The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast

What would make a coach walk away from nearly unmatched success to start again with nothing?

After winning 25 state championships at Centennial High School, Roy Session could have comfortably finished his career as one of Nevada’s most accomplished coaches. Instead, the retired fire chief accepted an entirely new challenge: building Nevada State University’s track and field program from the ground up.

In this episode, Roy shares his remarkable journey from growing up in West Las Vegas and discovering that track could take him to college, to serving 30 years in the fire department, building a youth club, creating a high school dynasty, and giving Nevada athletes a new opportunity to compete at the collegiate level.

🔥 How the fire service shaped Roy’s leadership philosophy

🏆 What it took to win 25 high school state championships

🤝 Why empowering assistant coaches produces stronger programs

🦂 The challenge of building Nevada State track and field from scratch

💪 Why Roy’s teams live by one standard: “We will not be outworked”

❤️ How coaching allows him to give young people opportunities he never imagined for himself

Roy Session doesn’t run from difficult challenges—he finds purpose in them. Press play and meet a coach whose humility, competitiveness, and commitment to serving others have changed countless lives.

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 Instagram (@MikeCunninghamTF), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