Talking in Ovals

111:08

207. Mike Stahr | ASU & Georgetown Great | Former...

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/09/20

Lyle, Dave and Alex are joined by Mike Stahr and we talk about an array of topics.Mike gives us his spark that made him want to become a runner then takes a walk down memory lane. From high school to professional success, Mike brings up stories that many haven't heard.We then shift to talking about all the fast times over the last few years. What's the true reason behind them? Can it be maintained? We then talk about the health of the sport. Is it in a better place after the World Ultimate

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71:12

206. Craig Segal, Owner of the Outpost Walking and...

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/09/20

Lyle, Dave and Alex are joined by Craig Segal to chat about all of the amazing things he's doing for the running community at the shore.We start off diving into the amazing events he has been putting on. The growth, the talent and the eye catching results from these successful races are something that can't be ignored.Craig has quickly turned the Outpost into a staple in the running community. From being a local runner to now being a major supporter, he continues to give back in a major way. You

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104:14

205. 2026 NJ XC Preview with Corey Annan & Bakari Tice

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/09/05

Lyle, Dave and Alex are joined by Corey Annan and Bakari Tice as we get set for another New Jersey high school XC season! We go over who we think will be the best for the boys and girls individually and team wise. We also cover and dark horses and potential breakout stars! It's going to be another great show with the experts. If you want the skinny on this upcoming season, you don't want to miss it.Make sure you like and follow the show!

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77:50

204. John Grady | Track and Field Super Fan & 25+...

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/09/05

Lyle, Dave and Alex are joined by John Grady, Distance Coach at Bishop Eustace Prep, and we cover wide range of topics.We start by finding out his spark for becoming a runner. We take a look at his memories and how is shaped him into the fan he is today. We then jump into his fandom and talk about the myriad of meets he's been to. He compares and contrasts the differences in the sport from Europe to America. Lastly, we get his opinion on the state of the sport. Are we in good shape? What can we

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94:11

203. Bobby Papazian | Former Gill St. Bernards...

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/08/19

In Episode 203 of Talking in Ovals, former competitive runner, reluctant lawyer, and youth track coach Bobby Papazian joins us to share the spark that ignited his athletics journey, standout memories from his career, insights from witnessing Mary Cain’s rise (including the people and dynamics around her), and his take on the health of the sport today along with the changes shaping it.Bobby Papazian: https://www.instagram.com/bobbyppz

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81:17

202. Ben Andrus | From Near-Death Heart Scare to Penn...

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/08/19

Episode 202 of Talking in Ovals brings Lyle, Dave and Alex together with Ben Andrus, the standout distance runner who just wrapped an unforgettable career at Haddonfield Memorial High School. From the moment the fire first lit in him to chase the clock and the pack, Ben has collected memories that stretch across seasons of breakthroughs, team glory, and personal grit. We dig into those early sparks and the moments that still stick with him, then turn to what it really felt like balancing individual

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189:20

201. The Best 250 NJ XC/TF Athletes of All-Time |...

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/08/19

Welcome to Episode 201 of Talking in Ovals with your hosts Lyle Smith, Dave Hyatt, and Alex Cuesta.In this episode, we are joined by legendary sports writer Jim Lambert and NJ running legend Andy Martin for a deep dive into one of the most ambitious New Jersey track and field projects ever published.We break down Jim Lambert's recent article for NJ MileSplit, where he ranked the top 250 New Jersey Cross Country and Track & Field athletes of all-time, featuring 125 boys and 125 girls.Together, we

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131:41

200. Celebrating 200 Episodes of Talking in Ovals!

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/08/04

Episode 200 of Talking in Ovals is here!We’re celebrating a massive milestone: 200 episodes of conversations about track, field, and everything in the world of athletics with Lyle Smith, Dave Hyatt and Alex Cuesta!In this special episode we kick things off with a full roundup and our honest takes on the 2026 USATF Outdoor Nationals (held at Icahn Stadium in New York). The performances, the storylines, the surprises, and what it all means heading into the rest of the season.Then we dig into the

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105:11

199. Ray Hoffman | Head Men's and Women's XC/Track &...

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/07/26

In this episode, we break down the electric Kerr Mile Record performance l, our full reaction to the historic run, whether any current competitors can re-break it soon, smart marketing angles to sell the story (and the shoe), plus highlights from the other standout races at the meet.We also sit down with Kutztown Coach Ray Hoffman for an inside look at the his journey: the spark that ignites a passion for running, and the unforgettable memories that shape a career from the early days to now.Plus, a

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97:22

198. Special Announcement | Kerr Record Attempt | And...

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/07/16

We have a special announcement right off the top to lead the show! This will change the show forever in the best way.The we talk about the mile record attempt by Josh Kerr and much more! Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the show!

