Fast Times Continue Amid Hard Times
In positive sign for the sport, nation's economic woes seem to have little effect on athlete turnout at Simplot Games; Meet made popular by Obea Moore in the 1990s could benefit from dejavu-likeexperience this weekend as New Bern HS relays seek to eclipse Moore-anchored records...read more
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Records fall and personal bests are set at 2009 Simplot Games
by Lucas Martin
Pocatello, Idaho- The Simplot Games offers athletes a chance at competing on a unique wooden track. This track is not only unique, but it’s fast…really fast.
“The track is fast! And the competition is always here,” says Turquoise Thompson, a member of the Gardena Core team out of Gardena, Calif., that won the 4x200- and 4x400- meter relays.
This once-a-year opportunity for athletes produces plenty of excitement, competition, personal best, and records. This years Simplot Games was no exception. The athletes entertained and ignited the crowd with outstanding performances, including
Pocatello, Idaho- The Simplot Games offers athletes a chance at competing on a unique wooden track. This track is not only unique, but it’s fast…really fast.
“The track is fast! And the competition is always here,” says Turquoise Thompson, a member of the Gardena Core team out of Gardena, Calif., that won the 4x200- and 4x400- meter relays.
This once-a-year opportunity for athletes produces plenty of excitement, competition, personal best, and records. This years Simplot Games was no exception. The athletes entertained and ignited the crowd with outstanding performances, including
- Two meet records set by Track E.C. of New Bern, N.C.— A thrilling run of 3:26.28 in the 1600 sprint medley relay set a new Simplot Games record, the current #1 U.S. time, and #10 mark of all-time. The TEC team also set a meet record in the 4x200 with a time of 1:27.60.
- Anna Jemlini, a senior from Bakersfield, Calif., has the new U.S. #1 mark in the shot put with her winning throw of 51’ 5’’. The throw also ranks her #9 all-time.
- Trinity Wilson of Oakland, Calif., set a new national freshman record in the 60-meter hurdles with her winning run of 8.45 seconds.
- Ashton Purvis, a junior from Oakland, Calif., won the 60 meters and 200 meters with times of 7.47 and 23.99 – the second year in a row she achieved that double.
- Kyle Macintosh from Highlands Ranch, Colo., also doubled in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 7.95 and 400 meters at 48.06 – and was part of the winning ATS Elite Track Club’s winning 4x400-meter relay team.
Utah athletes win big at Simplot Games
by Caitlyn Lancaster
Pocatello, Idaho-Sarah Callister from Ogden and Karl Wilcock from Hurricaneexperienced the glory of the winner’s circle at Simplot Games on Saturday,February 21. Callister took first in the girls’ 3200-meter run with a time of10:49.12. Wilcock took over the track in the boys’ 1600-meter run and clockedin a winning time of 4:22.47.
“I was having fun out there, Callister said. “The middle laps were tough,but I was really racing for time and trying to get under 10:50.”
Wilcock had a great race at Simplot Games, and ended up breaking his personalrecord by a second.
“I did what I wanted to do, I came to win,” says Wilcock “I am excitedabout my personal record. I really like this track.”
Overall, Utah had a great day on the wooden track at Holt Arena. Ten individual Utah athletes and eight Utah relay teams raced their way to thepodium and earned medals. The Davis Track Club out of Kaysville placed secondin the girls’ 4x800 race, and Simplot Games veteran Candace Eddy ran hard andtook second in the girls’ 1600-meter race. Utah showcased some serious talentthroughout Simplot Games.
For more information on Utah athletes visit http://www.simplotgames.com/press.cfm
Pocatello, Idaho-Sarah Callister from Ogden and Karl Wilcock from Hurricaneexperienced the glory of the winner’s circle at Simplot Games on Saturday,February 21. Callister took first in the girls’ 3200-meter run with a time of10:49.12. Wilcock took over the track in the boys’ 1600-meter run and clockedin a winning time of 4:22.47.
