Nations’ Top Athletes Shine at 2010 Simplot Games

by Tyler Gibbons

One national class record and two meet records fall; numerous top U.S. marks set

The Nation’s premier indoor track and field event is a venue where the best high school athletes come to test their mettle against the best – the best competition, the best environment, and the best atmosphere.

The distinctive and unique Simplot Games produces plenty of excitement from the all involved, but especially the athletes.

A year after shattering the national freshman record in the 60-meter hurdles, sophomore Trinity Wilson, from Oakland, Calif., returned to Pocatello with the same intentions.

Mission accomplished.

“I just brought everything that I’ve been working on in practice to the race,” Wilson said. “And I got it done.”

Wilson won the hurdle event in a national sophomore record 8.29 seconds.

“I always tell people Simplot’s my favorite meet,” Wilson said. “From now on, if something will ever go down it’s going to happen right here at Simplot.”

Only a sophomore, there is no telling what she has in store for Simplot in the next two years. An extremely scary thought for the rest of the field.

“I’m going to keep practicing and keep working,” Wilson said. “When next year comes around, watch out. I’ll be ready.”

Other top performances from Saturday’s finals include:

· Fuqauwn Greene, a senior from New Bern, N.C., set a new Simplot Games record in the 200 meters with a time of 21.41.

· Throw1 Deep’s Shelby Ashe, a junior from Marietta, Ga., set a new Simplot Games weight throw record with a toss of 60’5”, the fifth best high school throw of all-time.

· Kasen Covington (senior from Boise, Idaho) the top ranked high school triple jumper in the U.S. won both the long jump (23’ 6”), and triple jump (48’ 0-1/4”).

· Ashton Purvis (senior from Oakland, Calif.,) the nation’s top girls sprinter, completed her Simplot 3-peat. For the third year in a row, Purvis left Pocatello with victories in the 60- (7.36 seconds), and 200-meter dashes 23.54).

· Kelsey Brown (senior from Orem, Utah) recorded the fastest time in the nation for the girls’ 800 meters with a time of 2:11.04

· Georgia’s Throw1 Deep was well represented on the podium, claiming all 12 places on the girls’ and boys’ weight throw division, along several medallists in the boys’ shot put (including the Davis Fraker, who won the boys’ weight throw and shot put).

· Zach Blackham, a senior from Orem, Utah, matched the third best high jump in the nation this year (6’10”) while winning the high jump with some encouragement from Olympic legend Dick Fosbury.

· Tara Richmond, a senior from Long Beach, Calif., swept the high jump, (5’8”), and triple jump, (38’3”).

· Chris Mamon, a senior from Fairfield, Calif., won the boys 60-meter hurdles with the sixth best time in the country this year (8.01).

Idaho Athletes win five events at Simplot Games

by Spencer Ward

Gem State has strong showing at nation’s premier indoor event

With two wins by a Boise senior, a front-running win in the 3200-meters by a senior from Hailey, and two wins in the all-Idaho relay by teams from Boise and Pocatello, Idaho athletes demonstrated their mettle on the nation’s fast track.

Boise’s Kasen Covington won the triple jump and long jump this year, adding to the triple jump title he won last year.

Covington had a rough start by fouling on his first two attempts.

“I usually don’t foul that much, I had to go back to the basics,” said Covington. “I love the Simplot Games, it’s a great meet to come and compete at.”

Chase Caulkins a senior from Hailey, won the 3200-meter run – a race of pure endurance and dedication that he led from the start.

“I told myself to keep attacking,” Caulkins said. “I kept pumping my arms and moving my legs so I couldn’t be caught from behind.”

In the relays, YMCA Team Idaho’s girl’s relay team won in the All-Idaho 4x200 relay.

“It’s awesome! The Simplot Games are ‘it,’” said Jensen

On the boys’ side of the All-Idaho relays, Pocatello’s Indian Track Club also came out victorious with a win in the 4x200.

Idaho had many other athletes that placed in their events, including Austin Basterrechea, a senior from Gooding who placed 2nd in the boy’s high jump, and Kyler Shumway a senior from Cottonwood placed 3rd in the boy’s shot put.

Idaho showed a lot of endurance and heart all through out the Simplot Games.

