You’ve heard the rumors about IMG Academy—now get the real story from inside the program.
In this episode of Gil Connections, host Mike Cunningham sits down with TJ Lawson, Assistant Director of Track & Field at IMG Academy, to break down what it actually takes to build a championship-level track program. From athlete development and culture to recruiting, combined events, and hosting a national meet—this one goes deep.
If you’re a coach, parent, athlete, or track fan who loves behind-the-scenes insight, this episode is packed.
💥 In this conversation:
🏁 Growing up in TrackTown USA (Eugene) and barefoot racing at Hayward
🧱 Being a coach’s kid—and why hands-off parenting mattered
🧩 Why combined events fit multi-sport athletes
🧪 Turning a time trial into a culture-defining moment (the 50s/56s test)
🎓 IMG academics, Ivy League signings, and common misconceptions
🎯 Recruiting truth: why many athletes miss scholarships by choosing the wrong event
🥇 Under Armour National High School Championships—why the date works and what makes it different
🎤 Meet production: DJs, hype, livestreams, and making field events feel like the main event
✅ If this episode brings value:
⭐ Leave a rating or review
📩 Share it with a coach who needs new ideas
👉Dive into nearly 400 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 Twitch.tv, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more!
🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode:
Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs Tuesdays through Sundays. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.
📲 Stay Connected:
Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at [email protected], or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍
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