In the words of Michael Jordan... "I'm Back." The return to the coaches Podcast features head coach at The Brook, Jeff Lester. He talks about his journey to coaching, and what they have done to build a winning culture at Bolingbrook. He also gives great insight into building a strong relationship with middle school feeder programs.

Episode 99 with The Brook coach Jeff Lester

In the 100th episode, Associate Head Coach of Track and Field at Elmhurst University, David Stone, talks about his journey into coaching, how they have shifted the culture at Elmhurst and how his focus is on doing what you need to for each athlete to be successful as an individual.

Episode 100 with Elmhurst Sprint Jump Coach David Stone

In this episode, Lakes co-head coaches, Travis Shepherd and Christine Zucker talk about recent success of their program, how they have built a winning culture and how they focus on making the team a fun environment where athletes can grow not just in sport but in life.

Episode 101 with Lakes Co Head Coaches Travis Shepherd and Christine Zucker

In this episode, Coach Alex Soto talks about getting his school to join IESA, how they have build a community based running organization, and how to focus on teaching the basics of running.

Episode 102 with Winston and Palatine Pack Coach Alex Soto

In this episode, Prospect Head Coach Pete Wintermute shares insight into an amazing season for the Knights, how they have built a family culture, and how passion is often what drives success.

Episode 103 with Prospect Head Coach Pete Wintermute

In this episode, DePaul Prep coaches Mitchell Baum and Stephanie Stecz recap a great fall of cross country running, they share what it is like to train in the city and how they have built a strong distance culture at DePaul Prep.

Episode 104 with DePaul Prep Coaches Mitchell Baum and Stephanie Stecz

In this episode, Salt Fork track coach Phil Suprenant talks about the recent success of his program, how they train, and how they build a program with athletes who compete not just in different events but in different sports.

Episode 105 with Salt Fork Head Coach Phil Suprenant

In this episode, Timo Mostert, coach at American Fork High School shares insights into his coaching journey, what changes he made that lead AF to be one of the best teams in the country, and how he gets athletes to conquer practice each day. 

Episode 106 with American Fork Coach Timo Mostert

Episode 107 with Evan Thorpe Dixon Middle School Cross Country

Our first conversation is with head cross country and assistant track coach at Plainfield North (pnrunning.com) Andy Derks.  We talk program building, training, and dealing with injuries.  I hope you enjoy.  Please let me know any feedback you have.  

Chicagoland Coaching Podcast Episode 1 Andy Derks

In episode 2, John O'Malley from State Champion Sandburg is the guest.  We talk about his approach to coaching.  We spend some time talking about both the mental and physical side of training to be prepared to run at a high level.  

Chicagoland Coaches Podcast Episode 2 John O'Malley

In the first episode of the new year we talk track and field with the head coach at defending state champion Edwardsville, Chad Lakatos. We discuss promoting the sport, as well as training and coaching philosophies.

Episode 3 with Chad Lakatos Head Coach at Edwardsville

In this episode we talk to the head coach of the state champion cross country team from Minooka, Kevin Gummerson. We discuss growing up in a track family, how he has seen his program grow, and how members of his team were able to step up this year and achieve greatness. If you want to know more about what Coach Gummerson is doing, you can check out their team website: http://runminooka.com/. 

Episode 5 With Minooka Coach Kevin Gummerson

In this episode Palatine head coach Chris Quick and I discuss the history of IHSA XC and track, the perceived golden age of running that we are currently a part of, what training at Palatine looks like, as well as who would win between the 95 Bulls and the current Warriors. I had a blast recording this episode, with Coach Quick's knowledge and love for the sport I think we could have talk for a few more hours. If you want more information on Coach Quick's program you can check out www.palatinecc.net. 

Episode 6 Palatine Coach Chris Quick

In this episode Lake Park head track and field coach Jay Ivory talks about building a complete team, what sets elite athletes apart, being creative with indoor training, recruiting for track, as well as what they do at Lake Park that allows them to be successful. 

Episode 7 With Jay Ivory Head Coach At Lake Park

In this episode, guest JB Hanson talks about Lake Zurich XC. He gives great insight on building a program that kids love being a part of, the evolution of the "Big Heads," what is means to earn the right to train, the LZXC App, and what makes a team leader. I had a blast talking to one of the brightest coaches in the area.

