Third Degree

During Simplot Games After Dark, on Friday, February 19, athletes will get the opportunity to participate in the Third Degree. During this activity, Simplot Games’ participants will get the chance to ask questions of adidas guest athletes Scott Bauhs and Brett Gotcher, and coach Greg McMillan.

Greg McMillan is a runner, coach, and exercise scientist, with a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. His success as a coach has come from being a successful athlete and surrounding himself with accomplished mentors and athletes with the desire to succeed.

“Greg McMillan is one of the best and smartest distance-running coaches in America,” says Amby Burfoot, Runner’s World.

Scott Bauhs was a three-time NCAA champion distance runner for Chico State in California. In 2008 he became the first Chico State runner to break the four minute mark in the mile when he set a personal best with a time of 3.59.81. He was also the 2008 Division II NCAA Male Track & Field Athlete of the Year.

Brett Gotcher, from Flagstaff, Arizona, helped the Stanford Cardinals win the 2004 and 2005 Pac-10 cross-country championships. Gotcher took 1st at the 2003 US Junior Nationals 10,000 meters. He finished his collegiate career with a personal best in the 1,500 meters with a time of 3:44 and in the 10,000 meters with a time of 28:51. After graduating Stanford in 2007 with a BA in Exercise Science, Gotcher went on to be coached by Greg McMillan and win the 2009 USATF 20K Championships. He then took 3rd at the 2009 USATF Half-Marathon Championships. Recently, he ran the fourth fastest debut marathon for an American.

“The Third Degree will be a good chance for local athletes to get close to these professional athletes and learn from them,” say Rebecca Anderson, Director of the Simplot Games.

Also during Simplot Games After Dark, coaches will be able to mingle with adidas guest athletes and coach at the Coaches Hospitality Room.

After Dark tickets are available for $10 at www.simplotgames.com. Presold tickets (up to 500 will be sold) include dinner; your choice of activity, and the dance party. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $15, but these tickets are for the dance only and exclude dinner and other activities.