2019 Distinguished Volunteers

For Immediate Release
Date: January 24, 2019
Contact: Nicholas Bringhurst (208) 417-9379
Email: media@simplotgames.com

2019 Distinguished Volunteers

Pocatello, Idaho – Every year during Simplot Games, volunteers come together to help with almost every aspect the events. From timing events, running equipment, working security and many other duties, it is the hands and happy smiles of these volunteers that make the Games ‘run’ quite smoothly.
Two of the volunteers who have been behind the scenes with the games for many years are Frank Wolfe and Bret Rowe. They both have experienced different areas of Simplot Games, but both are amazed and inspired by the Games and those who volunteer.
Despite working in two differing areas, the undeniable positivity and genuine character of the games is something that has impressed both Wolfe and Rowe time and time again.

Frank Wolfe

Frank Wolfe is a retired English and Speech teacher of 24 years, and was the assistant coach for track and cross country at Century High School for seven years. Despite being retired, Frank has continued to volunteer as a timer or umpire’, this year being his 27^th year.
No matter what he is assigned to do, he is always thrilled by the energy of the Games.
“It has always been exciting to see records broken,” Wolfe says. “I enjoyed seeing the local athletes doing so well at Simplot Games.”
One of these athletes being his own son who ran the 1600 meters at the Games.
Even off the track, Wolfe is impressed by the performance of his fellow volunteers. “The friendliness of the volunteers and staff towards the athletes has always impressed me,” he said. “That kindness and the efficiency in which the Games are ran is top notch in my book.”

Bret Rowe

Bret Rowe has been working at the Simplot plant as a safety and security manager for 15 years.  For ten years, he has been the head of security and lead volunteer in the Simplot Games Security Force.
“The Simplot Games are very much a reflection of my years at Simplot,” Rowe says. “In our real jobs, we strive to do the right thing for our customers, employees and our communities.  In our roles as Simplot Games Volunteers, we strive to have a positive effect on thousands of high school kids that may not get an opportunity to compete and feel self-value otherwise.”
Rowe believes that the volunteers do more than just help with the technical elements of the Games – they have a lasting influence on the athletes they meet.
“The best part of the games is rubbing shoulders with other volunteers that unselfishly give their time to influence these future leaders,” Rowe said. “Being good stewards is what Simplot people do.”
Simplot Games shows us the dedication and love of the sport through the performances of the talented high school athletes, and through the dedication of Wolfe, Rowe and the hundreds of other volunteers that love the sport as well. They truly perform gold-standard work, even if it is behind the scenes.
 
More than 2,100 athletes will come from across the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand to participate in the 41^st annual Simplot Games. Simplot Games remains the nation’s premier high school indoor track and field event. Sponsored by the J.R. Simplot Company since 1979, the Simplot Games are held at Idaho State University’s Holt Arena in Pocatello, Idaho.
For more information on Simplot Games, please visit our website at www.simplotgames.com. You may also contact Lisa Woodland at (208) 235-5604 or Simplot Games Media Team at media@simplotgames.com.
 
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Simplot Games
The Nation’s Premier High School Track & Field Event
Pocatello, Idaho
(208) 235-5604
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www.simplotgames.com