Utah athletes set high standard for finals at Simplot Games

A wave of Utah trackletes crash into final day
by Caitlyn Lancaster

Pocatello, Idaho- A serious showcase of Utah athletes entertained the Simplot Games crowd in the preliminaries Friday, February 20. Over 60 athletes from Utah raced their way into Saturday’s finals. There are a few athletes set to outshine most on the track including Jeff Daw, a senior from Skyline, who had the second fastest time of the day in the Boys 400-meter dash at 50.12.

“It’s going to be really exciting,” says Daw, looking forward to Saturday’s finals. “I am hoping to make it to the podium this year.”

Other Utah hopefuls include the PG Vikings out of Lindon, who finished fourth in the 4x400 prelims; and Brayden Brunson of the Delta Track Club, who swept through the finish line with the third best 200-meter time of the day.

Candace Eddy is also a podium hopeful in the 1600-meter.

The final day of Simplot Games proves to be a one full of fierce competition, and Utah athletes definitely will bring some fire.

For a complete list of Utah qualifiers visit http://www.simplotgames.com/press.cfm

Candice Eddy leads the pack in her prelim heat at Simplot Games.
photo by Mike Roberts

click photo for high resolution image

Top Idaho high school athletes qualify for event finals at the Simplot Games

National high school track and field event
by Tyler Gibbons

Pocatello, Idaho – After an exceptional day of competition, an abundance of Idaho high school track and field athletes will compete in event finals Saturday at the 31st Annual Simplot Games.

The all-Idaho relays pit teams from all across the state against one another in the boys and girls 4x200-meter event. One of Simplot’s showcase events will determine the fastest bunch of Idahoans.

Geraldo Hiwat and Kasen Covington enter as heavy favorites in the long and triple jump events while their YMCA Team Idaho teammate Sam Nielson is expected to be a major player in the girls’ long jump and triple jump.

“I was feeling good today and tomorrow should go even better,” said Covington. “I’m ready to jump over 50 feet.”

“I’m feeling great and I’m ready to fly,” stated Nielson.

For full list of Idaho qualifiers visit http://www.simplotgames.com/press.cfm

Idaho athletes pictured above: Geraldo Hiwat, Sam Nielson, Kasen Convington
photo by Tyler Gibbons

click photo to view high resolution image

Top athletes set stage for Simplot Games finale

Elite athletes will clash in tomorrow’s finals
by Luc Martin

Pocatello, Idaho – In today’s Simplot Games preliminary competition, Ashton Purvis, a junior from Oakland, California, turned in a stellar performance with an impressive 24.08 in the 200 meters and a 7.52 in the 60 meters. (High-resolution image of Purvis available at www.simplotgamesmedia.blogspot.com)

“I feel good about tomorrow, I can’t wait to see what I can do,” says Purvis about Saturday’s finals.

The Core Speed track club from Los Angeles also showcased their talent by placing three individuals in the top seven of the 200 meters, finishing first in the 4x200 meters, and second in the 4x400 meters.

Other outstanding prelim perfromances and athletes to watch in tomorrow’s finals include –

• Shade Weygandt, a senior from Mansfield, Texas, is the nations #1 girls pole vaulter. She looks to break the national record in Saturday’s finals.
• Omar Craddock from Killen, Texas, will face-off Johnny Carter from Bakersfield, California, in the triple jump.
• Track E.C., of New Bern, North Carolina, will race in the 1600-meter Sprint Medley. This relay team looks to break the 13-year-old national record.
• Candace Eddy, a senior from Kaysville, Utah, will look to add to her impressive Simplot Games resume of two previous 1600 meters first place wins and one runner-up finish.
• A 60-meter-dash showdown between Cameron Marshal from San Jose, California, and Kyle Middlebrooks from Anaheim, California, who both posted prelim-best times of 6.98 seconds.
• he Throw1Deep club from Marietta, Georgia, dominated the weight throw by winning both events and winning 10 of 12 medals. They look to do the same in the shot put.

Ashton Purvis runs in the girls' 200-meter dash at Simplot Games.
photo by Mike Roberts

click photo for high resolution image

Georgia throwers dominate weight throw at Simplot Games

by Caitlyn Lancaster and Tyler Gibbons

Pocatello, Idaho- Throw1Deep, a throwing club from Marietta, Georgia, dominated the winner’s circle in the boys’ and girls’ weight throw at the 31st Simplot Games.

On the girls’ side, Lauren Chambers claimed first place with a distance of 56’ 5 ½”.

“I wanted to break the record, but it’s still a win,” says Chambers, who was aiming for the national record of 61’ 3”.

Davis Fraker claimed the boys’ title with a 71’ 8 ¼” mark as his teammates Nabel Mubarak and Miles Freberg took home second and third.

“I enjoy putting on a show,” confessed Fraker. “We have a fun, great team atmosphere. We cheer each other on and help one another out.”

