The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

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 [email protected], 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 [email protected], 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.