HASTINGS, Neb. — Hastings College is moving forward with plans for a more than $1 million upgrade to its track and field facility.

The college announced Monday that construction on the $1.1 million project will begin in August at the Jack Osborne Track Complex. Fundraisers gathered donations from more than 140 people to make the renovation a reality.

“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,” Athletic Director Chris Clements said in a statement. “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.”

According to a news release, planned upgrades include:

  • Resurfacing the 400-meter, 8-lane track with high-performance material
  • A new long jump runway and two landing pits
  • A new discus pad and net system
  • A new steeplechase
  • Adding concrete and bleachers to seat 500 people
  • More than 900 feet of accessible sidewalks 
  • An updated facility entrance
  • Black vinyl perimeter fence around the track itself

The total raised exceeded the original goal, which allows the project to include additional seating, an updated entrance to the facility and additional sidewalks to improve accessibility. The upgrades allow Hastings College to host the GPAC conference meet next year and will enable the facility to host high school and college track and field events.

“The resurfacing of the track and reconstruction of our steeple pit is much needed for the health and safety of our athletes,” head track and field coach Ryan Mahoney said. “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.”

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.