# Mike Cunningham

Top podcast episodes
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#241: Gill1918 Presents Mike Cunningham "How to Store a PV Pit During the Off-Season"

What happens to your pole vault pit when the season ends? In this Gill1918 Project episode, Mike Cunningham shares the practical steps coaches can take to protect a landing system during the off-season—and avoid expensive surprises when athletes return. You’ll learn how to: Inspect and repair the…

#384: Chris Sullivan-Florida International University | From Football Player to Track/Field Coach

Chris Sullivan never planned to become a track coach. Growing up in Cocoa Beach, Florida, he was a football player first, a basketball player second, and a high jumper who mostly showed up for meets. He didn't even realize track and field was a college sport until he arrived at Florida Internationa…

#243: Gill1918 Presents Mike Cunningham "Common Pole Vault Pit Storage Mistakes"

Most pole vault pit storage damage does not happen during practice or competition. It happens when the season ends. In this episode of the Gill1918 Project Podcast, Mike Cunningham walks through the common off-season storage mistakes that can shorten the life of a landing system—and the practical h…

#244: Gill1918 Presents Mike Cunningham "How Are Pole Vault Pits Tested for Safety?"

How does a pole vault pit help manage the forces created when an athlete lands from height? In this episode of the Gill1918 Project Podcast, Mike Cunningham explains the design considerations and safety-focused evaluations behind modern pole vault landing systems. The conversation covers: Why foa…

#385: Roy Session-Nevada State University | A Life Built for the Challenge

What would make a coach walk away from nearly unmatched success to start again with nothing? After winning 25 state championships at Centennial High School, Roy Session could have comfortably finished his career as one of Nevada’s most accomplished coaches. Instead, the retired fire chief accepted …

#246: Gill1918 Presents Mike Cunningham "Should I Buy a Used Pole Vault Pit?"

Buying a used pole vault pit can save a program money—but only if it is still safe, compliant, and serviceable. In this episode, Mike Cunningham breaks down what coaches should inspect before purchasing a used landing system: Current NFHS or NCAA compliance Foam condition, including hard spots, …

#247: Gill1918 Presents Mike Cunningham "How Do You Choose Pole Vault Standards?"

Pole vault standards may not be the largest purchase in a vault facility, but they influence every practice, every competition, and every bar adjustment. In this episode, Mike Cunningham discusses how coaches can choose standards that support their athletes and facility for years to come. Topics in…

#386: Corey John-Athletic Marking Companies | The Art Behind Every Finish Line

Every race begins with a line—but have you ever wondered who puts that line there? For the first time on the Gill Connections Podcast, we step behind the scenes with a professional track striper. Corey John of Athletic Marking Companies—better known as @TheTrackStriper on Instagram—reveals the rema…

#249: Gill1918 Presents Mike Cunningham "What Should Coaches Look for in Pole Vault Standards?"

Pole vault standards influence every jump, every practice, and every competition—but they rarely receive the same attention as the landing system. In this episode, Mike Cunningham breaks down the factors coaches should consider before purchasing standards, including accuracy, ease of adjustment, vi…

#387: Justin Anderson-Alabama State | Set Your GPS

No coach checking on him. No teammates waiting at practice. No guarantee that the work would pay off. Justin Anderson kept training anyway. In this episode of the Gill Connections Podcast, Alabama State University assistant coach Justin Anderson shares the remarkable journey that took him from Jack…