Episode 8 With JB Hanson Lake Zurich Head Coach

In a special edition of the podcast I talk to former Naperville North standout Tyler Jermann as he gears up for the Olympic Marathon Trials. Tyler shares insight in dealing with injury set backs and how he has found that there is no secret to success, but rather consistency has allowed him to be successful. 

Episode 9 With Tyler Jermann Olympic Trials Preview

In this episode, guest Jimmy Centella, the head cross country coach at Grayslake Central talks about consistency in training, how their program has grown, and creative ways to train during Chicago winters.

Episode 11 Jimmy Centella

In a special edition of the podcast, I talk to St. Norberts alum, and former Hansons-Brooks runner Jenny Scherer. We discuss the topic of eating disorders in the world of distance running. Jenny opens up and shares her story of struggle and battling to overcome anorexia.  Read more of Jenny's story here: http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2015/08/inspiration/how-anorexia-almost-ruined-my-running-life_45757

Here is a link to the NEDA Coaches Toolkit that Jenny references: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/sites/default/files/Toolkits/CoachandTrainerToolkit.pdf


Episode 12  with Jenny Scherer

In this episode, I talk to Plainfield North head track coach Tony Holler. We talk about his coaching philosophy, sprint training, as well as the current "Golden Age" of track and field in Illinois. We finish with conversation about this Saturday's @PNtrack Indoor Invite. Thanks to Coach Holler for lots of great insight.

Episode 13 Tony Holler

In this episode Paul Vandersteen, head cross country coach at Neuqua Valley, talks about what he has done at Neuqua to build a cross country powerhouse. He discusses building a culture, caring for athletes, dealing with injuries, and how moderation and consistency has resulted in great success for his teams.

Episode 14 With Paul Vandersteen

In this episode, guest John Sipple from Downers Grove North discuses why so many coaches come from EIU, the importance of caring for every athlete on the team, the keys to making the jump from good to great, and how to deal with injuries and come back stronger.

Episode 16 with Downers Grove North coach John Sipple

In this episode of the podcast, North Central College head cross country coach Al Carius offers great insight as one of the most successful coaches in distance running history. He goes into depth on his "run for fun and personal bests"coaching philosophy. Coach Carius also shares his advice for athletes looking for a college, as well as the transition to college. He also offers great wisdom to young coaches.

Episode 19 with North Central Coach Al Carius

In this episode I talk to Hinsdale Central head track coach and assistant cross country coach Noah Lawrence. Noah has a great background in the sport at York High School, running collegiality at Grinnell and now coaching at Hinsdale Central. Noah's passion as a coach is clear. He offers great insight into running at York and what it has taught him as a coach and how it impacts him today. He also shared what they have been doing at Hinsdale Central that has allowed for great success in cross country the last few years. Noah also transitioned to the head coach position this season and he shares what he has learned from that experience. Lots of great stuff in here. Its easy for time to fly when you are listening to someone as passionate about this sport as Noah is. You can check out Coach Lawrence's blog here: https://coachlawrencehcxc.com/

Episode 21 with Hinsdale Central Track coach Noah Lawrence

In this episode the roles are reversed, as normal host Jeff Purdom shares from his coaching experience. Coach Purdom shares his path that lead to coaching, what they were able to do at Lincoln Way North the previous few years, and what he has learned and enjoyed from hosting the Chicago-land Coaches Podcast.

Episode 23 "The Role Reversal" with Jeff Purdom

In this episode, guest Chris Derrick reflects on his high school experience, offers advice to aspiring young runners, shares and updates on his training and racing, and gives some hot takes on the relationship between social media and running.

Episode 32 with Chris Derrick

In this episode guest Jason Crowe, of Plainfield South shares his unorthodox path to becoming a cross country and track and field coach. We talk about coaching in Chicago winters, building a strong team chemistry, and the cross over between Ultra Running and cross country coaching.

Episode 35 with Plainfield South Head Coach Jason Crowe

In this episode, Carl Spina, head XC coach from Saline, MI talks about what he is doing with their very successful program, how he empowers team leaders, the role of team goals, and how they have had such success in the 4x800 relay. Carl also shares about the Michigan coaches who started the Running Coaches Connection: https://www.facebook.com/RunningCoachesConnection/
They are providing a great resource for coaches.

