GALLERY: 2,100 high school athletes compete at the Simplot Games

Published at 11:43 am, February 23, 2026

Kyle Riley, EastIdahoNews.com

2024 Paralympic gold medalist Hunter Woodhall races a young double-amputee fan Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, during the 2026 Simplot Games at Idaho State University’s ICCU Dome in Pocatello. — 2024 Paralympic gold medalist Hunter Woodhall races a young double-amputee fan, Saturday, during the 2026 Simplot Games at Idaho State University’s ICCU Dome in Pocatello. | Kyle Riley, EastIdahoNews.com

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POCATELLO — For one weekend each February, Pocatello becomes more than just a city in Idaho. It becomes a national epicenter of high school track and field.

Each year, some 2,100 athletes and thousands of spectators descend into the Pocatello Holt Arena for the Simplot Games, one of the nation’s premier high school indoor track meets.

What began as a regional competition in 1979 has grown into a nationally recognized event, a chance for athletes to test themselves against the best in the country, set personal records and catch the attention of college recruiters.

The following is a gallery of photos from the events:

Three-time Olympian and former world-record triple jumper Willie Banks takes a selfie with fans during the 2026 Simplot Games, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Idaho State University’s ICCU Dome in Pocatello. — Three-time Olympian and former world-record triple jumper Willie Banks takes a selfie with fans during the 2026 Simplot Games, Saturday, at Idaho State University’s ICCU Dome in Pocatello. | Kyle Riley, EastIdahoNews.com

Lydia Townsend, of Inkom, prepares for her winning attempt in the pole vault during the 2026 Simplot Games, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Idaho State University’s ICCU Dome in Pocatello. — Lydia Townsend, of Inkom, prepares for her winning attempt in the pole vault during the 2026 Simplot Games, Saturday, at Idaho State University’s ICCU Dome in Pocatello. | Kyle Riley, EastIdahoNews.com

Josh Hamblin, right, a senior from Pleasant View, Utah, breaks his own record in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 7.65 seconds on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. He first set the mark just two days earlier during his qualifying heat for the 2026 Simplot Games in Pocatello. — Josh Hamblin, right, a senior from Pleasant View, Utah, breaks his own record in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 7.65 seconds, Saturday, at Idaho State University’s ICCU Dome in Pocatello. He first set the mark just two days earlier during his qualifying heat. | Kyle Riley, EastIdahoNews.com

Pocatello native Spencer Van Orden reacts as he wins the boys’ 200 meters, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, during the 2026 Simplot Games at Idaho State University’s ICCU Dome in Pocatello. — Jace Cook, a junior from Syracuse, Utah, competes in the shot put, Saturday, during the 2026 Simplot Games at Idaho State University’s ICCU Dome in Pocatello. Cook won the boys’ shot put with a throw of 62 feet, 7.5 inches. | Kyle Riley, EastIdahoNews.com

SUBMIT A CORRECTION

Marsh Valley

Timberlake

Mackay

Salmon River

Coeur d'Alene

Rigby

Blackfoot

Lakeland

Oakley

Butte County

Grangeville

Firth

Rockland

Carey

Madison

Boise

GALLERY: 2,100 high school athletes compete at the Simplot Games

Kyle Riley, EastIdahoNews.com