“I was having fun out there, Callister said. “The middle laps were tough,but I was really racing for time and trying to get under 10:50.”
Wilcock had a great race at Simplot Games, and ended up breaking his personalrecord by a second.
“I did what I wanted to do, I came to win,” says Wilcock “I am excitedabout my personal record. I really like this track.”
Overall, Utah had a great day on the wooden track at Holt Arena. Ten individual Utah athletes and eight Utah relay teams raced their way to thepodium and earned medals. The Davis Track Club out of Kaysville placed secondin the girls’ 4x800 race, and Simplot Games veteran Candace Eddy ran hard andtook second in the girls’ 1600-meter race. Utah showcased some serious talentthroughout Simplot Games.
For more information on Utah athletes visit http://www.simplotgames.com/press.cfm
Kevin Johnson from Falcon, Colorado, wins the boys’ 3200-meter run at Simplot Games
by Caitlyn Lancaster
Pocatello, Idaho-Colorado senior Kevin Johnson won the boys’ 3200-meter run at Simplot Games on Saturday, February 21. After his 16th lap around the track, Johnson showed no signs of slowing down, but rather, a twinkling eye full of victory. Johnson ran a time of 9:16.22.
“I trained hard for this, so I feel I did really well,” says Johnson (a Simplot Games veteran). “I came here as a freshman, and wanted to do it again as a senior.”
Other medalists include:
Wes Rickman Falcon, CO 9:16.50
Jon Nelson Provo, UT 9:17.60
Walter Schafer Centennial, CO 9:25.70
Dominick Robinson Gillette, WY 9:30.42
Barak Watson Boise, ID 9:30.48
Kevin Johnson wins the boys' 3200-meter run at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
“I trained hard for this, so I feel I did really well,” says Johnson (a Simplot Games veteran). “I came here as a freshman, and wanted to do it again as a senior.”
Other medalists include:
Wes Rickman Falcon, CO 9:16.50
Jon Nelson Provo, UT 9:17.60
Walter Schafer Centennial, CO 9:25.70
Dominick Robinson Gillette, WY 9:30.42
Barak Watson Boise, ID 9:30.48
Kevin Johnson wins the boys' 3200-meter run at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
Jeff Tran from Anaheim, California wins boys’ pole vault at the
Pocatello, Idaho – Jeff Tran won the boys’ pole vault event at the Simplot Games by clearing 15’3”.
Jeff Tran wins the boys' pole vault at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
Jeff Tran wins the boys' pole vault at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
Darrell Weatherwax from Browning, Montana, wins the boys’ high jump at Simplot Games
by Caitlyn LancasterPocatello, Idaho-Darrel Weatherwax, a junior from Browning, Montana, reached for the sky in Holt Arena and grabbed first place in the boys’ high jump at Simplot Games on Saturday, February 21. Weatherwax demonstrated a victorious knowledge of the Fosbury Flop and jumped a height of 6’ 5”.
“I feel pretty good about my jump, I have done better though,” says Weatherwax (a new Simplot Games enthusiast). “I am definitely coming back next year.”
Other medalists include:
Height of 6’5” –
Boomer McLaughlin Sheridan, WY
Jason Dewitt Arvada,CO
Height of 6’3” –
Logan Standley Pocatello,ID
Jason Turnblom Boise, IDAlan Turnblom Boise, ID
Darrell Weather wins the boys' high jump at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
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Sarah Callister from Ogden, Utah wins girls 3200-meter run at the Simplot Games
by Tyler Gibbons
Pocatello, Idaho –Sarah Callister, a senior from Ogden, Utah, posted a time of 10:49.07 and was crowned champion of the 3200-meter run at the Simplot Games.
Callister dominated from the blast of the gun, bolting to the front of the pack on the first lap and never looking back, beating the next closest competitor by 18 seconds.
“I was having fun out there. The middle laps were tough, but I was really racing for time and trying to get under 10:50,” said Callister.
