The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

Today we bring you behind the scenes track person who has influenced and improved our great sport. We welcome Paul Merca to the show to discuss his influences to becoming a track and field announcer at University of Washington Dempsey Center, his journalistic background, and his work with televised track events.

Paul is 'Mr. Washington' growing up in Seattle and running cross country for the Huskies. You'll enjoy hearing his pursuit into track and field (including how he ran TWO marathons in high school). And of course we get caught up in the DK Metcalf versus the US Olympic Trials discussion.  ENJOY! 

What change in the women's sprints are the guys talking about that could change the game???  Off the track, what other sports do you think each of the guys fancy? Do you think you know? Talking about on and off the track, who gets to make the list of the greatest combo football/track and field guys ever?  Our sport across the pond, is significantly more followed than State side.  Do you agree with the guys and their reasons for this?  Lastly, we speak on the elephant in the room, the dropping of programs and the ripples it is causing...this is a MUST LISTEN if you care about the sports of CROSS COUNTRY & TRACK AND FIELD!!!  Have a seat, get your notepad/pen and put your listening ears on y'all.....

Maurice is the head coach of Niwot High School outside of Denver, Colo. Today we talk about the influences in his life that have helped him become one of the more successful high school coaches in the country. We learn of his mom's influence, famed coach Gary Dirks' influence, Coach Bill McCartney the HC of Univ of Colorado football, and many more people who poured into Maurice. 

Coach is making a large impact on his community, school, and program by focusing on the people of his program rather than the X's and O's. Find out why he gives nearly every Friday off of practice for his team and staff, as well as what his R.E.A.L. Training club stands for.

Just when we think we've covered the greatest topics ever, we find another stone to turn over.  This week we are joined by the one and only, JACKIE JOYNER KERSEE! Listen to what she has to say when we ask her to compare today's jumpers to those of her era and some personal insight to who Ms Jackie, the humanitarian, is nowadays.  Then just when you think the conversation can't be more revealing...THERE'S MORE!  Sports dynasties...any sport, GO!  And what's that you said? A female only Mt. Rushmore??? Do you agree with the guys' decisions?  New to the line up, "rapid fire", who's in the hot seat first?!  See you in a few, after you click on that link ;)

Today we have a fun talk with Daniel McKim. Daniel is a former thrower at Northwest Missouri State University who has gone on to create some of the internets funniest videos centered around throwers, Crossfit, Highland Games, and more. We had a great time talking about Daniel's lessons regarding 'choking' at nationals repeatedly and the specific steps he took to practice his way out of it. Do yourself a favor and go follow Daniel on your social media platform of choice...and go grab a Little Debbie snack cake!

Ever have those moments when you get asked a question and all that can happen after is: mouth open, crinkled forehead and squinted eyes?  Yeah, us either! ;)  This week the guys cannon ball into the current topic of the status of XC Championships and then how to actually coach females!  Did you know there is a way to do that?!  Then cross the street to speak on whether there is a benefit to age group track and field; do you agree with them?  What else could Lucious, Lamar and Clyde talk about after that!?  Guess you'll just have to click on the button to find out!  See ya in a few...

What a great adventure we have for you in today's episode. Jim grew up in Iowa City and fell in love with the sport of track and field. After graduating from the University of Iowa he went on to have an amazing coaching career at Simpson College, Drake University, Northwestern University and more. We get to discuss Northwestern University dropping track which we found interesting considering the issues that are facing our track programs today. Jim tells us about retiring from coaching track and field and what he's been up to in retirement. 

You'll hear about his amazing book he's publishing and the 'why' behind it. You can learn more about the book 'A Tale of Two Runners' in today's podcast as well at www.taleoftworunners.com.

How are we deciphering experiences?  Listen to the thoughts of the guys as they dive into the waters of rating experiences.  Is there a difference of success at the different levels?  Does is differ when applying to jobs?  Lastly, how do we change the land in terms of hiring of coaches?  Does it fall in the laps of those who are hiring or those applying?  Clear your schedule for the next 1.5 hrs and take a listen!

While Ron's coaching career has been within a 30 mile radius, his influence in our sport reaches world wide. Today we explore Ron's track background as an athlete, the influences that led him into coaching, and multiple stories each stop of the way. Throughout the episode, Ron drops nuggets of value to coaches today; "You are in the entertainment business!" 

So thankful for Ron to sit down with us for this important episode of the Connections podcast. 

Happy 20th episode!  As we celebrate our 20th episode, 5 months of coming together weekly to chat about all things on and off the track or field, we wanted to give you-our viewers-some incentive to watch this week's show. We took in many questions/topics sent by you all and picked a few to deliberate and discuss with each other.  What questions did we pick???  Was one of them yours?!  Give us a click and find out ;)    Thank you to all of you who watch the show and share the show with others...you push us to deliver the best content possible to make sure we live up to the hype!