25 episodes
All The Miles Mattered Neil Amato
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- Sports
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4.7 • 29 Ratings
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The coach who created a Florida distance-running dynasty, the rise of a friendly rival, and the fleet-footed antagonist who flamed out too fast.
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Track Tribute, Reunion Reminiscing
Welcome to the start of Season 2 of All The Miles Mattered. This is as close to a news episode as you’re going to get for a story 50 years in the making. Last month, at halftime of a Largo High School football game, the track at the stadium got a new name and also a familiar name.It was the first of two nights honoring Coach Brent Haley. Come along for the run!
Sound:Turn3 ProductionsLargo High School PAMusic:Mini Vandals (Out On My Skateboard)BK Productions -
Out There With My Brothers
Chris Palmer, a 1984 Largo graduate, was part of three cross country state titles for the Packers in the early 1980s. This episode features Palmer's talk at the start of the Sept. 15 reunion of Largo runners, which came one night after the track at Largo was named for Coach Brent Haley. Special thanks to Largo's Mike Fowler for the audio.
Music: Is This Really Happening (Track Tribe) -
Chasing 15: A closer look at 1983 Largo
This episode of All The Miles Mattered, the third of Season 2 and the 22nd if you count the trailer, has a lot of familiar voices in the story of Largo, Leto and the challengers to those programs’ dominance in cross country. It also has a new one, from a challenger the dominant 1983 Largo team never saw. It’s a voice from 2,000 miles away, a coach who expected maximum effort from his runners.The episode also takes a deeper look at just how good the Packers were, how that famous five-across photo came about, and how the returning Largo runners dealt with a new teammate.Come along for the run!Music: Mini Vandals (Out On My Skateboard, Inconsciousness), Bob Bedell (acoustic version of Video Killed The Radio Star)
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Belen’s book not yet finished
Belen Jesuit in Miami has won more FHSAA boys cross country state championships than any program. This weekend, Belen goes for the 15th title in program history. Coach Frankie Ruiz's team has its sights on other championships, as it will run at least one other race after the 3A state meet on Friday, Nov. 17 in Tallahassee. In this episode of All The Miles Mattered, Ruiz talks history, his call to Coach Brent Haley in 2019, his runners' quest for 15, and more.
Music: Mini Vandals, Out On My Skateboard -
November 1980: The Letter
In early 1979, Mark Altimari didn't know much about Largo cross country. His family had moved recently from suburban Philadelphia to Tampa, and he was a confessed "wrestling dummy" at his new school, Leto High. Then, he met Leto coach Bobby Ennis, "the first adult to truly believe in me," Altimari said. He soon learned more about the rival Packers and more about cross country, and then more about the work it would take to take down Largo. The events of fall 1980 on cross country courses in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties didn't end Altimari's interaction with Largo. Instead, a letter created a lifelong bond. This episode of All The Miles Mattered goes in-depth on the mail sent to Altimari after the state meet in 1980, which in 4A boys competition was decided by 3 points.
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Boston Marathon 2024 Special
The Boston Marathon is a big deal. It's this weekend. And we found Leto and Largo runners who competed in the prestigious spring race (they aren't the only ones). So, the alternate title could be ATMM Goes to Boston. Hear the words (occasionally of the four-letter variety) from John Brennan (Largo Class of 84) and Matt Heiser (Leto Class of 85). Thanks for coming along for the run!Music credits: "Out on my Skateboard", Mini Vandals; "Is This Really Happening," TrackTribe
Customer Reviews
My kinship with Largo
Great stories of sacrifice, hard work, competitiveness and dedication. While I proudly competed for Winter Haven and was very fortunate to have a great coach my Junior and Senior year, A.L. (Buck) Dawson, I always felt a strong kinship with Coach Haley and the Largo crew, and especially Basil Magee. To say your competitors and mentors have a strong influence on your life and success is an understatement. Those who knew me well, knew that I was not a good loser, cocky, arrogant and prone to fits of rage if things were not going well; I was just a spoiled brat. (Largo grad and my teammate at Florida, Bart Sellers will probably attest to my poor behavior at times.)
However, when I competed against Largo and specifically against Basil, it’s almost as if I was competing for Coach Haley. And if you know Coach Haley, I believe he had a low-tolerance for prima-donnas.
Coach Haley along with Coach Dawson brought out the best sportsmanship traits in me. And judging from the legacy Coach Haley has built at Largo, the athletes he mentored have been served well through his guidance, discipline and heart-felt love.
Regardless of the result, it was an honor and privilege to compete against Largo, and especially Basil.
Another excellent podcast by Neil Amato
I’m lucky enough to know Neil, and his passion for running just makes All the Miles Mattered extra special. A great podcast that grabs you from opening intro. With every episode about 15 minutes (listen to find out why!) everyone has time to listen to this great story.
Band of Brothers
Thank you Neil for telling the story that constructed the positive and solid foundation for many young mens lives. The role that Coach Bobby Ennis played in molding many of the finest young men who later became leaders in our communities, business and the military is paramount to sainthood. It was through Coach Brent Haley’s mentorship, professionalism and passion for sportsmanship that was generously passed along to Coach Ennis that saw the LRR program become a success; for this I’m eternally grateful to Coach Ennis, Coach Haley and both my “Brothers of the LRR and the Pack” . Eric Adams class of 84.