Beyond the Blocks: Track and Field Podcast

In episode 28 of Beyond the Blocks Podcsast, we are joined by Dr. Amber Murphy, President and Chief Executive Officer of CompuSport, a sports biomechanics company founded by her father, Dr. Ralph Mann, an Olympic silver medalist and pioneer in sports performance research. With more than 20 years of experience in sports biomechanics and exercise science, Dr. Murphy is a respected expert who has worked extensively with collegiate athletes, elite sprinters, and professional sports organizations to improve movement mechanics, optimize performance, and reduce injury risk. Her expertise and research have contributed to the application of biomechanical principles across track and field and other sports.Dr. Murphy’s academic and professional journey reflects exceptional persistence and dedication to lifelong learning. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and science after becoming a mother of three, followed by a master’s degree in education and a Ph.D. in Exercise Science from Concordia University Chicago. She has also pursued professional certifications and affiliations within the fields of strength and conditioning, exercise science, and biomechanics. Her research has examined sprint performance, kinematic measures, sprint mechanics, and injury prevention, including published work on elite American 100-meter sprinters.Beyond her executive leadership and research, Dr. Murphy is committed to making sports science accessible and practical for coaches and athletes. She is the author of The Science of Speed, a resource focused on sprint mechanics, injury prevention, and talent identification, designed to translate complex biomechanics research into actionable knowledge. She also contributes to the athletic community through her work with USATF, collegiate programs, and coaches and athletes at multiple levels. Dr. Murphy attributes her success to persistence, self-belief, and the determination to pursue her goals regardless of obstacles or timing, principles that continue to guide her leadership and impact in sports biomechanics.CompuSport LLC:https://compusport.orgDr. Amber Murphy on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ambermurphy847/

In Episode 27 of Beyond the Blocks, we are joined by Kenny Anderson, Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at Central Methodist University. Since arriving at Central Methodist, Coach Anderson has established himself as one of the premier coaches in the NAIA. Known throughout the track and field community as Coach #CutTheCheck, Anderson has transformed the Eagles into a perennial conference and national contender. Under his leadership, Central Methodist has captured multiple Heart of America Athletic Conference championships, earned national rankings, produced national champions, and set numerous program records.Central Methodist University Track & Field:https://www.cmueagles.com/sports/wtrack-out/indexInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/cutthecheck_/

In Episode 26 of Beyond the Blocks we chat with Darrell Smith, Sprints and Hurdles Coach at Cal Poly Pomona and discuss his journey into coaching, recruiting, athlete development, and the differences between Division 1 and Division 2.

In Episode 25 of Beyond the Blocks we are joined by one of the most respected coaches in collegiate track and field. Before arriving at San Jose State University, he built championship programs at multiple levels of the NCAA, earned National Coach of the Year honors, coached dozens of All-Americans, conference champions, and NCAA qualifiers, and developed a reputation as one of the top sprint, hurdle, and relay minds in the country.His coaching journey has taken him through Louisiana Tech, Academy of Art University, Alabama State, Cal Berkeley, and now San Jose State, where he serves as the Director of Track & Field and Cross Country.Since taking over the Spartans program in 2021, Coach Ryan has helped elevate one of the most historic brands in our sport, producing school records, All-Americans, conference medalists, and national-level performers while carrying forward the legacy of Speed City.Beyond the success on the track, he's become a respected voice within the coaching profession, recently being selected to serve in a leadership role with the USTFCCCA, helping shape the future of collegiate track and field across the country.In this episode we'll be discussing the craft of coaching—training philosophy, athlete development, building a culture, and the future of our sport.Coach Ryan on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cw_ryan3/San Jose State Track & Field on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sanjosestatetrackandfield/

In Episode 24 of Beyond the Blocks, we are joined by one of the most dynamic athletes to come out of California in recent years. A standout at Serra High School, Roderick Pleasant became the California state record holder in the 100 meters while also earning national recognition as one of the country’s top football recruits. After beginning his collegiate career at Oregon, he’s now back home at UCLA, where he continues to compete at one of the highest levels in college football.Follow Rodrick Pleasant on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/never.pleasant/UCLA Football:https://uclabruins.com/sports/footballUCLA Track & Field: https://uclabruins.com/sports/track-and-field

