The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

The crew at the University of South Florida put on an excellent clinic in Tampa, Fla this past fall of 2025. Speakers included Sammy Dabbs, Erik Jenkins, Vince Anderson, Chris Korfist, and Dwight Phillips.Today we share part 2 of Vince Anderson's talk on acceleration training. Enjoy!Don't forget to join us over on YouTube for the video version of Monday's Gill Connections Podcast as well as Twitch.TV for 24/7 track/field Gill Connections Podcast interviews.

The crew at the University of South Florida put on an excellent clinic in Tampa, Fla this past fall of 2025. Speakers included Sammy Dabbs, Erik Jenkins, Vince Anderson, Chris Korfist, and Dwight Phillips.Today we share part 1 of Vince Anderson's talk on 400m training. Enjoy!Don't forget to join us over on YouTube for the video version of Monday's Gill Connections Podcast as well as Twitch.TV for 24/7 track/field Gill Connections Podcast interviews.

Can an aging pole vault pit be repaired—or is it time to replace it?Many common problems, including small vinyl tears, worn hardware, damaged weather covers, and certain top-pad issues, can often be repaired. But widespread foam deterioration, significant water intrusion, compliance concerns, or several major problems occurring together may indicate that replacement is the better investment.In this episode, Mike Cunningham discusses:• Which pole vault pit problems are commonly repairable• The warning signs that may point toward replacement• Why safety and compliance must come first• How to compare repair costs with the remaining useful life• The cost trap created by repeatedly repairing an aging pit• Five questions to ask before approving a major repairThe most important question isn’t simply, “Can we repair it?”It’s: “If we repair it, what problem are we actually solving?”If the repair restores a safe, compliant landing system with meaningful life remaining, it may be money well spent. If it merely postpones an inevitable replacement, it may be time to start planning.

Cassandra draws on her 19 years as an NCAA D1 XC/TF Coach and her personal experience as a D1 athlete to share lessons learned about cross country race strategy and the benefits of early preparation. Today Cassandra is a recruiting mentor for JP Coaching Collective who helps athletes and families navigate the recruiting process. Connect with Cassandra on IG (@cassandra.goodson).If you've got a topic to share with our youth audience, contact David Mitchell to learn more. He'd love to hear from you!

Most coaches don't start their careers thinking they'll become college track & field coaches.In Episode 381 of the Gill Athletics Connections Podcast, Mike Cunningham sits down with University of Missouri Assistant Coach Jordon Andreassen to discuss her journey from a five-sport athlete at a small Iowa high school to coaching combined events and pole vault at one of the nation's premier SEC programs.Jordon shares how an injury at Iowa State unexpectedly introduced her to coaching, the lessons she learned during five years at Graceland University, her growth at UAB, and the path that ultimately led her to Missouri. Along the way, she reflects on mentorship, recruiting, leadership, athlete development, and what it takes to thrive in collegiate coaching.This conversation is full of authenticity, practical coaching wisdom, and a reminder that some of the best careers begin with opportunities we never planned for.🎙️ Topics Include:✅ Growing up as a five-sport athlete in Iowa✅ Being recruited to Iowa State by Pete Herber✅ How injury sparked an interest in coaching✅ Learning the profession at Graceland University✅ Becoming a head coach at a young age✅ Coaching at UAB and Missouri✅ Recruiting in the modern college landscape✅ Combined events coaching and athlete development✅ The mentors who shaped her career✅ Building relationships that impact athletes for lifeDive into nearly 400 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois), Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on Twitch.tv, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more!🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode:Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs Tuesdays through Sundays. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.📲 Stay Connected:Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Instagram (@MikeCunninghamTF), email at [email protected], or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