The Simplot Games, held every year at the ICCU Arena (formerly Holt Arena) in Pocatello, is one of the premier high school tracks events not only nationally, but even internationally.  This year’s event saw a large contingent of participants from both Canada and Australia, in addition to a number of western states, and even New Jersey.  This year’s event was a classic, as meet and national records were set in several events.

As part of the large gathering of high caliber athletes, members of Malad Track made their way up the I-15 for the week’s competition.  Kaycee Venable competed in two sports, the 60m Hurdles and the Pole vault, while Ellie Angell, Levi Angell, and Boston Burbidge competed in the 1600m, while Matt Briscoe competed in the 200m.  While none of Malad’s athletes made it to the finals in the massive field of contestants, it was a great learning experience and an early chance to compete, as Coach Caleb Williams explained.

“It was a great experience for all of my athletes to compete in the ICCU arena. We don’t have an indoor track season,” Williams said.  “So it was really cool for them to see that part of the sport. There were some of the best high school athletes from all over the world competing this weekend. Some of our athletes got to meet Olympic gold medalists. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for our kids to compete with them.”

As the team gets ready for the season, Williams notes that “We are a really young track team with only a few seniors coming back to lead the team, Brycen Talbot and Joni Beck are a few to name. There are also a few returning state medalists that we are very excited about. Boston Burbidge, Braun Nalder and Levi Angell for the boys team. Kaycee Venabile and Halie Palmer for the Girls team. You always have the surprises too, the athletes that have worked hard over the off season that will make a difference for our team.” 

Williams and his athletes are looking forward to showing the competition what they can do this year, despite being a relatively young team.  “Our season is looking very promising this year. We have a few veterans coming back from last year,” Williams said.   “We lost some really good athletes last year, but we have a very talented freshman class coming in. A Lot of our athletes play winter sports, like basketball or wrestling so we have been cheering them on this winter. Our athletes that are not playing other sports have been preparing all winter long lifting weights, staying in shape, and running.” 

In addition to competing at the games and being a part of the spectacle, the athletes also got a chance to meet a number of Olympic athletes, including local celebrity Stacy Dragila, and Simplot Games legend Willie Banks.

The first track meet of the season is in Malad on Thursday, March 20. Williams invites people to “come out and support all of our athletes and their hard work!”

Williams also thanked those who hep keep the team going: “I would like to add a thank you to all of the parents, coaches, and community members that support our athletes.  Malad High School has great students, and I’m proud of all of them that participate in track.  It is an exceptional sport and it is an honor to be a part of their experience.”