The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

Petros Kyprianou - The New Era at the University of Illinois

In this episode of the Connections Podcast, host Mike Cunningham welcomes Petros Kyprianou, the newly appointed Director of Track and Field for the University of Illinois. Petros's journey, which began on the island of Cyprus, has taken him through various coaching stints, from the University of Nebraska-Omaha to Boise State and the University of Georgia. His passion and dedication to the sport have made him one of the top jumps and combined events coaches in the country.

But beyond his impressive credentials, Petros's appointment carries a deep historical significance. The University of Illinois was once led by Harry Gill, the founder of Gill Athletics. Under Gill's leadership, the university's track and field program flourished, and it was during this time that he founded Gill Athletics, a company that would go on to revolutionize track and field equipment. Now, with Petros at the helm, the University of Illinois is set to embark on a new chapter, building on the legacy left by Harry Gill.

Listeners will be treated to an in-depth conversation about Petros's experiences, his feelings of burnout that led him to step back from NCAA coaching, and his eventual return to oversee the Fighting Illini program. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intertwined histories of the University of Illinois and Gill Athletics, and the bright future that lies ahead.

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We're in good company tonight!  The newly appointed Director of Track and field, Rosalind Joseph, joins the tiles for a little Q&A and good fun for this week!  Enjoy !

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Today we sit down with Dakota State alumni and head coach Anthony Drealan and learn his journey in this great profession. As an undergrad who wasn't sure he even wanted to run college track, Anthony has continually moved forward and now serves as the head coach of both track/field and cross country programs. We learn of the influence of his head coach Buzz Stevenson on his career and how his mentorship gave him a leg up when he became the head coach at 25 years of age. Anthony also gives us insight as to being the host institution of the NAIA national championships hosted at the beautiful indoor facility of South Dakota State University. Enjoy!

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Legion of bounce is an understatement when you say the two names of our guests this week!  Coach Peterson and Marquis Dendy join the tiles for a little debrief of some of what is going on in their worlds.  A little light on the CURRENT, 'cause it's still spinning, coaches carousel.  SHEESH!   Sit back and enjoy!  (Sorry for the delay)

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We sit down and have a ton of fun with the USTFCCCA Girl's HS Coach of the Year, Desmond Dunham! We learn of his background from Gary, Indiana to matriculating at the prestigous Howard University, as well as his coaching background. We find out how his teams won SEVERAL Penn Relays wagon wheels and the key to those successes. We wrap up talking about this magical year that culminated in the COY award and the staff he surrounds himself with.

Desmond is also a published author as he wrote 'Running Against the Odds'.  You can find the Amazon link to his book HERE.

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It's all in the title. There's so many tidbits to take away from Coach Hall and Abby in the brief convo that the tiles have this week.  Kudos for the duo on being who they are sticking to that!

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With the support of the US Marines, the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) names a high school boy's and girl's national coach of the year. Today we present to you the 2022 National Boy's High School Coach of the year, the wise the wonderful Tim Byrne.  Join us as we discuss his track and field history that includes having his college program cut his freshman year, what led to him becoming a coach, and how this magical season came to fruition.

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Happy Athletics LLC day!  I can't even put into words the pebbles that are turned over in this week's episode.  Pay attention, 'cause you might miss some!  Listen, to Marvin Bracy's background.  There's always more than you think you already know.  Personally, I think this might be the best episode since season 1...

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As the Chief Executive Officer of the United States Track & Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), Sam and his team are instrumental in moving the sport and the coaching profession in an upwards trajectory. On today's episode, we learn Sam's background in the sport (he was a steel pole vaulter!), his coaching background (LSU!), as well as important adjacent professions with track surfacing companies as a salesman. We get a deep dive into the roots of the USTFCCCA, some of the initiatives they have helped developed on behalf of the coaches in NCAA, as well as what the annual Convention entails. You'll see why near the end of the episode we had to invite Sam back to the podcast in the future to do a part two! We get into a lot of topics but still didn't cover so many! Press play and learn more about Sam and the USTFCCCA.

*Full disclosure: Gill Athletics has been and continues to be an official Supporter of the USTFCCCA.

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Happy Athletics LLC day!  As if we didn't already understand how World Athletics was operating there are new standards and qualifications that are in place that again leave one to ponder the strategy of their season.  Not to be one up'd, the NCAA did the same thing recently for the transfer portal.  So needless to say, the conversations had in this episode will make you think and consider some off thoughts.    So, tucker yourself in and see you in a few!

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