Other medalists include:

Men 60 Meter Hurdles
· A.J. Bouley (senior, Boise) – 6th

Women Pole Vault
· Rebecca Clark (senior, Boise) – 2nd
· Caitlin Maulin (senior, Boise) – 3rd

Women 4x800-Meter Relay
· Canyon Track Club ‘A’ – 3rd

Men Shot Put
· Kyler Shumway (senior, Cottonwood) – 3rd

Men Long Jump
· Kasen Covington (senior, Boise) – 1st

Women 1600 Sprint Medley
· YMCA Team Idaho ‘A’ – 4th

Men 1600 Sprint Medley
· YMCA Team Idaho ‘A’ – 5th

Men High Jump
· Austin Basterrechea (senior, Gooding) – 2nd
· James Woodworth (senior, Caldwell) – 4th

Women Triple Jump
· Brittney Owens (sophomore, Boise) – 6th

Girl All-Idaho 4x200-Meter Relay
· YMCA Team Idaho ‘A’ – 1st
· Riverrunners ‘A’ – 2nd
· Indian Track Club ‘A’ – 3rd
· YMCA Team Idaho ‘B’ – 4th
· Snake River Rapids ‘A’ – 5th

Men All-Idaho 4x200-Meter Relay
· Indian Track Club ‘A’ – 1st
· YMCA Team Idaho ‘B’ – 2nd
· YMCA Team Idaho ‘C’ – 3rd
· Trojan Track Club ‘A’ – 4th
· Riverrunners ‘A’ – 5th
· Snake River Rapids – 6th

Men 4x200-Meter Relay
· YMCA Team Idaho ‘A’ – 3rd

Men 3200 Meter Run
· Chase Caulkins (senior, Bellevue) – 1st

Men Triple Jump
· Kasen Covington (senior, Boise) – 1st

Utah brings home four titles at the 2010 Simplot Games

by Clayton Cook

Zach Blackham, a senior from Orem; Susannah Hurst, a junior from Holladay; Kelsey Brown, a senior from Orem; and Evan Argyle, a senior from Pleasant Grove; were the four Utah representatives to claim their spot on top of the podium at the 32nd Simplot Games.

Blackham earned the top honors in the boys’ high jump by clearing a height of 6’10”. Hurst took first in the girls’ 3200-meter run with a time of 11:16.59. Brown won the girls’ 800-meter run with a time of 2:11.05. Argyle won the title in the boys’ 1600-meter run with a time of 4:24.11.

Blackham, who was competing in his first Simplot Games, broke his own personal best height by two inches.

“I’m trying to get better, and people told me Simplot Games would be a fun event,” Blackham said. “It was really fun.”

Hurst had a bit of a struggle at the start of the race, but was able to finish well.

“It feels good to win, especially with how tough the race was,” Hurst said. “But today proves if you put your mind to something and you work hard you can accomplish anything.”

Brown was a first time competitor at the Simplot Games, but that didn’t stop her from taking care of business.

“I wish I would have come here before,” Brown said. “But I’m glad this is how I’ll remember Pocatello.”

Argyle pulled out a miraculous finish in the last 50 meters of his race blowing by the competitors as he hit the finish line.

“I’ve been working hard, doing a lot of speed work,” Argyle said. “It paid off today. It was a fast track, a fantastic crowd, the best competition. This is a great place to run.”

Overall, Utah had a solid performance, having 25 medallists hit the podium. The Caveman Track Club, from American Fork, placed second in the girls’ 4x800-meter relay. Also earning runner-up honors was Steve Morrin, a junior from Alpine, who took second in the boys’ 3200-meter event. Below is a complete list of all the Utah athletes who placed top six in their respective events.

Women 4x800-Meter Relay
· Caveman Track Club ‘A’ – 2nd
· Davis Track Club ‘A’ – 4th

Men Shot Put
· Chris Johnson (senior, Brigham City) – 5th

Men Long Jump
· Scott Matheson (senior, Pleasant Grove) – 5th

Men 60-Meter Dash
· Parker Bluth (senior, Riverton) - 4th

Men 1600 Sprint Medley
· Syracuse Track Club ‘A’ – 3rd
· Pleasant Grove ‘A’ – 6th

Women Shot Put
· Jamie Duckworth (senior, Riverton) – 3rd

Men 400-Meter Dash
· Andy Rounds (junior, Salt Lake City) 2nd
· Parker Bluth (senior, Riverton) – 4th
· Spencer Larsen (senior, Sandy) – 6th

Men High Jump
· Zach Blackham (senior, Orem) – 1st
· Ryan Scott (junior, Salt Lake) – 3rd
· Parker Cressman (senior, Spanish Fork) – 6th

Women 4x200-Meter Relay
· Davis Track Club ‘A’ – 6th

Women 3200-Meter Run
· Susannah Hurst (junior, Holladay) – 1st
· Summer Harper (freshman, Orem) – 4tt
· Kelsey Braithwaite (sophomore, Perry) – 6th

Men 3200-Meter Run
· Steve Morrin (junior, Alpine) – 2n
· Spencer Hanson (junior, Spanish Fork) – 6th
· Clayton Young (sophomore, American Fork) – 4th

Women 4x400-Meter Relay
· Davis Track Club ‘A’ – 6th

Men 4x400-Meter Relay
· Syracuse Track Club ‘A’ – 4th

Women 800-Meter Run
· Kelsey Brown (senior, Orem)- 1st

Men 1600-Meter Run
· Evan Argyle (senior, Pleasant Grove) – 1st

Wyoming athletes win three events in big day for the Cowboy State at Simplot Games

by Melissa Bohne

Casper’s Gibson wins shot put; Cheyenne relay team is tops; Cody pole vaulters go one-two; many others place

Baile Gibson, a senior, from Casper , Wyoming , won the womens’ shot put event at the 32nd annual Simplot Games. She won with a distance of 45’ 5”.