Sarah Callister wins the girls' 3200-meter runat Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
Pocatello, Idaho –Sarah Callister, a senior from Ogden, Utah, posted a time of 10:49.07 and was crowned champion of the 3200-meter run at the Simplot Games.
Callister dominated from the blast of the gun, bolting to the front of the pack on the first lap and never looking back, beating the next closest competitor by 18 seconds.
“I was having fun out there. The middle laps were tough, but I was really racing for time and trying to get under 10:50,” said Callister.
Sarah Callister wins the girls' 3200-meter runat Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
Alex Weinheimer from Boulder, Colorado, wins the 800 meters at Simplot Games
by Lucas Martin
Pocatello, Idaho- The 2009 Simplot Games 800 meters was truly a photo finish. Alex Weinheimer, a senior from Boulder, Colorado, ousted senior Karl Robertson from Edmonton, Alberta, by a slim .35 seconds. Weinheimer ran an impressive 1:53.11.
Last year Weinheimer took second in the 800 meters, losing his lead in the last 50 meters.
“Last year I felt like I lost my title so I was excited to come back this year and get the win,” says Weinheimer.
Pocatello, Idaho- The 2009 Simplot Games 800 meters was truly a photo finish. Alex Weinheimer, a senior from Boulder, Colorado, ousted senior Karl Robertson from Edmonton, Alberta, by a slim .35 seconds. Weinheimer ran an impressive 1:53.11.
Last year Weinheimer took second in the 800 meters, losing his lead in the last 50 meters.
“Last year I felt like I lost my title so I was excited to come back this year and get the win,” says Weinheimer.
Thandi Stewart from Union City, California, wins 400 meters at Simplot Games
by Lucas Martin
Pocatello, Idaho- Thandi Stewart, a junior from Union City, California, won the girls’ 400 meters with a time of 55.94. Earlier in the day she anchored the winning sprint medley relay team for James Logan, a splendid 800-meter run. Stewart was modest after her win in the 400 meters.
“I always feel like I could do better, but there’s good competition here so it feels good to get the win,” says Stewart.
Pocatello, Idaho- Thandi Stewart, a junior from Union City, California, won the girls’ 400 meters with a time of 55.94. Earlier in the day she anchored the winning sprint medley relay team for James Logan, a splendid 800-meter run. Stewart was modest after her win in the 400 meters.
“I always feel like I could do better, but there’s good competition here so it feels good to get the win,” says Stewart.
Karl Wilcock from Hurricane, Utah, wins the boys’ 1600-meter run at Simplot Games
by Caitlyn Lancaster
Pocatello, Idaho- Karl Wilcock, a senior from Hurricane, Utah, raced his way to the winner’s podium in the boys’ 1600-meter run at Simplot Games on Saturday, February 21. Wilcock ran a time of 4:22.47 to beat the rest of the talented competition. On top of winning, Wilcock beat his personal record by one second.
“I did what I wanted to do, I came to win,” says Wilcock “I am excited about my personal record. I really like this track.”
Other medalists include:
Roblet Muhudin Aurora, CO 4:25.03
Eric Fitzpatrick Boise, ID 4:25.19
Alex Paul Boulder, CO 4:26.06
Bryan Jordan Reno, NV 4:27.67
Nathan Fletcher Provo, UT 4:30.58
Karl Wilcock wins the boys' 1600-meter run at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
Pocatello, Idaho- Karl Wilcock, a senior from Hurricane, Utah, raced his way to the winner’s podium in the boys’ 1600-meter run at Simplot Games on Saturday, February 21. Wilcock ran a time of 4:22.47 to beat the rest of the talented competition. On top of winning, Wilcock beat his personal record by one second.
“I did what I wanted to do, I came to win,” says Wilcock “I am excited about my personal record. I really like this track.”
