The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

Empowering Success: The Steve Dolan Philosophy 🏃‍♂️💡 In this enlightening episode of our podcast, host Mike Cunningham, National Business Development Manager for Gill Athletics, sits down with the multifaceted Steve Dolan, Director of Track and Field for the University of Pennsylvania and Director of the Penn Relays. Dive deep into the world of track and field as Dolan shares his unique journey, the art of balancing dual roles, and his secret to success: empowering others. 🌟 Key Highlights: Empowering Leadership: Discover how Dolan's philosophy of finding and empowering great people has been the cornerstone of his success. "I'm trying all the time to find people that are as good or better than I am at tasks and empower them to do it," Dolan shares, highlighting the importance of trust and delegation in achieving collective goals. 🤝 Innovating the Penn Relays: Get an insider's look at the evolution of the Penn Relays under Dolan's direction. From enhancing the experience for college women athletes to improving warm-up facilities and seating, learn how continuous improvement and innovation have kept this historic event at the forefront of track and field. 🏟️ Navigating Challenges: Dolan opens up about the challenges of managing two full-time roles and the strategies he employs to maintain excellence in both. His candid reflections offer valuable insights into the complexities of leadership in sports administration. 🚀 Vision for the Future: Excitement builds as Dolan discusses the upcoming indoor facility at Penn, set to transform the landscape of East Coast track and field. This state-of-the-art facility promises to be a game-changer for the program and the broader track and field community. 🏗️ A Legacy of Growth: From his unexpected path into coaching to leading one of the most prestigious track and field programs in the country, Dolan's story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose. 🌱 Featured Quote: "I think the reality is, all of us want things to be done in the best way... I've tried really hard... to figure out how do we identify people that can be successful or more creative or have the skill set and set them up for success and let them do it." - Steve Dolan #PennRelays #TrackAndField #Leadership #Innovation #SportsManagement #Empowerment #Athletics #CoachingPhilosophy Tune in to this episode for an inspiring journey through the lens of one of track and field's most influential figures, Steve Dolan, and discover the power of leadership that empowers others to achieve greatness. 🎧🏆 Check out past podcast episodes (including Boo Schexnayder-LSU, Diljeet Taylor-BYU, Petros Kyprianou-Illinois and 200+ more) on YouTube and Apple podcasts. Connect with host Mike Cunningham on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email (mcunningham@gillathletics.com) or by text (217-898-3038).

Today we take a look at how the state of Louisiana qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet. *Fun Fact: While Louisiana has a long tradition of having the javelin as an official event, it's only been a few years the 4x800m relay has been an official event.

Today we take a look at how the state of Kentucky qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet. *Fun Fact: While Kentucky Middle School athletes have the opportunity to throw the Turbojav, High School athletes DO NOT have the opportunity to throw the javelin!

Today we take a look at how the state of Kansas qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet. *Fun Fact: Kansas is one of the nearly 25 states that throws the javelin as part of their state series.

Today we take a look at how the state of Iowa qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet. *Fun Fact: Iowa has separate governing bodies for boy's sports and girl's sports; Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union. This means a few subtle differences including the boy's running the 1600m and 3200m events while the girls run the 1500m and 3000m events.

Today we take a look at how the state of Indiana qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet. *Fun Fact: Indiana competes as one single class for track and field. At the state meet there is only one boy's state champion team and only one girl's state champion team. PS: Indiana HS athletes do NOT have the ability to compete in the TJ.

Today we take a look at how the state of Illinois qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet. *Fun Fact: Illinois scores the top 9 athletes in each event!

Join us on the latest episode of the Gill Athletics Connections podcast as host Mike Cunningham, National Business Development Manager at Gill Athletics, dives into an engaging conversation with Bruce Jackson, the assistant coach for Academy of Art. With a unique blend of passion for the sport and a keen insight into the challenges and triumphs of collegiate coaching, Jackson shares his journey from a successful high school coach to making his mark in the collegiate realm. In this episode, we peel back the curtain to explore the multifaceted role of a college track and field coach, revealing the unexpected aspects and challenges that come with the territory. From administrative duties to fostering deep connections with athletes, Jackson opens up about the learning curves and the satisfaction that comes from guiding student-athletes to success, both on and off the track. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: * Bruce Jackson's transition from high school to collegiate coaching * The unexpected challenges and rewards of a college track and field coach * Navigating administrative tasks and building strong athlete relationships * The unique environment and challenges of coaching at Art U, an institution focusing on the arts within the NCAA * Strategies for recruiting and coaching in an urban campus setting * The importance of creativity and adaptability in overcoming logistical and resource constraints 🏆 Key Takeaways: * The role of a collegiate coach extends far beyond the track, encompassing mentorship, counseling, and administration. * The unique academic and urban environment of Art U presents both challenges and opportunities for student-athletes and coaches. * Success in collegiate coaching requires innovation, flexibility, and a commitment to student-athlete development. * The Art U track and field program thrives by embracing its uniqueness and leveraging the strengths and passions of its student-athletes. Whether you're a high school coach dreaming of the collegiate level, a current college coach looking for insights, or simply a fan of track and field, this episode offers valuable perspectives and advice. Tune in to hear Bruce Jackson's story of passion, perseverance, and the art of coaching at one of the most unique institutions in collegiate sports. Check out past podcast episodes (including Boo Schexnayder-LSU, Diljeet Taylor-BYU, Petros Kyprianou-Illinois and 200+ more) on YouTube and Apple podcasts. Connect with host Mike Cunningham on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email (mcunningham@gillathletics.com) or by text (217-898-3038). #TrackAndField #CoachingJourney #ArtU #CollegiateSports #AthleteDevelopment #PodcastEpisode 🏃‍♂️🎨🏆