“I felt pretty good in practice,” said Gibson. “I felt good all week and so I just went in thinking I could do it. I just worked hard.”

Gibson’s hard work paid off as she improved her distance with each throw. The end result was the win.

Also winning gold for Wyoming is the women’s Cheyenne Central Indians 4x800 relay team, and Alex Gwynn, a senior from Cody , Wyoming , who won the men’s pole vault, with a height of 15’ 6”, topping teammate and runner-up Quinn Rivera.

Other medalists include:

Men 60 Meter Hurdles
· Taylor Villegas (senior, Casper ) – 4th

Women 4x800-Meter Relay
· Cheyenne Central Indians ‘A’ – 1st

Men Pole Vault
· Alex Gwynn (senior, Cody) – 1st
· Quinn Rivera (sophomore, Cody) – 2nd
· Brandon Grove (senior, Riverton) – 4th

Women 1600 Sprint Medley
· Cheyenne Central Indians ‘A’ – 3rd

Women Shot Put
· Baile Gibson (senior, Casper ) – 1st

Men 800-Meter Run
· Cody Francom (senior, Green River) – 4th

Women 3200-Meter Run
· Lela Carpenter (senior, Sheridan) – 2nd
· Dana Morin (senior, Sheridan) – 3rd
· Nicole Peterson (senior, Rock Springs ) – 5th

Men 3200-Meter Run
· Garrett Zans (senior, Rock Springs ) – 3rd
· Spencer Pecha (senior, Gillette) – 5th

I.S.C. L.S.I Empire Athletics of Mountain View, Calif., wins girl’s 4x400 relay at Simplot

by Clayton Cook

Katie Nelms, Iesha Hardiman, Jazmia Harper, and Cierra Jordan, of Mountain View, Calif., representing I.S.C. L.S.I Empire Athletics won the girl’s 4x400 relay at the 32nd annual Simplot Games. They won with a time of 3:54.72.

“We won because of our focus and readiness to run,” said Jordan.

I.S.C. L.S.I Empire Athletics are regulars at the Simplot Games.

“We love the Simplot Games, and the potatoes!” said Hardiman.

ATS Elite from Highland Ranch, Colo., wins 4x400 relay at 32nd Simplot Games

by Tyler Gibbons

Kori Hazel, Kuma Pinkney, Kevin Scheuerman, and Carzell Vickers combined to outpace the field for the Colorado based ATS Elite track club in the boys 4x400 relay at the 32nd annual Simplot Games.

“This is what we’ve been training for all year. This feeling,” said Pinkney. “It’s exhausting, but well worth it when you win.”

Boise’s Kasen Covington wins boy’s triple jump at Simplot

by Spencer Ward

Adds triple jump title to earlier long jump title

Kasen Covington a senior, from Boise representing YMCA Team Idaho won the boy’s triple jump at the 32nd annual Simplot Games. He won with a jump of 48’0-¼”. Covington fouled on his first two attempts but rose to the challenge and won.

“I usually don’t foul that much; I had to go back to the basics,” said Covington.

Covington also took the gold in the long jump. That helped him win two events this year, along with triple jump title last year.

“I love the Simplot Games, it’s an awesome meet to come and compete at,” said Covington.

I.S.C. L.S.I. Empire Athletics, from Mountain View, Calif., wins the girls’ 4x200 meters relay at 2010 Simplot Games

by Clayton Cook

The girls from I.S.C. L.S.I. Empire Athletics, from Mountain View, Calif., won the girls’ 4x200 meters relay at the 32nd Simplot Games with a time of 1:40.63.

The members of the team are: Cieria Jordan, Katie Nelms, Iesha Hardiman, and Jasmine Harper. This was only the second time they have been able to compete on a banked track like the one inside Holt Arena, but that didn’t slow them down.

“I liked it. The track is fast out there,” said Harper.

The second place team was the Colorado Flyers, from Denver with a time of 1:41.30. Third was Cheetah International, from West Covina, Calif., with a time of 1:41.47.

