We are thrilled to sit down with two outstanding representatives of Cal's Track and Field program, Mohamad "Mo" Saatara, the incredible coach of our world-class throws program, and senior distance runner Garrett MacQuiddy, who cemented his place as one of the best runners of all time in Cal history.

Coach Saatara has been at Cal for 12 seasons and under his tutelage this season, three women hammer throwers have advanced to the NCAA Finals for the first time in school history. He coached reigning World Champion Camryn Rogers to Olympic Gold in the hammer throw. And he also coaches Mykolas Alekna, the WORLD RECORD holder in the discus. And in the long history of the Cal Track and Field program nobody has run the 1500 meters or the indoor mile faster than Garrett MacQuiddy.

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Summary

This episode celebrates the University of California, Berkeley, focusing on its track and field program and the achievements of its athletes and coaches. Hosts Reza Sirafinejad and Ahmad Anderson discuss the legacy of Cal, highlights record-breaking performances, and explores the balance between academics and athletics. The conversation features insights from coach Mo Saatara and athlete Garrett MacQuiddy, who share their personal journeys, training regimens, and experiences at the Olympic Games. The episode emphasizes the importance of hard work, community support, and the unique culture at Cal.

Takeaways

Cal's track and field program has a rich history and legacy.

Garrett MacQuiddy broke two significant school records this season.

The balance between academics and athletics is crucial for student-athletes.

Mohamad Saatara's coaching philosophy focuses on developing strengths rather than just addressing weaknesses.

Support systems, including academic advisors and tutors, are vital for student-athletes.

Training regimens are intense and require mental and physical preparation.

Experiences at the Olympic Games provide unique insights into high-level competition.

The culture at Cal emphasizes hard work and resilience.

Community support plays a significant role in athlete success.

Bear Territory moments highlight the pride and spirit of Cal athletics.

Chapters

00:00 The Legacy of Cal Track and Field

08:31 Training Regimens and Mental Preparation

13:54 The Journey of a Student-Athlete

25:00 The Legacy of Cal Throws Program

33:21 The Value of Education Over NIL

41:13 Experiences at the Olympic Games

51:13 Celebrating Cal's Athletic Achievements

52:43 The Passion for Cal and Community Engagement