Simplot Games to Host Annual After Dark Party

For Immediate Release
Date: February 4, 2015
Contact: Amanda Bennett, (208) 242-3517
E-mail: media@simplotgames.com
Simplot Games to Host Annual After Dark Party
Pocatello, Idaho – The 37^th annual Simplot Games will be held February 19–21, 2015, at Idaho State University’s Holt Arena. One of many events taking place during the Games, the After Dark Party will be held on Friday, February 20, from 6-9:30 p.m., in the Pond Student Union Building at Idaho State University.
The After Dark Party gives participating athletes the opportunity to meet each other, make new friends, and have fun. The event will start with dinner, featuring an Idaho baked potato bar and Simplot vegetables. After dinner, athletes, parents, and coaches can choose from three workshops before the dance party begins at 7:30 p.m.
Track Academy Dave Nielsen, Idaho State University’s track and field head coach, will be the featured speaker at this year’s Track Academy. Coach Nielsen will speak about speed development and jumping approaches. Nielsen is in his 32nd year at ISU, where he has coached Olympians Stacy Dragila and Amber Welty and Simplot Games record holder Maureen Griffin. A former pole vaulter, Coach Nielsen is originally from Iowa but came to ISU in 1980 and earned his graduate degree. He went on to Wisconsin, where he was the assistant women’s track coach before returning to ISU in 1983 as the head women’s coach. When the men’s and women’s programs were combined in 1985, he was named head coach. With his vast experience and expertise, Coach Nielsen is sure to have some great tips and advice that coaches and athletes won’t want to miss.

In the Spotlight Current long jump world record holder Mike Powell will speak and take questions from the audience at this year’s In the Spotlight session. Powell competed in the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games, winning a silver medal at each competition. In 1991 Powell broke Bob Beamon’s long jump world record that was set in 1968. Powell’s jump of 29’, 4.5” became the new world record; it is one of the longest-standing records in track and field. Powell coaches athletes at all levels, is a motivational speaker, and is an ambassador for the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), the world’s governing body for track and field. 

Deal or No Deal At this event, contestants compete in the Simplot Games version of the popular television game show. There will be great prizes like a Kindle Fire, Adidas swag, gift cards, and more.
Dance Party
The evening’s activities will conclude with the dance party. Always a fun and popular event, this is a great opportunity for the athletes to meet, socialize, and dance. There will be a live DJ, an obstacle course, inflatable games, and lots of dancing.
Tickets for the After Dark Party are available in advance at https://wordpress-674818-2304003.cloudwaysapps.com/shop/ or during the Games at the Simplot Games Store in Holt Arena. Ticket price of $10 includes dinner, choice of workshop, and the dance party.
More than 2,000 athletes will come from across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australia to participate in the 37^th 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) 235-5673 or Simplot Games Media Team at media@simplotgames.com
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Simplot Games
The Nation’s Premiere High School Track & Field Event
Pocatello, Idaho
(208) 235-5673
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www.simplotgames.com