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.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Andre Phillips comes back to Simplot Games
Andre Phillips, the 1988 Olympic gold medalist in the 400-meter hurdles, is no stranger to Simplot Games, returning for his tenth year.
This year, however, is going to be a little different: he will be bringing the “Hall of Famer” title with him following his recent induction into the USA Track and Field (USATF) Hall of Fame.
“I’m humbled, honored, and proud,” says Phillips of the honor.
Phillips boasts an impressive resume of track accomplishments. Before winning the gold medal, Phillips was the 1981 NCAA champion in the 400-meter-hurdles while competing for UCLA. He also won both the World Cup and the USA Outdoor title in 1985.
Although the World Cup and National titles are great, they don’t carry the same prestige as the Olympic gold that Phillips was able to win in 1988.
To win the gold medal, Phillips had to do something he and every other athlete in the world was unable to do for nearly a decade: beat Edwin Moses.
Moses was deemed unbeatable by many. For nine years, Moses never lost, winning 122 consecutive 400 meter-hurdle races. Phillips, however, was able to get the best of Moses in the 400 meter-hurdle Olympic final in Seoul.
“The first thing that crossed my mind as I crossed the finish line was that I beat Moses,” says Phillips. “I couldn’t believe I beat Moses.”
After looking back, Phillips admits beating Moses was nice, but having the gold medal in his pocket is definitely more important in the long run.
Winning the gold medal puts Phillips in the elite class of USA Track & Field athletes, the class of legends. Along with Phillips, Joetta Clark Diggs (800 meters), Randy Williams (long jump), Willie Steele (long jump), and Dr. Ken Foreman (coach), were the USATF Hall of Fame inductees for the year of 2009.
Phillips is among many Olympians that attend Simplot Games on a regular basis.
“It’s a world class event with world class athletes,” says Phillips. “I enjoy coming out here and watching some of the young blood compete.”
While Phillips enjoys all aspects of the competition, he does admit having a favorite.
“I enjoy watching every event, but the 400-meter hurdles is always going to be close to my heart,” says Phillips.
After 10 years, he has no plans on skipping the Games in the future.
“As long as the people of Pocatello and Simplot Games want me here, I will be here,” says Phillips. “Snow or shine.”
This year, however, is going to be a little different: he will be bringing the “Hall of Famer” title with him following his recent induction into the USA Track and Field (USATF) Hall of Fame.
“I’m humbled, honored, and proud,” says Phillips of the honor.
Phillips boasts an impressive resume of track accomplishments. Before winning the gold medal, Phillips was the 1981 NCAA champion in the 400-meter-hurdles while competing for UCLA. He also won both the World Cup and the USA Outdoor title in 1985.
Although the World Cup and National titles are great, they don’t carry the same prestige as the Olympic gold that Phillips was able to win in 1988.
To win the gold medal, Phillips had to do something he and every other athlete in the world was unable to do for nearly a decade: beat Edwin Moses.
Moses was deemed unbeatable by many. For nine years, Moses never lost, winning 122 consecutive 400 meter-hurdle races. Phillips, however, was able to get the best of Moses in the 400 meter-hurdle Olympic final in Seoul.
“The first thing that crossed my mind as I crossed the finish line was that I beat Moses,” says Phillips. “I couldn’t believe I beat Moses.”
After looking back, Phillips admits beating Moses was nice, but having the gold medal in his pocket is definitely more important in the long run.
Winning the gold medal puts Phillips in the elite class of USA Track & Field athletes, the class of legends. Along with Phillips, Joetta Clark Diggs (800 meters), Randy Williams (long jump), Willie Steele (long jump), and Dr. Ken Foreman (coach), were the USATF Hall of Fame inductees for the year of 2009.
Phillips is among many Olympians that attend Simplot Games on a regular basis.
“It’s a world class event with world class athletes,” says Phillips. “I enjoy coming out here and watching some of the young blood compete.”
While Phillips enjoys all aspects of the competition, he does admit having a favorite.
