The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

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. 

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 [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!

What are the most common pole vault pit mistakes coaches make?In this episode, Mike Cunningham shares the seven pit maintenance and safety mistakes he sees most often during facility visits across the country.You'll learn:✅ Why regular inspections matter✅ How small tears become expensive repairs✅ The importance of weather covers✅ Why vault box collars should never be overlooked✅ Common mistakes involving standards and base pads✅ How athlete traffic impacts pit lifespan✅ Why total cost of ownership matters✅ Simple ways to extend the life of your landing systemMany pole vault pit problems are preventable. The coaches who get the most life from their equipment are usually the ones who inspect regularly, fix small issues early, and proactively protect their investment.📖 Read the full article: The 7 Most Common Pole Vault Pit Mistakes Coaches Make

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! 🎧👍

How often should you inspect your pole vault pit?

In this episode, Mike Cunningham walks coaches through a complete pole vault pit inspection checklist and explains why regular inspections are one of the easiest ways to improve athlete safety and extend the life of a landing system.

You'll learn:

✅ What to inspect before, during, and after the season

✅ How to evaluate top pads, foam, vinyl, and hardware

✅ Common warning signs coaches shouldn't ignore

✅ How water intrusion damages pits

✅ Why weather covers should be inspected too

✅ The importance of rotating landing sections

✅ How to identify repair and replacement needs early

Whether you're responsible for a brand-new facility or a 20-year-old landing system, this episode provides practical inspection tips every coach can use.

📖 Read the full article: Pole Vault Pit Inspection Checklist for Coaches

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! 🎧👍

#PoleVault #TrackAndField #GillAthletics #TrackCoach #PoleVaultCoach #AthleticFacilities #FacilityManagement #SportsFacilities #TrackAndFieldSafety

David is a coach and T&F announcer who spent 23 of his 39 years in public education serving as a school counselor spanning grades K-12. Along the way, David learned communication techniques to make difficult conversations more fruitful and less painful. He shares these techniques here, including a powerful response to a common passive-aggressive statement.

He is also the coordinator of this Youth and Beginner Series Powered by Coach O. If you’d like to contribute an episode, he’d LOVE to hear from you! Email David to learn more.

Note: This episode was originally released 8/5/25.