Episode 36 with Saline XC Coach Carl Spina

In this episode we talk to Mike Newman, the Dyestat National Director of TFX. Mike shares a bit of his story in running for Coach Newton and Coach Carius as a young runner, and the journey that led him to what he is doing today. He shares a bit on how he researches to produce such in-depth previews, and he also gives a nice preview of what he is looking forward to this track season. Check out Mike's new website www.ilxctf.com.

Episode 39 with Mike Newman

In this episode Thornton Township coach Vince McAuliffe shares great stuff on the long history of Thornton athletics, what he does to build such strong relays teams, coaching both boys and girls,  and the art of coaching. Wonderful insight from one of the best coaches in the area.

Episode 45 with Thornton coach Vince McAuliffe

In this episode Crete Monee head coach Brian O'Donnell talks about how he has changed the culture of team at Crete and what has been key to their success in the sprints, hurdles and relays as a late.

Episode 47 with Crete Monee Head Coach Brian O'Donnell

In this episode, Brad Stulberg co-author of Peak Performance talks about the book and its connections to coaching. I had a blast with this conversation. The book covers a wide range of topics that can relate to so many different avenues of coaching/teaching/performance. It is a must read for any coach. You can find out more about the book at www.peakperformancebook.net.

Episode 54 with Brad Stulberg

In this episode Dr. Stephen Gonzalez from The College of Brockport addresses the idea of connecting sports psychology and mental conditioning to running and coaching. This episode is loaded with great insight for both coaches and athletes. If you want to learn more from Dr. Gonzalez you can connect via his website here: www.stephen-gonzalez.com

Episode 58 with Dr. Stephen Gonzalez

In this episode, Mark Popp, coach at Wayzata High School in Minnesota shares his coaching history, his training philosophy, and how they build team chemistry at Wayzata.

Episode 60 with Wayzata Head Coach Mark Popp

In this special episode of the podcast, multiple people share stories, memories and lessons learned from Coach Joe Newton. It was a very fun episode to put together, the list of guests include: Charlie Kern (York), Chris Quick (Palatine), Ken Popejoy, Mike Newman, David Jackson (Hinsdale South), Paul Vandersteen (Neuqua Valley), Noah Lawrence (Hinsdale Central), Tom Razo (Lockport), Mike Lucchesi (Second City Track Club), Mike Garcia (Springfield Lamphier), Dave Racey (Naperville North), Jim Hedman (York), Richard Ulrich (Adams St & University of Puget Sound), Jim Akita (Elmhurst College), and Al Carius (North Central).
Thanks so much to Megan Lawrence for the show idea, and thanks to everyone who was willing to share a story or a memory.

Episode 64: Stories, Memories and Life Lessons from Coach Joe Newton

In this episode, Chris Friedman, Dunlap cross country coach shares what has led to success for his team. How to develop athletes long term, what he learned coaching middle school and how that translates to high school, and gives some insight into how Dunlap has been so dominate in relays in recent years.

Episode 69 with with Dunlap Coach Chris Friedman

In this episode, Notre Dame coach Sean Carlson talks about building a strong culture on a college team, how he approaches recruiting, and he offers great insight intro what prepares high school athletes to be ready to compete at the college level.

Episode 77 with Notre Dame XC coach Sean Carlson

In this episode, St Charles East coach Chris Bosworth shares what has been the key to building a successful program at STCE. He gives insight into his time at North Central and how that shaped him as a coach as well as an inside look at what training looks like for the Saints.

Episode 92 with St Charles East Coach Chris Bosworth

In this episode, Ryan Banta, shares his coaching philosophy, the genesis of his book The Sprinter's Compendium, and offers great insight into how to grow as a coach.

Episode 97 with Parkway Central Head Coach Ryan Banta

In this episode Lisa Cook head coach at Oswego East talks about building a strong running culture based on passion for the sport, how their program has handled the Covid pandemic, and what training looks like for her team.

Episode 98 with Lisa Cook

A chance to talk coaching in track and field and cross country.

Track/XC Coaching Podcast

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