Road to the State Chip: The IESA State Meet Predictions

Pace, Purpose, and Perseverance: A Conversation with Coach Desmond Dunham

In this episode of Beyond The Finish Line, host Brayden Domont sits down with legendary coach, educator, and author Desmond Dunham — one of the nation’s most respected youth and high school track coaches. From humble beginnings to national championships, Coach Dunham shares his journey of perseverance, mentorship, and purpose. Together, they explore what it truly means to develop young athletes beyond their physical abilities — teaching resilience, discipline, and character both on and off the track. Coach Dunham opens up about his coaching philosophy, the lessons behind his success, and how he empowers students to “run their own race” in life. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, educator, or someone striving to reach your own finish line, this conversation will leave you inspired to push past limits and pursue excellence with purpose.

From State Champion to Dixon Distance: The Rise of Jacob Calvario

Welcome back to Beyond The Finish Line, Powered By the Illinois Running News Podcast Network! the show where we dive into the stories, grit, and mindset behind young athletes chasing greatness—on and off the track. I’m your host, Brayden Domont, and today we’re celebrating a big win. Just last Saturday, this guy took home the title at the IESA Middle School 2-Mile State Championship—finishing his season on the highest possible note. He’s not slowing down anytime soon, though. This postseason, he’s joining the infamous Dixon Distance Team for the USATF cross country circuit—taking his talents to an even bigger stage. Please welcome the new state champion himself, Jacob Calvario! We’ll talk about his journey to the top, what it took to win that state title, and how he’s preparing for the next challenge ahead. So lace up, settle in, and let’s go Beyond The Finish Line.

Lawrenz vs. Pfoutz: The Showdown at State

Welcome back to The Beyond The Finish Line Show — the place where the course meets the conversation. I’m your host, Brayden Domont, and today… we’re doing something special. The stakes? Huge. The tension? Real. The race? Just days away. This Saturday, two of the top cross country runners in the state — Bentlee Lawrenz and Lucas Pfoutz — will line up at the starting line with one goal: a state championship. But before the gun goes off, they’re both here — together — for an exclusive, unfiltered conversation. No coaches. No teammates. Just two rivals, face-to-face… with everything on the line. We’re talking training. Race strategy. Mental toughness. And yes — how they see each other heading into what could be the most important 2 Mile of their middle school careers. Whether you're a runner, a coach, or just here for the drama — buckle up. This is Lawrenz vs. Pfoutz: The Showdown at State. Let’s get into it.

Road To The State Chip: The IESA Girls State Breakdown

Today, join us as we break down the IESA Middle School Girls season so far — highlighting standout performances, surprises from the sectional meets this past weekend, and what to watch for at next week’s State Championship. We’ll also take our picks for who we think will win the individual races and team titles. It’s been a big year for Illinois Girls Distance Running, with some athletes even eyeing the sub‑11‑minute barrier… Stay tuned for all the action at this weekend’s state championship!

Road to the State Chip: The IESA State Meet Predictions

Today, join along as we break down the IESA Middle School season so far and what we can learn from the sectional meets this weekend and what to expect for the State Championship next week. A big year for Illinois Distance Running with even some running claiming they can break the 10-minute barrier... Stay Tuned for this weekends state championship.