Other medalists include:
Roblet Muhudin Aurora, CO 4:25.03
Eric Fitzpatrick Boise, ID 4:25.19
Alex Paul Boulder, CO 4:26.06
Bryan Jordan Reno, NV 4:27.67
Nathan Fletcher Provo, UT 4:30.58
Karl Wilcock wins the boys' 1600-meter run at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
Anastasia Jelmini from Bakersfield, California, wins at Simplot Games
by Lucas Martin
Pocatello, Idaho- With the Simplot Games crowd behind her and fellow competitors nervously watching, Anastasia Jelmini unleashed a massive 51’ 5’’ toss, which bested second place by nearly seven feet. Her fantastic throw was the best in the nation this year and ranks her 11th all-time.
“It feels great,” says Jelmini, about her record-throwing toss. “ It was a new personal best for me and I’m really excited about it.”
Pocatello, Idaho- With the Simplot Games crowd behind her and fellow competitors nervously watching, Anastasia Jelmini unleashed a massive 51’ 5’’ toss, which bested second place by nearly seven feet. Her fantastic throw was the best in the nation this year and ranks her 11th all-time.
“It feels great,” says Jelmini, about her record-throwing toss. “ It was a new personal best for me and I’m really excited about it.”
Boise’s Covington wins triple jump event; Minco boys and Boise girls win All-Idaho relays at Simplot Games
by Tyler Gibbons
Pocatello, Idaho – On the last jump of the Simplot Games triple jump event, Kasen Covington, a junior from Boise , Idaho , leaped past the competition to win a gold medal with a jump of 49’3”.
Covington improved on each of his attempts in the final round of the event, improving from 47’10” to 48’2 ½” on his second try of the finals, then tacked on nearly 12 more inches to win. Texas triple jumper Omar Craddock, the top-ranked triple jumper in the nation, finished second.
“I was trying not to think too hard, even though I had a thousand things running through my mind,” Covington said of his last jump. “I just focused on the small things. I knew when I landed it was going to be a big jump,” explained Covington .
Covington wasn’t the only Idaho winner during the Games’ final day. The Minico Track Club boys’ and YMCA Team Idaho girls’ teams earned the right to stand on the top step of the podium in the all-Idaho relays. The YMCA Team Idaho girls won with a time of 1:47.08, while the Minico boys finished in 1:35.54 seconds.
“We think the Simplot Games are awesome,” said Colton Mickelson, member of the Minico Track Club. “We really like competing against the Idaho teams.”
Several other Idaho high school athletes finished off a strong three-day showing at the 31st Annual Simplot Games by placing in the top six of their event finals.
Kasen Covington wins the boys' triple jump at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
Pocatello, Idaho – On the last jump of the Simplot Games triple jump event, Kasen Covington, a junior from Boise , Idaho , leaped past the competition to win a gold medal with a jump of 49’3”.
Covington improved on each of his attempts in the final round of the event, improving from 47’10” to 48’2 ½” on his second try of the finals, then tacked on nearly 12 more inches to win. Texas triple jumper Omar Craddock, the top-ranked triple jumper in the nation, finished second.
“I was trying not to think too hard, even though I had a thousand things running through my mind,” Covington said of his last jump. “I just focused on the small things. I knew when I landed it was going to be a big jump,” explained Covington .
Covington wasn’t the only Idaho winner during the Games’ final day. The Minico Track Club boys’ and YMCA Team Idaho girls’ teams earned the right to stand on the top step of the podium in the all-Idaho relays. The YMCA Team Idaho girls won with a time of 1:47.08, while the Minico boys finished in 1:35.54 seconds.
“We think the Simplot Games are awesome,” said Colton Mickelson, member of the Minico Track Club. “We really like competing against the Idaho teams.”
Several other Idaho high school athletes finished off a strong three-day showing at the 31st Annual Simplot Games by placing in the top six of their event finals.
Kasen Covington wins the boys' triple jump at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
Davis Fraker from Marietta, Georgia, dominates at Simplot Games
by Lucas Martin
Pocatello, Idaho- Davis Fraker, a junior from Marietta Georgia, and a leader of the Throw1Deep team, added a pair of titles to his resume Saturday at Simplot Games.