Welcome to Episode 23 of Beyond the Blocks. Today's guest is one of the most respected figures in track and field. Coach Demetrius Wilson is the founder of Black Lightning Track Club, one of the premier youth programs in the country, and currently serves as the Head Track & Field Coach at Santa Ana College.In addition to those roles, he serves as the Vice President of Youth Athletics for the USATF Southern California Association, giving him a unique perspective on athlete development and the future of youth track.Whether he's coaching young athletes, mentoring families, leading a collegiate program, or helping shape the direction of the sport, Coach Wilson has dedicated his career to developing people both on and off the track.Black Lightning on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/blacklightning.tc/Santa Ana College Track & Field: https://www.sacdons.com/sports/track/index

In Episode 22, we are joined by a guest who is one of the most underrated sprint coaches in the country.Joining us in this episode is Jacob Yowell, the sprint coach at California State University-Northridge aka CSUN. Over the years, Coach Yowell has built a reputation for developing athletes, maximizing talent, and producing high-level sprinters and hurdlers.We dive into his coaching journey, talent identification, sprint development, the realities of coaching in the transfer portal era, and the human side of building successful athletes and programs.Follow Coach Yowell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobyowell/CSUN Track and Field:https://gomatadors.com/sports/mens-track-and-field

Welcome back to Beyond the Blocks. In today's episode we're joined by Jon Smith, the Associate Director of Athletic Performance for Track and Field and Cross Country at the University of Georgia.Jon is part of the athletic performance staff behind one of the premier programs in collegiate track and field. The Georgia Bulldogs are an NCAA championship-winning program and a national powerhouse that continues to produce some of the top athletes in the country.We're excited to learn more about Jon's journey, his philosophy on strength and conditioning, and what coaches and athletes at every level can take away from the work being done at one of the nation's elite track and field programs.Follow Coach Smith on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonlsmith_/

We’re back with another episode of Beyond the Blocks, where we bring you conversations with the people who help shape the sport of track and field. Today's guest is someone who has spent decades giving a voice to the sport we all love. He’s been an athlete, a coach, an educator, and one of the most recognizable public address announcers in track and field. From local youth meets to some of the biggest stages in the country, he’s had a front-row seat to countless unforgettable moments. We discuss his journey, the evolution of the sport, and some of the incredible athletes and memories he’s witnessed along the way.

In Episode 19 of Beyond the Blocks we’re joined by San Jose State University, Associate Head Coach Lamont Johnson.Coach Johnson took the junior college route from Long Beach City College to Iowa State, where he competed collegiately before going on to compete professionally, while building a coaching career that has taken him across multiple levels of college track and field. Along the way, he’s coached alongside some of the most respected minds in the sport, including Charles Ryan, Leo Settle, and Olympic gold medalist Harvey Glance just to name a few.In this episode we dive into sprint philosophy, athlete development, recruiting in the NIL and transfer portal era, the current state of track and field, and much more.Thank you for taking a listen and we hope you enjoy the episode.Coach Lamont Johnson on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/coach_lamont_johnson/https://sjsuspartans.com/sports/track-and-field

In Episode 18 of Beyond the Blocks we’re joined by Coach LaKeidra Hayes from Lancaster High School in Texas. Coach Hayes leads one of the premier programs in the country. Her program recently captured the Texas 6A State Championship, and her athletes are also the national record holders in the girls 4x100-meter relay. Beyond the championships and records, she’s built a culture and a standard that people across the country are paying attention to. To get some insight on her championship mindset please take a listen and we hope you enjoy the episode.Coach Hayes on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/coachkhayestf/Lancaster HS Girls Track & Field on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/webogirlstrack/

In Episode 17 of Beyond the Blocks we’re joined by Coach Rob Jarvis from the University of Arkansas. Coach Jarvis has coached elite-level athletes in the long jump, triple jump, high jump, and combined events athletes at the highest levels of the sport. He has developed conference champions, All-Americans, and athletes competing on some of the biggest stages in track and field.But in this episode we’re not just talking about the results. We’re getting into the details that coaches love — movement patterns, rhythm, speed, elasticity, takeoff mechanics, and what actually separates elite jumpers from everyone else.If you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or somebody that loves learning the sport at a deeper level, this is one of those conversations you’re gonna want to lock in on. Thank you for for taking a listen and we hope you enjoy the episode.Coach Rob Jarvis on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/jarvoisier/University of Arkansas Track and Fieldhttps://www.instagram.com/razorbacktfxc/Email Coach [email protected]

In Episode 16 of Beyond the Blocks we are joined by guest Tom Feuer, who has spent decades around the sport of track and field, but from a perspective most people never get to experience. While athletes are in the blocks and coaches are on the sidelines, Tom Feuer has been behind the cameras, in the production rooms, in the broadcast booths, and around some of the biggest moments in the history of our sport.Tom has worked around Olympic Games, major championships, and some of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen. He’s seen legends before they became legends, witnessed historic moments unfold in real time, and helped tell the stories that millions of fans have watched over the years.In this episode we pull back the curtain to hear what the rest of us never got to see.

