Today we take a look at how the state of New York qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet.

*Fun Fact: New York not only competes in the 400m hurdles, but also in the girls' 2k steeplechase and 3k boys' steeplech

Today we take a look at how the state of New Mexico qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet.

*Fun Fact: New Mexico runs five relays at their state meet; 4x100m, 4x400m, 4x800m, the 'wild west' 4x200m (athletes cut in after the first exchange), and the Sprint Medley Relay (200, 200, 400, 800)!

🎙️ **Gill Connections Podcast: Ep. 258 - Finding Balance with Paul Brueske**

In this revealing episode of Gill Connections, host Mike Cunningham engages with Paul Brueske, the esteemed head coach of the University of South Alabama's track team. 🏃‍♂️🌟

Discover Paul's candid reflections on the intense demands of collegiate coaching, his transition from high school to university level, and the valuable lessons learned along the way about managing a robust athletic program. From mastering recruitment to nurturing athletes, Paul shares the complexities and triumphs of his coaching journey.

📚✨ Highlight of the episode: Paul shares a personal revelation about the importance of life balance, "I was very unbalanced," discussing how his all-consuming focus on coaching led him to explore his passion for the local history of Mobile, Ala. This new interest not only enriched his life but also prevented burnout, offering him a more fulfilling personal and professional existence.

Join us as Paul delves into the challenges and successes of his career, and the surprising joys of connecting with history. Tune in to learn how balance can transform not just personal well-being but also professional success. 🎧💬

🌟 Explore Our Archive: Dive into over 200 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends like Boo Schexnayder of LSU, Diljeet Taylor of BYU, Petros Kyprianou of Illinois, and many more! Find us on YouTube and Apple Podcasts for your listening pleasure.

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

Today we take a look at how the state of New Jersey qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet.

*Fun Fact: Public schools and Parochial schools compete in separate state meets, but join together in the season ending Meet of Champions track meet!

Today we take a look at how the state of New Hampshire qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet.

*Fun Fact: New Hampshire claims to have the country's oldest heptathlon and decathlon meet for HS athletes. Held after the New England Championships, the meet has boasted over 100+ combined event athletes!

Today we take a look at how the state of Nevada qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet.

*Fun Fact: Because of the geography of Nevada, the state meet alternates from the northern part of the state (Reno) to the southern part of the state (Las Vegas) for four out of five classes. The 4A state meet stays exclusively in the southern part of the state because there are no 4A schools in the northern part of Nevada.

Today we take a look at how the state of Nebraska qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet.

*Fun Fact: Nebraska is experimenting with a mixed 4x200m event. They are allowed to contest the event during the regular season, but it's not an official state meet event...yet.

Today we take a look at how the state of Montana qualifies athletes to their outdoor state track and field meet.

*Fun Fact: One 2-day track meets (such as the state meet) athletes are allowed to participate in 5 individual events and 2 relay events!