The On Track & Field Podcast!

Cody Hughes, a high school strength and conditioning coach and founder of CLH Strength, shares his insights on athlete development. He emphasizes the importance of teaching movement patterns before adding weight, ensuring young athletes build a solid foundation. Cody discusses collaboration among coaches to create effective training systems and addresses how to manage athlete back pain while maintaining training regimens. He also highlights the innovative Farm and Forge Project and explains how using tools like the 1080 can uncover critical performance deficits.

Navy Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Jamie Cook joins us on this week's On Track & Field podcast. From building a championship culture at Annapolis to his time coaching at Oregon and Penn, Jamie shares insights on leadership, developing athletes, and what it takes to keep a program competing at the highest level.

We’re joined by Chris Bradford, Head Track & Field Coach at Cal Poly Pomona. From recruiting philosophies to training strategies, Coach Bradford shares insights into building a championship culture, developing athletes at the Division II level, and how his program continues to compete on the national stage.

Curtis Taylor is the Associate Head Coach at Oregon, leading the Ducks’ sprinters, hurdlers, and relays. Since 2013, he’s coached NCAA champions and record-breakers like Micah Williams and Kemba Nelson. A former Laney College head coach, Taylor is a multiple-time USTFCCCA National Assistant Coach of the Year, known for building one of the nation’s top sprint programs.

This week we welcome Richard Anderson, head coach at Vestavia Hills High School in Alabama and the newly named 2025 USTFCCCA National High School Boys Track & Field Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, the Rebels captured their first state championship since 2021, taking down powerhouse rivals. Coach Anderson joins us to share the culture he’s built, the lessons learned along the way, and what it means to lead a program to the top.

Alisa Seymour is the head coach at Collierville High School in Tennessee, and was just named the USTFCCCA National High School Girls Coach of the Year - the first coach from Tennessee to ever earn that honor. Under her leadership, the Lady Dragons have gone back-to-back as state champs, racking up a dominant 155 points at this year’s meet. She’ll officially be recognized at the USTFCCCA Convention in December, but we’re giving her props now.

Dr. Jeff Messer, holds a Ph.D. in exercise physiology and is one of the sharpest minds in distance coaching. He breaks down his science-backed approach to aerobic development, racing less, and building long-term success through consistency, not shortcuts.Listen now and learn why the process is the priority.

Speed coach Chris Korfist, with decades of experience in sprint mechanics and athlete development, shares his insights on performance. He discusses the ideal warm-up routines tailored to individual athletes and the surprising role of simple sugars like gummy bears in boosting energy during competitions. Chris also warns against oversimplified drills seen online and emphasizes using reflective practices to enhance coaching. Plus, learn about the importance of acceleration training and the effective use of innovative tools like the 1080 machine.

Brady Holmer is a researcher and science writer with a Master’s in Human Performance from the University of Florida. Based in Austin, he writes a popular Substack covering health, nutrition, and exercise. In this episode, Brady shares insights on optimizing human performance and making science practical for everyday life.

Mike Smith is the head coach of the Arizona Flames Track Club, specializing in developing elite hurdlers. Under his leadership, athletes like James Smith II and Vance Nilsson have broken national records and qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials. Known for his passion, precision, and commitment to excellence, Smith has become one of Arizona’s top hurdle coaches.