Four athletes from Summerville High School competed at the prestigious 46th Simplot Games indoor track and field event at Idaho State University. Seniors Peyton Snavely, Jordan Bick and Ryden Rivera, along with junior Sam Olavarria, achieved personal records and finals appearances amid 2,100 participants from multiple countries. The event highlighted the grandeur of high school track competition.
While a severe winter storm kept much of Tuolumne County indoors, four Summerville High School track and field athletes traveled to Pocatello, Idaho, for the 46th Simplot Games at Idaho State University. Held since 1979, the meet draws top high school talent and features an Olympic-style parade and ceremony, with 2,100 athletes from 19 states, Canada and Australia participating.
Head coach Jeremy MacDonald, a former competitor, described the event's appeal: “It’s just the grandeur of it all. Idaho makes a really big deal out of the event. They make the kids feel like they’re part of something really big, and it’s hard not to feel that.” The Summerville group included seniors Peyton Snavely, Jordan Bick and Ryden Rivera, plus junior Sam Olavarria.
Jordan Bick, the only returning athlete, qualified for the girls' 400-meter varsity finals for the second straight year. She reflected, “I wish I had come out of soccer season training more, but as far as getting back to the finals, I was happy to return. I would’ve been a little sad if I only made it my junior year, but I was super thrilled to go back and get to compete with these girls — it was so much fun.” Bick noted the unique sound of runners on the wooden track: “When you hear them on the turn, it’s just the really cool, surreal noise of kids running and kind of fighting for their lives.”
Sam Olavarria competed in the shot put but did not advance to finals, though MacDonald said she likely set a new personal record in her season debut. Peyton Snavely reached the girls' 1,600-meter varsity finals with a personal best of 6:06.21, ranking 14th in California. Ryden Rivera also qualified for the boys' 1,600-meter finals, clocking 4:51.35 for the 10th-fastest time in the state.
Rivera found motivation in the elite field: “It gives me a lot of motivation and widens my scope for what next year in college might look like.” He drew inspiration from competitors like Nike national cross country champion Jackson Spencer. MacDonald emphasized inclusivity: “I just like the idea where kids from a small town can be a part of something so big and so special, where all are welcome.”
Notable attendees included former Olympic athletes like Tara Davis-Woodhall and Willie Banks. The Bears' performances set a positive tone for their season, starting with the 15th annual Distance Wars at Hughson High School on Friday at 1:30 p.m.
