🎉 Welcome back, team! It's time for another exciting episode of the **Gill Athletics Connections Podcast!** Can you believe we're in **Season 6** of this journey? That’s six years of incredible conversations with the finest minds in track and field, and today, we’re thrilled to have a standout guest from Texas: the wise and wonderful **Coach Dillon May**, Head Track Coach at **LeTourneau University!** 🌟🦅

**🏆 Meet Coach May:**

Straight from the heart of Texas, Coach May has been on a whirlwind journey through cross-country courses and track lanes, soaking up knowledge and giving back to the sport. His story is filled with mentorship, dedication, and a commitment to creating a lasting impact on his athletes—way beyond just their times and marks. Dillon’s journey from Washington to Texas is one that will have you inspired and ready to take on the day! 💪🌎

**🎒 From Football Fields to Cross-Country Trails:**

Coach May’s story began in high school when he played a little football, tried some rugby, and even got pulled out of games at halftime for that extra practice in the “fifth quarter” 😉 But it was on the cross-country trails where he found his true calling. Through football drills and epic 400-meter hill sprints, Dillon realized he was in this for the long haul. Talk about grit and resilience! 🏈➡️🏃‍♂️

**🌄 Embracing the Coaching Life:**

Coach May’s journey as a first-generation college student at the **University of Montana** introduced him to legendary mentors and set the stage for a lifelong passion for coaching. Vicky Pounds, his college coach, showed him the tough-love approach to track and field, which has influenced his own coaching style. It’s not all splits and intervals—Coach May is all about **holistic growth** and helping athletes balance their lives, academics, and sport. 🧘‍♂️📚

**🦅 From Virginia to Texas: Building the Program at LeTourneau:**

LeTourneau University may not have football, but Coach May and President Dr. Mason have big dreams—track and field can be the "football" of LeTourneau! With plans for an **indoor track facility** that rivals the best in the nation, LeTourneau is becoming a top destination for track and field. Coach May is bringing his unique blend of experience, faith, and genuine care for his athletes to make that vision a reality. 🏟️✨

**🤝 Staying Rooted & Building Legacy:**

Coach May has a powerful philosophy: he’s in it for the long term, looking to make a positive impact on the lives of his athletes for years to come. At LeTourneau, he’s leading a team of dedicated coaches and athletes who are committed to making track and field a central part of campus life and community. The legacy he’s building here is one that will resonate through every lane, every jump, and every throw! 🌱💫

**🚀 Join Us on this Journey:**

Dive into this episode for laughs, reflections, and inspiration. Coach Dillon May is one of the many who remind us why we love this sport so much—it’s about more than winning; it’s about the journey, the friendships, and the lessons we carry forward. Here’s to Coach May, to LeTourneau University, and to making track and field the heart of Texas! 🏅💛💙

Thanks for joining us on another episode of the **Gill Athletics Connections Podcast**!

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📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow him on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), shoot him an email at [email protected], or send a text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