Lauren Chambers competes in the weight throw at Simplot Games.
photo by Mike Roberts

click photo for high reslolution image

Do sweat the small stuff

Coaches Clinic focuses on the “little things” that optimize performance
by Jason Bohne

After a coaching career that includes 26 state champions, multiple national titles and world records, and service as the 2004 U.S. Paralympic Track and Field coach, Bryan Hoddle is a believer in sweating over the small stuff.

“There are a lot of simple techniques a coach can use to help their athletes improve and to keep injuries down,” Hoddle says. “It’s the little things that separate a champion from others.”

Hoddle will share his approach to maximizing athletic performance at the 2009 Simplot Games Coaching Clinic on Friday, February 19, at 7 p.m., at the Red Lion Inn.

Along with instruction on workout plans, muscle development, and mental preparedness, Hoddle will focus on small but critical actions: body alignment, adequate rest, and proper sequencing of workout activities to maximize performance.

While Hoddle has enjoyed great success coaching at the high school level, he is best known for his work with Paralympic athletes, including Tony Volpentest (the 1996 100- and 200-meter gold medalist) and Marlon Shirley (100-meter gold medalist at the 2000 and 2004 Games and triple world record holder). This experience gives him a unique perspective on coaching able-bodied athletes.

“My work with amputees really made me look at the importance performance analysis and correct body alignment,” Hoddle says. “I’ve taken my discoveries from coaching amputees and now apply them to able-bodied runners.”

Following the 2004 Paralympics, Hoddle began training another group of superior athletes: U.S. soldiers wounded in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, first at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and then at the Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham, Alabama.

“Sometimes in athletics we forget who the real heroes are,” Hoddle says. “In a day and age with cheating and steroids in sports, and poor sportsmanship at the highest level, we have young men and women who chose to serve their country and were then dealt a serious blow, yet they come out in sport to inspire all of us.”

Hoddle’s involvement with Simplot Games began in 1996, when he attended as a high school coach. For the last several years he has been a meet announcer, combining his knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport with his booming voice. On the meet’s final day, his is the voice announcing all the Games medalists.

“Simplot Games has had more impact on me than any other track meet – greater even than the Paralympics” he says. “The atmosphere here changes lives. The town really puts its arms around you and makes you feel welcome. You have great competition in a great facility on a great track – a really fast great track. And you get to walk around and shake hands with some of the greatest Olympians ever.”

Hoddle led the 2002 Coaches Clinic and returns for an encore with 20+ pages of handouts, video analysis, and live demonstration with former University of Oregon standout Jenny Brogdon, a high jumper training with Hoddle for the 2012 Olympics.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have some great mentors who have really had an impact on my coaching, men like Tony Wells, Tony Veney, Dan Pfaff, and Loren Seagrave,” Hoddle says. “That’s my goal, to help other coaches the way these great coaches have helped me.”

For more information on the Coaches Clinic visit the following link:
http://www.simplotgames.com/coaches.cfm

photo provided courtesy of Bryan Hoddle

Idaho track-star excited about Simplot Games

Nicole Nielsen will be giving it her all on the track
by Caitlyn Lancaster

Pocatello, Idaho – Nicole Nielsen, a 17 year-old senior from Boise’s Borah High School, is no stranger to success in track and field. She has already participated in Simplot Games, and has claimed several state championship titles as well.

One might assume that over 2,000 competing athletes would intimidate a small-town girl, but not Nielsen; she sees the many participants as a strong competitive prospect.

“I am really excited; it is an amazing opportunity to see all the talented athletes,” says Nielsen.

As a sophomore and junior she won Idaho state titles at 1600- and 3200 meters. In cross-country, she placed second at the Idaho state meet during her sophomore and junior years.

Nielsen was named Idaho Gatorade Athlete of the Year for cross country last year and was Gatorade Athlete of the Year her sophomore and junior years for track, too. Among those accomplishments, Nielsen also ran her way to the Foot Locker Nationals and Nike Nationals last year.

“I never realized how much time and dedication it takes to be able to perform at the best of my ability,” says Nielsen. “It’s not just running, it’s sticking to goals.”

Nielsen is an extremely motivated athlete, and is constantly pushing herself on and off the track.

“I try to be involved with service projects in Key Club, and I love to play the piano,” says Nielsen, who frequently takes part in piano festivals.

She is a firm believer in setting goals, and is always raising the bar of dedication to further her ability. Simplot Games has given this competitor the chance to do that.

“I want to feel good about my races,” says Nielsen. “I want to push myself the hardest I can. I will give it all I have.”

Hard work, dedication, and talent define many athletes, especially this Boise track star. Nicole Nielsen has proven to be a twister of track talent, and will definitely be a force to be reckoned with at Simplot Games.

Olympians host feast

Former track stars host pasta bar and hold Q&A session
by Tyler Gibbons

Pocatello, Idaho – Olympians Ian Dobson (Beijing 2008) and Carrie Tollefson (Athens 2004) will host the fifth annual Adidas Pasta Bar dinner on Friday, February 20, 2009.