“I enjoy watching every event, but the 400-meter hurdles is always going to be close to my heart,” says Phillips.
After 10 years, he has no plans on skipping the Games in the future.
“As long as the people of Pocatello and Simplot Games want me here, I will be here,” says Phillips. “Snow or shine.”
Simplot Games Track Camp
After another successful camp in 2009, track and field legend Dick Fosbury will bring his expertise back to Pocatello for the third annual Simplot Games Track Camp, July 7-9, 2010. The Simplot Games camp is an offspring of Fosbury’s original track camp that takes place every summer in Brunswick, Maine.
The Simplot Games Track Camp expects between 100-150 athletes from ages 13-18 this year.
“The number of athletes we have attend is perfect for the number of coaches we have,” says Rick Phillips, a Simplot Games Board member who was instrumental in the camp’s founding. “It allows for a lot of one-on-one time between the athletes and coaches, which is what they need.”
Phillips says the camp is not only designed to teach the athletes correct techniques and to improve their physical skills, but also to prepare them mentally for the problems they might battle with in the future.
“Fosbury is great about teaching the kids how to deal mentally with injuries, and how to face adversity,” said Phillips. “It’s a combo of that, and the physical skills that the other coaches teach, which makes this camp different from others.”
Two of the high-profile coaches committed to join Fosbury at the 2010 camp are fellow Hall of Fame Olympians Willie Banks and Andre Phillips.
This year, athletes from all over the western United States are expected to attend, including kids from Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and California. This year’s camp will take place on the Idaho State University campus from July 7-9, 2010. For more information, visit simplotgames.com.
The Simplot Games Track Camp expects between 100-150 athletes from ages 13-18 this year.
“The number of athletes we have attend is perfect for the number of coaches we have,” says Rick Phillips, a Simplot Games Board member who was instrumental in the camp’s founding. “It allows for a lot of one-on-one time between the athletes and coaches, which is what they need.”
Phillips says the camp is not only designed to teach the athletes correct techniques and to improve their physical skills, but also to prepare them mentally for the problems they might battle with in the future.
“Fosbury is great about teaching the kids how to deal mentally with injuries, and how to face adversity,” said Phillips. “It’s a combo of that, and the physical skills that the other coaches teach, which makes this camp different from others.”
Two of the high-profile coaches committed to join Fosbury at the 2010 camp are fellow Hall of Fame Olympians Willie Banks and Andre Phillips.
This year, athletes from all over the western United States are expected to attend, including kids from Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and California. This year’s camp will take place on the Idaho State University campus from July 7-9, 2010. For more information, visit simplotgames.com.
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.
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.
Simplot Games After Dark
After two days of vigorous competition Simplot Games athletes will get the chance to relax and unwind at ISU’s Student Union Building (SUB), on Friday, February 19.
Simplot Games After Dark will provide new activities and the chance for athletes, coaches, and others from the community to relax and have some fun. This annual night of entertainment continues with an exciting new format.
This year all of the events for Simplot Games After Dark will be sponsored by adidas and will be hosted at the SUB. The evening starts with an Idaho potato bar for dinner from 6 to 7 p.m. Participants will then have their choice of activities that begin at 6:30 and go to 7:30 p.m. Choices include:
· Track Academy – Ron Chamberlain, BYU Sports Psychologist, will present “Ready to Play: Mental Readiness for Competition.” Be ready to compete by learning how to focus at performance time, get a competitive edge through practical psychological skills, and be in a positive emotional state and properly energized for competition.
· Deal or No Deal– in the Simplot Games version, participants can win prizes like adidas shoe certificates, an iPod, Simplot Games apparel, sport bags, gift cards, and more.
· The Third Degree– Simplot Games’ participants get the chance to ask questions of guest Olympians. Come see Greg McMillan, the coach that Amby Burfoot, from Runner’s World calls “the best and smartest distance-running coaches in America.” Plus don’t miss Scott Bauhs, a sub-4 minute miler and two-time Division II NCAA champion; and Brett Gotcher, a long distance runner who just ran the fourth fastest debut marathon ever for an American.
