INDIANAPOLIS -- Championships are won on the course and the field—but they’re built through years of hard work, belief and teammates showing up for one another. In Episode 401 of Talkin’ G-MAC, host Katie Gilhooly revisits a championship week with three guests: University of Findlay men’s cross country coach Eric Wymer, Ashland women’s soccer coach Cayleb Paulino, and Findlay men’s soccer player Tom Middleham.

Findlay cross country reaches a program first

For Wymer and Findlay’s men, the G-MAC cross country title marked the first in program history. Wymer described it as the payoff from years of steady progress, and a moment shared with the alumni, families and supporters who helped build the program.The championship also brought the team’s next challenge into focus: carrying that momentum into the postseason while staying committed to the work that got them there.

Ashland responds to adversity

Paulino reflects on Ashland women’s soccer earning its third consecutive tournament title after a season that tested the team in new ways. The group faced its first conference loss in 59 games, then had to regroup and win on the road.For Paulino, the response came down to perseverance, belief and leadership—especially from seniors who stepped up when the team needed them. The title earned Ashland another chance to compete on the national stage.

Findlay men’s soccer wins together

Middleham shares how Findlay’s men’s soccer team turned a sixth seed into a tournament championship. The team took the tournament one game at a time, leaning on a strong group mentality through tough matchups and a demanding run to the final.He describes a squad where every player had a role, starters and substitutes worked for one another, and the team’s bond helped it stay composed through the final minutes.

Episode 401 brings together three perspectives on what it takes to become champions—and the people and perseverance behind each title.

WATCH EPISODE 401