Thursday, February 11, 2010
Simplot Games and th U.S. Army
The U.S. Army, a major sponsor of the Simplot Games, will land an Apache Helicopter on Friday morning, Feb. 19, at 11 a.m. on the lawn outside the south entrance of Holt Arena. The helicopter, piloted by Capt. Keith Grover of the Idaho National Guard and in support of ISU ROTC and U.S. Army Recruiting Command, will be available for viewing and remain until takeoff at 1:30 p.m.
4 Days Left to Register for 2010 Simplot Games
Registration closes Sunday, Feb. 14th at midnight! Don't miss out on the big event!
HAVING PROBLEMS WITH REGISTRATION?
Online registration will be turned off at midnight on Feb 14th, but we will make every effort to be sure all interested athletes are registered. Our offices will not be staffed on Sunday. If you attempt to register but have difficulties, call 208-235-5604 leaving a message with your name and a phone number where you can be reached on Monday morning, February 15th. We will return all calls before heating and seeding. Remember, President’s Day is Monday, Feb. 15th, so please leave a message where you can be contacted during the holiday.
No late entries will be accepted after registration is closed and questions answered.
HAVING PROBLEMS WITH REGISTRATION?
Online registration will be turned off at midnight on Feb 14th, but we will make every effort to be sure all interested athletes are registered. Our offices will not be staffed on Sunday. If you attempt to register but have difficulties, call 208-235-5604 leaving a message with your name and a phone number where you can be reached on Monday morning, February 15th. We will return all calls before heating and seeding. Remember, President’s Day is Monday, Feb. 15th, so please leave a message where you can be contacted during the holiday.
No late entries will be accepted after registration is closed and questions answered.
Monday, February 8, 2010
The 32nd Simplot Games is here
The 32nd Simplot Games are being held this weekend, February 18-20, at Idaho State University’s Holt Arena. The annual J.R. Simplot Company-sponsored event has become one of the nation’s premier high school indoor track and field events since it was first held in 1979.
“Athletes look forward to this weekend all winter,” says Rebecca Anderson, Simplot Games Executive Director. “It’s such an excellent way to kick-off the indoor season. Some of the best high school athletes in the country get to take center stage in one of the most unique and beautiful facilities around.”
Idaho State’s distinctive wood track, state-of-the-art timing equipment, and top-notch competition give athletes the motivation and chance to stomp around in record time.
“Athletes pay a huge price to get here,” says Anderson. “They sacrifice an enormous amount of time and effort to get the opportunity to perform at the highest level.”
Although the 2,000 athletes from over 20 different states and Canada who travel to Pocatello come to shine under Holt Arena’s bright lights, the Simplot Games weekend itself is about more than just standing atop a podium.
“But the Games is not all about competition, it is about having fun too,” says Anderson. “And this year is going to be better than ever, with some great new additions.”
The business community will enjoy “Breakfast with Fosbury and Friends.” Coaches and serious athletes get to explore a competitive edge at the Track Academy featuring Brigham Young University Sports Psychologist Ron Chamberlin.
Competitors get the chance to mingle with Olympic legends Dick Fosbury, Andre Phillips, Larry Questad, and Madeline Manning. They will socialize with each other at Simplot Games After Dark, which offers dinner, dancing, and a mechanical bull.
Coaches will be able to mingle with adidas athlete Scott Bauhs, Brett Gotcher, and Coach Greg McMillan over food and beverages at the adidas sponsored Coaches Hospitality Room.
The Games also offers recognition for everyone with the Parade of Athletes, a truly Olympic event.
“The Simplot Games is also unique because it is an open meet, which means athletes do not need a certain qualifying time or distance to be able to complete, says Anderson. “Everyone is welcome at the Games and this allows high school athletes from all over the chance to compete and have fun. It truly makes Simplot Games an extraordinary experience for everyone.”
Plus, admission to the Games is free.
Local business leaders, Simplot employees, and sponsors have been planning for this weekend since last May. The goal: to expose Pocatello’s beauty and hospitality to the influx of people who flood local shops, restaurants, and hotels.
“The community has become supporters of the Games because of the relative ease it is to become a fan,” adds Anderson. “And that wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers who give up so much to put on such an exceptional, first-class event,”
The Games are more than a track meet. It has become a melting pot of young, aspiring individuals and dedicated business people and volunteers who grow, learn, and improve while coming together in the spirit of competition.
“The recipe for the Simplot Games involves coordination, dedication, and hard work by a lot of people,” says Anderson. “When the weekend’s over, only a few take home a medal, but everyone leaves with life-long memories of another incredible Simplot Games experience.”
Don’t miss out on this amazing experience. Make sure Holt Arena is your destination this weekend.
“Athletes look forward to this weekend all winter,” says Rebecca Anderson, Simplot Games Executive Director. “It’s such an excellent way to kick-off the indoor season. Some of the best high school athletes in the country get to take center stage in one of the most unique and beautiful facilities around.”
Idaho State’s distinctive wood track, state-of-the-art timing equipment, and top-notch competition give athletes the motivation and chance to stomp around in record time.
“Athletes pay a huge price to get here,” says Anderson. “They sacrifice an enormous amount of time and effort to get the opportunity to perform at the highest level.”
Although the 2,000 athletes from over 20 different states and Canada who travel to Pocatello come to shine under Holt Arena’s bright lights, the Simplot Games weekend itself is about more than just standing atop a podium.
“But the Games is not all about competition, it is about having fun too,” says Anderson. “And this year is going to be better than ever, with some great new additions.”
The business community will enjoy “Breakfast with Fosbury and Friends.” Coaches and serious athletes get to explore a competitive edge at the Track Academy featuring Brigham Young University Sports Psychologist Ron Chamberlin.
Competitors get the chance to mingle with Olympic legends Dick Fosbury, Andre Phillips, Larry Questad, and Madeline Manning. They will socialize with each other at Simplot Games After Dark, which offers dinner, dancing, and a mechanical bull.
Coaches will be able to mingle with adidas athlete Scott Bauhs, Brett Gotcher, and Coach Greg McMillan over food and beverages at the adidas sponsored Coaches Hospitality Room.
The Games also offers recognition for everyone with the Parade of Athletes, a truly Olympic event.
“The Simplot Games is also unique because it is an open meet, which means athletes do not need a certain qualifying time or distance to be able to complete, says Anderson. “Everyone is welcome at the Games and this allows high school athletes from all over the chance to compete and have fun. It truly makes Simplot Games an extraordinary experience for everyone.”
Plus, admission to the Games is free.
Local business leaders, Simplot employees, and sponsors have been planning for this weekend since last May. The goal: to expose Pocatello’s beauty and hospitality to the influx of people who flood local shops, restaurants, and hotels.
“The community has become supporters of the Games because of the relative ease it is to become a fan,” adds Anderson. “And that wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers who give up so much to put on such an exceptional, first-class event,”
The Games are more than a track meet. It has become a melting pot of young, aspiring individuals and dedicated business people and volunteers who grow, learn, and improve while coming together in the spirit of competition.
“The recipe for the Simplot Games involves coordination, dedication, and hard work by a lot of people,” says Anderson. “When the weekend’s over, only a few take home a medal, but everyone leaves with life-long memories of another incredible Simplot Games experience.”
Don’t miss out on this amazing experience. Make sure Holt Arena is your destination this weekend.
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.
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.
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.”
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