Pocatello, Idaho — Thanks to the overwhelming support of local partners within the Southeast Idaho community, the home of Idaho State University's cross country teams — Centennial Cross Country Course, which opened in 2002 — will see an overhaul totaling nearly one million dollars this spring. This project highlights a critical investment in one of ISU's rising programs and will also serve the greater community's recreational efforts, too.
This renovation was made possible through the collaboration of several dedicated teams: Burgess & Niple and Knudsen Engineering, who took charge of surveying, course design, and overall planning; McKee Construction, which, in partnership with ISU College of Technology faculty and students, has helped bring the new course to life; Mickelsen Construction, who provided the materials for the course pathway; and Western States Caterpillar, who supplied the machinery and equipment essential for the project's completion.
"We're incredibly grateful for the philanthropic support and collaboration that made this project possible," said Director of Athletics, Pauline Thiros. "This renovation enhances both athletic performance and community access, making ISU Centennial Cross Country Course a centerpiece of pride for ISU and Southeast Idaho. I am incredibly excited to see it come to life!".
The project is innovative, and while making an impact on athletics, is also serving as an important part of the curriculum for ISU College of Technology students. Thiros went on to note, "This collaboration between engineering, construction, and academic teams underscores the power of partnerships in creating lasting community impact. The involvement of ISU College of Technology professors and students demonstrates a fantastic integration of education and practical experience, helping to shape not just a premier course but future industry professionals."
Director of Track and Field Cross Country Hillary Merkley stated, "Maintaining the previous course was a challenge due to the weather erosion and steep terrain. It was also an incredibly tough course to run which deterred teams from coming. The effort by our donors in creating a new more sustainable course is commendable." Merkley continued, "It is pretty rare to have a dedicated space on campus, or in a community, for a cross-country course. We are so fortunate to have this venue and it shows how special Pocatello is when our community comes together to create something lasting and meaningful. The new course will not only improve the experience for users of all types — from recreational to competitive — but also ensure that the course can be maintained over time. Without a doubt, this new course will be a valuable asset for both our team and community."
Head Cross Country coach Zach Kughn, who joined the program this past fall, led the Bengals to their highest finishes at the Big Sky Conference Cross Country Championships in years spoke on the importance of the project.
"Having our own course dedicated to the sport of cross country is extremely rare and that puts our program in a very fortunate situation. This course will better our training environment for our current athletes and also boost our recruiting efforts," said Kughn. "Even in NCAA Division I you are going to be hard-pressed to find a program with a championship-level cross country course, as well as an indoor and outdoor track. Getting to work with this team of benefactors has been an incredible experience, they have put in so much time and resources into this project. In all my years of being involved in cross country, I'm not sure I've ever seen this much support for our sport."
Users of the new course will notice multiple changes from the old venue, highlighted by a "3k-2k" split design to allow more options for both professional, collegiate, high school, and youth racing. This will present the course as a premier venue for hosting championship-caliber events such as the Big Sky Conference Championship and Idaho State High School Championship. In addition, there will be better vantage points for spectator viewing on meet days. Excessive grades which cause high-flow runoff that require regular maintenance and repair will be kept to a minimum and the introduction of fine gravel mixed into native soil will provide the best composition possible for running. By erecting a course in this fashion, it will also become a better trail for local community members and running enthusiasts.
Thanks to their remarkable contributions of time, talent, and expertise, this collective group's end result will be a full redesign of Centennial Cross Country Course making it one of the best in the inter-mountain west.
WHAT OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE PROJECT
"McKee Construction is very excited to be part of this project! We appreciate the opportunity to give back to the community and we love to see students be provided with real-life work experiences that come together with what they're learning in the classroom," shared Sam and Christa McKee, Owners of McKee Construction. "We are thrilled to work with community members, ISU administrators, and fellow donors to create a legacy of cooperation and inclusion in our community — all while creating a better image of our community and university!"
Tyson Knudsen, Principal Engineer of Knudsen Engineering, points out, "We chose to get involved in this project because we understand the value this course will have for the University, the cross country community, and the general public. A permanent course of this caliber will improve the ability to host city and regional meets at all levels. Training on such a demanding course will strengthen and improve local athletes" He continued, "I have three daughters that participate in the sport of cross country all at varying levels, middle school to college. We love the cross-country community and look forward to watching our own children train and race on such a one-of-a-kind facility!"
"Burgess & Niple is excited to be a part of ISU Cross Country Course project because it allows us to give back to our community, the alma mater for some of our staff, and a great institution in Idaho. This project allowed us to support our community while doing the type of work we're extremely passionate about – bringing more multimodal facilities to communities for residents to enjoy for recreation and to lead healthier lives. B&N believes in creating a better tomorrow through our technical work as engineers, scientists, and architects. This was a perfect opportunity to leverage our expertise to give ISU and Pocatello a better tomorrow. We are grateful to ISU for allowing B&N to be a part of this project and leave a lasting impact!" shared Molly Loucks, Transportation Manager at Burgess and Niple.
"Mickelsen Construction, Inc. is thrilled to be a part of ISU's Cross Country track project. Southeast Idaho is our home. We support ISU and what it brings to this community. We encourage personal fitness and want to participate in giving people another opportunity to expand their experience in a Southeast Idaho outdoor setting," says Robbie Austin, Vice President of Mickelsen Construction.
When discussing their involvement in the project, Dan Stoddard Assistant Rental Manager of Western States Equipment Company shares, "Western States Equipment Company is dedicated to building our communities for a better tomorrow. Some of the ways we strive to accomplish this goal are protecting our environment and fostering community health. This project demonstrates that Idaho State University shares these same values. Dedicating this land in the Pocatello foothills as open space will help preserve wildlife habitat and the new course provides an excellent facility for training and competition that can be enjoyed by both students and residents."
