The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

The Coaching Evolution of Kyle Rutledge from Pittsburg State University

In this captivating episode of the Connections Podcast, Kyle Rutledge, a distinguished figure in the world of track and field, shares his unexpected journey into coaching. Growing up as a coach's kid, Kyle initially envisioned a career in insurance, much like his mother. However, destiny had other plans. He recalls about his dad, "I still use his philosophy to this day in training. A lot of what I do is from what he taught me." This sentiment reflects Kyle's deep respect for his mentors and the foundational principles they instilled in him.

The episode delves into Kyle's experiences at various institutions, including Johnson County CC, Missouri S&T, and his current role at Pittsburg State University. He provides insights into the unique culture of D2 NCAA when host Mike Cunningham asks him, "As a guy who came through the D2 ranks as an athlete and the majority of your career has been in D2 coaching, what is it about D2 that's kind of different culturally?" Kyle's dedication to his athletes, combined with his passion for the sport, shines through as he discusses the challenges and rewards of hosting the NCAA D2 Championship meet and the aspirations of clinching it as a team.

Listeners are treated to a deep dive into Kyle's coaching philosophy, the mentors who shaped his career, and the invaluable lessons he's gleaned over the years. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone passionate about track and field, coaching, and the journey of personal and professional evolution.

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Hey there!  Happy Athletics LLC day!  Tons of stuff to chat about today and when I say we are covering all over the map, WE ARE ALL OVER THE MAP!  Track is back, a top 5 list, and lessons taught by track & field...  Lamar lines up for RAPID FIRE and there are some great pieces of history highlighted this week for BHM.  So, get comfy and see you in a few clicks!

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In this compelling episode of the Connections Podcast, the legendary coach George Williams takes listeners on a journey through his illustrious career in track and field. With nearly five decades at the helm of St. Aug's track and field team, George's insights into the evolution of the sport are invaluable. He reflects on the shifts he's observed over the years as it relates to recruiting, the athletes, and how you approach coaching them.

George's dedication to the sport and his athletes is evident throughout the conversation. His philosophy on teamwork and leadership is encapsulated in his statement, "If you want to go fast, go by yourself. If you want to go far, travel with others. Let's go together." This sentiment underscores the importance of collaboration and unity in achieving long-term success.

The episode also delves into George's appointment as the head Olympic coach, a testament to his expertise and contributions to track and field. His anecdotes, lessons learned, and reflections on his journey make this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about athletics, leadership, and the power of perseverance.

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Bengals vs Rams...Track is back and who do you want to see compete one last time in their prime.  So much fun stuff packed into a great episode of Athletics LLC!  The Governor lines up for RAPID FIRE and who will you learn about in this week's BHM portion of the show.  Sit back and listen in!

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Doug grew up in the Ft. Wayne, Ind area and now serves as the head coach of track and field for Indiana Tech. Today we sit down with Doug to learn his journey as a track coach, learn what it's like to have a new indoor facility named after you at such a young age, and discuss the power of social media.  One of the many interesting tidbits we learn on today's podcast, Doug didn't finish his collegiate track career yet has gone on to win 14 team titles. Learn this and more on today's episode. 

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Welcome, welcome everyone!  Hope you all have had a safe and warm week out there.  Join the gang for some great convo about the NFL playoffs, Brian Flores and that situation's influence on sport, and TRACK IS BACK.  There are some minor yet BIG details spoken about from Sir Lucious, Lamar, Clyde, and The Governor.    Sir Lucious steps into RAPID FIRE and we employee a new exercise to round out the show.  Hope you all get your one "ah ha moment" this week!

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

Honored to sit down with legendary throws coach Harlis Meaders for this week's episode. Growing up in North Carolina, Harlis joined the track team and became one of the top throwers in the nation. After a successful throwing career at Univ of North Carolina, he began his coaching journey as a GA at Western Carolina before becoming the assistant coach (and eventually the Associate Head Coach) of Florida State. Join us as we discuss his coaching philosophy "doing what's best for the program" that was instilled in him by the great Dennis Craddock as well as a new venture called Coaches Central that is helping raise the floor of hiring coaches.

Explore Coaches Central here: LINK

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#athleticsLLC world...Happy Friday!  Some of you are traveling and hopefully we can help you decompress from your meet! (or maybe we raise your blood pressure with our opinions, either way!)  First edition of TRACK IS BACK 2022 followed by a conversation about the NFL playoffs.  Buckle up for this conversation.  After those shenanigans, we entertain a discussion about this year's potential US Women's 4x4, you don't want to miss where this discussion goes.  Last but DEFINITELY not least, the tiles give their input on a top 5 list that you might want to hear...  Clyde gets stumped in RAPID FIRE and HEART BEAT PROPS deliver as always.  So click on the link, sit back, and we will see ya soon!  Thanks for waiting!

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

As the head women's coach of Benedictine University in Illinois, Zontavious is starting his third year coaching college track. Before joining the college ranks, he was a successful high school coach in the Chicago area. Today we sit down to discuss the role football played in his life, how he started track, and why he started coaching track and field. We talk about mentors, being the dad in a track family, and more. 

Check out Coach Johnson's former podcast Catching Some Zzzzz's at https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/catching-some-zzzzzs/id1513830936?l=en.

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

#ATHLETICSLLC Whoop whoop!  Happy Friday!  There's so much that can be said by this week's episode that I literally can't write it all.  What I will say is that for the next 2 hours (approx) you will not be disappointed with the conversations being had.  NFL playoff predictions, handling a tricky situation during comp, a VERY specific WHAT IF situation, and a specific athlete's decision to be made soon (possibly).  See!  That was a lot and I didn't even get a toe in the water of the actual conversation.  So have a great comp weekend if you are competing and if not, have fun on TFRRS! #clickclickclick

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