POCATELLO, Idaho- The Jackie Poulson Scholarship
Jackie's journey through athletics was not without struggle. She faced disappointments and setbacks, and it took time for her to find her path. Starting at Idaho State on a small book scholarship, Jackie persevered and eventually found her place in the multi-events. She had to learn new events and some of them were hard. Her resilience and determination eventually paid off and she eventually broke school records and competed in the Olympic Trials.
The loss of Jackie — as a daughter, a friend, and a coach — was devastating. In the midst of their grief, her family chose to honor who she was and what she stood for. They established this scholarship in her memory as a way to continue her legacy her reach and to support student-athletes who embody the same perseverance, heart, and commitment that defined Jackie's life.
Jackie made a lasting impact in the track and field community both locally and nationally, first as an athlete and later as a coach. She was deeply committed to helping others excel — not only in their sport, but in their education and in life. She believed in working through challenges, embracing the process, and never giving up. Her signature coaching cue, "Up, up — push, push!" reflected her relentless encouragement and belief in the potential of every athlete she worked with.
This year's recipient,
Sunny Gunn, a proud Pocatello native, has faced his own share of challenges. Through perseverance, resilience, and dedication to both his personal improvement and athletics, he represents the very qualities this scholarship was created to honor. Like Jackie, Sunny continues to push forward, rise above obstacles, and inspire those around him. He recently set the school record in the mile at the Husky Classic (4:02.28) and holds top-10 performances in Idaho State history in the 3000m (#5 in 8:20.33), 5000m (#10 in 14:47.93), and 1500m (#9 in 3:48.19). After overcoming an achilles injury sustained last outdoor track season, he has come back this season with a fury on the track, running these three indoor marks in just this season. He also finished 29th at this year's Big Sky XC Championships and top-70 at the NCAA Mountain Regionals. His progression and determination show that he is not only bettering himself, but also lifting the entire ISU team up with him, which embodies the spirit of this scholarship.
"It's such an honor to receive the Jackie Poulson Scholarship," stated Gunn, "In December I thought I had no value, but just like Jackie, you can achieve anything when you show the hard work and determination you put into something!" "I'm grateful to be able to honor her legacy," concluded Sunny.
Kamber Scott, also a recipient of this year's award, is someone who walked onto the team a couple of years ago and has high aspirations of setting some records of her own. Her confidence and determination have begun to show as she is getting the results. This year alone, she has recorded two new top-10 marks in ISU indoor history, in the mile (#8 in 4:57.67) and 3000m (#8 in 9:59.79), and consistently improving throughout the season. She also recorded a 13th place finish at the Big Sky XC Championships and also a top-65 mark at the NCAA Mountain Regionals. Her progression from last year in the mile alone, going from 5:31 to now 4:57, shows that her perseverance and work-ethic have been making a difference for her and the team, again embodying the spirit of the scholarship.
"Receiving this award has reminded me that I am surrounded by people cheering me on and believing in me, I'm so glad to honor Jackie's memory by accepting this award," remarked Scott. "I will continue to honor her by doing my absolute best every day, both on and off the track!"
Jackie's legacy at Idaho State continues as the scholarship dedicated to her helps other athletes, such as Gunn and Scott, achieve their dreams.
