HASTINGS, Neb. – After multiple years of road only meets, the Hastings College Track and Field teams will finally be able to host home meets this spring.

"With the track wearing down for the past couple of years, we haven't been able to host any home meets," said Track and Field Head Coach Zac Osgood. "The biggest thing is it'll be really nice for the kids to have home meets again."

It’s all thanks to just over $1 million dollars donated and raised for upgrades to the Jack Osborne Track and Field Complex, which are now underway.

Runners have worn down the track since it first opened in 2008. Head Coach Osgood is entering his 22nd year with the Bronco program and says the new upgrades were needed according to his experienced eye.

"Definitely, you notice the thinning of the track, and you know there's certain spots that just by looking at them, you can tell they're not right," said Osgood. "The new surface will be better for general wear and tear, injuries, and things like that."

At the end of the nine-week project, the track will have a brand new red-orange colored track surface, plus revamped jump pits, a discus ring, a new steeplechase, and bleachers to seat 500 fans.

It will allow Hastings College to host the GPAC Outdoor Championships for the first time since 2016, and regular season home meets since 2019.

"We hope as we launch it and open it in the spring, that'll really help support our track program in enrollment, number, and obviously in success too." said Athletic Director Chris Clements.

The renovations will go beyond benefiting just the college. Clements sees it as a perfect opportunity to let other high school track and field teams to also use the facility.

"We have been in talks and hope that local high schools want to come here and host meets too, whether it be Hastings High, Saint Cecilia," said Clements. "We're open to have other people come here and use our facility, and help bring people to our community."

The renovations are expected to be completed by the start of the spring outdoor track and field season.