Hailey, Idaho’s Chase Caulkins wins 3200 meters at 2010 Simplot Games

by Jason Bohne

Chase Caulkins, a senior from Hailey, Idaho, won the 3200-meter event at the 32nd annual Simplot Games. He won with a time of 9:27.04.

Caulkins broke away from the pack early and never relinquished the lead. Running from the front of the pack, however, wasn’t necessarily his strategy.

“I just wanted to run my pace,” he said. "And no one else was running as fast as I wanted to run."

As he continued to complete the 16-lap event, the toll of the altitude and the pace began to catch up.

“I was feeling the altitude quite a bit with about 800 meters to go,” he said. “I was just thinking, ‘keep going.’ I told myself to keep pumping my arms and keep my legs moving.”

His determination left no doubt to the outcome as he topped second place finisher Steve Morrin of Alpine, Utah, by two seconds.

This was Caulkins’ second Simplot Games. Last year he narrowly missed qualifying for finals.

Chase Caulkins wins the boys' 3200 run at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

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Indian Track Club wins All-Idaho boy’s 4x200 at Simplot

by Spencer Ward

Ben Workman, Shaw Green, Jerron Batts, and Sawyer Jeter, from Pocatello, representing the Indian Track Club, won the All-Idaho boy’s 4x200 at the 32nd annual Simplot Games. They won with a time of 1:34.73.

“We feel great! It’s awesome to win an event in our hometown,” said Jeter.

“The Simplot Games are a good experience,” said Batts. “We get to meet athletes from all over and get to see the level that they compete at; it’s good motivation.”

Jerron Batts hands the baton to Sawyer Jeter in the All-Idaho boys' 4x200-meter relay at Simplot Games.

(below) Sawyer Jeter crosses the finish line at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

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Alex Paul, a senior, from Boulder, Colorado, wins the boys’ 800 meters race at the 32nd Simplot Games

by Clayton Cook

Alex Paul, a senior, from Boulder, Colorado, edged out the rest of the competition by winning the boys’ 800-meter event with a time of 1:57.46.

Paul was more than satisfied with his performance. “I felt great today. It felt smooth,” he said.

Paul set a new personal best time with his performance in the finals, but said he has more work to do, stating that he wants to go under 1:52 by the end of his senior year.

The second place finisher was J.J. Mcghee, a junior, from Mountain View, California, with a time of 1:58.15. Third was Rya Van Portfliet, a senior, from Aurora, Colorado, with a time of 1:58.44.

CATC Team from Oakland, California, wins the boys’ 4x200 meters relay at the 32nd Simplot Games

by Clayton Cook

Team CATC from Oakland, California, pulled out a dramatic win in the boys’ 4x200 meters relay with a time of 1:29.41 at the 32nd Simplot Games.

Carl Horsley, Derrick Henry, Darquis Rucker, and Noah Blue, the four seniors from Oakland, came back to revenge last year’s loss to Track E.C. by pulling out a thrilling victory at the end. Track E.C., from New Bern, North Carolina, led the whole time until the last 10 meters of the race.

“We were all juniors last year and lost to them,” said Rucker. “We needed to win it this year.”

It was an amazing way for the team, which has came to Simplot Games in hope of a championship for the past four years, to finally win in their last race at Simplot Games together.

“We came back to win it, and we did,” said Rucker.

Track E.C. finished with a time of 1:29.58. Third was YMCA Team Idaho, from Boise, with a time of 1:30.50.

Carl Horlsey helps his team to victory in the boys' 4x200 meter relay at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

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Salt Lake City’s Susannah Hurst wins girl’s 3200 meters run at Simplot

by Tyler Gibbons

Susannah Hurst, a junior from Salt Lake City, Utah, won the girls 3200-meter run at the 32nd annual Simplot Games.

Running the race in three different sets, Hurst overcame a tough start to claim gold.

“It feels good to win, especially with how tough the race was,” Hurst said. “But today proves if you put your mind to something and you work hard you can accomplish anything.”

Susannah Hurst wins the girls' 3200 meter run at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

click photo for high resolution image

Tara Richmond, a senior, from Long Beach, California, earns the top spot in the girls’ triple jump at the 32nd Simplot Games

by Clayton Cook

Tara Richmond, a senior, from Long Beach, Calif., brought home the girls’ triple jump title at the 32nd Simplot Games with a jump of 38’3”.