In episode 15 we are joined by Coach Jeremy Fischer — one of the most respected jumps coaches in the world! From his own journey as an NCAA All-American and elite high jumper, to building a coaching résumé that truly speaks for itself — Coach Fischer has helped develop some of the best to ever do it.He’s coached Olympic gold medalists like Brittney Reese, multi-time Olympic medalists like Will Claye, and world-class athletes across both the Olympic and Paralympic level — stacking over 40 global medals along the way.But what really stands out isn’t just the medals — it’s the consistency, the development, and the impact he’s had on athletes at every level of the sport.We hope you enjoy this episode!

Coach Eric Fremd is the Jumps, Combined Events, and Hurdles coach at University of California-Riverside, also known as UC Riverside. Coach Fremd joins us to talk about recruiting at the mid-major level. He also drops some gems on athlete development, specifically with and emphasis on the jumps and hurdles. Coach Fremd is active on Instagram often posting his athlete's accomplishments. You can follow Coach Fremd on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/coach.fremd/

In Episode 13 of Beyond the Blocks we’re excited to be joined by Brandon Thomas, head coach at Servite High School and Rosary Academy, reigning California state champion coach and California State Coach of the Year.Coach Thomas has built one of the premier high school programs in the country, developed elite athletes, coached alongside an outstanding staff, and continues to impact the sport through leadership, mentorship, and championship culture.We’ll dive into his journey as an athlete, the influence of legendary mentors, building nationally respected programs, competing against the best in the country, and the legacy he’s creating both on and off the track.Thank you for joining us at Beyond the Blocks!

James Daniels, NSAF Head of Sprints and Hurdles, and owner and founder of Daniels High Performance, joins us again to talk about training your athletes during championship season. Coach Daniels breaks down his Championship Cellular Restoration and Micro-Cylce Programming philosophy and offers a flow chart using 4-week micro-cycles for viewers to use. We hope you enjoy this special episode of Beyond the Blocks.

Welcome to episode 11 of Beyond the Blocks. On this episode we've got a guest who’s seen the sport of track and field from just about every angle — from athlete, to coach, to stepping away and even spending time as a professional poker player, to now helping shape the sport at the highest level with Gill Athletics and through the Gill Connections Podcast. Mike Cunningham has seen it all and he's here to talk about it.

How do you protect a legacy while continuing to raise the standard? 🏆In Episode 10 of Beyond the Blocks, we sit down with legendary Coach Crystal Irving for a powerful conversation on leadership, legacy, and the many hats required to build greatness.As a Head Coach, Athletic Director, Teacher, Mentor, and Mother, Coach Irving opens up about what it takes to lead with excellence while carrying the responsibility of one of the most storied programs in high school track & field at Long Beach Polytechnic High School.This episode goes far beyond championships.🔥 Coach Irving shares insight on:• Protecting the Poly legacy while raising the standard• Leadership through service, discipline, and vision• Balancing the demands of Athletic Director, Head Coach, Teacher, Mentor and Mother• What wearing multiple hats has taught her about purpose and sacrifice• Sustaining excellence as a public school powerhouse in a changing era• Mentoring young women beyond the sport• The unseen pressures and responsibilities of leadership• What she hopes athletes carry long after leaving her programThis conversation is about more than track — it’s about leading people, building culture, and leaving something bigger than yourself.If you’re an athlete, parent, coach, educator, or leader, this is one you need to hear.💬 Drop a comment below:What part of Coach Irving’s leadership journey resonated with you most?👍 Like | Subscribe | Share with someone who leads#BeyondTheBlocks #CrystalIrving #LongBeachPoly #Leadership #WomenInCoaching #TrackAndField #CoachingCulture #Mentorship #AthleticDirector #HighSchoolTrack #ChampionshipCulture #LegacyLeadershipProtecting the Legacy. Raising the Standard.

