The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

The Journey of a Distance Coach: A Conversation with Dave Smith, Head Coach at Oklahoma State University

Join host Mike Cunningham on the Gill Athletics Connections Podcast for an inspiring episode featuring Dave Smith, the head coach of track and field and cross country at Oklahoma State University. This episode is a must-listen for track and field coaches, especially those focused on distance events, as it explores the world of coaching, athlete development, and the unique journey of a coach who has guided some of the best distance runners in the country.

Dave Smith's story is one of hard work, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From his early days as an athlete to his current role at Oklahoma State, Dave shares his experiences, his coaching philosophy, and his vision for the future of the sport.

In this episode, Dave talks about the challenges and rewards of coaching, the nuances of working with distance runners, and the importance of building relationships with athletes. He also discusses his transition from a Ph.D. in pharmacology and neurobiology to coaching, his passion for the university environment, and his excitement about the future of the program at Oklahoma State.

One of the standout moments in the conversation comes when Dave reflects on his career and his plans for the future. He humorously shares, "Jerry Schumacher, Greg Metcalf, and I have a plan at some point in the near future we're gonna be someplace on a beach community sitting out under a tent drinking our whatever's, playing cards, criticizing all the young coaches, how bad the sport's become, being bitter angry old men hanging out with each other on a beach being those guys."

This episode is not just about the technical aspects of coaching; it's about understanding the human aspect, the individuality of athletes, and the importance of authenticity, connection, and continuous learning. Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting out, Dave Smith's experiences, wisdom, and passion for the sport will inspire and motivate you.

Tune in to this engaging conversation and let Dave's journey guide you in your own coaching endeavors.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Want to have an exploratory conversation about

Today's journey is all about transformation. Join us as we sit down with Catawba head coach Jason Bryan to learn his story in his words. You're going to enjoy Jason's openness and authenticity as he describes his ego so big his 'head wouldn't fit in the room'. Hearing his story and how he has transitioned into a coach of humbleness will help you in your own improvement journey. Other topics explored in today's episode include Shane Beamer/Univ of South Carolina football coach, what to do when your fifth runner on the XC team is a former football linebacker, the mental health of track coaches, and more. Hit play and enjoy the transformation of Jason Bryan!

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Want to have an exploratory conversation about YOUR track equipment needs?

Guiding the Future of Track and Field: A Conversation with Cliff Rovelto, Head Coach at Kansas State University

Join host Mike Cunningham on the Gill Athletics Connections Podcast for an enlightening episode featuring Cliff Rovelto, the head coach of the Wildcats at Kansas State University. This episode is a must-listen for track and field coaches at both the high school and college levels, as it delves into the world of coaching, athlete development, and the unique journey of a coach who has mentored some of the best athletes in the country.

Cliff Rovelto's story is one of dedication, growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From his early days in coaching to his current role at Kansas State University, Cliff shares his experiences, his coaching philosophy, and his vision for the future of the sport.

In this episode, Cliff talks about the challenges and rewards of coaching, the nuances of working with different events, and the importance of building relationships with athletes. He also discusses his concerns about the changing landscape of collegiate athletics, especially with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights.

One of the standout moments in the conversation comes when Cliff reflects on the potential impact of NIL on facility development and the sport as a whole. He poses a thought-provoking question, asking, "What concerns you about the things that are happening in Collegiate Athletics today? What are your concerns, and how do you think this will impact our sport going forward?"

This episode is not just about the technical aspects of coaching; it's about understanding the human aspect, the individuality of athletes, and the importance of authenticity, connection, and continuous learning. Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting out, Cliff Rovelto's experiences, wisdom, and passion for the sport will inspire and motivate you.

Tune in to this engaging conversation and let Cliff's journey guide you in your own coaching endeavors.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Want to have an exploratory conversation about YOUR track equipment needs?

A bit of a different episode for us this week as we welcome Sam Peters a senior sprinter from Lincoln Memorial University on to the show. Sam reached out asking for advice on where to begin to be a track coach. We talk through some of his questions as well as read through some great Twitter comments about this. This is an important topic coaches. If Sam has these questions YOUR athletes have these questions. Listen as I give my advice and the advice of others and let's continue this important discussion on Twitter. Hit me up at @mikecunningham and let's hear YOUR advice.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Want to have an exploratory conversation about

After having Dan O'Brien on last week, the wheels were turning so the tiles come back to what there is and what there isn't to fix regarding coverage of track and field on television.

Want to have an exploratory conversation about YOUR track equipment needs?

Fantastic conversation with the head coach of Arizona State University, Dion Miller. A journey that starts in Texas takes him to Washington and Arizona. Unique to him, he coaches at his alma mater Texas Tech twice and yet again twice now at Arizona State. The influence of high middle school coach is seen throughout his interactions at different programs. You'll enjoy hearing his story of telling his boss he was leaving to only be hired back by that same boss years later. It's a great example in empathy, humbleness and continued respect for others. Enjoy!

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Want to have an exploratory conversation about YOUR track equipment needs?

Want to have an exploratory conversation about YOUR track equipment needs?

We celebrate our 200th episode with a very special guest, the assistant coach of the East Carolina Pirates Udon Cheek. We explore his journey from walk on athlete at ECU to assistant Pirate coach, the impact the head coaches had on his life and coaching style, as well as the influence music has had on his career and life. Udon talks about his pursuit of a career in rap music, how that has affected his coaching, and what he does today within this music genre. We're also proud to announce Udon is the creator of the new intro song we use on the Gill Connections podcast ever since the start of Season 4 back in January. And because Udon is so talented and such a giver, at the end of today's episode we present the World Premier of Udon's latest single 'Don't Give Up'. You're going to enjoy this amazingly talented person's art as much as the Pirate athletes enjoy his coaching. 

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Want to have an exploratory conversation about YOUR track equipment needs?

All rights to use 'Don't Give Up' for the Gill Connections podcast have been given by the artist Udon Cheek.

Check out our predictions...who are you riding with???

Want to have an exploratory conversation about YOUR track equipment needs?

It's time to talk JUCO as we welcome long time NJCAA track coach Keith Blackwill to the podcast. We learn of his rough start to college (1 year drop out who joined the Army) and how it turned around and transformed into a long successful coaching career. With a varied career mostly in the Kansas Jayhawk Conference, he has been on staff on several programs of different sizes and successfully won several NJCAA National Championship titles. Now in his 17th year as the head coach of New Mexico Junior College we talk about the growth at NMJC, what he sees in the future for NJCAA track and field, and why Netflix should film a Last Chance U track and field series in Hobbs, NM.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Want to have an exploratory conversation about YOUR track equipment needs?