An Oregon native, Dobson was the 2001 USA Junior 5,000 meter champion. This past year, he finished third at the USA Olympic Trials in the 5000 meters, qualifying for the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Tollefson was the 1999 NCAA Athlete of the Year. The Minnesotan was the winner of the 1,500-meter event at the 2004 Olympic Trials, and advanced to the semifinal round in the Olympic Games at Athens.

The Pasta Bar event will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Idaho State Pond Student Union Building. To reserve tickets in advance call (208) 235-5604, or can be purchased in person at the Simplot Games Store in Holt Arena. Tickets are $7.

Simplot Games after dark

Competition takes a night off
by Tyler Gibbons

Pocatello Idaho-The Idaho State University Pond Student Union Building (SUB) will become a cultural melting pot, literally and figuratively, on Friday, February 20.

Adidas will host their fifth annual Pasta Bar dinner at 6:30 p.m., and the Junior Civitan Club of Pocatello is sponsoring the annual Simplot Games Dance from 8 to 11 p.m., later that evening.

Tickets to attend just the pasta bar dinner are $7. To reserve tickets call (208) 235-5604 or purchase in person at Simplot Games Store in Holt Arena.

Dance tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the SUB ballroom door on the night of the event.

Olympians Ian Dobson (Beijing 2008) and Carrie Tollefson (Athens 2004) will host the 2009 elite athlete dinner.

Attendees to the night's event get a chance to scarf down some pasta and talk with current members of Team USA Track and Field in a question and answer session during the meal.

The annual dancing event has become a staple of the Games since its inception in 1988, and is especially popular with the local high school students. Last year, over 1,000 attendees, both local and visiting high school students, came to the dance.

Chaperones and musical entertainment by the Main Street Music DJ's will be provided by the Junior Civitan Club of Pocatello. Those planning on attending should be of high school age and casually dressed.

“We're excited to have both events linked together. It's a convenience we haven't had, and it grants our guests with more viable options than they’ve had in the past,” said Anderson. “Now, instead of having to choose between one or the other, the opportunity is there to attend both events.”

Top Montana high school athletes ready for the Simplot Games

National high school track and field event
by Tyler Gibbons

Pocatello, Idaho – Several dozen top notch Montana high school track and field athletes are set to compete at the Simplot Games February, 19-21.

This year’s athletes hailing from Montana include Chris Wilson, a senior from Helena, who is the defending 100-meter dash Class AA state champion and record holder.

YMCA Team Idaho ready to run at the Simplot Games

Athletes continue a tradition in the Treasure Valley
by Tyler Gibbons

Pocatello, Idaho – A familiar group of characters are ready to make an impression at Simplot Games, February 19-21.

Head coach Tim Severa and his YMCA Team Idaho will be making their 25 consecutive trip to Pocatello for the annual track and field indoor meet.

Severa co-founded Team Idaho 31 years ago in 1978 and has been at the forefront of youth track and field in the Treasure Valley since.

This year’s team is 55 athletes strong and contains competitors like Nicole Nielsen (1600 meters) and Kasen Covington (long jump) who have their eyes on reaching the podium.

“Simplot is a great event that’s very well organized,” Severa said. “The forum gives our kids some national exposure and a good stepping stone for their upcoming outdoor seasons.”

Defending Their Title

Athletes look to continue their Simplot success
by Tyler Gibbons

Pocatello, Idaho – It's been said that it’s harder to stay on top of the mountain than it is to actually climb it.

Omar Craddock, Candace Eddy, Patrice Gates, Ashton Purvis, and Shade Weygandt will try disproving that sports cliché as they each don a bullseye on their back this weekend.

Each returning athlete has had his or her share of success on previous trips to Pocatello.

“I'm dialed in and ready,” says Weygandt, the country's top high school girls' pole vaulter out of Mansfield, Texas. “I'm hoping to put up a big mark this year.”

Weygandt will look to improve on her Simplot Games record mark of 13'1” she set last year.

Few have had as much success as Eddy, who turned the Simplot Games into her personal playground by medaling in at least one event since her freshman year. Eddy will attempt to add to her extensive Simplot medal collection and repeat as the 1600-meter champion.

Omar Craddock became the first Texas high school athlete ever to jump over 50 feet indoors when he won the boy’s triple jump event last year.

“It's something I'm very proud of,” said Craddock.

Breaking national sophomore records was in style at last year's Games.

Oakland’s Ashton Purvis swept the 60 and 200 meter events, breaking the national sophomore record in the 200 with a time of 23.54 seconds, and Georgia native Patrice Gates smashed the girls' sophomore weight throw record with a toss of 54'0-1/8”.

Keep an eye out for these athletes quest for Games greatness and the challengers who have plans of playing spoiler.

Top Wyoming high school athletes ready for the Simplot Games

National high school track and field event
by Tyler Gibbons

Pocatello, Idaho – Several dozen top notch Wyoming high school track and field athletes are set to compete at the Simplot Games February, 19-21. Teams from Sheridan, Rock Springs, and Big Piney, along with numerous independent Wyoming athletes, will join some of the elite high school athletes in the nation for a weekend of intense competition and fun.