Talkin' G-MAC

Great Midwest Digital Network/Katie Gilhooly

Talkin' G-MAC is a college sports podcast for the G-MAC by the G-MAC. Each episode, host Katie Gilhooly takes a deeper dive into all the current news surrounding the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, NCAA Division II and beyond. The Talkin' G-MAC podcast is your one-stop shop for all things G-MAC.

  1. FEB 25

    Episode 312: Dominic Giacona, Great Midwest SAAC Chair

    Episode 312 of the Talkin’ G-MAC Podcast, hosted by Katie Gilhooly, shines a spotlight on student-athlete leadership with guest Dominic Giacona, the newly elected GMAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Chair and president of Tiffin University’s campus SAAC. In the episode, Giacona reflects on his journey to becoming conference chair after being elected at the league’s annual SAAC Summit in Columbus. He discusses the responsibilities of the role, including leading discussions on NCAA legislative proposals and ensuring student-athlete voices are heard at both the conference and national levels. From breaking down complex proposals into understandable terms to gathering feedback from teams across campus, Giacona emphasizes the importance of representation and advocacy within Division II governance. The conversation also explores Tiffin’s strong commitment to community engagement. Giacona highlights initiatives such as reading programs at local elementary schools and free leaf-raking services for community members, underscoring the effort to bridge the gap between campus and community. He shares how SAAC involvement has helped foster relationships across teams and build a more unified athletic department. Beyond leadership, Giacona reflects on his experience as a member of Tiffin’s men’s lacrosse program, which he helped build from the ground up as part of the program’s inaugural class. He discusses the growth of lacrosse at the collegiate level, the challenges of launching a new team, and the pride that comes with laying a foundation for future success. Episode 312 offers listeners an inside look at the impact of student-athlete leadership, the value of community service, and the growth of emerging programs within the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.

    23 min
  2. JAN 22

    Episode 309: Sophia Rosa and Josh Ruiz; NCAA Award of Excellence

    Episode 309 of the Talkin’ G-MAC Podcast, hosted by Katie Gilhooly, features two guests from Walsh University as the Cavaliers reflect on their recent recognition at the NCAA Convention. The episode includes conversations with Sophia Rosa, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee president at Walsh, and Josh Ruiz, coordinator of veteran affairs, highlighting the university’s Award of Excellence for its Salute to Service efforts. Rosa discusses Walsh’s Cav Salute Initiative, a comprehensive community service project designed to honor veterans through campus-wide engagement. She shares how 100 percent participation from all athletic teams, along with strong support from coaches and administrators, helped make the initiative a success. From student-athletes wearing patches to honor veterans, to events such as a Patriot Day home run derby that raised funds and awareness, Rosa emphasizes the pride student-athletes feel in being part of something with lasting impact. Ruiz, a Marine Corps veteran, provides perspective on the significance of the Salute to Service initiative and its importance for both veterans and the broader campus community. He reflects on the role education and awareness play in helping students better understand military service, as well as the value of collaboration across departments to support veterans and their families. Ruiz also highlights events focused on mental health and suicide awareness, underscoring the meaningful reach of Walsh’s efforts.

    38 min
  3. 12/11/2025

    Episode 308: AD Corner - Chris Cross, Cedarville University

    Episode 308 of the Talkin’ G-MAC Podcast, hosted by Katie Gilhooly, features a conversation with Chris Cross, Vice President of Athletics at Cedarville University. The episode explores Cedarville’s deep commitment to academic excellence, its distinct mission, and the university’s approach to balancing competitive athletics with faith-driven education. Cross reflects on his professional journey, beginning in athletic training before transitioning into compliance and ultimately into athletic leadership. He highlights how relationships, integrity, and mission-centered decision-making have shaped his path and continue to guide Cedarville’s athletic department. Throughout the conversation, Cross emphasizes the university’s longstanding academic achievements — including receiving the NCAA President’s Award for Academic Excellence for 13 consecutive years — and discusses how culture, intentional hiring, and the integration of faith play a crucial role in the success of Cedarville’s student-athletes. He also shares insights on the continuing growth of the GMAC, rising competitiveness across the conference, and the importance of preparing athletes to represent Christ well in all areas of life. The episode concludes with a look at the exciting developments happening on Cedarville’s campus, from new construction projects to record student enrollment, reflecting a period of momentum and growth for the university.

    34 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Talkin' G-MAC is a college sports podcast for the G-MAC by the G-MAC. Each episode, host Katie Gilhooly takes a deeper dive into all the current news surrounding the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, NCAA Division II and beyond. The Talkin' G-MAC podcast is your one-stop shop for all things G-MAC.