We are joined by Ken Harnden, Assistant Head Coach, Men's Sprints and Hurdles at Auburn University. At the 2026 NCAA D1 Indoor National Track and Field Championships Auburn's Ja'Kobe Tharp broke the indoor 60m hurdles collegiate record with his winning time of 7.32, and his teammate, Kanyinsola Ajayi, tied the 60m dash collegiate record with a time of 6.45 seconds. Auburn has also won the last two NCAA titles in the 4x100m relay. Coach Ken Harnden discusses his training philosophy and drops plenty of gems to help you get your athletes faster! We talk training, recruiting, and raising up young men and women to prepare them for life after track and field.

In Episode 8 of Beyond the Blocks Podcast we have a conversation with Westminster University track and field coach Emma Rudolph. Coach Rudolph details her journey from collegiate pole vaulter and Division III National Champion, to high jump and horizontal jumps coach for her alma mater!

Welcome back to Beyond the Blocks with Coach Lonnie Davis, Coach Will Humphries, and Anthony Lewis! In this Episode 7, we're excited to feature Travis Geopfert, Director of Track and Field/Cross Country at Kansas State University. In this episode Coach Geopfert gives his thoughts on what it takes to build a championship culture. We discuss the differences between working with college athletes, world-class professional athletes, and what the collegiates can learn from the pros!We discuss Kansas State's great success at the recent NCAA Division 1 Indoor National Championships and how they are looking to build on that success. We converse on the college roster limits, the transfer portal, and they affects they have on high school track and field athletes. Coach Geopfert tells us how he knew long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall was going to win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.This is great episode!🎧 Tap in and learn what’s really happening beyond the blocks.Drop a comment:👉 What’s one thing you wish you knew earlier in your track journey?Track and field training, sprint training, athlete development, youth track and field, track and field podcast, coaching philosophy, speed training, high school track, college track recruiting, sports parenting, sprint mechanics, track coaching tips#TrackAndField #SprintTraining #AthleteDevelopment #BeyondTheBlocks #Coaching #YouthSports

Most people see the results…but they don’t know the story behind it. In Episode 6 of Beyond the Blocks, we finally take you behind the curtain. This isn’t just another track & field conversation — this is the real foundation of who we are, what we believe, and why we do this. From coaching our own kids to developing athletes at a high level, we’ve lived every side of this sport — the wins, the mistakes, and the lessons nobody talks about. In this episode, we break down: The truth about our coaching journeys, the biggest mistakes athletes, parents, and coaches keep making, what actually matters for long-term development, the mindset required to reach the next level, and why honesty and real experience are missing in today’s track world. This episode is about clarity, purpose, and real game — no shortcuts.If you’re :✔️ An athlete trying to level up✔️ A parent navigating the process✔️ A coach looking for real insightThis is one you need to hear.🎧 Tap in and learn what’s really happening beyond the blocks. Drop a comment: 👉 What’s one thing you wish you knew earlier in your track journey? Track and field training, sprint training, athlete development, youth track and field, track and field podcast, coaching philosophy, speed training, high school track, college track recruiting, sports parenting, sprint mechanics, track coaching tips#TrackAndField #SprintTraining #AthleteDevelopment #BeyondTheBlocks #Coaching #YouthSports

In Episode 5 of the Beyond The Blocks Podcast, we sit down with James Daniels, Head of Sprints & Hurdles – High Performance for the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation (NSAF) and the NIKE ELITE program. James shares valuable insights into the development of elite sprinters and hurdlers and pulls back the curtain on how high-level athletes are built over time. In this episode we discuss:• How elite athletes structure training cycles throughout the year.• Common mistakes coaches, parents, and athletes make in the development process.• Why some youth prep phenoms struggle to keep improving in college.• What separates athletes who continue progressing from those who plateau.• The selection process and philosophy behind the Nike Elite program.Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or parent, this conversation provides practical insight into long-term athlete development and what it truly takes to succeed at the highest levels of track & field.🎙 Episode 5 – James DanielsHead of Sprints & Hurdles – High Performance👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with elite coaches, athletes, and leaders in track & field.#trackandfield #sprint #hurdles #athletics #athleticdevelopment #speed #trackcoach #beyondtheblockspodcast