Fraker, who won the weight throw earlier in the week, cruised to a victory in the shot put event with a throw of 59’11’’.
“I felt really good this weekend and I was excited to compete,” says Fraker. “It feels great to win both events.”
Fraker wasn’t the only one celebrating. His team, Throw1Deep, won 17 out of a possible 24 medals in the shot put and weight throw events.
“We did what we came to do,” says Fraker about his team’s success in the Simplot Games. “We wanted to take all 24 spots, but were happy with our performance.”
Pocatello, Idaho- Davis Fraker, a junior from Marietta Georgia, and a leader of the Throw1Deep team, added a pair of titles to his resume Saturday at Simplot Games.
Fraker, who won the weight throw earlier in the week, cruised to a victory in the shot put event with a throw of 59’11’’.
“I felt really good this weekend and I was excited to compete,” says Fraker. “It feels great to win both events.”
Fraker wasn’t the only one celebrating. His team, Throw1Deep, won 17 out of a possible 24 medals in the shot put and weight throw events.
“We did what we came to do,” says Fraker about his team’s success in the Simplot Games. “We wanted to take all 24 spots, but were happy with our performance.”
Track E.C. from New Bern, N.C., sets two meet records at Simplot Games
by Amanda MeixelPocatello, Idaho- Two meet records came tumbling down at this year’s Simplot Games by the increasingly fast Track E.C. relay team from New Bern, N.C. Made up of Miles Sparks, Fuquawn Greene, and twin brothers Andrew and Anthony Hendrix, the team set meet records in the boys’ sprint medley relay with a time of 3:26.28, and the 4x200 meter relay with a time of 1:27.60.
“We weren’t thinking about the records, just about running fast,” says Sparks .
The team beat the sprint medley relay record by 1.52 seconds and the 4x200-meter relay record by .36 seconds. The sprint medley relay time is a U.S. #1 for this year, and tenth best in the U.S. all-time.
“That is what we came here to do,” says Anthony Hendrix.
In regards to coming across country to the Simplot Games, Sparks remarks: “It’s great, something we only get to do once a year. Plus the track is really fast.”
With two more records on their resume, the team is looking to break meet and national records as their season progresses.
Miles Sparks helps his team sweep the sprint medley relay and boys' 4x200-meter relay at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
Trinity Wilson from Oakland, California, takes the National Freshman record in the girls’ 60-meter hurdles at Simplot Games
by Caitlyn LancasterPocatello, Idaho-A freshman all-star tracklete, Trinity Wilson from Oakland, California, earned the new National Freshman record in the girls’ 60-meter hurdle race at Simplot Games on Saturday, February 21.
“I’m pretty excited about it, it’s awesome,” says Wilson .
Wilson hit the track with winning on her mind, and ran a time of 8.44 seconds, and when the announcer called out a new freshman record, the crowd went crazy.
“The crowd is awesome, I love it here and I can’t wait till next year,” says Wilson.
Other winners include:
Nevada Sorenson Sierra, NV 8.62
Ashtynn Baltimore West Covington, CA 8.64
Chalese Davis Antioch, CA 8.79
Lauren Rose Antioch, CA 8.93
Brooke Jensen Kaysville, UT 9.03
Trinity Wilson wins the girls' hurdles at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
Ashton Purvis from Oakland, California sweeps the girls’ 60-meter dash and the girls’ 200-meter dash at Simplot Games
by Caitlyn Lancaster
Pocatello, Idaho- Ashton Purvis, a junior from Oakland, California, earned a two-time moment of glory for the second year in a row on the winner’s podium Saturday, February 21 at the Simplot Games. Purvis walked away with two 1st place medals; one in the girls’ 60-meter dash and another in the girls’ 200-meter dash. This California junior was a little disappointed with her times, but still excited with her double-win.
