Thursday was the beginning of the 40th anniversary of the Simplot Games at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho.  The premier high school track and field event features over 2,100 athletes from 19 different states, Canada and Australia.    The event is held at ISU’s Hold Arena.

SVHS Track and Field Coach Ty Draney is once again attending with a contingent of athletes from Star Valley.

Asefa Wetzel won his heat in the 1600 meter Thursday with a time of 4:26.59.  He will be seeded 6th heading into Saturday’s final.  He edged former teammate Shane Henderson, who is running for Cheyenne South, by just over a second.

Also on Thursday, Emmy Heywood also made it through to the 1600 meter finals with a prelim time of 5:30.25.  Heywood is the first Lady Brave to do so since Hailey (Ricks) Whetten.

Also in the girls 1600, Brooke Kallgren won her heat with 5:50.47 and Shaelee Angell finished in 6:03.35.

Wes Kallgren barely missed missed the finals in the 3200 meter race, running a 9:55.89.  In the same race, Star Valley’s Peter Visser ran a 10:27.61 and Dustin Brown finished in 10:50.75.

In the girls 3200, Star Valley’s Jacie Angell finished near her personal record with a time of 11:59.91.