Simplot Games is the nation's premier indoor high school track and field event. Sponsored by the J.R. Simplot Company, it is held annually on the weekend of the third Saturday in February for the high school track and field athletes across North America – and occasionally beyond.
Contents
- Honorary Chairperson of the Simplot Games
- History
- JR Jack Simplots contribution and dedication to Simplot Games
- Ceremonies and Parade of Athletes
- Coaches
- References
More than 1,500 athletes from over 20 different states and Canada travel to the Simplot Games every year. The Simplot Games are held at Idaho State University (ISU)'s Holt Arena, located in Pocatello, Idaho. The Games were first held in 1979. Holt Arena’s unique 200 meter banked-board track is one of the fastest indoor tracks in the United States. Records have been broken regularly since the track debuted in the early 1970s, and records continue to be broken each year at this one-of-a-kind indoor facility. At the Simplot Games, high school athletes get the chance to mingle with guest Olympic legends such as Honorary Chairman Dick Fosbury. The Games also offers recognition for all participants with the Parade of Athletes, an Olympic-style event. The Games are unique among national events because it is an open meet, which means athletes do not need a certain qualifying time or distance to be able to compete. All high school age athletes are welcome at the Simplot Games, giving students from all over the chance to compete. Admission is free.
Honorary Chairperson of the Simplot Games
Dick Fosbury
History
In 1979 Simplot Games was just a small regional track meet. Today it is one of the nation’s premier high school track and field events. The Games have come a long way. Every year Simplot Games has continued old traditions while adding new features that make it the event that it is today.
J.R. “Jack” Simplot’s contribution and dedication to Simplot Games
John Richard “Jack” Simplot was an enthusiastic supporter of Simplot Games and regularly attended the Games on Saturdays to view the ceremonies and final events. He enjoyed mingling with the high school participants, shaking hands and encouraging them to do well on the track and in school, and sharing one of his secrets to success: “Stay with it and just do your best.”
He recognized the similarity in finding success in business and on the track: hard work, vision, the willingness to take risks, and the ability to overcome the odds.
And Jack Simplot, who launched his empire at the age of 14, no doubt recognized the potential in each of the young athletes he greeted.
Ceremonies and Parade of Athletes
The Ceremonies and Parade of Athletes has been an annual tradition of the Simplot Games. During this Olympic-style event, 2,000 athletes make their way around Idaho State University's historic wood track. Also during the Ceremonies and Parade of Athletes special guest are introduced, national anthems are played, and athletes from each state enjoy their moment in the spotlight.
Coaches
Legend: At the Time Set – @ National Record, #Age Group National Record