Carol Lish
In 1978, one of Carol Lish's duties at the J.R. Simplot Company was supervising a group of word processors, some of which had been assigned to assist at the first Simplot Games. Little did she know that was the beginning of a 30-year journey that saw her become Executive Director of the Games and one of the prominent names in high school track and field. "I knew nothing about track when I inherited this. I'd been to two track meets in my entire life," Lish says. "I am as surprised as anyone."

Carol's role with the Games increased rapidly after the J.R. Simplot Company decided to organize the entire event in 1985 (Idaho State had previously run the track meet, with Simplot providing financial sponsorship, until an NCAA rule prohibited universities from conducting such activities). As her responsibility increased year by year, she eventually found herself as the Games' executive director. "It was definitely on-the-job training," she says. "Everything kind of evolved. I'm glad people didn't know how little I really knew in those early years."

During Carol's tenure, the Games have grown from a regional meet attracting 500 runners to a premier national event drawing 2,000 athletes year from across the U.S. and Canada (and sometime beyond). Besides first rate competition, three decades of high school athletes have been treated as guests by Games volunteers and the southeast Idaho community and have enjoyed numerous innovations that have made the Games more efficient and more fun. "It's been fun to use our creativity and imagination and try to do something different," Carol says. "We want to make the Games better every year."

In her tenure, Carol has chased many dreams that seemed impossible to many. Over the years, her boundless enthusiasm, attention to detail, and a healthy dose of persistence, have helped the Games welcome a roster of guest Olympians and other world-class athletes, national television coverage, the Golden Spike professional meet, and much more. Through all the years, Carol has kept the Games' focus on what makes the Games the success that they have become: people. As it turns 30, Simplot Games has earned a national reputation as not just a great track meet, but a great experience for all involved on and off the track.

As you might expect, Carol's favorite memories of the Games are of her interactions with those who attend the Games to compete, inspire, watch, or volunteer. The people I've met — it's been unbelievable," she says. "Every year is a lot like a family reunion. I've formed so many friendships. It's just wonderful."

Jay Powell
In 1978, Jay Powell learned that the former Bennion Relays at ISU was losing its sponsor and would be discontinued. Motivated by his interest in track and field and his 13-year-old son's success in the sport, Jay contacted his employer, the J.R. Simplot Company, and encouraged them to take over sponsorship. Through Jay's hard work and diplomacy, the Company agreed and Simplot Games began in February 1979. His son competed in the 2nd through 5th years, earning a total of four medals.

After 34 years as an Accountant and Assistant Controller, Jay retired in 1993 but has continued to serve on the Board of Governors for the Simplot Games. You can see Jay working hard at the Athlete Registration desk each year greeting the coaches and athletes as they check in. One of his favorite memories is the many coaches and parents over the years who comment, “this is the best track meet I've ever been to. You people do a great job.” Jay is very proud of what the Simplot Games has become for the participants and for our community, as well as for the J.R. Simplot Company.

Scott Waldrum
Originally part of the team from the Bennion Relays, Scott came to the Simplot Games Board of Governors with experience and energy. Along with his service on the Board, Scott's duties during the Games include supervising the Officials Group and ensuring that each event is properly staffed and organized (as Scott puts it, he handles the “starts to finishes and everything in between”). After 25 years, Scott retired from his position in 1999 as an American Express Financial Advisor.

One of his favorite memories came while serving as the starter for the finals of the 60 meter hurdles in the 1980 Games. The race favorite finished second, and returned to thank Scott for his help in starting the event and with the meet. Thinking the runner would be disappointed for not finishing first, Scott consoled the young man for not winning but was told, “No, I've won my fair share. The thrill of just being here in this great meet and doing my best is what it's all about.” Scott has helped the Games grow from small beginnings to today's large spectacle. As he tells it, “The PAST has been great . . .the PRESENT is wonderful . . . and the FUTURE will be even better!”

Reflecting on the 30 year history, Ross finds that the Simplot Games are all about being the “best that you can be, whether you are an athlete, coach or official.” The Games are the best example of life's challenges – setting goals, preparing, competing, reflecting and setting new goals. “This we do over and over again in life and hopefully, at the end of our journey, we can be happy with the decisions that we have made.”