Today we take a look at how the state of Idaho qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet. *Fun Fact: The largest class in Idaho (5A) runs the 4x800 but the 1A through 4A run the Sprint Medley Relay. To make it more fun the girls run the SMR 100, 100, 200, 400 yet the boys run the SMR 200, 200, 400, 800!

Today we take a look at how the state of Hawaii qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet. *Fun Fact: Hawaii runs the 1500m and the 3000m races in lieu of the more traditional 1600/3200 and has added the 4x800m relay race for the first time this year!

Today we take a look at how the state of Georgia qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet. *Fun Fact: This is the last year GA will operate under an 8 class system, as they move to a 7 class system in the 2024-2025 academic year.

Today we take a look at how the state of Florida qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet. *Fun Fact: Florida is one of the few states that has moved the 300m hurdles to the 400m hurdles. Can you name the other states? Hit me up on Twitter @MikeCunningham with your guesses.

Today we take a look at how the state of Delaware qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet. *Fun Fact: While there are qualifying standards for all individual events, any team with any time can enter into the relay events!

Today we take a look at how the state of Connecticut qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet. *Spoiler Alert: while not part of the official state meet, CT hosts a steeplechase, heptathlon, decathlon and hammer state meet after the official state series! How cool is that?

In this gripping episode of the Gill Athletics Connections podcast, host Mike Cunningham (Twitter: @mikecunningham) sits down with the esteemed Hampton University head coach, Maurice Pierce, for an enlightening conversation that delves deep into the essence of track and field coaching. Through a narrative that intertwines the discipline, knowledge, and personal attention to athletes, both on and off the track, Pierce shares invaluable insights and stories from his journey. Discover the balanced approach of tough love and nurturing that defines exceptional coaching in track and field. From the rigorous training sessions to the meticulous care for athletes' academic and personal development, this episode uncovers the holistic method that propels athletes towards excellence. Coach Pierce recounts his experiences with mentors who exemplified this blend of discipline and support, highlighting the profound impact they had on his life and career. Listeners, whether you're a high school or collegiate level track and field coach, will find inspiration and practical advice in Pierce's stories. This episode is a testament to the power of dedicated coaching staffs, the importance of discipline in every facet of an athlete's life, and the life-changing influence of coaches who care about the person as much as the athlete. Embark on a journey through the complexities of coaching, the strategies for developing top-notch athletes, and the personal growth that comes from facing challenges with resilience. Join us for an episode that celebrates the hard work, dedication, and heart that coaches and athletes pour into track and field. #TrackandField #CoachingExcellence #AthleteDevelopment #SportsLeadership 🏃‍♂️🏅📘 Tune in to this must-listen episode of the Gill Athletics Connections podcast and gain fresh perspectives on nurturing champions, both on the track and in life. Check out past podcast episodes (including Boo Schexnayder-LSU, Diljeet Taylor-BYU, Petros Kyprianou-Illinois and 200+ more) on YouTube and Apple podcasts. Connect with host Mike Cunningham on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email (mcunningham@gillathletics.com) or by text (217-898-3038).

Today we take a look at how the state of Colorado qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet. *Fun Fact: Colorado runs a Sprint Medley Relay (100, 100, 200, 400) ONLY for the Girl's state meet competition!

Today we take a look at how the state of California qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet. Fun Fact: JT is also the host of the On Track and Field Podcast! where he interviews coaches and athletes around the world! He does a great job and it's worth heading over and subscribing. HERE is the link for Apple Podcast.

Today we take a look at how the state of Arkansas qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet. *Fun Fact: Arkansas high school coaches host an 'unofficial' state meet for the heptathlon/decathlon after their Meet of Champions track meet. They substitute the triple jump for the Decathlon javelin and the discus for the heptathlon javelin.

Today we take a look at how the state of Arizona qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet. *Fun Fact: Arizona awards state team titles to four Divisions which then combine down to one Open State Championship meet (one for boys and one for girls).

Today we take a look at how the state of Alaska qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet. *Fun Fact: While the pole vault is not an official state meet event, they do have a strong tradition of an All Star meet held at Kodiak HS called the Bryan Young Invitational where three super teams are created from the different regions to compete against one another regardless of Division.