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85:10

197. Stella Blanchard | Wilberforce XC and Track...

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/07/03

Join us as we sit down with Stella Blanchard, Wilberforce XC and Track standout, NJ MOC Runner-Up in the 800, national finalist, and All-American. Stella takes us through her athletic journey, from the moment she caught the running spark to the unforgettable memories that have shaped her path so far.We discuss her breakout year on the rise, the key changes in training, mindset, nutrition, and sleep that fueled her big improvements, and how she’s handling the extra national spotlight that comes with

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133:03

196. NJ MOCs and Nationals Wrap-up with Jim Lambert,...

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/06/28

On this episode, we’re joined by Jim Lambert of NJ MileSplit and Corey Annan and Bakari Tice of NJ.com for a deep dive into the current state of high school and college track and field.We start with the new NCAA age rule. What are their first impressions? Will it actually fix anything? And what other changes would they like to see?Then we break down the NJ Meet of Champions: the biggest surprises, the standout performances, and the underclassmen everyone should be watching next season.Finally, we

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50:01

195. Summer Wilson | Irvine HS Standout, National...

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/06/12

In this episode, we sit down with Summer Wilson, Irvine HS national standout, national record holder, California State Champion, and Duke commit. Summer shares her athletic journey, from the spark that turned her into a runner to the standout memories that have defined her career so far.We talk about the intense California gauntlet: the benefits of competing in one of the toughest states in the country, balancing state titles with national goals, and how those grueling races have prepped her for

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82:36

194. Dave Alfano | Trials of Miles Racing, Enhanced...

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/06/12

We sit down with Dave Alfano, co-founder and co-owner of Trials of Miles, to talk about what it has been like scaling the company, running more events, and how big he sees it growing in the future.We also dive into the controversial Enhanced Games. What does Dave think of them? Will they ever become huge, and should athletes who compete in them still be allowed back in the Olympics?Plus, we discuss the wild talent coming out of high school track right now, whether Team USA will dominate again this

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65:44

193. James Logan | From Stage 4 Cancer to IRONMAN

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/05/27

In this powerful episode of Talking in Ovals, we sit down with James Logan, IRONMAN triathlete, endurance beast, and Stage 4 cancer survivor who refuses to slow down.James opens up about the spark that turned him into a runner, his greatest memories on the track and roads, and how a devastating cancer diagnosis rocked his world and his family’s. But instead of giving up, he doubled down; adjusting his training, mindset, and life to keep chasing miles and podiums.We dive deep into his inspiring book

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60:48

192. Alexandra Klein & Coach Jack Tarpey | Small...

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/05/26

In this episode, we sit down with Alexandra Klein, Shore Regional’s standout junior distance runner, and her coach Jack Tarpey to talk about what it really takes to build a successful program at a smaller school.We dive into Alexandra’s journey, from the moment she caught the running bug to the highs and memories that have shaped her so far. We also explore how small-school athletes often compete with a serious chip on their shoulder, the power of team culture, and what it takes to thrive when

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98:38

191. Austin Willis | Assistant Coach at Montclair...

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/05/14

Dave and Alex welcome Austin Willis on the show and he shares his athletics journey and expert jumps coaching advice.We cover:- Long Jump vs Triple Jump training differences- What makes a great jumper- Tips for jumpers who are struggling- How sprinter-jumpers should balance their training split- Handling pushback from sprints coachesPerfect for high school athletes, jumpers, and track coaches looking to improve.If you want better jumps, smarter training, and real coaching insights, watch now!#Track

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78:23

190. Karl Torchia – CBA Track & Field Legend |...

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/05/06

In this episode, we sit down with Karl Torchia, Head Track & Field Coach at Christian Brothers Academy and one of the most respected coaches in the sport. With decades of experience building championship programs, Karl shares his journey from the spark that ignited his passion for athletics to the unforgettable memories that shaped his legendary career.We dive into:- The secrets behind CBA’s remarkable longevity and sustained success- How the program has adapted to the rapidly evolving landscape

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57:47

189. Ace Etienne | Senior Sprinter & Jumper at...

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/04/29

In this episode, we sit down with standout senior athlete Ace Etienne and his coaches Michaela Read and Evan Kainer from Manasquan High School. Ace opens up about his journey from the spark that ignited his love for sprinting and jumping, to his favorite memories on the track.He also shares a raw and honest look at overcoming a significant injury — the physical rehab, the tougher mental battle, and why a strong support system is everything when returning to competition.Finally, Ace discusses his

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91:53

188. Jim Lambert l Penn Relays Day 1 Recap + NJ Track...

Talking in Ovals ·

2026/04/24

Joining us is Jim Lambert, Senior Writer for NJ MileSplit, for a deep dive into the biggest stories in New Jersey high school track & field!In this episode:- Penn Relays Day 1 recap: how it went and which NJ athletes are shining brightest- Indoor season wrap-up: biggest reactions, surprises, and standout performances- Outdoor season preview: athletes to watch and early favorites for the Meet of ChampionsIf you’re a track fan in NJ or beyond, this is a must-watch for all the latest insights

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