school’s investment and prevent minor problems from becoming expensive ones.

Most coaches purchase a pole vault pit only once or twice during their careers, making it one of the most important equipment decisions they will face.

In this Gill1918 Project episode, Mike Cunningham explains what coaches should evaluate before selecting a landing system. Topics include safety and compliance, construction and durability, warranty details, maintenance requirements, replacement parts, manufacturer support, facility needs, and long-term ownership costs.

You’ll also learn which questions to ask manufacturers, what warning signs to watch for during the buying process, and why speaking with coaches who have owned their pits for several years can be more valuable than reading a product brochure.

The goal isn’t simply to find the cheapest pole vault pit. It’s to find the landing system that provides the best long-term value for your athletes, facility, and program.

Pro Track Runner Katie Follett, now a licensed counselor, talks with Pro Ultra Runner Hillary Allen about Hillary's comeback from a nearly fatal 150-foot fall during a SkyRace. Hillary openly shares the challenge of overcoming the massive injuries and the lessons learned on her path to developing extraordinary resilience, with mental skills coach Katie leading the conversation. They reveal actions and attitudes that can help coaches foster resilience in their athletes  . This interview is part of Katie's new Elevate Your Mindset course. Use code: GILLPODCAST for a $50 discount. Katie would love to hear your questions and comments via EMAIL or on Instagram.

If you've got a topic to share with our youth T&F coach audience, contact David Mitchell to learn more. 

What happens when a former 400-meter hurdler combines a love for track & field, a business mindset, and a passion for helping young athletes?

In this episode of the Gill Connections Podcast, Mike Cunningham sits down with Devin Noel, founder and CEO of Hurdlenomics, to discuss his journey from Memphis, Tennessee, to Arkansas State University and eventually to building one of the most recognizable hurdles-focused training groups in Texas.

Devin shares the story behind the Hurdlenomics name, how a simple request to help one athlete turned into a thriving coaching business, and why he believes the best coaches can explain complex concepts in simple terms. Along the way, Mike and Devin dive into youth development, elite hurdle training, athlete mindset, learning how to lose, coaching education, and the importance of surrounding athletes with the right support system.

The conversation also explores Devin's coaching philosophy, including his "Go to the Fence, Push Them In, Sprint" approach to teaching beginning hurdlers and his belief that every hurdler should develop as both a short hurdler and long hurdler before specializing.

Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or track & field fan, you'll find practical insights and plenty of laughs in this wide-ranging conversation.

Topics Covered:• The origin story of Hurdlenomics• Growing up in Memphis track culture• Running at Arkansas State• Learning to embrace failure and adversity• Building a hurdles-only training group• Coaching philosophy and athlete development• Why every hurdler starts as a dual hurdler• The importance of coaching education and mentorship• Simplifying hurdling for new athletes

Connect with Devin:Instagram: @Hurdlenomics

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! 🎧👍

An exceptional organization, the Business of Small College Athletics (BoSCA), holds an annual convention attended by some of the most passionate hard working adminstrators in the country.

Coming together to share their experiences and knowledge, the BoSCA Convention features some of the top administrators around speaking on important topics that could provide value to our current slate of track/field coaches whether you have an interest in becoming an administrator one day or not.

We hope these next few weeks of topics from ADs from Albany State, U of Indianapolis and more will encourage you, educate you, and challenge you for future growth.

ENJOY!

How much does a new pole vault pit cost?

The answer depends on far more than the number at the bottom of a quote.

In this episode of the Gill1918 Project Podcast, Mike Cunningham explains the factors that influence pole vault pit pricing and why coaches should focus on total cost of ownership rather than purchase price alone.

You'll learn:

✅ What drives the cost of a new pole vault pit

✅ How pit size impacts pricing

✅ Why competition level matters

✅ The importance of warranty coverage

✅ How weather protection affects long-term value

✅ Additional equipment costs many coaches overlook

✅ What to consider before buying a used pit

✅ Why planning early helps avoid emergency replacements

Most importantly, you'll learn why the right question isn't:

"What's the cheapest pit?"

It's:

"What's the right pit for our athletes and facility?"

📖 Read the full article: How Much Does a New Pole Vault Pit Cost?

🎙️ Gill1918 Project Podcast

What size pole vault pit does your school actually need?

The answer depends on far more than the minimum dimensions listed in the rule book.

In this episode of the Gill1918 Project Podcast, Mike Cunningham explains how coaches can evaluate pit size based on athlete ability, facility usage, competition schedules, available space, future growth, and budget.

You'll learn:

✅ Why minimum legal dimensions aren't always the best choice

✅ Questions every coach should ask before purchasing a pit

✅ How facility usage impacts pit selection

✅ The role future growth should play in planning

✅ When larger pits may provide greater long-term value

✅ Considerations for high school, college, and training facilities

✅ The difference between compliance and safety

Choosing a pole vault pit isn't just about meeting the rules. It's about creating a safe environment that supports athletes today and into the future.

📖 Read the full article: What Size Pole Vault Pit Does My School Need?

🎙️ Gill1918 Project Podcast

Pro Track Runner Katie Follett, now a licensed counselor, talks with Pro Ultra Runner Hillary Allen about Hillary's comeback from a nearly fatal 150-foot fall during a SkyRace. Hillary openly shares the challenge of overcoming the massive injuries and the lessons learned on her path to developing extraordinary resilience, with mental skills coach Katie leading the conversation. They reveal actions and attitudes that can help coaches foster resilience in their athletes. This interview is part of Katie's new Elevate Your Mindset course. Use code: GILLPODCAST for a $50 discount. Katie would love to hear your questions and comments via EMAIL or on Instagram.

If you've got a topic to share with our youth T&F coach audience, contact David Mitchell to learn more. 

In this episode of the Gill Connections Podcast, Mike Cunningham sits down with Stephanie Bohannon, Director of Operations and Meet Manager for the University of Washington Track & Field and Cross Country programs.

From her beginnings as a student-athlete at UConn to her time with TrackTownUSA, Oregon Track & Field, and now Washington, Stephanie shares a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep elite collegiate programs and world-class events running smoothly.

The conversation dives into event management, athlete services, logistics, problem solving, the evolution of Washington Track & Field under Andy and Maurica Powell, and why relationships remain one of the most valuable skills in the sport.

Whether you're a coach, administrator, meet director, or simply a fan of the sport, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the people and processes that make track & field happen.

🎙 Topics Include:

🔹 Stephanie's journey from UConn athlete to Director of Operations

🔹 Lessons learned at TrackTownUSA and the University of Oregon

🔹 Building Washington Track & Field alongside Andy and Maurica Powell

🔹 What happens behind the scenes at major meets

🔹 Running competitions at the Dempsey Indoor Facility

🔹 Athlete services at the Prefontaine Classic and World Athletics U20 Championships

🔹 Why every connection matters

🔹 The art of problem solving in collegiate athletics

🔹 What makes great operations professionals successful

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! 🎧👍