On episode 4 of Beyond the Blocks we’re breaking down one of the most important pathways in youth track & field:How do athletes get selected for the NSAF Nike Elite Program — and what does it take to become an elite jumper? We cover:⚡ The full NSAF Nike Elite selection process📝 What coaches look for in top jumpers📈 How athletes can stand out nationally🏆 The mindset and habits of true elite performersWe’re joined by Macka Jones, NSAF Jumps Program Manager, who gives athletes and parents a rare inside look at what it really takes to reach the next level. If you’re a jumper — or coach jumpers — this is a must‑listen.👇 Drop a comment: What’s the most important skill for elite jumpers — speed, technique, or power?Follow @BeyondTheBlocksPodcast on Instagram and YouTube for:• NCAA Track & Field• High School Track & Field• Speed development• Recruiting insights#TrackAndField #TrackLife #SpeedTraining #HighSchoolTrack #nin #nike #nikeindoornationals #nikeelite #BeyondTheBlocksPodcast

🚨 Texas vs California: Who Has the Faster High School Track Athletes? 🚨In Episode 3 of the Beyond the Blocks Podcast, we dive into one of the biggest debates in high school track & field: Texas vs California. Which state produces the fastest sprinters, strongest relay teams, and deepest distance talent? And which state truly dominates when the best athletes line up head-to-head? This week we break down the matchup as top California programs travel to Texas to compete at the Bluebonnet Invitational, including standout athletes from Servite High School and Rosary Academy taking on elite Texas programs like Duncanville, Shadow Creek, and more. We discuss:🔥 Sprint talent in Texas vs California🔥 Distance running depth in both states🔥 Which state develops the best overall athletes🔥 Key athletes and teams to watch at the Bluebonnet InvitationalIf you love high school track and field, sprinting, recruiting, and national track rankings, this episode is for you.👇 Let us know in the comments who wins the track battle: TEXAS or CALIFORNIA?🎧 Subscribe for weekly track & field content covering:• NCAA Track & Field• High School Track & Field• Recruiting and athlete development• Sprint training and speed development

In Episode 2 of Beyond the Blocks, we preview the NCAA Division 1 Indoor Track & Field Power 4 Conference Championships and break down our predictions for the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, and ACC.Championship season is here, and the team battles are about to take center stage.In this episode, we discuss:🔥 Why we believe Illinois women win the Big Ten🔥 Why Georgia women take the SEC title🔥 Texas Tech sweeping the Big 12 (men & women)🔥 Clemson winning both men’s and women’s titles in the ACCWe analyze scoring depth, sprint dominance, distance firepower, field event impact, and how team strategy plays out in championship settings. If you follow NCAA track and field, college track predictions, or conference championship previews — this episode is for you.We cover:• NCAA Division 1 Indoor Track and Field• Big Ten Indoor Championships• SEC Indoor Championships• Big 12 Indoor Championships• ACC Indoor Championships• Team scoring projections• Sprint, distance & field event matchups• Championship strategySubscribe for weekly NCAA track and field analysis, speed development insights, and recruiting conversations.Drop your predictions in the comments — who wins each conference?#NCAATrackAndField #IndoorTrack #BigTenTrack #SECTrack #Big12Track #ACCTrack #CollegeTrack #TrackAndField #NCAAPreview #BeyondTheBlocks

Episode 1 | Should Football Players Run Track? The Truth About Speed Development, 7-on-7 & RecruitingWelcome to the very first episode of Beyond the Blocks — the Track & Field Podcast where we break down speed training, athlete development, recruiting, and what really makes athletes faster. In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest debates in high school sports: Should football players run track in the spring… or focus on 7-on-7 tournaments and weight room training? Across the country, many football coaches and athletic directors are encouraging athletes to skip track & field for spring football, 7-on-7 exposure camps, and year-round lifting programs. But is that actually the best way to improve speed, explosiveness, acceleration, and overall athletic performance? We break down: Why track and field is one of the best ways to develop real speed and top-end velocityThe difference between football conditioning and true sprint mechanics trainingHow sprint training improves acceleration, change of direction, and on-field explosivenessThe pros and cons of 7-on-7 football vs. track seasonWhy multi-sport athletes often outperform single-sport athletesHow high school athletes can use social media for recruiting exposureTips for building a recruiting profile on Twitter/X, Instagram, and HudlWhat college coaches actually look for in speed and athletic developmentIf you’re a high school football player trying to get faster, a track athlete looking to improve explosiveness, a parent navigating recruiting, or a coach building a speed development program — this episode is for you. We’re talking speed training, sprint mechanics, strength and conditioning, recruiting strategy, athlete branding, and long-term development.🚨 Speed kills. Exposure matters. Development wins. Subscribe for weekly content on:Track and field trainingSpeed developmentSprint techniqueExplosive power trainingHigh school recruiting tipsMulti-sport athlete developmentAthlete Development tips for parentsWelcome to Beyond the Blocks!