“I was hoping for a 7.2” in the 60, but I know it’s still a win for me,” says Purvis (Purvis took the Freshman Class record in the 60-meter dash, and the Freshman and Sophomore class record in the 200-meter dash at the Simplot Games in 2007 and 2008). “The 200 made up for it a little.”
In the girls’ 60-meter dash Purvis ran a 7:47 and a 23:99 in the 200 meter dash.
Other girls’ 60-meter winners:
Leslie Reed Antioch, CA 7.71
Lauren Rose Antioch, CA 7.73
Kellie Schueler Bend, OR 7.76
Monikkia White Tracy, CA 7.83
Malaina Payton Tracy, CA 7.93
Other girls’ 200-meter winners:
Leslie Reed Antioch, CA 24.62
Breyonna Hunter Gardena, CA 25.07
Kellie Schueler Bend, OR 25.20
Cindy Robinson Gardena, CA 25.34
Breonna Jackson Antioch,CA 25.36
Ashton Purvis sprints her way to victory at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
Pocatello, Idaho- Ashton Purvis, a junior from Oakland, California, earned a two-time moment of glory for the second year in a row on the winner’s podium Saturday, February 21 at the Simplot Games. Purvis walked away with two 1st place medals; one in the girls’ 60-meter dash and another in the girls’ 200-meter dash. This California junior was a little disappointed with her times, but still excited with her double-win.
“I was hoping for a 7.2” in the 60, but I know it’s still a win for me,” says Purvis (Purvis took the Freshman Class record in the 60-meter dash, and the Freshman and Sophomore class record in the 200-meter dash at the Simplot Games in 2007 and 2008). “The 200 made up for it a little.”
In the girls’ 60-meter dash Purvis ran a 7:47 and a 23:99 in the 200 meter dash.
Other girls’ 60-meter winners:
Leslie Reed Antioch, CA 7.71
Lauren Rose Antioch, CA 7.73
Kellie Schueler Bend, OR 7.76
Monikkia White Tracy, CA 7.83
Malaina Payton Tracy, CA 7.93
Other girls’ 200-meter winners:
Leslie Reed Antioch, CA 24.62
Breyonna Hunter Gardena, CA 25.07
Kellie Schueler Bend, OR 25.20
Cindy Robinson Gardena, CA 25.34
Breonna Jackson Antioch,CA 25.36
Ashton Purvis sprints her way to victory at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
Ciarra Brewer from Union City, California, wins the girls’ triple jump at Simplot Games
by Amanda Meixel
Pocatello, Idaho- Ciarra Brewer, from Union City , California , won the girls’ triple jump at the 31st annual Simplot Games. This sophomore has been coming to the Games since 7th grade. She took gold this year with a jump of 41’06”.
“I never had people clap for me before,” says Brewer. “It really pumped the energy up for me.”
Pocatello, Idaho- Ciarra Brewer, from Union City , California , won the girls’ triple jump at the 31st annual Simplot Games. This sophomore has been coming to the Games since 7th grade. She took gold this year with a jump of 41’06”.
“I never had people clap for me before,” says Brewer. “It really pumped the energy up for me.”
Kyle Macintosh from Littleton, Colorado, wins the boys’ 60-meter hurdles and 400 meters at Simplot Games
by Amanda MeixelPocatello, Idaho- Kyle Macintosh, a senior from Littleton , Colorado , won not one event but two at the 31st annual Simplot Games. He took gold in the boys’ 60-meter hurdles with a time of 7.90 seconds, and the 400 meters with a time of 48.06.
“I was surprised at how I did,” says Macintosh. “I wanted to come in and run a good race and I did just that.”
Both of his marks are #4 in the nation this year.
“I love Simplot Games,” says Macintosh. “Every year I come here I have a good meet, and there is always a lot of good competition.”
Kyle Macintosh wins the boys' hurdles at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
Chelsea Graham from Edmonton wins girls 1600-meter run at the Simplot Games
by Tyler Gibbons
Pocatello, Idaho –Chelsea Graham pulled away from defending champion Candace Eddy on the last lap of the girls 1600-meter run and claimed the Simplot Games gold medal with a time of 5:02.36.
