The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

What happens when a program built over five decades gets handed—quite literally—from father to son?

In this special father–son edition of the Gill Connections Podcast, longtime UW–Stevens Point legend Rick Whitt and current head coach Brett Whitt sit down together to share one of the most unique coaching journeys you’ll ever hear.

From handwritten recruiting letters sent to his own son, to navigating health scares, career pivots, Division I vs. Division III realities, and ultimately a seamless leadership transition—this episode is about far more than track & field.

It’s about family, trust, patience, and doing things the right way.

🟣 Episode highlights include:

🏃‍♂️ How Rick went from wrestling against Dan Gable to a 50-year coaching career

📬 The handwritten recruiting letter Rick mailed to Brett—like any other recruit

🎥 Why Brett abandoned dreams of ESPN to pursue coaching instead

🧠 Coaching education: then vs. now, formal vs. informal

❤️ A health scare that reshaped leadership, legacy, and perspective

🔄 The rare and healthy transition from coach → colleague → father working alongside son

🟡 Why Division III—and the WIAC in particular—keeps producing national contenders

🏟️ What excites them most about the future of UW–Stevens Point Track & Field

This conversation is honest, funny, emotional, and deeply human—exactly what coaching really looks like behind the results sheet.

“Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” — Rick Whitt

If you care about coaching longevity, mentorship, leadership transitions, or simply doing right by people—this episode is for you.

🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into over 350 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 for your listening pleasure.

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