The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

In this episode of "Gill Athletics Connections Podcast," you will gain unique insights into the world of collegiate Track and Field administration. Host Mike Cunningham talks with notable athletics director Jamie Pollard, who shares his expertise and experiences on the nuts and bolts of running a successful sports program. The conversation explores the roles played by administrators, the importance of hiring the right coaches, and the significance of fostering winning culture. Dive into this episode to learn about building frameworks for leadership, the challenges and responsibilities of being a Power Five head coach, and crucial strategies in personnel management.

It's that time of the week again!  Happy LLC day!  This has to be one of the more ruckus-filled episodes in the recent weeks...who am I kidding?!  The tiles are ALWAYS full of, well ya know!  Track is Back starts off the noise and then the NCAA, the entity, wanted a little time to shine.  Mark Emerett, has announced that he will be retiring from his position, what is this ultimately going to mean???  This conversation then leads us to the BIG12 transitioning pieces...effective moves?  Pre-emptive moves?  Hear what the tiles have to chime in on with this topic.  Rounding out the night, the NFL draft...listen in on how bought in some of the tiles are for their team's future!    Sir Lucious lines up for RAPID FIRE and so much love is delivered in HEARTBEAT PROPS.  Happy Drake and Penn weekend!  Have a good one!

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Today's guest has been the head coach of St. Louis University for over 10 years. His journey to SLU is unique as he finds himself a baseball guy first. After going to college strictly for baseball, the love and passion of track and field brings him back as a D3 athlete. After spending time as a high school coach and a GA at famed Emporia State, he eventually comes to SLU as a volunteer coach and then interim.  Find out how he navigated the Interim HC title into a great career as the HC in this episode.

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There was so much to talk about:  West Coast (Mt SAC), and East Coast (Tom Jones) and everything in between!  The crazy marks are unreal!   With all the greatness being spoken of, we dive into who are the best combo sprinters on the track currently...who do you agree with?   The Governor lines up for RAPID FIRE and HEARTBEAT PROPS are enlightening as always!

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Excited to welcome a real pioneer in the collegiate track and field NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) space, all-american 400 hurdler from Ashland University, Trevor Bassitt. Trevor joins us to discuss his experiences with the new NIL rules, how it's affected him, and advice he has for coaches of athletes with NIL ambitions. The experience and knowledge he has is really valueable as you help mentor athlete's as students, athletes, and business people. Trevor gives examples of social media paid ads, university Collectives, and resources for athletes and coaches alike.

He mentions the book 'Athletes are Brands Too' by Jeremy Darlow.  LINK  Help Trevor out by following him on Twitter/Instagram: @TrevorBassitt30.

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I mean is there much else to say besides that we got to spend time with one, Mr Grant Holloway, in the tiles this week.  Sit back and listen to the who's, why's of his career as well as let us know why he is, who he is.    After the great conversation, we follow it up with some TRACK IS BACK!  Whoooo darlin!  That's all that needs to be said. Clyde gets ready for some RAPID FIRE and HeartBeat Props, as always, shine light on those who are doing the dang thing!  Happy Mt SAC, Tom Jones, CARIFTA weekend!

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Today's guest went to high school across the street from Lee University, earned his undergraduate degree from Lee University, and now serves as the head coach of Lee University. Caleb joins us to talk about his passion for coaching track and field which began early in his high school athletic career. We talk about how he chose Lee University, the transition from NAIA to D2 athletics, and the career path of current All-American Christian Noble. Along the way we discuss the new track and field project from infancy to opening and the impact it has made on current students and recruiting. 

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Hi friendly LLC neighbors!  It's FRIDAY!!!  What kind of madness do the tiles dive into this week???  Track is Back!  Woowhee!  Some interesting things happen this last week.  So interesting it brings us in and out of what we deemed "in this week of petty".  Might be a staple for Clyde to highlight LOL   We thought we were done with the questionable systems for marking for indoors but it has followed us outdoors as well!  Not once, but multiple times...*things that make you go hmm*  Then a question from the audience:  international recruiting and it's effect on the "farm system" we call the NCAA.  Sir Lucious, Lamar, Clyde, and The Governor chime in on the ripples that international student-athletes are having/not having on US development opportunities.    Lamar lines up for what he feels is a great series of questions...and a GREAT overall HEARTBEAT PROP goes out this week.    So get comfy in your seat and get ready to shake your head or laugh with the tiles!  See you in a few clicks!

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Everyone deserves a good auntie and today we introduce you to Twitter's Auntie @throwsumthin! From the state of Louisiana originally, Auntie started track and field after being dismissed from her school's basketball team. That turn of events led to a walk on collegiate career that turned into several all-conference selections as well as a passion for coaching young people. While juggling a full time career, Auntie turns her love of throwing into a passion to coach athletes and coaches in the fundamentals of the throwing events. 

We learn of amazing mentors such as coach Jim smith, Greg Estes, and the legendary SMU coach Dave Wollman and there affect on her style. And of course we discuss her unique brand of navigating the Twitterverse helping young people and coaches with their love of throwing.

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April Fool's Day!  There are too many crazy things happening in this world that if we say something, it MIGHT actually be true!?  Have fun today my friends!  This week on #athleticLLC the tiles get into the MADDNESS deemed the opening weekend of "Relay season" as Clyde titled it.  SHEESH, there were some bombs dropped!  Then, wrecklessly we put out into the ether what are choices are for the FINAL FOUR NCAA basketball tourney.  Hold onto your seats y'all LOL  Ever so appropriately, spinning off a recent occurrence, has the model for ELITE sprinters changed? Does an elite sprinter successfully run the 100m-400m?  Listen in...  Lastly, we address Will vs Chris...and we aren't talking about the TJ'ers.  Sir Lucious lines up for RAPID FIRE, no sus questions, and HEARTBEAT PROPS are always a warm hug to end the night.  Hope you all enjoy the show!!!

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