The rest of the competitors who reached the podium were:

2nd-Tessa Runels, a junior, from Union City, California, 37’09”
3rd-Shanique Walker, a junior, from San Jose, California, 37’06”
4th-Cydney Leath, a sophomore, from San Jose, California, 37’04”
5th-Olivia Hudson, a senior, from Corona, California, 37’03”
6th-Brittany Owens, a sophomore, from Boise, Idaho, 36’08”

Tara Richmond wins the girls' triple jump at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

click photo for high resolution image

YMCA Team Idaho, wins All-Idaho Girl’s 4x200 relay at 2010 Simplot Games

by Spencer Ward

Kendahl Melvin, Ashley Jensen, Alex Vanalder, and Brittney Owens, from Boise, representing the YMCA Team Idaho, won the All-Idaho girl’s 4x200 at the 32nd annual Simplot Games. They won with a time of 1:50.16.

“It’s awesome to win today, we love the Simplot Games,” said Jensen.

“We look forward to the Simplot Games every year. The Simplot Games are ‘it,’” said Melvin.

Kendahl Melvin helps her team win the All-Idaho girls' 4x200-meter relay at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

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Michael Okoro, a senior, from Federal Way, Washington, wins the boys’ 400 meters at the 32nd Simplot Games

by Clayton Cook

Michael Okoro, a senior, from Federal Way, Washington, pulled out a victory in the boys’ 400-meter event with a time of 49.14 at the 32nd Simplot Games.

Although Okoro didn’t go under 49 seconds, which was his goal, he was happy to walk away from this big of an event with a win.

“This was a great experience,” said Okoro. “I’m not happy with my time, but it’s great to get the win.”

Okoro was followed closely by Andy Rounds, a junior, from Salt Lake City, Utah, who crossed the finish line with a time of 49.25. Third place went to Kevin Scheuerman, a senior, from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, with a time of 49.41.

Michael Okoro (center) wins the boys' 400-meter dash at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

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Kelsey Brown from Orem, Utah, runs the fastest time in nation for the girls 800 meters at Simplot Games

by Tyler Gibbons

Kelsey Brown, a senior, from Orem, Utah, won the 800 meter event at the 32nd annual Simplot Games. She set the fastest mark recorded in the United States for the 800 meters with a time of 2:11.05 seconds.

“Wow, I like it here,” Brown said.

Brown had to scratch her pre-race plans in the second lap because of an early challenger jumping out in front of the pack.

“I usually like to pick my spot around the 300 meter mark,” Brown said. “But when I noticed how far one of the girls had gotten in front of the pack I just decided to catch her. And when I did I knew I could and had to stay in the lead.”

Brown made her first and last trip to Simplot Games a memorable one.

“I wish I would have come here before,” Brown said. “But I’m glad this is how I’ll remember Pocatello.”

Kelsey Brown wins the girls' 800-meter dash at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

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Orem’s Zach Blackham wins boys’ high jump at 2010 Simplot Games

by Jason Bohne

Zach Blackham, a senior from Orem, Utah, won the boys’ high jump at the 32nd annual Simplot Games with a leap of 6’10”.

Blackman said he felt very tired entering the event, but received a lift from legendary high jumper Dick Fosbury.

“He was talking to me, encouraging me,” Blackham said. "It really helped me."

Blackham made the most of his first, and last, Simplot Games, bettering his previous personal best jump by two inches, and matching the third best high jump in the U.S. this year.

“I’m trying to get better, and people told me Simplot Games would be a fun event,” he said. “It was really fun.”

Zach Blackham wins the boy's high jump at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

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Pleasant Grove’s Evan Argyle wins boys’ 1600 meters at 2010 Simplot Games

by Jason Bohne

Evan Argyle, a senior from Pleasant Grove, Utah, won the boys’ high jump at the 32nd annual Simplot Games with a time of 4.24.11. Argyle’s time was a personal best.

“My goal was to stick with the pack until the end, then see what kind of kick I could pull off,” Argyle said.

His strategy worked perfectly.

In third place entering the final turn, Argyle turned on the jets and outran second place finisher Roblet Muhudin of Aurora, Colo., and third place finisher Erik Harris of Twin Falls, Idaho, to the tape.

Argyle also saved his best Simplot Games finish for his final Games, improving from his previous best finish “somewhere around twentieth place” last year.

“I’ve been working hard, doing a lot of speed work,” Argyle said. “It paid off today.”

“It was a fast track, a fantastic crowd, the best competition. This is a great place to run.”

Duo from Cody, Wyoming, earns top two spots in boys’ pole vault at the 2010 Simplot Games

by Clayton Cook

Alex Gwynn, a senior from Cody, Wyoming, dominated the Simplot Games boys’ pole vault, winning the event by clearing a height of 15’6”. He was followed by teammate Quinn Rivera, a sophomore, who cleared a height of 14’6”

“I’m very happy with my height,” said Gwynn. “I could have done higher, but I have nothing to complain about.”

Gwynn said he was excited that he got to finish his career the right way at the Simplot Games. He said he had a “horrible” meet in 2008, and was unable to compete in 2009 due to an injury.

