New Track for Cross Country Community

The home of Idaho State University's cross country teams — Centennial Cross Country Course, which opened in 2002 — saw an impressive overhaul totaling nearly one million dollars in Spring 2025. This project highlights a critical investment in one of ISU's rising sports programs and will also serve the greater community's recreational efforts, too.

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." 

The renovation 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. Director of Athletics Pauline Thiros noted, "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."

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 were kept to a minimum and the introduction of fine gravel mixed into native soil provides 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.

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."

The renovation was made possible thanks to the overwhelming support of local partners and 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.

The Bengals gratefully look forward to the completion of the course and have set their sights on showcasing the new venue this fall. For more information about the construction process, contractor’s involved and our generous donors, visit the ISU Athletics webpage. 

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS AND SUPPORTERS!