#313: Chad Blank-Clarinda (IA) High School

🎙️ "We Can't Be Great in April and Mediocre in May" – Chad Blank, Clarinda HS (IA)

This week’s guest is more than a coach — he’s a track guy, a school counselor, and a leadership cultivator in small-town Iowa. Meet Chad Blank, head coach at Clarinda High School, who blends rural grit, Mike Tomlin inspiration, and student-centered mentorship to build a team culture that peaks when it matters most.

🔑 In this episode:

🧠 Why leadership must be taught — not just expected

🔥 How Mike Tomlin’s quote “Don’t run away from coaching” reshaped Chad’s program

💡 Coaching in Clarinda: small town, big expectations

🏃‍♂️ From gravel tracks to national coaching impact

📈 Why performance in May matters more than medals in April

🎓 How being a school counselor fuels his coaching mindset

📣 Chad’s transition from college athlete to coach after injury — and what it taught him about purpose

💬 “We can't be a great team in April and a mediocre team in May.” — Chad Blank

Whether you coach in a powerhouse program or a town with no Walmart, Chad’s story will inspire you to rethink how you shape your team, your culture, and your own growth as a leader.

🌟 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! 🎧👍