The Simplot Games: A Story of ISU Connections

When you think of the Simplot Games, you likely envision high school athletes competing on the track and field, the roar of the crowd, and the spirit of friendly competition. But behind this premier event are a team of professionals who work to ensure its success every year.

Among them are two communications experts, Melissa Lee and Jason Bohne, both proud alumni of Idaho State University (ISU), who have made significant contributions to the event's media outreach and success.

The Simplot Games, sponsored by the J.R. Simplot Company, is one of the nation’s premier high school indoor track and field events. Held annually at ISU’s ICCU Dome, the event brings together over 2,000 athletes from across the U.S., Canada, and Australia. 

For ISU students, the Simplot Games provide a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience in communications and media. Under the guidance of Bohne, who serves as the event’s media director, students manage press releases, social media updates, collateral materials, and athlete interviews, while also assisting with event organization and logistics.

Bohne emphasizes the significance of this hands-on training: “To really learn it, you’ve got to do it. Every year at the games, we have the benefit of working with students from ISU, who bring a fresh perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm.” He encourages his interns to see themselves as professionals, not just students: “They’ve put in the work, so as the event begins I tell them, ‘You’re not interns anymore. Now we’re a team.’”

Lee has been a key volunteer as the Simplot Games Media Coordinator for over a decade. With a background in corporate communications, she brings extensive expertise in public relations and event marketing.

Lee graduated from ISU in 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, where she served as Vice President of the ISU Advertising Federation. She began her career at ISU, working in marketing and recruitment for the College of Arts and Letters. Over the years, she transitioned into high-profile corporate and government communication roles.

Bohne earned his Bachelor's in Mass Communications from ISU in 1998, where he was actively involved in the ISU American Advertising Federation and earned the 1998 ISU-AAF Member of the Year award. Bohne’s career has led him to roles that include managing communications for some of the largest energy projects in the world. Jason has remained committed to the Simplot Games since his own internship in 1998, returning each year to Pocatello to support the event’s media efforts. 

Lee and Bohne are just two examples of the impact that ISU graduates have made in their respective fields, and their work continues to inspire the next generation of communication professionals.

Melissa Lee, Dean Kandi Turley Ames, and Jason Bohne

 

Meet the Interns

The Simplot Games internship program has helped shape the careers of ISU students from various communication-related disciplines. This year’s media team includes:

• Olivia Gummersall, a junior majoring in Public Relations was recommended for the role by ISU professor Karen Hartman. Gummersall is involved in press releases, social media updates, and event organization. She says, “Networking is everything, and this internship is an opportunity to get my name out there.”
• Laura Schumann, a master’s student in Communications, focuses primarily on social media. “It’s a good hands-on experience for sports PR,” she says. “There isn’t a lot of opportunity in sports PR in this area, so it’s really great.”
• Virginia Brocksome, a senior majoring in Communication with an emphasis in Rhetoric, Media, and Social Change, is responsible for drafting articles, issuing press releases, and interviewing athletes. “ISU set me up for success in this internship. The classes I took prepared me for writing press releases and conducting interviews,” she says. “Being able to apply everything ISU has taught me in the real world is invaluable.”
• Tiffany Peterson, a senior with an emphasis in Graphic Design and minors in Social Media, Journalism, Public Relations, and Advertising, makes print materials, social media graphics, and does some photography for the event. “Connections have been really great, and I’m building my portfolio and gaining on-the-job experience,” she says.

Media interns Laura and Olivia

Media interns Virginia and Tiffany. Tiffany designed the program pictured above.

 

A Platform for Aspiring Athletes

For many high school athletes, the Simplot Games represent a chance to compete against elite competition and gain exposure on a national level. Athletes from Central High School in Grand Junction, CO, are making the most of their experience at the Simplot Games. Adam Valecka, an 11th-grade exchange student from the Czech Republic, is competing in the shot put and 60m dash as he navigates his first year in the sport. “I’m glad I’m here to experience life as a high schooler in America,” he said.

Sophomore Aiden Weiss, also running the 60m dash, appreciates the high level of competition, saying, “It pushes you to be better than you were. A lot of people out here have good sportsmanship.”

Senior Cooper Van Maurer, competing in the pole vault finals, sprints, and long jump, is excited about the opportunity and is considering ISU for collegiate track. “I’ve been watching the pole vault, and it’s awesome,” he says.

From Colorado, Aiden (L), Cooper, and Adam

 

Coach Cooper Crockett of Rock Springs High School, WY, brought 21 athletes to compete. He emphasized the significance of competing at such a large meet, saying, “It gives them an idea of how to compete outside of their own community. Here we get to compete against all ranges of athletes and see Olympic athletes.” Looking ahead, he highlighted the excitement of upcoming events, noting that one of his athletes made the long jump finals and will join the ISU track and field team next year.

Coach Crockett from WY brought 21 athletes to the Games

 

Cheering the Athletes On

For spectators, the Games are an opportunity to witness the next generation of track stars in action. Shel Lee and Clemit Lee came from California to cheer on their daughter and sister, Lyric Lee, who qualified for the finals in the 4x400m relay heats. Shel Lee emphasized the impact of the event for her daughter’s relay team: “This helps the girls gain confidence and improves team morale. They cheer each other on and see where others have gone—to the Olympics, coaching, and making an impact on others’ lives.” 

Lyric’s brother Clemit says, “This was really memorable and awesome. Watching Lyric run is inspirational, and seeing her try her hardest is amazing.”

The Lees cheering on student athlete, Lyric Lee.

 

More Than Just a Meet

The Simplot Games serve as a launching pad for both athletes and communications professionals. The internship opportunities prepare students with essential skills, industry connections, and real-world experience that make them highly competitive in the job market. As Bohne puts it: “I won’t hire anyone out of college who hasn’t done an internship.”

Join us at the ICCU Dome tomorrow, Saturday 22, to see what makes the Simplot Games one of the most celebrated track and field events in the nation. Admission is free of charge and all are welcome. For more information, visit https://simplotgames.com/.