“I’m usually really bad with starts so I was determined to get out fast and I did. And luckily stayed there for the whole race,” said Graham.
Chelsea Graham wins the girls' 1600-meter run at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike
photo for high resolution image
Pocatello, Idaho –Chelsea Graham pulled away from defending champion Candace Eddy on the last lap of the girls 1600-meter run and claimed the Simplot Games gold medal with a time of 5:02.36.
“I’m usually really bad with starts so I was determined to get out fast and I did. And luckily stayed there for the whole race,” said Graham.
Chelsea Graham wins the girls' 1600-meter run at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike
photo for high resolution image
James Logan Track Club of Union City, California, wins Sprint Medley Relay at Simplot Games
by Jason Bohne
Pocatello, Idaho- Behind the splendid 800-meter anchor leg from Thandi Stewart, the James Logan Track Club held off a strong challenge from the Core Speed team of Gardena to win the Simplot Games sprint medley relay.
Donnise Powell started Logan team’s relay with a strong 400-meter lead-off, followed by 200-meter sprint legs by Kiyoko Orange and Atiyia Harvey. Stewart took the baton nearly even with Core Speed, but pulled away from the field over her four laps for a convincing win.
“Our goal coming in was to win,” Powell said. “This kicks off our season, so we wanted to see where we are at. We’re excited with our results today.”
Pocatello, Idaho- Behind the splendid 800-meter anchor leg from Thandi Stewart, the James Logan Track Club held off a strong challenge from the Core Speed team of Gardena to win the Simplot Games sprint medley relay.
Donnise Powell started Logan team’s relay with a strong 400-meter lead-off, followed by 200-meter sprint legs by Kiyoko Orange and Atiyia Harvey. Stewart took the baton nearly even with Core Speed, but pulled away from the field over her four laps for a convincing win.
“Our goal coming in was to win,” Powell said. “This kicks off our season, so we wanted to see where we are at. We’re excited with our results today.”
Cameron Marshall from San Jose wins boys’ 60 meter dash at the Simplot Games
by Tyler GibbonsPocatello, Idaho –Senior Cameron Marshall narrowly edged Kyle Middlebrooks, junior, in the 60-meter dash at the Simplot Games by producing a late push and extending at the finish line with a decisive lean.
Marshall , from San Jose posted a time of 6.83 while Middlebrooks, from Anaheim , finished in 6.85 seconds.
The finish was so close officials had to determine the winner five minutes after the race was over.
“They kinda left me in the blocks but the 30 [meters] on is my strongest part of the race. So I focused up and fortunately caught him,” said Marshall.
Cameron Marshall edges out the competition in a photo finish at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
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Zach Smith from Federal Way, Washington, wins boys’ long jump at Simplot Games
by Amanda MeixelPocatello, Idaho- Zach Smith, a senior from Federal Way , Washington , won the boys’ long jump at the 31st annual Simplot Games. Smith jumped to victory with a distance of 23’04.5”.
“This is one of the best crowds I’ve jumped for,” says Smith. “There is lots of energy in the crowd and it’s a good place to get your best jumps off.”
Smith was a little bit off his personal best but feels that it is a good start to the season.
Other top competition included –
Chase Wheeler, a senior from Concord , California , got second with jump of 23’
Geraldo Hiwat, a senior from Boise , Idaho , won bronze with a jump of 22’8”
Zach Smith jumps his way to victory in the boys' long jump at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
Cheyenne Central wins the girls' 4x 800 Relay at Simplot Games
by Lucas Martin
Pocatello, Idaho- The Cheyenne Central Track Club looked impressive as they raced their way to a 4x 800 relay title. The team won the relay with a time of 10:03.19.
The Davis Track Club from Kaysville, Utah, placed second with a time of 10:05.41.
