Idaho Athletes to Watch

Again this year, Idaho athletes will look to make their mark at Simplot Games.

The Games gives Idaho’s best a chance to compete at a national event. The following athletes will try to benefit from their home field advantage.

Gate City Track Club

The Gate City Track Club athletes come from Pocatello’s Highland High School.
Among those competing for the club are sophomore Dallen Farnsworth and junior Kaylie Hutichson.

Farnsworth claimed the 2009 state title at 3200 meters, and Hutichson placed 4th at the 2009 Idaho State Cross-Country Championship.

Head Coach Chris Belchar is excited to see how his runners will perform the Games.

“We expect them to do extremely well this year,” say Belchar.

Portneuf Track Club

The Portneuf Track Club athletes come from Pocatello’s Century High School.
It’s competitors include freshman Hannah McInturff, who placed second at the Idaho State Cross-Country Championship.

Also, racing for Portneuf is junior Dylan Lammers, who has received all-State honors in long distance running.

Head Coach Frank Wolfe is looking forward to Simplot Games this year.

“These kids are excited,” says Wolfe. “It’s a great opportunity to be able to compete in the Simplot Games.”

Indian Track Club

The Indian Track Club athletes come from Pocatello High School. Participating this year is Sawyer Jeter, a senior, who place first in the 400 meters and the 4x400-meter relay at the 2009 Idaho State Championship.

Tasha Powell, a sophomore, took third in the shot put at the Idaho State Championships and looks to be competitive at Simplot Games.

Shaw Green, a junior from Indian Track Club, was injured during the 2009 track season but is expected to do well this year as he competes in the 60- and 200 meters.

Other Idaho athletes expected to perform well

As usual, Team YMCA Idaho, located in Boise, is loaded with a lot of talent.

Senior Kasen Covington had an exciting Simplot Games experience last year. On his last jump of the triple jump event, Covington 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 that 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. He looks to defend his title in 2010.

Three of his teammates placed in events at last year’s Simplot Games:

· Eric Fitspatrick, senior, placed third in the 1600 meters
· Landon Watt, junior, placed third in the 200 meter dash
· Lewis Dawson, senior, placed third in the pole vault

Head Coach Tim Severa is excited to be bringing athletes that work hard and will be competitive.

“We have about 160 kids training, and this is a meet that they look forward to each year,” says Severa.