The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

LaMonte grew up a coaches kid and turned that into a college degree and an awesome college coaching career. Today we talk about his resistance to coaching as a profession and what ultimately won him over. We go through some awesome times and athletes he's worked with. Near the end of today's podcast, we talk about what's going on outside our windows and in our own neighborhoods. We are so thankful LaMonte would open up and be so authentically humble as he talks about the leadership of a coach during this time. 

A Lifetime of Wisdom in Track and Field

In this enlightening episode of the Connections Podcast, host Mike Cunningham is honored to sit down with the legendary Brooks Johnson. With a coaching career that spans decades, Brooks has witnessed the evolution of track and field and has been instrumental in shaping champions at every level.

Brooks delves deep into the nuances of coaching, emphasizing the importance of understanding athletes and guiding them to a point where they confidently say, "Leave me the hell alone. I got this." His insights, combined with captivating stories from his journey, offer listeners a treasure trove of knowledge.

For track and field fans and coaches alike, this episode provides a unique opportunity to learn from one of the sport's most influential figures. Brooks's dedication, passion, and wisdom make this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the heart and soul of track and field.

Some audio issues won't get in our way! Great talking with Matt Esche of UAB in today's episode. We had some audio problems on his end, but we muscled through it.  We learn of his background running Foot Locker nationals and running for the legendary Larry Wieczorek at the University of Iowa.  Then we take a deeper dive into developing a cross country program, Matt's opinion on the ideal roster size, and why it's not as simple as it sounds to pad the cross country roster for Title IX purposes. At the end we get a look at the upcoming season for UAB cross country and track and what's got them excited about their new track facility. 

DeAndra'e is one of the youngest head coaches in DIII today. We talk about his childhood running for the MLK Blazers in San Diego and yet being an extremely big Ohio State Buckeye's fan.  Find out how that works out as well as his unique background working for the very successful Cal State-Fullerton baseball team as a speed and conditioning coach. We really enjoyed our time getting to know DeAndra'e better, we believe you'll enjoy it as well. 

Erica has been called a Big XII pole vault champ, school record holder, Olympian, coach and pole vault club owner. In today's episode you'll learn how she first discovered pole vaulting, what led her to Texas A&M, what led her to QUIT the team and come back three weeks later. After we discover how she earned her spot on the Olympic team then started one of the most successful pole vault clubs in the Southeast (and coached the high school record holder in the boy's pole vault) she let's us in on a big secret. Once you learn about Erica's secret, you'll see her accomplishments in a whole different light. Today's podcast is one of perseverance, determination, winning and growing. You'll want your staff and your athletes to listen to this one, we guarantee it!

This week we are joined by former 110mH AR holder, Allen Johnson to debate a couple key topics in track and field currently.  We round out our call with a in-detail conversation...Who is the greatest hurdler EVER??? Tune in to hear who's names get mentioned!

This is a rebroadcast of episode 6 of a new show on Youtube called Athletics LLC.  Featuring a panel of amazing coaches including: Mike "Lucious" Holloway, Chris "Lamar" Huffins, Charles "Clyde" Ryan, and moderated by Marissa "Big League" Chew. Find the video portion of the show by searching 'Athletics LLC' on youtube.com.

This week we are talking about how those in our sport are trying to "stay in front of the game". In some cases we aren't, see when this is happening.  In some cases, we've got those situations on lock down.  Finally, we close the show with a BIG curve ball...listen in to see what the gang has to say!

This is a rebroadcast of the hit Youtube show Athletics LLC.  Featuring a panel of amazing coaches including: Mike "Lucious" Holloway, Chris "Lamar" Huffins, Charles "Clyde" Ryan, and moderated by Marissa "Big League" Chew. Find the video portion of the show by searching 'Athletics LLC' on youtube.com.