Daniel Sigler, Director of Sales for the Conrad & Bischoff Pacific Northwest Regional Operating Center shares, "Conrad & Bischoff has been in the community for years. We are ecstatic to help ISU with a project that benefits college and high school athletes as well as giving the community another avenue to stay healthy."
Coach Merkley summarized this project and its contributors best with the recollection, "At one point early on I asked the group of donors how are we going to move these big mountains of dirt and make a course through it? What seemed impossible to me was answered without hesitation, and in full confidence, by Sam McKee with a, "It's what we do" — the rest of the group nodded in agreement".
The Bengals will gratefully look forward to the completion of the course later this spring and set their sights on showcasing the new venue at a home meet this upcoming fall.
ABOUT OUR PROJECT PARTNERS
Blaze Sign & Graphic Design has been the choice of businesses, builders, and designers since 1971. Blaze Sign is committed to helping its customers communicate their image, identity, and information. They have an experienced team of sign specialists, technicians, and craftsmen who pride themselves on delivering total solutions for any kind of sign project.
Burgess & Niple (B&N) is a nationally recognized engineering and architecture firm based in the United States, specializing in designing infrastructure solutions like roads, bridges, water systems, and buildings, with a strong focus on improving community quality of life through practical and sustainable designs; they are known for their expertise in complex infrastructure challenges and navigating environmental regulations.
Conrad & Bischoff was established in 1976 and is the leading total fuels and lubricants solutions provider to the Pacific Northwest states. They are headquartered across 5 acres in Nampa, Idaho, with multiple locations and bulk plants across the state, Wyoming and Montana – giving easy access to our rapidly growing customer base. Conrad & Bischoff prides itself on exceptional quality and impeccable service, delivering customers a consistent and excellent experience each and every time. Conrad and Bischoff is the Pacific Northwest ROC (Regional Operating Center) of Parkland USA, the largest independent operator of retail and commercial/industrial fuels in the US, Canada, and the Caribbean combined.
Hamilton Manufacturing Inc. (HMI) has produced the highest quality products in the erosion control, dust control, and insulation industries for over 60 years. HMI exports to over 40 countries around the world. Their vision is to provide customers with the service, innovation, and products they can use. HMI specializes in 100 percent recycled, natural, cellulose fibers manufactured into insulation, hydro-mulch, hydro-compost, well-drilling fiber pack, landfill litter control, alternative daily landfill cover, industrialized fibers, and worm bedding.
Idaho Grimm Growers Warehouse (IGG) has been Idaho's local seed supplier since 1921 when it was founded by local farmers who produced the first registered alfalfa variety "Grimm". With dedication to quality and customer satisfaction, IGG has survived over 95 years and now carries over 100 different varieties of seed. IGG is a licensed seed dealer and buyer that can process and sell seed. When you buy from IGG you are getting top quality seed that is produced by your local community of farmers.
ISU College of Technology offers hands-on education across an array of programs that lead to high paying in-demand careers. Guided by faculty, students integrate coursework with meaningful projects to help prepare them for their profession ahead.
ISU Facilities is a team of professionals working to provide safe, vibrant, and inviting campus that inspires learning and discovery. The ISU Facilities group takes pride in the care and creation of ISU spaces where access and opportunity flourish.
Knudsen Engineering (KE) is a full-service civil design and engineering firm located in Pocatello, Idaho, with experience in water resources, wastewater, irrigation, and solid waste. KE has extensive experience in all facets of engineering and civil design including facility planning, permitting, project administration, and construction.
Liddil Paving has proudly served Southeast Idaho — from Pocatello to Soda Springs to Island Park to Twin Falls — for more than 20 years. Liddil Paving is the first choice for local homeowners and business owners looking to install, maintain, or repair driveways, private roads, commercial parking lots, and asphalt paving.
McKee Construction is an excavation company dedicated to delivering top-notch services in all things excavation. Based in Bannock County, Idaho, McKee Construction has been in business for over 25 years. With a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and quality, they pride themselves on their commitment to excellence in every project they undertake.
Mickelsen Construction focuses on earthworks: underground utilities, grading, excavations, and paving. The company has two locations each with gravel pits. The main office is in Blackfoot, Idaho, and the other location is in Pocatello, Idaho.
MDU Resources Foundation was incorporated in 1983 and is committed to supporting the communities where they operate. As a foundation, they share their success and help their neighbors make our communities better places to live and work.
Mountain Shadow Landscaping is located in Pocatello, Idaho, and has been identified as a leader across Idaho in providing top-notch landscaping services emphasizing detail-oriented design and craftsmanship. Mountain Shadow Landscaping seeks to provide all customers with a finished product that exceeds their expectations and is a hallmark of their property.
Santico Excavation is a local farmer owned construction company based in American Falls, Idaho, with a focus on excavation. They are a commercial grade company ready to serve any customer's needs from foundations, driveways, entryways, sidewalks, patios, yard, to utilities and so much more.
SITECH is a global distribution network for Trimble solutions, the most reliable and rugged construction technology systems available to the heavy civil construction contractor. The experienced construction professionals at SITECH Western States provide, local customer service and sales, installation services, personalized training, and technical support.
Western States Cat is a heavy equipment company that sells, rents, and services Caterpillar equipment in the Pacific Northwest. Western States Cat has been serving the region for over 65 years and is the authorized Caterpillar dealer for Idaho, eastern Washington, Oregon, western Montana, and part of Wyoming. They have 17 general line and truck engine branches, and 15 Cat Rental Stores. Additionally, Western States Cat is proud to offer career development programs for technicians, parts and sales employees, and training for management and leadership skills.