Pocatello, Idaho- The Cheyenne Central Track Club looked impressive as they raced their way to a 4x 800 relay title. The team won the relay with a time of 10:03.19.
The Davis Track Club from Kaysville, Utah, placed second with a time of 10:05.41.
Shade Weygandt from Mansfield, Texas, wins the girls’ pole vault at Simplot Games
by Caitlyn Lancaster
Pocatello, Idaho- It was a tight competition for the girls’ pole vault at Simplot Games on Saturday, February 21. Texas native, Shade Weygandt jumped her way to first place with a vault of 12’ 9”.
“It’s cool being here, they have good facilities,” says Weygandt, a Simplot Games veteran. (Weygandt won the pole vault event last year, capturing the Simplot Games meet record of 13’ 1”.) “I didn’t do as well as last year, but I will take it in stride.”
Other vault victors at a height of 11’ 3” include –
2nd place- Katherine Zingheim Granite Bay, CA
3rd place- Theresa Waybright Boise, ID
4th place- Morgan Hartigan Cheyenne, WY
5th place- Kortney Ross San Diego, CA
6th place- Jenna Adams Highlands, CO
Shade Weygandt wins the girls' pole vault at Simplot Games.
Pocatello, Idaho- It was a tight competition for the girls’ pole vault at Simplot Games on Saturday, February 21. Texas native, Shade Weygandt jumped her way to first place with a vault of 12’ 9”.
“It’s cool being here, they have good facilities,” says Weygandt, a Simplot Games veteran. (Weygandt won the pole vault event last year, capturing the Simplot Games meet record of 13’ 1”.) “I didn’t do as well as last year, but I will take it in stride.”
Other vault victors at a height of 11’ 3” include –
2nd place- Katherine Zingheim Granite Bay, CA
3rd place- Theresa Waybright Boise, ID
4th place- Morgan Hartigan Cheyenne, WY
5th place- Kortney Ross San Diego, CA
6th place- Jenna Adams Highlands, CO
Shade Weygandt wins the girls' pole vault at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
click photo for high resolution image
Transit Tech from Brooklyn wins boys’ 4 x 800 meter relay at the Simplot Games
by Tyler GibbonsPocatello, Idaho – The Transit Tech relay team from Brooklyn , New York , ran away from the rest of the 4 x 800 field and claimed Simplot Games gold, beating their closest competitor by 16 seconds, with a time of 8:00.48.
Team members for the Empire State-based club included juniors Julian Wood and Fard Rollock, and seniors Elijah Rollock and Kameron George.
“We came out and made a statement that New York was in the building,” stated Woods.
Transit Tech's Elijah Rollock helps his team win the 4 x 800 at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
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Rachel Machin from Calgary wins girls’ high jump at the Simplot Games
by Tyler GibbonsPocatello, Idaho – Rachel Machin of Calgary , Alberta , won the Simplot Games girls’ high jump gold medal with a jump of 5’5”.
“It was a real interesting day, bouncing back and forth [between the high jump and long jump], but it all worked out and I’m real happy,” stated Machin.
Rachel Machin clears the bar in the girls' high jump at Simplot Games.
Photo by Mike Roberts
click photo for high resolution image
Krynn Dunn from West Covina wins girls’ long jump at Simplot Games
by Tyler Gibbons
Pocatello, Idaho – Krynn Dunn, a senior from West Covina , California , claimed the girls’ long jump title at the 31st annual Simplot Games with a mark of 19’9-3/4”. Dunn was the only competitor to jump over 19 feet.
“I really enjoyed jumping here,” said Dunn. “The runway is fast and felt really springy.”
Pocatello, Idaho – Krynn Dunn, a senior from West Covina , California , claimed the girls’ long jump title at the 31st annual Simplot Games with a mark of 19’9-3/4”. Dunn was the only competitor to jump over 19 feet.
“I really enjoyed jumping here,” said Dunn. “The runway is fast and felt really springy.”
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