The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

Tamario Lattin didn’t grow up dreaming of being a track athlete… let alone a coach.

In fact, he almost quit the sport before it even started.

But one decision in high school changed everything—taking him from a late-start high jumper… to a back-to-back Louisiana state champion… to now shaping athletes at Grambling State.

This one is real. It’s about growth, maturity, and figuring it out the hard way.

🔑 In this episode, Tamario shares:

🏃‍♂️ How he went from jumping 5’10” to state champion in ONE year

🧠 Why he didn’t “study” track—and how that actually helped him

🎓 The reality check of going from HS star to 8th place at conference in college

⚠️ His turning point with academic probation

🔄 How multiple college coaches shaped his coaching philosophy today

🎯 What he looks for now when recruiting athletes (and what recruits get wrong)

“I was just happy to be there… until I realized this was a whole different level.” — Tamario Latin

This episode is a reminder:

👉 Talent gets you started

👉 Perspective keeps you going

👉 And growth… that comes through adversity

🌟Explore Our Library: Dive into over 350 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such asBoo 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 ownGill1918 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 onTwitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