31st Simplot Games Holt Arena, Idaho State University, Pocatello ID February 19-21, 2009 Donna on the Side by Donna  Dye

The Simplot Games and Pocatello, Idaho go together.  Pocatello has been  the home of the Simplot Games since the Games began 31 years ago. Located in the southeast corner of the state, Pocatello  is 150 miles north of Salt Lake City, Utah.  It is 4,448 feet above sea level and nestled in the western foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Less than 15 inches of precipitation falls in a year which gives a desert look to the terrain. The name Pocatello comes from an Indian chief of the Shoshone tribe who granted the railroad a right-of-way through the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. Through the years, Pocatello has transitioned from a stop on the 1860's gold rush to an agricultural community to the regional center for shopping, education, medical care, and cultural and social activities that it is today.

The theme for the 31st Simplot Games is "The Spirit of the Games Lives On," In honor of the Simplot Games founder and sponsor, J.R. Simplot.  Mr. Simplot passed away last year in May at the age of 99.  Until the last few years when failing health kept him away, Mr. Simplot attended the games.
Mr. Simplot last participated in the Simplot Games ceremonies in 2006.

 Now on to Holt Arena

The Simplot Games are held in the Holt Arena on the grounds of the Idaho State University in Pocatello Idaho.  Holt Arena is actually an indoor football stadum, that is recessed 20 ft below grade and rises 89 feet from grade to the top for a total of 103 feet.  The Stadium has a 12,000 seat capacity for football.   The notion of an indoor football stadium was first suggested by Milton W. "Dubby" Holt, Idaho State university's Athletic Director in the late 1960's . The idea was rather controversial at the time. But the idea was submitted to the student body and approved. The arena was in completed in 1970.

The Simplot Games is an annual tradition with the J.R. Simplot Company and the city of Pocatello.  It's a meet run almost entirely by volunteers who are dedicated to providing a positive experience for all participants. Their dedication results in a well organized and officiated meet that presents a friendly atmosphere for athletes, coaches and fans. The Simplot Games provide a high level of competition for the West that is rare during the indoor season. But it's attraction is not limited to the West. Despite the economic hard times, almost 1,800 athletes from 18 states and 3 Canadian Provinces came to fulfill the competitive spirit.  While the Simplot corporation is the main sponsor, the Games receive well wishes and congratulation from the community that you see on signs, posters and greetings all over town.
Everybody gets into the Games!
Executive  Director, Rebecca Anderson with her brother	Adidas Olympians at Simplot:  Ian Dobson (2008-5000m) and Carrie Tollefson (2004-1500m)
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The Army truck was on site providing a hands on view of a career in the Army.  (more pictures of the inside in On the Side.)