• The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

  • By: Gill Athletics
  • Podcast

The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

By: Gill Athletics
  • Summary

  • Unlock the world of track and field coaches with The Gill Connections Podcast. Former high school and college track coach Mike Cunningham brings you closer to the heart of the sport, exploring the unique journeys of coaches worldwide. Engage with inspiring stories, uncover strategies that define success, and dive into the experiences that shape the track and field world. Subscribe for a fresh, insightful episode every Monday morning, connecting you with the authentic stories behind the coaches. Your weekly dose of inspiration and knowledge in track and field coaching is here!
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Episodes
  • #304: Caleb Seal-Throw Town Ramona
    Mar 31 2025

    🔥 **“Building Throw Town: Caleb Seal’s Field of Dreams”** 🎯


    This week on the Gill Connections podcast, host Mike Cunningham sits down with the visionary behind one of the most exciting throwing venues in the world — **Caleb Seal**, founder of **Seal Throwing Club** and the force behind **Throw Town Ramona**.


    From humble beginnings in the Texas panhandle to building a world-class facility in the small town of Ramona, Oklahoma, Caleb shares his inspiring journey of passion, perseverance, and purpose. 🌾➡️🌎


    He reflects on:

    💥 His early throwing days and how a local mentor shaped his love for the sport

    🏗️ The challenges (and triumphs) of transforming cow pastures into a world-record-worthy venue

    🌪️ How Throw Town became a proving ground for national champions and Olympians

    🌍 Hosting global talent and a WORLD RECORD discus throw in only the *third* year of the facility’s existence

    🧠 And the core belief that guides his coaching: *“What you do after practice is what makes you good.”*


    Whether you're a coach, athlete, or dreamer looking to leave your mark on the sport, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at how one man's dream is changing the landscape of throwing in America.


    🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!


    🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ 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 YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.


    📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍


    #GillConnections #TrackAndField #ThrowTownRamona #CalebSeal #FieldOfDreams #Discus #HammerThrow #ShotPut #CoachingExcellence #TrackAndFieldLife #WorldRecordReady 💪🌀🥇

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    1 hr and 55 mins
  • #303: Keinan Briggs-Leap Squad Track Club
    Mar 24 2025

    **🎙️Keinan Briggs – Building Champions On and Off the Track 🏆**


    In this episode, we sit down with **Keinan Briggs**, the owner, founder, and coach of **Leap Squad Track Club** and the creator of **Leap Squad Academy**. Keinan shares his **incredible journey** from a multi-sport athlete to a highly respected track and field coach, helping young athletes reach their full potential.


    ### 🔥 Key Topics Covered:

    ✅ **Keinan’s origin story** – From watching a struggling athlete at his first track meet to becoming a top-tier jumper 🏃‍♂️

    ✅ **The evolution of his coaching philosophy** – Blending personal training, biomechanics, and mentorship to develop athletes 💡

    ✅ **High school vs. club coaching dynamics** – How to bridge the gap between high school and club track programs 🤝

    ✅ **Preparing athletes for college success** – More than just talent, it’s about **self-advocacy** and communication 📞

    ✅ **"Athletes, call schools on your behalf!"** – Keinan’s must-hear advice on how recruits should take control of their future 🎯


    ### 🎤 Plus:

    🚀 The biggest mistakes athletes make in the recruiting process

    💪 Why coaching is more than just training – it’s mentorship and leadership

    📚 How Keinan is educating **coaches, athletes, and parents** through Leap Squad Academy


    This episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical advice for **athletes, parents, and coaches alike**. **Don't miss it!** 🎧🔥


    🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ 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 YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.


    📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍



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    2 hrs and 1 min
  • #302: Jeff Billing-Hall (CT) High School
    Mar 17 2025

    🏃‍♂️⚾ **Guest: Jeff Billing, Head Coach at Hall High School, CT** 🏆🎯


    This week, we welcome **Jeff Billing**, head coach at **Hall High School in Connecticut**, for a fascinating conversation about his **unique journey** in sports, coaching, and teaching. Jeff’s background includes **coaching multiple sports**, running at **MIT**, and even **coaching baseball before transitioning fully into track and field**.


    🔹 **Topics Covered:**

    ✅ Jeff’s upbringing in a legendary **New England running family** 🏃‍♂️👨‍👩‍👦

    ✅ His experience as a **multi-sport NCAA athlete (Baseball & Track)** ⚾🏃‍♂️

    ✅ Transitioning from **software engineering at Oracle** to a **career in education & coaching** 💻➡️📚

    ✅ How he went from **zero experience in coaching hurdles & pole vault** to **building champions** 🏅

    ✅ The **ever-changing recruiting landscape** & advice for high school athletes 🎓


    💡 **Quote of the Day:** _"Everything matters and nothing matters."_ – Jeff Billing


    Jeff’s story is one of **adaptability, passion, and lifelong learning**—a true testament to how embracing opportunities (even unexpected ones) can lead to success!


    🎧 **Tune in now** for this inspiring episode! 🔥 #TrackAndField #Coaching #GillAthletics #HighSchoolSports #MultiSportAthlete


    🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ 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 YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.


    📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍


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    1 hr and 45 mins

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