$1.1 million track renovation starting this summer at Hastings College

HASTINGS – Construction will begin in August to revitalize the Jack Osborne Track Complex at Hastings College after more than $1 million was raised for the project.

More than 140 donors contributed $1.1 million to the Hastings College Foundation’s fundraising campaign, co-chaired by Justin Osborne and Tamisha Rose-Osgood.

Osborne is a member of the College’s Board of Trustees, and Rose-Osgood is a 2006 graduate, track and field record holder and a member of the college’s athletic hall of fame.

Some of the planned upgrades include resurfacing the 400-meter, eight-lane track with new material, a new long jump runway with two landing pits, a new discus pad and net system, seating for 500 people and a perimeter fence.

“The resurfacing of the track and reconstruction of our steeple pit is much needed for the health and safety of our athletes,” Ryan Mahoney, head track and field coach, said in a press release. “The addition of extra-long and triple jump pits and runways, along with an additional discus ring, will provide more room and competitive spaces for our athletes in practice and meets. The addition of fencing and permanent stands brings us up to a standard that is needed to compete at our level.”

Fundraising efforts exceeded the target amount, which will allow the complex to include additional seating, an updated entrance and additional sidewalks to improve accessibility.

“From project conception and the scope of work through the final push of fundraising, it has been incredible to work with our co-chairs, as well as John Northrop, who was one of our initial supporters and a childhood friend of Jack,” Chris Clements, Hastings College athletic director said in the press release. “We were able to raise these funds in about seven months, and I have been amazed at how alumni, friends, and the community have come together to see it through. It’s a great way to honor the late Jack Osborne and the Osborne family.”

Because of these upgrades, Hastings College will host the GPAC conference in April 2025 and will be able to host other high school and college track and field events that will bring visitors to the community.

The track and field complex is named after the former College trustee, Hastings business owner, community supporter, record-breaking athlete and Hastings College legacy John C. “Jack” Osborne, who passed away in 2018.