[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 20, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2578-S2579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             SIMPLOT GAMES

 Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I would like to use this occasion to 
recognize and commend the premier indoor high school track and field 
event in the Nation. Found in my very own backyard, the Simplot Games 
are held annually at Holt Arena on the campus of Idaho State University 
in Pocatello, ID. For the past twenty-three consecutive years, the 
Simplot Games have provided an opportunity for thousands of youths to 
compete with top-ranked athletes from every corner of the United States 
and Canada in a nurturing and supportive environment. Run almost solely 
by volunteers, the Games are a source of inspiration and pride for all 
participants. The J. R. Simplot Company, a sponsor of the Games, should 
be applauded for its dedication to the athletes, not only financially, 
but for providing such a stage to showcase so many talented young 
people from around the nation.
  The Simplot Games are held annually during the third weekend of 
February on the fastest indoor track in the country. It is certain a 
few national records will be broken every year before a cheering crowd 
of thousands, not to mention the national television audience. I had 
the opportunity to attend the games this year and witness firsthand the 
camaraderie and team spirit these exceptional young adults displayed. 
It was impossible not to be caught up in the excitement of this unique 
event.
  The Simplot Games are sanctioned by USA Track and Field, and awards 
are presented to contenders finishing in the top six places of their 
respective events. The Games are not just about athletics, but also 
about providing guidance and advice to the young competitors. Many 
notable athletes of Olympic and professional fame make a personal 
commitment to be a positive influence on the participants through their 
work with the Simplot Games. This year, Olympians included: Al Joyner, 
Honorary Chairman of the Simplot Games and 1984 Gold Medalist in the 
triple jump; Dick Fosbury, 1968 Gold Medalist in the high jump and U.S. 
Olympic Hall of Famer; Paralympian Marlon Shirley, 2000 Gold Medalist 
in the 100-meter dash; Andre Phillip, 1988 gold medalist in the 400-
meter hurdles; and Dan O'Brien, 1996 Gold Medalist in the decathlon and 
University of Idaho graduate.
  In conjunction with the Games, the Adidas Golden Spike Invitational 
meet was held during the Simplot events. This professional event 
brought a hefty number of world class athletes to Pocatello to 
challenge each other for qualifying marks for the 2004 Summer Olympic 
Games. Through the competition, one hometown favorite was a particular 
bright spot: Stacy Dragila, 2000

[[Page S2579]]

Olympic Gold Medalist in women's pole vaulting, eclipsed her own world 
record of fifteen feet, five inches, by a full inch and three quarters.
  Next year the Simplot Games will be held February 14-16. I encourage 
all who compete or have sons and daughters that compete in track and 
field to participate in this world-class event. If you cannot make the 
competition, or cheer from a seat in the arena, I invite you to watch 
this exciting and uplifting event unfold from your own living room on 
television. I am proud that my state of Idaho is the home of this 
wonderful event and its sponsor, the J.R. Simplot. I am also proud of 
all the athletes who compete, not only with the other participants but 
with themselves, to be the best. It is encouraging for all Americans to 
see how our children are capable of rising above our expectations and 
accomplish great things.
  While I have the focus on Pocatello and Idaho State University, I 
would like to congratulate the ISU women's basketball team for earning 
its first berth ever to the NCAA Women's Tournament. The Bengals went 
undefeated in the Big Sky Conference this year and tied the nation's 
longest winning streak this season with 21 straight victories. Despite 
ISU's first round loss to Vanderbilt, the Bengals showed a lot of heart 
and determination, and I am proud of all they accomplished this 
year.

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