The two Wyoming boys were followed by Kirk Capdeville, a senior from Hinsdale, Montana, who cleared a height of 13’6”.

Alex Gwynn wins the boy's pole vault at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

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Iesha Hardiman from Santa Clara, Calif., wins girls 400 meter event

by Tyler Gibbons

Iesha Hardiman, a sophomore from Santa Clara, California, claimed the gold medal in the girls 400-meter dash with time of 55.88 seconds.

Hardiman took lessons from last year’s fourth place finish and applied them in her 2010 strategy.

“I learned from last year when I ran scared in the six (far outside) lane,” Hardiman said. “This time around I just left everything out on the track and fortunately it went my way.”

Iesah Hardiman wins the girls' 400-meter dash at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

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Jessica Wilding wins girl’s 1600 meters run at Simplot

by Spencer Ward

Jessica Wilding, a senior from Kaysville, Utah, representing the Davis Track Club, won the girl’s 1600 meters at the 32nd annual Simplot Games. She won with a time of 5:09.97.

“I’m excited about it, it’s good to end with a win,” said Wilding.

This is Wilding’s third time being at the Simplot Games, and it’s her first gold.

She will be continuing her track career at Utah Valley University.

“I love the Simplot Games! To watch everyone run and to see how fast they are is awesome,” said Wilding.

Chris Mamon, from Fairfield, Calif., wins the boys’ 60-meter hurdles at 2010 Simplot Games

by Amanda Meixel

Chris Mamon, a senior from Fairfield, Calif., won the boys’ 60-meter hurdles at the 32nd annual Simplot Games. He won with a time of 8.01 seconds, which is the 6th best time this year and a personal best for Mamon.

“This is my second year coming to the Games, last year I didn’t even make the finals,” said Mamon. “But I have been getting faster and faster and it felt good to win.”

Other winners in the boys’ 60-hurdles include –

· Richmond Ahadzi, a junior, from Brooklyn, N.Y., second with a time of 8.23

· Monte Corley, a senior from Union City, Calif., got third with a time of 8.32

“Simplot Games is one of the best meets in the nation, with some of the best competition, and I am glad to be a part of it. This year I even brought some of my friends,” adds Mamon.

Chris Mamon wins the boys' 60-meter hurdles at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

click photo for high resolution image

Fuqauwn Greene from New Bern, N.C., breaks the Simplot Games meet record in the boys’ 200-meter event

by Clayton Cook

Fuqauwn Greene, a senior, from New Bern, North Carolina, set a new 200 meters Simplot Games meet record with a time of 21.41.

It was no doubt one of the most crowd-pleasing races of the day. The fans roared in amazement after Greene came across the finish line holding the new meet record. However, it was no surprise to Green.

“It’s all the same, I’ve been breaking records all year,” said Greene. “It’s no surprise, but I’m still proud.”

Green was also part of the Track E.C. team that set new Simplot Games meet records in both the 4x200 and 1600 sprint medley relays in last year’s Games.

Over halfway through the Saturday finals of the 2010 Simplot Games, it was the first meet record the fans have had the pleasure of seeing today.

In second place was Robert Woods from Gardena, Calif., with a time of 21.94. Third was John Thomas from Brooklyn, New York, with a time of 22.03.

set a new 200 meters Simplot Games meet record with a time of 21.41

Fuqauwn Greene wins the boy's 200-meter dash at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

click photo for high resolution image

Ashton Purvis from Oakland, Calif., posts the eighth fastest 200 meter time in high school track and field history

by Tyler Gibbons

A clean sweep for Ashton Purvis, a senior, from Oakland, Calif. Staying true to form, Purvis did it again, and for the third year in a row, swept the 60-and 200-meter events at the Simplot Games.

“I’m really going to miss Simplot,” Purvis said. “This was my first high school track meet ever, so I’m glad I left on a high note.”

Purvis won two events in less than two hours. She won the girls 200 meter dash with a time of 23.54, and the 60-meter hurdles in 7.36.

“I was really nervous at the beginning,” Purvis said. “But after that first turn the nerves subsided and I let my form take over.”

Ashton Purvis wins the girls' 200-meter dash at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

click photo for high resolution image

Pacific United Track Club wins boy’s 1600 Sprint Medley at 2010 Simplot Games

by Spencer Ward

Shaq Thompson, Aaron Dewatteville, Jason Coupe, and Nick Torrence, from Sacramento, Calif., representing the Pacific United Track Club, won the boy’s 1600 sprint medley at the 32nd annual Simplot Games. They won with a time 3:31.45.

“It’s awesome, it’s our first time to come to the Simplot Games,” said Coupe. “We love it!”

Even though it was their first time to attend the Games they plan to continue to come, compete, and win again.

