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Simplot Games Idaho State University, Pocatello ID DyeStat on-site with Doug Speck, Rich Gonzalez, Mike Kennedy, and John and Donna Dye |
Donna on the Side
by Donna Dye
Part 1 - Intro and winners
Part 2 - on to the Games - the Wave
Part 3 - on the sidelines
Part 4 - sprints
Part 5 - distance
Part 6 - relays
Part 7 - jumps
Part 8 - throws
Part 9 - team spirit
Part 10 - Olympians
Part 11 - ceremonies and worker bees
This is the 29th year for the Simplot Games. 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. This year over 2,000 athletes from 20 states and Canada came to fulfill the competitive spirit.
It's was all about DESIRE! |
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Rolling Mountains provide the background to Pocatello and the Simplot Games. |
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Pocatello calls itself the U.S. Smile Capital. In 1948, during an exceptionally severe winter, the Pocatello Mayor passed an ordinance making it illegal not to smile in Pocatello. The ordinance was passed "tongue in cheek" to help raise the morale of the citizens. However, the ordinance remained on the books. In the 1980's the American Bankers Association discovered it and chose to use it in their national advertising campaign, to convince Congress to modernize outdated banking laws. They later declared Pocatello as the U.S. Smile Capital. In the spirit of fun, Pocatello has made "Smile Fest" an annual event. As part of the fun, the Pocatello Chamber of Commerce distributed "Smile Bracelets" during the Simplot Games. |
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Historic downtown Pocatello. |
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| The Simplot games take place in the Holt Arena, an indoor football stadum, on the campus of Idaho State Univeresity. 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. It is recessed 20ft below grade and rises 89ft from grade to the top, for a total of 103 ft. The stadium has a 12,000 football seat capacity. |
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Smiling, friendly faces on hand to serve out the goodies. |
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The winners
National Record Setter
1st Bianca Knight MS with a national record setting time of 22.97!!! |
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Top Speed Doubles and Repeats
Trenton Guy NC doubled to win both the 65m and 200m |
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In the winning circle are Bianca Knight with her mom, Annie and Trenton Guy Jr with his dad, Trenton |
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More Winners
Jeneba Tarmoh CA 60 meters |
Leigh Ann Ganzar CO 800 meters |
Turquoise Thompson CA 400 meters |
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Vashti Thomas CA 60 meter hurdles |
Ke'nyia Richardson CA Triple Jump |
Karleigh Gempler ID 3200 meters |
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Sam McMillian UT 1600 meters |
Kamorean Hayes NC Shot Put |
Shade Weygandt CO Pole Vault |
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Lindsey Bergevin Canada High Jump |
Karyn Dunn CA Long Jump |
Lauren Chambers GA Weight Throw |
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Lammar Davis NC 400 meters |
Cory Primm CA 800 meters |
Luke Puskedra UT 1600 meters |
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Jared Ward UT 3200 meters |
Terry Prentice CA Long Jump |
Andre' McDonald MO High Jump |
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Spencer McCorkel AR Pole Vault |
Chris Green CA Triple Jump |
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Joe Canavan CA Shot Put |
Wes Wright GA Weight Throw |
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DONNA ON THE SIDE AT SIMPLOT
Part 1 - Intro and winners
Part 2 - on to the Games - the Wave
Part 3 - on the sidelines
Part 4 - sprints
Part 5 - distance
Part 6 - relays
Part 7 - jumps
Part 8 - throws
Part 9 - team spirit
Part 10 - Olympians
Part 11 - ceremonies and worker bees