The Gill Athletics Track and Field Connections Podcast7 Heinä 2025

#318: Lewis Edmonson-Hearne (TX) High School

🎙️ From Hurdles to Healing: The Resilient Journey of Lewis Edmonson

In this inspiring episode of the Gill Connections Podcast, we sit down with Lewis Edmonson, head track coach at Hearne High School (TX). From growing up racing his dad in the street to winning conference titles at Prairie View A&M, Lewis shares his deeply personal and powerful journey—one filled with competitive fire, coaching passion, and life-altering experiences.

🔥 In this episode, we explore:

🧠 How a coach’s role extends far beyond the track

🏃‍♂️ Summer track beginnings and a competitive bond with his father

💔 The horrific van crash that left him with a broken neck—and how football unknowingly saved him

🥇 Going undefeated in hurdles and redefining what it means to be a champion

🧱 The importance of fundamentals in coaching, regardless of talent level

🤝 The challenges and rewards of coaching multi-sport athletes in small-town Texas

💬 Why Lewis believes relationships matter more than championships

👟 Getting kids to try track through connection, not punishment

💬 “You can correct the role, but you have to praise the individual.”

— Lewis Edmonson

If you’re a coach, athlete, or just someone who believes in the power of people-first leadership, this episode will move you.

🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ 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 YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.

🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs every Tuesday through Sunday. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.

📲 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! 🎧👍

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