“We’ve wanted to come to the Simplot Games but we haven’t had enough guys for a relay until this year,” said Dewatteville.

Trinity Wilson from Union City, Calif., breaks national sophomore record in 60-meter hurdles

by Tyler Gibbons

Trinity Wilson, a sophomore, from Union City, Calif., broke the national sophomore record in the women’s 60-meter hurdles at this year’s Simplot Games.

Wilson loves the indoor track at Simplot.

“I always tell people Simplot’s my favorite meet,” Wilson said. “From now on, if something will ever go down it’s going to happen right here at Simplot.”

For the second straight year, Wilson broke a class record while winning the 60-meter hurdle event. Last year, Wilson ran 8.44, breaking the freshman record.

“I just brought everything that I’ve been working on in practice to the race,” Wilson said. “And I got it done.”

Trinity Wilson (center) wins the girls' 60-meter hurdles at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

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The Gardena Core Speed Track Club win the girls 1600-meter sprint medley relay at 2010 Simplot Games

by Clayton Cook

The Gardena Core Speed Track Club from Gardena, California, took home the girls’ 1600-meter sprint medley relay title at the 32nd annual Simplot Games.

The Gardena girls team consisted of Alexis Reed and Maya Brown, who both ran the 200, plus Christina Matthews running the 400 and Chimere Ezumah anchoring the 800. The girls came across with a time of 4:10.47. Although Brown was happy with the victory, she wasn’t too satisfied with the time.

“Our time was just okay,” says Brown, “But we had fun.”

Coming in second was the Heritage Track Club from San Jose, California, with a time of 4:11.58. Third was Cheyenne Central Track Club from Cheyenne, Wyoming, with a time of 4:13.84.

Akeem Haynes from Alberta, Calgary wins boys 60 meter dash

by Tyler Gibbons

Akeem Haynes, a senior, from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, bolted out of the gates and across the finish line in 6.85 seconds to claim the top spot on the podium.

“I hurt my hamstring. I felt it pop there at the end,” Haynes said. “Luckily I still finished. In first too.”

Akeem Haynes wins the boys 60-meter dash at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

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Davis Track Club wins boy’s 4x800 at Simplot

by Tyler Gibbons

Ben Poulson, Joe White, Brad Nye and Logan Petty of Kaysville, Utah, representing the Davis Track Club, won the boys’ 4x800-meter relay at the 32nd annual Simplot Games. Their winning time was 8:08.41.

“This is what we have been working for all season,” Nye said.

With the win today, the team broke the Davis club record.

“We wanted to break the school record and we wanted to do it at the Simplot Games. Everything is practice for the Simplot Games,” said Petty.

“We love the Simplot Games, it’s our favorite event,” said White. “We look forward to it every year.”

Kasen Covington, from Boise, Idaho, wins boys long jump

by Tyler Gibbons

The number one rated triple jumper in the nation, Kasen Covington, a senior from Boise, Idaho, claimed gold at the 32nd annual Simplot Games with a leap of 23’6”. One event down for Covington, one to go, the triple jump event will take place later today).

“I was a little scared cause I scratched all my jumps in the prelims and ended up having to go first in the final,” said Covington. “But luckily, everything came out ok. I used it (my placement) as motivation and posted an indoor personal record.”

Kasen Covington wins the boys' long jump at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

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Davis Fraker wins shot put at Simplot

by Spencer Ward

Davis Fraker, a senior, from Marietta, Georgia, representing the team Throw 1 Deep, won the shot put with a throw of 64’10 1/2 at the 32nd annual Simplot Games.

“It’s great, it’s not quite what I wanted because I’ve been training with a college and Olympic size shot put so my timing was a little off,” Fraker said.

Fraker has already signed with the University of Illinois with hopes to continue to be successful in his field events.Tyrell Yardley

Davis Fraker wins the boys' shot put at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

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The Cheyenne Central Track Club wins the girls 4x800 relay at the 2010 Simplot Games

by Clayton Cook

The girls from Cheyenne , Wyoming , won the 4x800-meter relay at the 32nd annual Simplot Games. They came across the finish line with a time of 9:47.98.

The Cheyenne team members include Alyssa Miller, Anna Yanchek, Jessica Lemaster, and Candice Wollert. Miller is the veteran member of the team and is competing in her fourth Simplot Games.

“This is my fourth year here, and it gets better every year,” says Miller. All the Wyoming girls said the whole Simplot experience has been a memorable one.

The Caveman Track Club from American Fork, Utah , came across second with a time of 9:52.18. The Canyon Track Club from Caldwell , Idaho , placed third with a time of 10:10.6.