Prizes will be given away at each venue, including three iPod’s, adidas and Simplot Games apparel, and more.
“With everything under one roof, it offers convenience and more options to those who attend,” says Rebecca Anderson, Simplot Games Executive Director. “It’s going to be a great night and a lot of fun.”
After the different activities have ended, the Simplot Games dance – an annual institution – will be held from 7:30 to 11 p.m. There will be an inflatable obstacle course, laser lights, video screens, and a mechanical bull, along with food and games.
Concessions sold at the dance will be provided by the Pocatello Junior Civitans, which is made up of three local high schools. This event serves as one of their annual fundraisers.
“With over 1,000 in attendance from both local and visiting high schools, the dance is going to be a great release from competition and an enjoyable night,” says Anderson.
Also at 8 p.m., coaches will be able to mingle with adidas guest athletes and coach at the Coaches Hospitality Room.
This will be the first year that all Friday night events will be under one roof, and available with one ticket.
After Dark tickets are available for $10 at www.SimplotGames.com. Presold tickets (up to 500 may be sold) include dinner; your choice of Track Academy, Deal or No Deal, or Third Degree; and the dance party. Mechanical bull rides are an extra $2, and concessions at the dance are an additional cost.
Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $15, but these tickets are for the dance only and exclude dinner and other activities.
“It is going to be a great night,” says Anderson. “Don’t miss out!”
Simplot Games After Dark will provide new activities and the chance for athletes, coaches, and others from the community to relax and have some fun. This annual night of entertainment continues with an exciting new format.
This year all of the events for Simplot Games After Dark will be sponsored by adidas and will be hosted at the SUB. The evening starts with an Idaho potato bar for dinner from 6 to 7 p.m. Participants will then have their choice of activities that begin at 6:30 and go to 7:30 p.m. Choices include:
· Track Academy – Ron Chamberlain, BYU Sports Psychologist, will present “Ready to Play: Mental Readiness for Competition.” Be ready to compete by learning how to focus at performance time, get a competitive edge through practical psychological skills, and be in a positive emotional state and properly energized for competition.
· Deal or No Deal– in the Simplot Games version, participants can win prizes like adidas shoe certificates, an iPod, Simplot Games apparel, sport bags, gift cards, and more.
· The Third Degree– Simplot Games’ participants get the chance to ask questions of guest Olympians. Come see Greg McMillan, the coach that Amby Burfoot, from Runner’s World calls “the best and smartest distance-running coaches in America.” Plus don’t miss Scott Bauhs, a sub-4 minute miler and two-time Division II NCAA champion; and Brett Gotcher, a long distance runner who just ran the fourth fastest debut marathon ever for an American.
Prizes will be given away at each venue, including three iPod’s, adidas and Simplot Games apparel, and more.
“With everything under one roof, it offers convenience and more options to those who attend,” says Rebecca Anderson, Simplot Games Executive Director. “It’s going to be a great night and a lot of fun.”
After the different activities have ended, the Simplot Games dance – an annual institution – will be held from 7:30 to 11 p.m. There will be an inflatable obstacle course, laser lights, video screens, and a mechanical bull, along with food and games.
Concessions sold at the dance will be provided by the Pocatello Junior Civitans, which is made up of three local high schools. This event serves as one of their annual fundraisers.
“With over 1,000 in attendance from both local and visiting high schools, the dance is going to be a great release from competition and an enjoyable night,” says Anderson.
Also at 8 p.m., coaches will be able to mingle with adidas guest athletes and coach at the Coaches Hospitality Room.
This will be the first year that all Friday night events will be under one roof, and available with one ticket.
After Dark tickets are available for $10 at www.SimplotGames.com. Presold tickets (up to 500 may be sold) include dinner; your choice of Track Academy, Deal or No Deal, or Third Degree; and the dance party. Mechanical bull rides are an extra $2, and concessions at the dance are an additional cost.
Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $15, but these tickets are for the dance only and exclude dinner and other activities.
“It is going to be a great night,” says Anderson. “Don’t miss out!”
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