Taylor Meeks
Sports Writer
More than 2,200 athletes from across the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand will travel to Idaho State University’s Holt Arena on Feb. 14-16 to compete in the 41st annual Simplot Games, the nation’s premier high school indoor track and field event.
For more than four decades, Simplot Games has built a tradition of competition, meaningful experiences and passion for the community and athletics.
Founded in 1979 by J.R. Simplot, the Games has brought enthusiastic athletes, coaches, Olympians and spectators together in Holt Arena every February for a jam-packed weekend of competition, excitement and fun.
“The Games mean so much to so many people,” said Lisa Woodland, Executive Director of Simplot Games. “Whether it’s the athletes, coaches, sponsors, volunteers or the community – everybody wants the Games to thrive.”
Several features set Simplot Games apart from other track and field events and qualify it as the nation’s best. The Games attract nationally ranked competitors but remain an open meet, meaning no qualifying time or mark is needed for an athlete to participate.
Additionally, Simplot Games has immense community support, relying on the work of hundreds of volunteers and sponsors who share the vision of the Games.
Simplot Games wouldn’t be possible without the support from the Don Plant, which was founded by J.R. Simplot and has produced phosphate fertilizer since 1944. This year’s Games coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Don Plant.
“Simplot Games really shows how unified our community is,” Woodland said. “Our volunteers and sponsors put in so much hard work each year and enable us to continue the Games and give athletes a meaningful, unique experience.”
In 1979, the first meet attracted 600 athletes from just six western states, a humble beginning compared to the meet’s size today. Within the first few years, a national record was set by Lisa Bernhagen, a high jumper from Hailey, Idaho — a record that still stands today.
The event has remained an increasingly competitive meet by attracting widespread national and international competition. National records are broken, personal and team victories are celebrated and lifelong connections are made.
The Games not only allows more than 2,200 track and field athletes the opportunity to compete at an open meet, but they also allow competitors the chance to meet and mingle with Olympic legends, including Dick Fosbury, Andre Phillips, Willie Banks, Stacy Dragila and others. Hosting Olympians makes Simplot Games a more enriching experience for young athletes finding their footing in the world of track and field.
“It means so much to Simplot Games for these legendary Olympians to come and make an impact on the young student athletes who come from around the world,” Woodland said. “They always find a way to make each year memorable.”
Though the meet brings plenty of excitement, some of the highlights of Simplot Games take place away from the track and field. Breakfast with Fosbury and Friends is one of these events, and this year, the keynote speaker is Olympic gold medalist Dan O’Brien.
Each year, one Olympian is given the opportunity by Simplot Games to speak to the attendees at this special event. O’Brien competed and won gold in the decathlon and is officially recognized as the “World’s Greatest Athlete.” He will speak to the participants and then take questions on Friday, Feb. 15.
“I am excited to come back to Pocatello because I do want to continue to share my story with young people, and I haven’t been back to Idaho in a long time,” O’Brien said. “I just love what Simplot Games has been able to do for youth, especially youth track and field athletes, for so many years.”
In addition to Breakfast with Fosbury and Friends, the annual After Dark party is another special event that the young competitors can participate in. The event is hosted by Pocatello’s Outer Limits Fun Zone and will be held on Feb. 15.
In many ways, Simplot Games is a launching pad for collegiate and Olympic careers in athletics. The potential of the young athletes is evident during Simplot Games, where their hard work and dedication can be seen as they pass batons, leap over hurdles or clear the pole-vaulting bar.
“Simplot Games has become an institution in Pocatello and the national high school track and field world,” Woodland said. “We look forward to growing the meet even more and getting the community more involved.”