(above) Alyssa Miller carries the baton in lead off leg of the girls' 4x800-meter relay at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

Cheyenne team members Jessica Lemaster, Anna Yanchek, Allisa Miller, and Candice Wollert.

Photo by Jason Bohne

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Tara Richmond from Long Beach, Calif., wins the Girls High Jump at the 32nd Simplot Games

by Spencer Ward

Tara Richmond, a senior from Long Beach, Calif., leaped past the field and the 5’8” bar to stand atop the podium at the 32nd annual Simplot Games.

“I’ve always enjoyed Simplot,” Richmond said. “I find Pocatello extremely peaceful. So to win in my last year is really exciting.”

Tara Richmond wins the girls' high jump at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

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Jenna Adams from Littleton, Colo., wins Girls Pole Vault at 32nd Simplot Games

by Tyler Gibbons

Jenna Adams, a senior from Littleton, Colo., cleared the bar and the rest of the field to win girls pole vault event at the 32nd annual Simplot Games.

“The hash browns I had this morning, combined with the awesome Simplot atmosphere, was all I needed,” said Adams.

Jennifer Clayton, from New York, wins girls long jump at 2010 Simplot Games

by Clayton Cook

Jennifer Clayton, a senior from New York City , won the girls long jump at the 32nd annual Simplot Games.

“It’s exciting because this was my first time at Simplot Games,” says Clayton. "But it’s sad because I don’t get to come back."

Clayton, who jumped 19’4.75”, edged out her teammate Nicole Cummings who jumped 19’0”. Clayton’s jump of 19’4.75” came on only her second jump of the day, as she was unable to better it throughout the rest of the competition.

Although she says she is happy she won, Clayton feels she could have done better. “I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t go over 20’, but I’m still happy.”

Following the two New York athletes were Brittany Lewis, a junior, from Denver , Colorado , who jumped 18’8”, and Chyna Ries, a freshman, also from Denver , who jumped 18’6”.

Jennifer Clayton wins the girls' long jump at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

click photo for high resolution image

Boise’s Covington ready for the Simplot Games finals

By Spencer Ward

Overcoming disappointment pushes Covington to bring his game to the next level

Pocatello, Idaho- Kasen Covington is ready to succeed in the finals at the 2010 Simplot Games.

After facing disappointment with the news in 2009 that he would not be attending the Youth World Championships in Italy, Covington became more determined and motivated to bring his performance to the next level.

Covington, the top ranked triple jumper in the U.S. this year, is the favorite to win the Simplot Games triple jump again this year.

“Simplot is a great meet, I love it, I look forward to it every indoor season. You get great competition and a great track; it’s a great atmosphere,” says Covington, who competes for YMCA Team Idaho.

A senior, Covington has signed with the University of Washington, where he hopes to continue to succeed. He hopes to find himself running circuits in Europe and eventually representing his country at the Olympics.

But first comes today’s Simplot Games finals, a hop, skip, and jump toward the future.

Tyrell Yardley Down But Not Out

By Clayton Cook

When Tyrell Yardley, from Syracuse, Utah, came to the 2010 Simplot Games, he was greeted with high expectations from pretty much everybody who has ever seen him run. Yardley was returning off his fourth place finish in the 60-meter race in 2009. Also, shortly after the games last year he set the all-time Utah record in the 200-meter race with a time of 21.15.

“I came back because I wanted to win the 400,” said Yardley.

That dream came to a screeching halt Friday morning when Yardley tore his hamstring while winning his 400-meter heat. Yardley was not only forced to scratch from his 60-meter heat later that day, but forego the rest of the competition completely.

Yardley described the injury as “disappointing but not heartbreaking.”

With Yardley’s record time in the 200 and Utah’s second best times ever in the 400 and 100, he is among the best sprinters ever to come from the state of Utah. Although he says Utah has some great runners, Yardley admits he enjoys competing against the best competition in the nation, which the Simplot Games bring every year. “I really enjoy the competition of the Simplot Games,” said Yardley.

Although Yardley won’t be able to finish he career properly by winning the Simplot Games, he still has a huge track and field future in front of him. After recently signing with Brigham Young University on February 3, he will compete one year for the Cougars before going on his LDS mission, and he plans on returning back to BYU for the remainder of his three years after.

“It should be fun,” said Yardley, who gives credit to his high school coach for his success, and looks forward to working with BYU’s staff. “They have coaches specialized for each event, which will allow for more one-on-one time with me and the coaches.”

Although Yardley will be “icing up and cheering on teammates” for the rest of the competition, there is still plenty of action to watch on Saturday as the 2010 Simplot Games wrap up.

Tyrell Yardley wins his heat in the 400-meter dash at Simplot Games.

Photo by Mike Roberts
mroberts@122bresnan.net

click photo for high resolution image